Yoga Maya and Maha Maya

May 25, 2003

by His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Gosvami Maharaja

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has written of the principle of energy.

The three modes of material nature is material energy called 'Maha-

Maya and is responsible fore the material activities like creation

and destruction. As long as the living entity is engrossed in sense

gratification; till then he comes under this influence of illusory

energy. He is able to escape from this abominable material energy

only on realization of his innate blissful spiritual identity in

relation with transcendence. The question is asked do the devotees

come under any energy at all? The answer is yes, we are part of the

material energy but having escaped the realm of material energy, we

are now under the safe protection of the spiritual energy.

The opposition sometimes raise this question "so are you all the

worshippers of the female personification of Divine energy" (sakta)?

The answer is "yes" we are under the shelter of the personification

of spiritual energy Srimati Radharani. We are practicing devotions

entirely under Her direction. We can compare ourselves in this sense

as Saktas and are therefore non-different from the devotees

(Vaishnavas). On the contrary, those not taking shelter of this

spiritual potency but only have attraction for the material aspect

are not considered devotees but are simply sense enjoyers. In Narada

Pancaratra, Durga Devi says: "I am Your loving partner in your

delightful Vrndavana pastimes in the form of Your internal pleasure

potency". We perceive from the statement of Durga Devi that this

energy is non-dual. In the transcendental feature, this energy is

present as Srimate Radhika and in the material form manifests as the

material energy. The question is sometimes raised by the opposition

that the smarta brahmins say that the energy of Lord Siva is the

foremost energy (sakti). Why is this?

Srila Bhaktivinoda replies. The material nature is composed of the

three modes: goodness, passion and ignorance. The brahmins who are

oriented in goodness worship the demigod in that material mode of

goodness; those in passion worship the demigod in passion while those

in the mode of ignorance worship "material nature" a knowledge. In

actual fact, there is no separate energy called material energy

and "Maya" is just a transformation of the spiritual potency. It is

but the shadow energy of the pure spiritual potency of the Lord. The

material energy is mainly responsible for the conditioning of the

living entity as a form of punishment due to his forgetfulness of his

relationship with the Supreme Lord. The living entity, on regaining

his lost relationship with the Lord becomes surcharged with knowledge

and bliss. However, if the material energy becomes predominant, it

makes the living entities in their forgetfulness refer to this

illusory energy (Maya) as all in all. This explains the worship of

material nature (sakta). Gradually, the bewildered living entity, by

long period of accumulation of pious merit, can be impelled into the

position of acquiring divine knowledge (Vaishnava).

The question is raised again: do we sometimes compare Durga Devi to

be a transcendental associate within the precincts of Gokula? The

answer given by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura is:- yes! In the spiritual

world Durga Devi is called YogaMaya. She is present as the seed-form

in the changes of the spiritual energy. For this reason, she

considers herself non-different from the original internal energy of

the spiritual world. YogaMaya, also can be transformed into material

energy, or shadow potency. The material goddess Durga Devi is the

servitor of the spiritual aspect of the same Durga Devi. The

spiritual Durga Devi plays an important part in Lord Krishna's

variegated pastimes as YogaMaya. The Srimad Bhagavatam (10/29/20)

describes how the Lord takes shelter of His own internal potency in

the love-sports of the gopis. (YogaMaya anupasritah). The internal

energy which nourishes such divine pastimes may look like ignorance

but in reality is an essential ingredient in the blossoming of these

transcendental sports. The opposition then raises the query if so why

do the devotees not honor the remnants of Goddess Durga and other

demigods? Why specifically Vishnu prasadam?

The answer is, Lord Krishna is the sole Supreme Lord and all the

demigods are His loyal servants. The leavings of the pure devotees if

partaken gives rise to pure devotion. The remnants of food partaken

by the pure devotees, the dust of their lotus feet and the water that

washes their feet are highest and most conducive to devotion. The

fact is, the impersonalists make a show of worshipping the Deity and

offer foodstuffs to them but the demigods neither appreciate their

worship nor accept such foodstuffs seeing their ignorance by the

verdict of scriptures. Ultimately, worship of the demigods is a form

of Impersonalism. Ultimately, worship of the demigods is a form of

Impersonalism. To accept foodstuff from such impersonalists is

detrimental to pure devotion and the Goddess of Devotion becomes

offended by this action. On the other hand, of a pure devotee offers

remnants o foodstuffs of Lord Krishna (Krishna prasadam) to the

demigods, then they all dance in joy. These remnants of the demigods

are then partaken with relish by the devotees (mahaprasadam). In the

yoga scriptures, one should never accept the remnants of any demigod.

Here the sole reason for such refusal is that they are able to remain

steadfast in their meditations in doing so and not in any way wanting

to be offensive to the demigods. Usually, in the practice of

devotion, remaining loyal and unalloyed to one's worshipable Deity is

beneficial while partaking of the remnants of the foodstuffs of other

Deities does not contribute to the practice of such devout or loyal

worship of one's beloved Deity. In conclusion, there is no question

of offense involved in such practices, to obtain spiritual

advancement one has to follow scriptural injunctions verbatim.

Lord Krishna has an eternally youthful form and He is the Undivided

Absolute Truth. He exhibits Supreme Majesty and uncommonness in His

prabhava and vaibhava forms. Again, His expansions are two-fold,

direct expansions (amsa) and empowered incarnations (satya vesha).

Further, His childhood and youthful pastimes are of different

contrast and moods. Even though He performs His pastimes in these six

different ways He remains the sole Absolute Supreme Being unchanged

in any way. He is the possessor of directly opposing qualities,

characteristics of only the Supreme Power in the Spiritual dimension.

