| Sri Harinama Cintamani :: Chapter 1 (part 2) |
Page 1 of 5 universe and the physical bodies of the living entities are made of the same five material substances, namely earth, water, fire, air and ether. Mind, intelligence, and false ego comprise the jiva's subtle body which is the result of his desire; these are also material. Yet the jiva, who is by nature a product of the suddha-sattva as are his original mind, intelligence, and ego, is spiritual and distinct from the subtle body. "The seven higher planetary systems such as Bhur, Bhuvar, Svarga, Mahar, Jana, Satya and Brahma, and the seven lower planetary systems Atala, Sutala etc. are all manifestations of maya, the illusory potency of the Lord. Cit-vaibhava is the complete whole, and maya is its shadow. Liberated and conditioned souls "The jiva is originally completely spiritual, but infinitesmal, and due to his spiritual nature he is also independent. The jivas are countless in number and spiritual bliss is their urgent need and perfection. In seeking after bliss, those who surrender their lives to Lord Krsna become liberated and reside eternally in the Lord's company as His confidential associates. "Awareness" refers to that inseparable, essential, inherent attribute of yours, the self, which enables you to perceive thoughts, feelings, the world, etc., and indeed your own existence (self awareness = awareness that "I am"). "On the other hand, the jiva-soul who contemplates self-aggrandizement and selfish pleasure becomes attracted by maya, who is always near at hand. He becomes eternally entrapped, enticed away from Lord Krsna's service, and receives a body manufactured by material nature, or maya, conducive to residence in devi-dhama. Thus he is bound in the cycle of inevitable karmic reaction, wandering in gross and subtle bodies. Sometimes he is elevated to the heavenly planets and next he has to descend to hell. In this way he travels through all the 8,400,000 species of life, suffering the pains of material existence. Lord Krsna is always merciful "O Lord, You are the Supreme Personality, and the jiva is Your part and parcel. You are always concerned for the well-being of Your servitors. Whatever situation the jiva may find himself in, Lord Krsna is always prepared to grant the jiva his heart's desire, |