We Get Information of the Spiritual World from Bhagavad-gītā
We cannot calculate the length and breadth of this material universe, let alone what lies beyond it. Yet, the limits of our sensory perception do not define the limits of reality. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that we can receive precise information about the spiritual world through the medium of the Bhagavad-gītā. This knowledge is not speculative; it is a revealed description of the eternal nature that exists beyond the temporary manifestation.
Medium of Knowledge
Just as we rely on technology to receive information from distant places, Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that we must rely on the authorized Vedic literature to understand the spiritual sky. The Bhagavad-gītā, received through the disciplic succession, acts as the perfect machine to transmit knowledge of the anti-material world.
- Just like you are getting by the present machine, radio machine, the message from far, distant place, similarly, you can get all the information of the spiritual world by the proper machine: the Bhagavad-gita received through the parampara.
- Information means we have in Vedic literature. In other literatures also there are slight information, but in Vedic literature you'll find described information of the spiritual world. So Bhagavad-gita is the nutshell, cream of all spiritual knowledge.
Vastness of the Spiritual Sky
A common misconception is that the material world is the sum total of existence. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that the Bhagavad-gītā informs us that this material creation is only a fraction—specifically one-fourth—of the Lord's energy. The spiritual world is vastly larger, containing the majority of living entities and planets.
- We get information from Bhagavad-gita and other sastras that spiritual world is still bigger. This material world is the one fourth of the God's creation, and the spiritual world is the three fourth.
- This is material world. But there is another world. That information we get from Bhagavad-gita and other Vedic literature. Spiritual world. This material world is only one-fourth of the whole creation. Ekamsena sthito jagat.
- The spiritual world is at least three times greater than this material world. That information we get from Bhagavad-gita.
Nature of the Eternal Abode
This material world is temporary and naturally dark, requiring the sun for illumination. In contrast, Śrīla Prabhupāda describes the spiritual world as sanātana (eternal) and self-effulgent. It is described as Vaikuṇṭha, a place without anxiety, where the miseries of material existence are unknown.
- There is another world. That we get information from Bhagavad-gita. Paras tasmat tu bhavah anyah (BG 8.20). There is another nature, which is sanatana, eternal. This world, this material world, is not eternal.
- This whole universe is dark. By God's arrangement, there is sun, moon, like that, illumining. But there is another world, where there is no need of sun and moon, and that is spiritual world. That is spiritual world, this information is there.
- Here (in CC Adi 17.105) we get some information of the Vaikuntha world, or spiritual world. Vaikuntha means - without anxiety.
Messenger of Reality
Śrīla Prabhupāda notes one more point regarding why conditioned souls generally do not take to spiritual life: they lack information about the superior nature. Therefore, out of compassion, Kṛṣṇa descends or sends His confidential servants to give us this perfect knowledge, enabling us to understand "what is what" and return home.
- He (Krsna) comes and He sends His own, I mean to say, confidential sons or servants to give us information of the spiritual world of God, or everything, both material and spiritual. This knowledge is perfect knowledge.
- A devotee who is always in Krsna Consciousness, for him there is nothing unknown. Just like we can give information of the whole creation - not only of this material world, of the spiritual world. Clear conception: where is where, what is what. Everything. That is Krsna Consciousness.
Conclusion
Without the Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that we would remain in the darkness of the material universe, ignorant of the vast, eternal reality that lies beyond. By taking advantage of this information, which describes the spiritual world as the place of real enjoyment and eternal life, we can direct our consciousness toward our true destination.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Information of the Spiritual World. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.