In Him are present all fame, opulence, knowledge, wealth,

renunciation and beauty to the highest degree, unraveling His

extraordinary sweetness. His spiritual energy is called the internal

energy and all divine spiritual planets have manifested as a result

of this energy. The marginal energy gives rise to the innumerable

living entities together with the liberated souls. The external

material energy helps to create the different material universes.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura comments on the prabhava and vaibhava

pastimes:- that which has the four handed form of Lord Hari in

existence, knowledge and bliss is the prabhava form and while when it

differs slightly from the actual four-handed form then it is termed

vaibhava. Prabhava signifies predominance of Lordship or mastery and

vaibhava denotes mysticism or uncommonness. Prabhava expansion are of

two categories, one type occurs at the end of yugas and is only for a

brief period like Mohini, Hamsa and Sukla etc. The other type is not

so common, like, Danvantari, Rsabha, Vyasadeva, Dattatreya and

Kapiladeva. The category of vaibhava expansions include Kurma,

Matsya, Nara-Narayana, Varaha, Prisnigarbha, Yajna, Vibhu, Hari

Vamana, Visvaksena, and all the fourteen Manus in their different

Manvantaras. That one Supreme Lord, whose energies are beyond this

mundane material world, is present in four distinct features as

stated by Srila Jiva Gosvami in his Bhagavat Sandarbha. These

features are His transcendental and original form, His Splendor

consisting of the spiritual worlds, the living entity and inert

material nature. As an analogy, these four features can be compared

to the sun whose different aspects are the form of the sun's

effulgence, the sun globe, the sun's rays and the reflection of the

sun's rays or its shadows. A huge blazing fire may be situated in one

place but the effect of its effulgence may be permeated a long

distance away. Similarly the energies of the Supreme Lord are

permeated throughout the universe though He is situated in one place

as in the Spiritual World, as verified by Visnu Purana.

The Srutis describe the Supreme Lord as whose tiny rays of effulgence

are the myriad living entities. Inconceivably, the source of energy

can be equal to its diverse energies. These inconceivable energies

are three fold in division, the internal, marginal and external

potency. It is inconceivable because it can make impossible things

happen. The internal spiritual potency has resulted in the

transcendental form of the Supreme Lord plus the colossal spiritual

world like Goloka and Vaikuntha which are manifestation of this

energy. The marginal energy consists of the many living entities

which are but rays of the Supreme, while the material energy gives

rise to the gross and subtle material coverings in this universe, or

in urn the shadow potency of the original spiritual energy. These

three different energies are described in Vishnu Purana. The material

energy is in charge of deluding the minute sparks (jiva soul) with

ignorance and which causes them to work with desires for fruits of

work. The external material energy is inferior by nature, still it

has the power of bewildering the marginally-situated superior living

entity. The living entity by origin being transcendental but by

identifying with the three modes of material nature becomes

entangled. The effects of the material energy manifests in varying

degrees depending on the position of Lord Brahma down to the non-

moving living entities. Thus the original spiritual spark in its

ignorance is compelled to suffer the bad effects of this material

energy. In Srimad Bhagavatam (1/7/5), it is explained that the only

way to escape the effects of this insurmountable material energy, is

to practice constant and unmotivated devotional service to the

Supreme Lord and not otherwise. In the Bhagavad Gita (7/13-14).

tribhir guna-mayair bhavaih ebhih sarvam idam jagat

mohitam nabhijanati mam ebhyah param avyayam

daivi hy esa guna-mayi mama maya duratyaya

mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te

Meaning:- The three modes of material nature are working under My

direction and belong to the inferior energy, but the living entities

are influenced by their interactions.

(ii) The three modes of material nature form the inferior energy, by

their effects, all the living entities are deluded and are not able

to know My divine Nature."

(iii) Srila Cakravartipada, on this third verse "Daivyesa" has

commented the fallen living entities, due to the desire to extract

enjoyment from material nature, have become bewildered by the

demigods. Sri Ramanujacarya has defined the word "daivi" as that

crated for the sport of the demigods or that which is instigated by

the demigods. Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana has commented that Devi

means not out of this world, or very extraordinary material energy

and for the conditioned souls, extremely unsurpassable. Those who

surrender to My divine form can cross over this ocean of material

existence.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura writes: "The Supreme Lord is the

storehouse and controller of all energies. All these energies,

internal, marginal and material are His maidservants. Simply by His

sweet will, He sets into motion all these variety of energies. The

tiny infinitesimal living speck, though possessing in a minute

measure the qualities of the Supreme Lord, can be deluded by this

strong material nature. Miyate anaya iti maya -- that which can be

measured is called Maya. However, this illusory energy serves as a

yard stick to identify the different worlds like the material world,

living entities and the spiritual world. Lord Krsna is the master of

this material energy while the living entity can be subjugated by

this material energy." The Svetasvatara Sruti (4/9-20)

yasmanmayi srjate visvam etat tasmin ca anyo mayaya sanniruddah

mayantu prakrtim vidyan mayinnantu mahesvaram:

The Lord creates this universe from material elements and the living

entity being influenced by the material energy, becomes entangled by

it. The controller of the material nature is the Supreme Lord who

pervades the whole cosmic manifestation. The word 'mayi' refers to

Lord Krishna who is the powerful ruler of all energies. The minute

living entity, even on liberation, cannot equal this state, for the

Supreme Autocrat creates the entire material world plus the spiritual

worlds. His material creation is done through the agency of Lord

Brahma. In Brahma Sutra (4/4/19). Learned scholars confirm there is

an eternal gulf of difference between the living entity and the Lord.

What is the difference between the illusory energy (Maya) and

ignorance (avidya)? The illusory energy is the energy of Sri Krishna

and with this, He creates the entire material worlds and these

energies that have been unleashed also serves the purpose of

rectifying the fallen entities. Material energy has two functions (1)

avidya or ignorance (2) Pradhan or existing material nature in inert

condition. Ignorance (avidya) causes the biding of the living entity

while the existing inert material nature evolves as the whole

material universe under impulse i.e., while (avidya) ignorance is the

cause of the unwanted desires of the living entities, the inert

material nature leads after stimulus to become the cosmic material

creation. Material energy too has two categories 1)Knowledge, 2)

Ignorance.

