Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.11.17
Āśraya· The supreme shelterKṛṣṇa Is the Cause of All Causes
“My dear Dhruva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is uncontaminated by the material modes of nature. He is the remote cause of the creation of this material cosmic manifestation. When He gives the impetus, many other causes and effects are produced, and thus the whole universe moves, just as iron moves by the integrated force of a magnet.”
What the purport teaches
- Behind material action and reaction stands Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He gives the original impetus, just as a potter sets a wheel in motion.
- The Lord sets up material creation through His energy but remains aloof from its actions and reactions. He never becomes contaminated by the material modes.
- Different bodies arise according to the soul’s desires and karmic activities. Material interactions have many causes and effects, but their original cause is Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Try this today
Reflect briefly on the potter and wheel example, remembering Kṛṣṇa as the original cause behind material activity.
Ask yourself
When I notice material causes, do I also remember their original cause, Kṛṣṇa?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.