Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 7.122
Transformation Does Not Make Individuality False
“According to Śaṅkarācārya, by accepting the theory of the transformation of the energy of the Lord, one creates an illusion by indirectly accepting that the Absolute Truth is transformed.
What the purport teaches
- Pariṇāma-vāda means transformation of energy. Without understanding it clearly, one misunderstands the material cosmic manifestation and the living entities.
- The material world and the living entities are separate beings and are eternally true, not false.
- Fearing that transformation of energy would transform Brahman, Śaṅkarācārya presents the world and individual identities as illusory. The purport rejects this conclusion.
Try this today
Write the meaning of pariṇāma-vāda, then note that it does not mean the living entities are false.
Ask yourself
Why is it important not to confuse transformation of energy with the loss of real individuality?
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.