The knowledge aspect is that which enlightens the living entity to

liberation while the ignorant aspect binds the living entity. When

the action of the knowledge feature springs into motion, one becomes

inclined to the devotional service of the Lord, and when one forgets

Sri Krishna, that is the play of ignorance (avidya). The knowledge of

the Absolute Truth is all included under this action of knowledge. At

the start, this entails intelligent discrimination and proper effort

to cultivate such knowledge.

In Srimad Bhagavatam Lord Kapila deva's teachings, the Supreme Lord

is the master of the three modes of nature. Sri Ramanuja has written

in his 'Gita-Bhasya' of "Maya" which is stated as when the actual

identity of the Supreme Lord becomes covered in one's vision and

one's own self becomes enmeshed in the selfish enjoying mentality,

this is the work of 'Maya'. Due to this form of delusive energy, the

whole world cannot fathom the blissful Supreme Controller. The only

solution is in complete surrender to the lotus feet of the Lord.

Srila Ramanuja explains "one who is endowed with right thought,

compassionate, equal to all beings without distinction and

surrendered to the Supreme Lord can hope to cross over this ocean of

material existence. One should, by worshipping Him, completely give

up 'Maya", illusory energy. In the writings of Sri Baladeva

Vidyabhusana we see:- The Supreme Lord is very affectionate to His

devotees and those who are surrendered to Him, will easily be able to

cross over the material existence. This material existence is

compared to a huge ocean which can instantly reduced to a hoof-print

of a cow by such surrender. The word 'mam eva' means one who is

exclusively surrendered to Sri Krishna and not anyone else, for

surrender to the other demigods like Lord Siva does not entail

liberation. The Srutis say that those who know the Supreme Lord in

truth can become immortal.

Once the demigods had informed King Mucukunda "Oh King, may good

fortune be upon you!; whatever you may desire other than complete

liberation can be awarded by us but only Lord Vishnu can bestow

liberation". Sridhar Swami writes; "Pure devotion with surrender is

required to overcome the three modes of nature; The word 'eva' is

used to demonstrate singe-pointed devotion to the Supreme Lord.

Bereft of this process of devotion, by the influence of this divine

material energy, one may have to wander through countless wombs due

to ignorance or pray to the different demigods and thus end up

rotating up and down this universe. All this is the snare of 'Maya'

and the incredible effects of this energy have been described in

detail in the Markandeya Purana. The next question is what is the

nature and position of the living entity? Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

quotes from Gita:-

bhumir apo'nalo vayuh kham mano buddhir eva ca

ahankara itiyam me bhinna prakrtir astadha

aparayam itas tv anyam prakrtim viddhi me param

jiva-bhutam maha-baho yayedam dharyate jagat

Meaning:- Earth, water ,fire, either, mind, intelligence and false

ego; these eight are the components of My inferior material nature.

Above this material nature is my superior nature which is composed of

living entities. The Gita confirms that the living entity is superior

to material nature but inferior to the transcendental spiritual

potency. This is described by Srila Krsnadas Kaviraja in Caitanya

Caritamrta:-

ji vera svarupa haya krsnera nitya dasa

krsnera tatastha sakti bhedabheda prakash

The living entity is the eternal servant of the Supreme Lord and His

marginal potency. He is equal in quality not in quantity and are the

rays of the Supreme Lord. Just as the sun ordinarily radiates light,

in this manner they are likewise emanating from the Supreme. In

Vishnu Purana the superior, marginal and the material energy have

been discussed (para, kshetra and avidya).

krsna bhuli sei jiva-anadi-bhahirmukha ataeva maya tare deya samsara

duhkha

The living entity has been covered by illusion for a long time and

have been suffering countless miseries but by receiving the mercy of

the pure devotees, he takes to the devotional service of the Lord

which frees him from the effects of the illusory energy. Seeing the

bewilderment of the living entity, the compassionate Lord reveals the

scriptures. Consequently, by this utility of scripture with the help

of the external spiritual master and internal 'caitya-guru' (the

Supreme Lord in the heart), he uncovers his real spiritual identity.

This according to stages is the process of knowledge to Sri Krishna

(sambandha), the devotional practice which is abhideya and finally

devotion to the Supreme Lord.

It has already been mentioned that the Lord is the controller of the

material energy while the living entity can be subjugated by the

material energy. The Svestasvatara Upanisad mentions:

balgra-sata bhagasya sadadha kaliptasya ca

bhago jivah ca cinjeyah sa canantyaya kalpate

The living entity is compared to the size of one ten-thousandth of a

tip of a single hair. Nevertheless, that same living entity can be

qualified to be liberated. On Vedanta sutra (2/3/18) it describes how

the living entity being very tiny, can be overcome by the tendency

for either sinful or pious activities. Manduka Sruti (3/1/19)

describes, eso' nuratma cetasa veditavyo: The minute living soul

ultimately has to attain the form of purified consciousness. The Lord

is the controller of material energy while the living entity by

nature being spiritual is liable to be influenced by the material

energy due to its minute nature. Srimad Bhagavatam (1/7/4-5) states:

bhakti-yogena manasi samyak pranihite 'male

apasyat purusam purnam mayam ca tad-apasrayam

yaya sammohito jivatmanam tri-gunatmakam

paro 'pi manute 'nartham tat-krtam cabhipadyate

Srila Vyasa deva, by the power of devotional service with his mind

and senses perfectly controlled, was able to see the bodily

complexion of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna with His different

expansion and energies. He glimpsed also the material energy situated

at the back of the Lord and as one aspect of His different energies.

