Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.4.32
Āśraya· The supreme shelterDevotion Reveals the Lord’s Spiritual Form
“There are two parties — namely, the theists and the atheists. The theist, who accepts the Supersoul, finds the spiritual cause through mystic yoga. The Sāṅkhyite, however, who merely analyzes the material elements, comes to a conclusion of impersonalism and does not accept a supreme cause — whether Bhagavān, Paramātmā or even Brahman. Instead, he is preoccupied with the superfluous, external activities of material nature. Ultimately, however, both parties demonstrate the Absolute Truth because although they offer opposing statements, their object is the same ultimate cause. They are both approaching the same Supreme Brahman, to whom I offer my respectful obeisances.”
What the purport teaches
- The Absolute Truth is one, known as Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān. Although personalists and impersonalists argue, their central subject is the same Absolute Truth.
- Statements denying the Lord’s hands and legs deny material limbs, not His spiritual form. Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, has a form of eternity, knowledge and bliss.
- The Lord is known through devotional service. Taking shelter of the path of devotion makes His spiritual nature clear and leads toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate goal.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer to Kṛṣṇa today, remembering His eternal spiritual form and asking to understand Him through devotional service.
Ask yourself
How does knowing that Kṛṣṇa’s form is spiritual help me approach Him with devotion?
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.