Commentary

Commentary

The Supersoul, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the source of light in all luminous objects — the sun, the moon, the stars, and all that shines. From Vedic literature we learn that in the spiritual kingdom of Vaikuntha, there is no need of the sun or moon, for the spiritual effulgence of the Lord provides all illumination. In the material world, that same spiritual light — the brahmajyoti — manifests as the important element of fire and heat, from which all luminosity in this material world is derived.

Therefore in this material world we need the sun, the moon, electricity, and fire for light. But in the spiritual realm, none of these are needed. The Vedic literature confirms this: aadityavarnam tamasah parastaat (Shvetashvatara Upanishad 3.8) — He is effulgent like the sun and is far, far beyond the darkness of this material world.

His knowledge is transcendental. The Vedic literature confirms that Brahman is concentrated transcendental knowledge. To one who desires to be transferred to the spiritual world, knowledge is given by the Supreme Lord, who is situated in everyone’s heart. One Vedic mantra (Shvetashvatara Upanishad 6.18) states: tam ha devam aatmabuddhiprakaasham mumukshuvai sharanam aham prapadye — one who desires liberation must surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the source of all knowledge.

The Lord is situated in everyone’s heart as the supreme controller. His hands and feet are spread everywhere — but this cannot be said about the individual soul. Therefore the two knowers of the field — the individual soul and the Supersoul — are distinct. The Supersoul’s hands and feet are everywhere, whereas the individual soul’s are limited to one place at a time.