This material energy is the only shadow form of His spiritual

internal potency and is responsible for the illusion of the living

entities in two ways:- they are the 'akaranatmika' potency which

functions to cover the living entity's orginal identity, the other is

by the viksepatmika'potency by which the mind and intelligence of the

living entity becomes confused or bewildered. The effect of this

material energy binds the living entity into the triple modes of

material nature, whereby immediately he develops the false

consciousness of being the doer and enjoyer and by this false ego

becomes entangled. The characteristic of the marginal potency is of

its being able to be influenced by both the spiritual and material

energies.

>From (Brhat Aranya Sruti 2/2/20)

yatha agneh ksudra vishpur linga vyucharanty

evam eva asmadatmanah sarvani bhutam vyuccharanti

Just as many tiny sparks are emitted from a blazing fire, similarly

many varieties of minute living entities are produced from the

Supreme Lord. The living entity has the option to either stay in the

material world or attain the spiritual world. He is in the middle

position at the demarcation between these two worlds and has equal

opportunity to go to either of these worlds. This marginal position

can be described for more clarity. Just as a huge fish can move

either to one bank or the opposite bank, similarly the living

entity , from his MARGINAL POSITION can go either to the material or

spiritual worlds, and is dependent on whether he is dreaming (in

illusion) or awake in knowledge. The word "tatastha" is further

examined. The boundary between the land and the water is called the

bank (tatastha). This is usually a narrow strip so minute that it

cannot be seen with a naked eye. If we compare the spiritual world to

the ocean and the material world to be the land, that minute strip or

boundary is the corresponding position of the living entity. Both

these words are huge in comparison to the minute living entity. Both

these worlds are huge in comparison to the minute living entity. Thus

in the middling position being the marginal energy, partial

characteristics of both sides are present in the living entity. By

proper spiritual cultivation, he can be spiritualized or conversely

in being ignorant, can fall into the material whirlpool. Originally

the living entity is constituted of spiritual elements, not material.

Nevertheless, it can be overcome by the force of material attraction.

Without the association of pure devotees, the living entity cannot be

released from his precarious position. In Caitanya Caritamrta is

described how the living entities, though minute sparks of the

Supreme, are either bonded or eternally liberated. The bonded souls

are suffering hellish pains by punishment afflicted upon them by

material nature due to their enjoying tendencies. Eventually, in

receiving instructions from the pure devotees submissively they can

be freed by taking to the devotional service of the Lord. In C.C, the

teachings to Sanatana Gosvami, begins with:

advaya-jnana-tattva krsna-svayam bhagavan

svarupa-saktirupa tanhara haya avasthana

The Lord has two types of expansions (amsa). His own spiritual

expansions, and the other His tiny living parts and parcels-jiva

(vibhinnamsa). Without the shelter of the Lord, the bonded living

entities cannot escape from the clutches of Maya. On this above

verse, Sri Srila Prabhupada comments that Lord Krishna is the Supreme

Non-Dual Truth. His energies are equal to the source of energy but

the energy in this connection is not the bewildering shadow material

energy or that which deludes the bonded souls but that which serves

Lord Krishna in His diverse loving pastimes. The 'Maya' or

insurmountable material energy here has to be overcome and not

worshipped. In Srimad Bhagavatam (2/5/13):

villajamanaya yasya statum iksa-pathe 'muya

vimohita vikatthante mamaham iti durdhiyah

The material personified energy, being ashamed of her despicable work

was not able to come in front of the Supreme Lord for her action, the

living entity becomes bewildered into thinking in terms of "me"

and "mine." By these statements, the bewildering action of this

material energy which causes the delusion of living entities has been

condemned.

In the nectarine pastimes of Sri Hari, the moods of contrast are

always present, the opposite contrasting mellows, inevitably serving

to nourish such pastimes in full. It is not that one advocates all

the opposite contrasting moods only and tries to reject the normal

recommended practices. This type of action is not in accordance with

the scriptures.

The scriptures like Bhagavad Gita give proper direction of how one

can overcome material nature and be freed. In actual fact, without

the association of saintly personalities, one cannot understand the

purports of these scriptures. The scriptures, with its manifold

opposing conclusions are difficult to discern and their mystery can

be uncovered in the proper vision, solely with the help of saintly

people. In Bhagavad Gita, the Supreme Lord has equivocally described

the importance of work, yoga and knowledge but in the end has

revealed the great secret, pure devotional service with the verses

beginning with: "man mana-bhava mad bhakta" and also "sarva dharman

parityaja". These two verses contain the summum bonnum of devotional

service. It has further been demonstrated in the Srimad Bhagavatam,

that spontaneous attraction to the Supreme is expressed in the

different loving ways of servitude, friendship, parental love and

conjugal love, which is ascertained as the highest goal.

Sriman Mahaprabhu had informed Srila Svarupa Damodara for the benefit

of the brahmins in Bengal province.

yaha bhagavata pade vaisnavera sthane

ekanta asraya kara caitanya carane

caitanya bhakta ganera nitya kara sanga

tabe ta janie siddhanta samudra-tarange

One has to study the cream of all scriptures, Srimad Bhagavatam in

the association of the pure devotees of the Lord so that he can cross

over the ocean of all types of deviant and opposing devotional

conclusions. In this way, one can free himself from Maha Maya and

take to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna with devotion. Finally, the

shelter of Srila Gurudeva is very essential in devotional service to

get the mercy of Yogamaya and free oneself from the effects of Maha

Maya.

