Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.22.17
Sarga· CreationThe Supreme Lord Remains Beyond Material Transformation
“In the beginning of creation nature assumes, by the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance, its form as the embodiment of all subtle causes and gross manifestations within the universe. The Supreme Personality of Godhead does not enter the interaction of material manifestation but merely glances upon nature.”
What the purport teaches
- At creation’s beginning, nature assumes the form of all subtle causes and gross manifestations through goodness, passion and ignorance.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead merely glances upon nature without entering its material interactions. Unlike the material elements, He is not subject to transformation.
- The Lord is avyakta, not materially manifest at any stage of cosmic evolution. Whatever method is used to count the elements, He remains the ultimate creator, maintainer and annihilator.
Try this today
Take a quiet moment today to remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the creator, maintainer and annihilator, unchanged by material transformations.
Ask yourself
How does the Lord’s freedom from material transformation deepen my understanding of His supremacy?
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.