Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 1.53
The Eternal Supreme Truth Is Personal
“Prior to the cosmic creation, only I exist, and no phenomena exist, either gross, subtle or primordial. After creation, only I exist in everything, and after annihilation, only I remain eternally.
What the purport teaches
- The Lord exists before cosmic creation, when no gross, subtle or primordial phenomena exist. He exists in everything after creation and remains eternally after annihilation.
- Aham means “I” and refers to a person. The Personality of Godhead uses this word while describing His own transcendental form.
- When Kṛṣṇa says aham, He refers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not impersonal Brahman. Its meaning is specific, not open to whimsical interpretation.
Try this today
Reread the translation and pause at each “I,” remembering that Kṛṣṇa is speaking as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Ask yourself
How does understanding the eternal Supreme Truth as a person affect your reading of His words?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.