Publisher: Sripad B.B. Bodhayan Maharaja

Sri Gopinatha Gaudiya Matha

May 25, 2003

AaronMaxime Lapointe <tulasi3 (AT) whale-mail (DOT) com> wrote:

Yoga Maya and Maha Mayaby His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Gosvami

MaharajaSrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has written of the principle of energy. The

three modes of material nature is material energy called 'Maha-Maya and is

responsible fore the material activities like creation and destruction. As long

as the living entity is engrossed in sense gratification; till then he comes

under this influence of illusory energy. He is able to escape from this

abominable material energy only on realization of his innate blissful spiritual

identity in relation with transcendence. The question is asked do the devotees

come under any energy at all? The answer is yes, we are part of the material

energy but having escaped the realm of material energy, we are now under the

safe protection of the spiritual energy.The opposition sometimes raise this

question "so are you all the worshippers of the female personification of

Divine energy" (sakta)? The answer is "yes" we are under the shelter of the

personification of spiritual energy Srimati Radharani. We are practicing

devotions entirely under Her direction. We can compare ourselves in this sense

as Saktas and are therefore non-different from the devotees (Vaishnavas). On

the contrary, those not taking shelter of this spiritual potency but only have

attraction for the material aspect are not considered devotees but are simply

sense enjoyers. In Narada Pancaratra, Durga Devi says: "I am Your loving

partner in your delightful Vrndavana pastimes in the form of Your internal

pleasure potency". We perceive from the statement of Durga Devi that this

energy is non-dual. In the transcendental feature, this energy is present as

Srimate Radhika and in the material form manifests as the material energy. The

question is sometimes raised by the opposition that the smarta brahmins say

that the energy of Lord Siva is the foremost energy (sakti). Why is this?Srila

Bhaktivinoda replies. The material nature is composed of the three modes:

goodness, passion and ignorance. The brahmins who are oriented in goodness

worship the demigod in that material mode of goodness; those in passion worship

the demigod in passion while those in the mode of ignorance worship "material

nature" a knowledge. In actual fact, there is no separate energy called

material energy and "Maya" is just a transformation of the spiritual potency.

It is but the shadow energy of the pure spiritual potency of the Lord. The

material energy is mainly responsible for the conditioning of the living entity

as a form of punishment due to his forgetfulness of his relationship with the

Supreme Lord. The living entity, on regaining his lost relationship with the

Lord becomes surcharged with knowledge and bliss. However, if the material

energy becomes predominant, it makes the living entities in their forgetfulness

refer to this illusory energy (Maya) as all in all. This explains the worship of

material nature (sakta). Gradually, the bewildered living entity, by long period

of accumulation of pious merit, can be impelled into the position of acquiring

divine knowledge (Vaishnava).The question is raised again: do we sometimes

compare Durga Devi to be a transcendental associate within the precincts of

Gokula? The answer given by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura is:- yes! In the

spiritual world Durga Devi is called YogaMaya. She is present as the seed-form

in the changes of the spiritual energy. For this reason, she considers herself

non-different from the original internal energy of the spiritual world.

YogaMaya, also can be transformed into material energy, or shadow potency. The

material goddess Durga Devi is the servitor of the spiritual aspect of the same

Durga Devi. The spiritual Durga Devi plays an important part in Lord Krishna's

variegated pastimes as YogaMaya. The Srimad Bhagavatam (10/29/20) describes how

the Lord takes shelter of His own internal potency in the love-sports of the

gopis. (YogaMaya anupasritah). The internal energy which nourishes such divine

pastimes may look like ignorance but in reality is an essential ingredient in

the blossoming of these transcendental sports. The opposition then raises the

query if so why do the devotees not honor the remnants of Goddess Durga and

other demigods? Why specifically Vishnu prasadam?The answer is, Lord Krishna is

the sole Supreme Lord and all the demigods are His loyal servants. The leavings

of the pure devotees if partaken gives rise to pure devotion. The remnants of

food partaken by the pure devotees, the dust of their lotus feet and the water

that washes their feet are highest and most conducive to devotion. The fact is,

the impersonalists make a show of worshipping the Deity and offer foodstuffs to

them but the demigods neither appreciate their worship nor accept such

foodstuffs seeing their ignorance by the verdict of scriptures. Ultimately,

worship of the demigods is a form of Impersonalism. Ultimately, worship of the

demigods is a form of Impersonalism. To accept foodstuff from such

impersonalists is detrimental to pure devotion and the Goddess of Devotion

becomes offended by this action. On the other hand, of a pure devotee offers

remnants o foodstuffs of Lord Krishna (Krishna prasadam) to the demigods, then

they all dance in joy. These remnants of the demigods are then partaken with

relish by the devotees (mahaprasadam). In the yoga scriptures, one should never

accept the remnants of any demigod. Here the sole reason for such refusal is

that they are able to remain steadfast in their meditations in doing so and not

in any way wanting to be offensive to the demigods. Usually, in the practice of

devotion, remaining loyal and unalloyed to one's worshipable Deity is

beneficial while partaking of the remnants of the foodstuffs of other Deities

does not contribute to the practice of such devout or loyal worship of one's

beloved Deity. In conclusion, there is no question of offense involved in such

practices, to obtain spiritual advancement one has to follow scriptural

injunctions verbatim. Lord Krishna has an eternally youthful form and He is the

Undivided Absolute Truth. He exhibits Supreme Majesty and uncommonness in His

prabhava and vaibhava forms. Again, His expansions are two-fold, direct

expansions (amsa) and empowered incarnations (satya vesha). Further, His

childhood and youthful pastimes are of different contrast and moods. Even

though He performs His pastimes in these six different ways He remains the sole

Absolute Supreme Being unchanged in any way. He is the possessor of directly

opposing qualities, characteristics of only the Supreme Power in the Spiritual

dimension. In Him are present all fame, opulence, knowledge, wealth,

renunciation and beauty to the highest degree, unraveling His extraordinary

sweetness. His spiritual energy is called the internal energy and all divine

spiritual planets have manifested as a result of this energy. The marginal

energy gives rise to the innumerable living entities together with the

liberated souls. The external material energy helps to create the different

material universes.Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura comments on the prabhava and

vaibhava pastimes:- that which has the four handed form of Lord Hari in

existence, knowledge and bliss is the prabhava form and while when it differs

slightly from the actual four-handed form then it is termed vaibhava. Prabhava

signifies predominance of Lordship or mastery and vaibhava denotes mysticism or

uncommonness. Prabhava expansion are of two categories, one type occurs at the

end of yugas and is only for a brief period like Mohini, Hamsa and Sukla etc.

