by Saccidānanda Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura
The ocean of material existence is very difficult to
cross.Without the mercy of Parameśvara, the Supreme
Controller, it is not only difficult but impossible.Even
though the living entities are superior to matter, they are
by nature weak and dependent.Bhagavān is their sole
protector, guardian and saviourṬhe living entity (jīva) is
an atomic conscious being (aṇu-caitanya), and therefore, he
is dependent on and the servant of the Supreme Conscious
Entity (Bhagavān).
That Supreme Conscious Entity is the shelter for all
living entitiesṬhis world of matter is created by the
deluding material potency (māyā), and the position of
the living entity is like that of an offender in prisonṬhe
living entity wanders throughout the world created by the
material potency as a result of his opposition to the Supreme
Lord (Bhagavān)Ṭhose living entities who are opposed to
Bhagavān are chained by the deluding potency and thus
called baddha-jīvas, or conditioned souls, whereas those living
The ocean of material existence is very difficult to
cross.Without the mercy of Parameśvara, the Supreme
Controller, it is not only difficult but impossible.Even
though the living entities are superior to matter, they are
by nature weak and dependent.Bhagavān is their sole
protector, guardian and saviourṬhe living entity (jīva) is
an atomic conscious being (aṇu-caitanya), and therefore, he
is dependent on and the servant of the Supreme Conscious
Entity (Bhagavān).
That Supreme Conscious Entity is the shelter for all
living entitiesṬhis world of matter is created by the
deluding material potency (māyā), and the position of
the living entity is like that of an offender in prisonṬhe
living entity wanders throughout the world created by the
material potency as a result of his opposition to the Supreme
Lord (Bhagavān)Ṭhose living entities who are opposed to
Bhagavān are chained by the deluding potency and thus
called baddha-jīvas, or conditioned souls, whereas those living