Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.22.13
Sarga· CreationTime Moves Matter; the Soul Remains Distinct
“In this world the mode of goodness is recognized as knowledge, the mode of passion as fruitive work, and the mode of darkness as ignorance. Time is perceived as the agitated interaction of the material modes, and the totality of functional propensity is embodied by the primeval sūtra, or mahat-tattva.”
What the purport teaches
- Goodness is recognized as knowledge, passion as fruitive work, and darkness as ignorance. The primeval sūtra, or mahat-tattva, embodies the totality of functional propensity.
- The forward movement of time impels the material elements to interact. Without the time factor, they remain inert in the form of pradhāna.
- Lord Kṛṣṇa gives basic categories so that we can understand His creation despite His infinite potencies. The spirit soul remains a distinct transcendental element, meant for residence in the kingdom of God.
Try this today
Notice one change caused by time today, and pause to remember that the spirit soul is distinct from material change.
Ask yourself
How does knowing that the soul is distinct from changing matter affect how I view my life?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.