The other type is not so common, like, Danvantari, Rsabha, Vyasadeva,

Dattatreya and Kapiladeva. The category of vaibhava expansions include Kurma,

Matsya, Nara-Narayana, Varaha, Prisnigarbha, Yajna, Vibhu, Hari Vamana,

Visvaksena, and all the fourteen Manus in their different Manvantaras. That one

Supreme Lord, whose energies are beyond this mundane material world, is present

in four distinct features as stated by Srila Jiva Gosvami in his Bhagavat

Sandarbha. These features are His transcendental and original form, His

Splendor consisting of the spiritual worlds, the living entity and inert

material nature. As an analogy, these four features can be compared to the sun

whose different aspects are the form of the sun's effulgence, the sun globe,

the sun's rays and the reflection of the sun's rays or its shadows. A huge

blazing fire may be situated in one place but the effect of its effulgence may

be permeated a long distance away. Similarly the energies of the Supreme Lord

are permeated throughout the universe though He is situated in one place as in

the Spiritual World, as verified by Visnu Purana. The Srutis describe the

Supreme Lord as whose tiny rays of effulgence are the myriad living entities.

Inconceivably, the source of energy can be equal to its diverse energies. These

inconceivable energies are three fold in division, the internal, marginal and

external potency. It is inconceivable because it can make impossible things

happen. The internal spiritual potency has resulted in the transcendental form

of the Supreme Lord plus the colossal spiritual world like Goloka and Vaikuntha

which are manifestation of this energy. The marginal energy consists of the many

living entities which are but rays of the Supreme, while the material energy

gives rise to the gross and subtle material coverings in this universe, or in

urn the shadow potency of the original spiritual energy. These three different

energies are described in Vishnu Purana. The material energy is in charge of

deluding the minute sparks (jiva soul) with ignorance and which causes them to

work with desires for fruits of work. The external material energy is inferior

by nature, still it has the power of bewildering the marginally-situated

superior living entity. The living entity by origin being transcendental but by

identifying with the three modes of material nature becomes entangled. The

effects of the material energy manifests in varying degrees depending on the

position of Lord Brahma down to the non-moving living entities. Thus the

original spiritual spark in its ignorance is compelled to suffer the bad

effects of this material energy. In Srimad Bhagavatam (1/7/5), it is explained

that the only way to escape the effects of this insurmountable material energy,

is to practice constant and unmotivated devotional service to the Supreme Lord

and not otherwise. In the Bhagavad Gita (7/13-14).tribhir guna-mayair bhavaih

ebhih sarvam idam jagat mohitam nabhijanati mam ebhyah param avyayamdaivi hy

esa guna-mayi mama maya duratyaya mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti

teMeaning:- The three modes of material nature are working under My direction

and belong to the inferior energy, but the living entities are influenced by

their interactions.(ii) The three modes of material nature form the inferior

energy, by their effects, all the living entities are deluded and are not able

to know My divine Nature."(iii) Srila Cakravartipada, on this third verse

"Daivyesa" has commented the fallen living entities, due to the desire to

extract enjoyment from material nature, have become bewildered by the demigods.

Sri Ramanujacarya has defined the word "daivi" as that crated for the sport of

the demigods or that which is instigated by the demigods. Srila Baladeva

Vidyabhusana has commented that Devi means not out of this world, or very

extraordinary material energy and for the conditioned souls, extremely

unsurpassable. Those who surrender to My divine form can cross over this ocean

of material existence.Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura writes: "The Supreme Lord is

the storehouse and controller of all energies. All these energies, internal,

marginal and material are His maidservants. Simply by His sweet will, He sets

into motion all these variety of energies. The tiny infinitesimal living speck,

though possessing in a minute measure the qualities of the Supreme Lord, can be

deluded by this strong material nature. Miyate anaya iti maya -- that which can

be measured is called Maya. However, this illusory energy serves as a yard stick

to identify the different worlds like the material world, living entities and

the spiritual world. Lord Krsna is the master of this material energy while the

living entity can be subjugated by this material energy." The Svetasvatara Sruti

(4/9-20)yasmanmayi srjate visvam etat tasmin ca anyo mayaya sanniruddahmayantu

prakrtim vidyan mayinnantu mahesvaram:The Lord creates this universe from

material elements and the living entity being influenced by the material

energy, becomes entangled by it. The controller of the material nature is the

Supreme Lord who pervades the whole cosmic manifestation. The word 'mayi'

refers to Lord Krishna who is the powerful ruler of all energies. The minute

living entity, even on liberation, cannot equal this state, for the Supreme

Autocrat creates the entire material world plus the spiritual worlds. His

material creation is done through the agency of Lord Brahma. In Brahma Sutra

(4/4/19). Learned scholars confirm there is an eternal gulf of difference

between the living entity and the Lord.What is the difference between the

illusory energy (Maya) and ignorance (avidya)? The illusory energy is the

energy of Sri Krishna and with this, He creates the entire material worlds and

these energies that have been unleashed also serves the purpose of rectifying

the fallen entities. Material energy has two functions (1) avidya or ignorance

(2) Pradhan or existing material nature in inert condition. Ignorance (avidya)

causes the biding of the living entity while the existing inert material nature

evolves as the whole material universe under impulse i.e., while (avidya)

