Tad dhama paramam mama

[Guest guest]

On 16 Jul 1999, Vijay Pai wrote:

 

> What is the pramAna for this "higher dimensional picture" talk? The

> statements about no time in the spiritual world cannot possibly

> be the pramAna since that indicates one dimension from the

> material world that is _not_ present in the spiritual world.

 

"Higher" does not mean "more" or "less" dimensions but higher in nature. Time

is not the only thing different from the spiritual world. Even space and

thought are different (1+1=1). Ether which is the fabric of space does not

exist beyond the covering of the material universe yet there is

a *transcendental* or *higher* form of space. Here's my reference (CC Adi

3.89):

 

--------Begin quote-----------

"O my Lord, everything within material nature is limited by time,

space and thought . Your characteristics, however, being unequaled and

unsurpassed, are always transcendental to such limitations . You

sometimes cover such characteristics by Your own energy, but

nevertheless Your unalloyed devotees are always able to see You under

all circumstances ."

 

PURPORT

 

This verse is also quoted from the Stotra-ratna (13) of Yaamunaacaarya.

Everything covered by the influence of maayaa is within the limited boundaries

of space, time and thought . Even the greatest manifestation we can conceive,

the sky, also has limitations . From the authentic scriptures, however, it is

evident that beyond the sky is a covering of seven layers, each ten times

thicker than the one preceding it . The covering layers are vast, but with or

without coverings, space is limited . Our power to think about space and time

is also limited . Time is eternal; we may imagine billions and trillions of

years, but that

will still be an inadequate estimate of the extent of time. Our

imperfect senses, therefore, cannot think of the greatness of the

Supreme Personality of Godhead, nor can we bring Him within the

limitations of time or our thinking power . His position is accordingly

described by the word ullan^ghita. He is transcendental to space, time

and thought; although He appears within them, He exists

transcendentally. Even when the Lord's transcendental existence is

disguised by space, time and thought, however, pure devotees of the

Supreme Lord can see Him in His personal features beyond space, time

and thought . In other words, even though the Lord is not visible to the

eyes of ordinary men, those who are beyond the covering layers because

of their transcendental devotional service can still see Him.

 

-------end quote -------

 

> Nobody has argued against this. The only question is whether

> or not the choice is made from within the spiritual world.

 

That's more than clear enough for me from the context (SB 4.28.54). Also I

don't like to juggle the millions of words like "back to Godhead", "never come

back AGAIN", "revert", "original", "back home", "return home", etc.

 

> > This speculation is invalid because experienced time does not necessarily

> > equal time expired.

>

> Let me guess, more higher-dimensional space-time continuum wormhole

> stuff? It's only the spiritual world which is _free_

> from the influence of time and demigods. In the material world, time

> experienced in the material world is time expired; the

> only question is the rate at which it expires relative to the rate at

> which it is experienced (e.g. 1 Brahmaloka millisecond == 100 Bhuloka

> years). However, there is no way to get back time once it's

> gone, so beginningless material activity won't fit into

> beginningful time. Rather, it must fit into beginningless time,

> indicating a beginningless sojourn for the living entity in the

> material world.

 

Well I am glad you agree that the rates of experience vs. rates of expiration

can vary. However, it does not indicate a beginningless sojourn of the living

entity. More on this later...

 

Sincerely,

 

Virender

http://www.krishnasoft.com