ignorance is the cause of the unwanted desires of the living entities, the

inert material nature leads after stimulus to become the cosmic material

creation. Material energy too has two categories 1)Knowledge, 2)Ignorance.The

knowledge aspect is that which enlightens the living entity to liberation while

the ignorant aspect binds the living entity. When the action of the knowledge

feature springs into motion, one becomes inclined to the devotional service of

the Lord, and when one forgets Sri Krishna, that is the play of ignorance

(avidya). The knowledge of the Absolute Truth is all included under this action

of knowledge. At the start, this entails intelligent discrimination and proper

effort to cultivate such knowledge. In Srimad Bhagavatam Lord Kapila deva's

teachings, the Supreme Lord is the master of the three modes of nature. Sri

Ramanuja has written in his 'Gita-Bhasya' of "Maya" which is stated as when the

actual identity of the Supreme Lord becomes covered in one's vision and one's

own self becomes enmeshed in the selfish enjoying mentality, this is the work

of 'Maya'. Due to this form of delusive energy, the whole world cannot fathom

the blissful Supreme Controller. The only solution is in complete surrender to

the lotus feet of the Lord. Srila Ramanuja explains "one who is endowed with

right thought, compassionate, equal to all beings without distinction and

surrendered to the Supreme Lord can hope to cross over this ocean of material

existence. One should, by worshipping Him, completely give up 'Maya", illusory

energy. In the writings of Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana we see:- The Supreme Lord

is very affectionate to His devotees and those who are surrendered to Him, will

easily be able to cross over the material existence. This material existence is

compared to a huge ocean which can instantly reduced to a hoof-print of a cow

by such surrender. The word 'mam eva' means one who is exclusively surrendered

to Sri Krishna and not anyone else, for surrender to the other demigods like

Lord Siva does not entail liberation. The Srutis say that those who know the

Supreme Lord in truth can become immortal.Once the demigods had informed King

Mucukunda "Oh King, may good fortune be upon you!; whatever you may desire

other than complete liberation can be awarded by us but only Lord Vishnu can

bestow liberation". Sridhar Swami writes; "Pure devotion with surrender is

required to overcome the three modes of nature; The word 'eva' is used to

demonstrate singe-pointed devotion to the Supreme Lord. Bereft of this process

of devotion, by the influence of this divine material energy, one may have to

wander through countless wombs due to ignorance or pray to the different

demigods and thus end up rotating up and down this universe. All this is the

snare of 'Maya' and the incredible effects of this energy have been described

in detail in the Markandeya Purana. The next question is what is the nature and

position of the living entity? Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura quotes from

Gita:-bhumir apo'nalo vayuh kham mano buddhir eva caahankara itiyam me bhinna

prakrtir astadhaaparayam itas tv anyam prakrtim viddhi me paramjiva-bhutam

maha-baho yayedam dharyate jagatMeaning:- Earth, water ,fire, either, mind,

intelligence and false ego; these eight are the components of My inferior

material nature. Above this material nature is my superior nature which is

composed of living entities. The Gita confirms that the living entity is

superior to material nature but inferior to the transcendental spiritual

potency. This is described by Srila Krsnadas Kaviraja in Caitanya

Caritamrta:-ji vera svarupa haya krsnera nitya dasakrsnera tatastha sakti

bhedabheda prakashThe living entity is the eternal servant of the Supreme Lord

and His marginal potency. He is equal in quality not in quantity and are the

rays of the Supreme Lord. Just as the sun ordinarily radiates light, in this

manner they are likewise emanating from the Supreme. In Vishnu Purana the

superior, marginal and the material energy have been discussed (para, kshetra

and avidya). krsna bhuli sei jiva-anadi-bhahirmukha ataeva maya tare deya

samsara duhkhaThe living entity has been covered by illusion for a long time

and have been suffering countless miseries but by receiving the mercy of the

pure devotees, he takes to the devotional service of the Lord which frees him

from the effects of the illusory energy. Seeing the bewilderment of the living

entity, the compassionate Lord reveals the scriptures. Consequently, by this

utility of scripture with the help of the external spiritual master and

internal 'caitya-guru' (the Supreme Lord in the heart), he uncovers his real

spiritual identity. This according to stages is the process of knowledge to Sri

Krishna (sambandha), the devotional practice which is abhideya and finally

devotion to the Supreme Lord. It has already been mentioned that the Lord is

the controller of the material energy while the living entity can be subjugated

by the material energy. The Svestasvatara Upanisad mentions:balgra-sata bhagasya

sadadha kaliptasya cabhago jivah ca cinjeyah sa canantyaya kalpateThe living

entity is compared to the size of one ten-thousandth of a tip of a single hair.

Nevertheless, that same living entity can be qualified to be liberated. On

Vedanta sutra (2/3/18) it describes how the living entity being very tiny, can

be overcome by the tendency for either sinful or pious activities. Manduka

Sruti (3/1/19) describes, eso' nuratma cetasa veditavyo: The minute living soul

ultimately has to attain the form of purified consciousness. The Lord is the

controller of material energy while the living entity by nature being spiritual

is liable to be influenced by the material energy due to its minute nature.

Srimad Bhagavatam (1/7/4-5) states:bhakti-yogena manasi samyak pranihite

'maleapasyat purusam purnam mayam ca tad-apasrayam yaya sammohito jivatmanam

tri-gunatmakamparo 'pi manute 'nartham tat-krtam cabhipadyateSrila Vyasa deva,

by the power of devotional service with his mind and senses perfectly

controlled, was able to see the bodily complexion of the Supreme Lord Sri

Krishna with His different expansion and energies. He glimpsed also the

material energy situated at the back of the Lord and as one aspect of His

different energies. This material energy is the only shadow form of His

spiritual internal potency and is responsible for the illusion of the living

entities in two ways:- they are the 'akaranatmika' potency which functions to

cover the living entity's orginal identity, the other is by the

viksepatmika'potency by which the mind and intelligence of the living entity

becomes confused or bewildered. The effect of this material energy binds the

living entity into the triple modes of material nature, whereby immediately he

develops the false consciousness of being the doer and enjoyer and by this

false ego becomes entangled. The characteristic of the marginal potency is of

its being able to be influenced by both the spiritual and material energies.

>From (Brhat Aranya Sruti 2/2/20)yatha agneh ksudra vishpur linga

vyucharantyevam eva asmadatmanah sarvani bhutam vyuccharantiJust as many tiny

sparks are emitted from a blazing fire, similarly many varieties of minute

living entities are produced from the Supreme Lord. The living entity has the

option to either stay in the material world or attain the spiritual world. He

is in the middle position at the demarcation between these two worlds and has

equal opportunity to go to either of these worlds. This marginal position can

be described for more clarity. Just as a huge fish can move either to one bank

or the opposite bank, similarly the living entity , from his MARGINAL POSITION

can go either to the material or spiritual worlds, and is dependent on whether

he is dreaming (in illusion) or awake in knowledge. The word "tatastha" is

further examined. The boundary between the land and the water is called the

bank (tatastha). This is usually a narrow strip so minute that it cannot be

seen with a naked eye. If we compare the spiritual world to the ocean and the

material world to be the land, that minute strip or boundary is the

corresponding position of the living entity. Both these words are huge in

comparison to the minute living entity. Both these worlds are huge in

comparison to the minute living entity. Thus in the middling position being the

marginal energy, partial characteristics of both sides are present in the living

entity. By proper spiritual cultivation, he can be spiritualized or conversely

in being ignorant, can fall into the material whirlpool. Originally the living

entity is constituted of spiritual elements, not material. Nevertheless, it can

be overcome by the force of material attraction. Without the association of pure

devotees, the living entity cannot be released from his precarious position. In

Caitanya Caritamrta is described how the living entities, though minute sparks

of the Supreme, are either bonded or eternally liberated. The bonded souls are

suffering hellish pains by punishment afflicted upon them by material nature

due to their enjoying tendencies. Eventually, in receiving instructions from

the pure devotees submissively they can be freed by taking to the devotional

service of the Lord. In C.C, the teachings to Sanatana Gosvami, begins

with:advaya-jnana-tattva krsna-svayam bhagavansvarupa-saktirupa tanhara haya

avasthana The Lord has two types of expansions (amsa). His own spiritual

expansions, and the other His tiny living parts and parcels-jiva (vibhinnamsa).

Without the shelter of the Lord, the bonded living entities cannot escape from

the clutches of Maya. On this above verse, Sri Srila Prabhupada comments that

Lord Krishna is the Supreme Non-Dual Truth. His energies are equal to the

source of energy but the energy in this connection is not the bewildering

shadow material energy or that which deludes the bonded souls but that which

serves Lord Krishna in His diverse loving pastimes. The 'Maya' or

insurmountable material energy here has to be overcome and not worshipped. In

Srimad Bhagavatam (2/5/13): villajamanaya yasya statum iksa-pathe 'muyavimohita

vikatthante mamaham iti durdhiyahThe material personified energy, being ashamed

of her despicable work was not able to come in front of the Supreme Lord for

her action, the living entity becomes bewildered into thinking in terms of "me"

and "mine." By these statements, the bewildering action of this material energy

which causes the delusion of living entities has been condemned. In the

nectarine pastimes of Sri Hari, the moods of contrast are always present, the

opposite contrasting mellows, inevitably serving to nourish such pastimes in

full. It is not that one advocates all the opposite contrasting moods only and

tries to reject the normal recommended practices. This type of action is not in

accordance with the scriptures. The scriptures like Bhagavad Gita give proper

direction of how one can overcome material nature and be freed. In actual fact,

without the association of saintly personalities, one cannot understand the

purports of these scriptures. The scriptures, with its manifold opposing

conclusions are difficult to discern and their mystery can be uncovered in the

proper vision, solely with the help of saintly people. In Bhagavad Gita, the

Supreme Lord has equivocally described the importance of work, yoga and

knowledge but in the end has revealed the great secret, pure devotional service

with the verses beginning with: "man mana-bhava mad bhakta" and also "sarva

dharman parityaja". These two verses contain the summum bonnum of devotional

service. It has further been demonstrated in the Srimad Bhagavatam, that

spontaneous attraction to the Supreme is expressed in the different loving ways

of servitude, friendship, parental love and conjugal love, which is ascertained

as the highest goal.Sriman Mahaprabhu had informed Srila Svarupa Damodara for

the benefit of the brahmins in Bengal province.yaha bhagavata pade vaisnavera

sthaneekanta asraya kara caitanya caranecaitanya bhakta ganera nitya kara

sangatabe ta janie siddhanta samudra-tarangeOne has to study the cream of all

scriptures, Srimad Bhagavatam in the association of the pure devotees of the

Lord so that he can cross over the ocean of all types of deviant and opposing

devotional conclusions. In this way, one can free himself from Maha Maya and

take to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna with devotion. Finally, the shelter of

Srila Gurudeva is very essential in devotional service to get the mercy of

Yogamaya and free oneself from the effects of Maha Maya.Publisher: Sripad B.B.

Bodhayan MaharajaSri Gopinatha Gaudiya MathaTo from this group,

send an email to:Kali_MaYour use of

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The New Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.

May 25, 2003

Krishna seems to mean a lot to me. When I look at pictures of him I see myself

in Him. The same goes for Kali.

AaronAaron Thomason <skeletontongue > wrote:

Thanks for that, that put's a lot of things into perspective. It made me

understand a lot more about the idea of denying this material world which I

have trouble with since I worship the Mother. But you are saying or quoting

that if you acknowledge the Spirit first such as Krishna/Kali then everything

is all right? I agree that Krishna is the Source of All that Basically holds

everything together. Once I started focusing on him I noticed that my

perspective started to clear up. What about Witches (which I am one, since I

am into Tantra) but I acknowledge the force beyond good and evil first and

foremost which Krishna teaches about in the Bhagavad-Gita but I still do relate

to Magick. Now I know that most Vaishnavites believe that witchcraft is

clinging to this realm but I am very transcendental about what I do.

Everything I relate to involves understanding what life is I don't allow any

lower demons or demigods to interfere. I acknowledge the SELF first and

foremost. While I acknowledge Kali and Krishna I understand that there are

also other traditions such as the Qabala which I use quite frequently. And

also my mind.