The Supreme Lord as the Supersoul
In the vastness of creation, from the grand cosmic arrangements to the tiniest living beings, one may wonder—where is God in all of this? The Vedic scriptures, particularly the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, reveal a profound and humbling truth: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Nārāyaṇa (Krishna), is present as the Supersoul (Paramātmā) in every living entity and even in inert matter, including plants, trees, and atoms.
This all-pervading presence is beautifully described in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (7.6.20-23):
parāvareṣu bhūteṣu
brahmānta-sthāvarādiṣu
bhautikeṣu vikāreṣu
bhūteṣv atha mahatsu ca“The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the supreme controller, is present in different forms of life—from the inert beings like plants to Brahmā, the foremost living being. He exists in the material elements, the total energy, and the modes of material nature. Though one, He is present everywhere as the Supersoul, observing all within the hearts of all living entities.”
This verse emphasizes that the Lord is equally present in all forms of life, from the exalted demigods to the seemingly insignificant plants and trees. No living being is without His presence.
The Supersoul (Paramātmā): Witness and Guide Within All Beings
The Lord manifests in three primary features: Brahman (the impersonal, all-pervading energy), Paramātmā (the localized Supersoul in the hearts of all beings), and Bhagavān (the Supreme Personality of Godhead). Among these, His role as the Paramātmā is particularly intimate, as He accompanies every living entity, guiding and witnessing their actions.
Krishna Himself declares in the Bhagavad-gītā (15.15):
“sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo”
“I am seated in everyone’s heart.”
This means that the Lord is not only present within human beings but also within animals, birds, fish, plants, and even microscopic life. Every form of life, however small or immobile, is sustained by the Supersoul.
The Lord’s Presence in Plants and Nature
It may be difficult to conceive that God is present within the heart of a tree or a plant. However, the Vedas affirm that every living entity, whether moving or non-moving, possesses a soul (ātmā) and is accompanied by the Supersoul (Paramātmā).
“īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ hṛd-deśe ’rjuna tiṣṭhati”
“The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna.” (Bhagavad-gītā 18.61)
Plants and trees, although stationary, are living entities. Their growth, reproduction, and reactions to the environment indicate the presence of consciousness, however limited it may be. This consciousness arises from the soul within them, and alongside that soul is the Lord as the Supersoul, overseeing their existence.
God in the Atom: The Lord’s All-Pervasive Nature
The Supreme Lord’s presence extends beyond living beings to the most fundamental building blocks of matter. He resides even within atoms, controlling their movements and interactions. This concept is encapsulated in the Bhāgavatam’s description of the Lord as:
“aṇḍāntara-stha-paramāṇu-cayāntara-stham”
“The Lord is present in every atom and between atoms.”
Modern science marvels at the complexity of atomic structures and the precision of physical laws, yet it cannot explain the underlying intelligence guiding these phenomena. The Vedic perspective attributes this order to the Supreme Lord’s divine presence within creation.
Case Study: The Banyan Tree Seed – Infinite in the Finite
Consider the seed of a banyan tree, a small, insignificant object to the naked eye. Yet within that tiny seed lies the potential to grow into a massive tree, produce countless leaves, fruits, and seeds, and sustain various forms of life.
When questioned by his father about the nature of the soul, Prahlāda Mahārāja pointed to such natural phenomena to illustrate the Supreme Lord’s presence in even the smallest forms of life. This example demonstrates that within every seed is not just a biological code but the guiding hand of the Supersoul enabling growth and sustenance.
No modern scientist can fully explain how life emerges from a seed. The answer lies in recognizing that the Supreme Lord is seated within the seed, orchestrating its development.
Why We Fail to See the Lord Everywhere
If the Lord is present everywhere, why do we not perceive Him? The Bhagavad-gītā explains:
“nāhaṁ prakāśaḥ sarvasya yoga-māyā-samāvṛtaḥ”
“I am not manifest to everyone, being veiled by My divine energy.” (Bhagavad-gītā 7.25)
The curtain of Māyā (illusion) prevents conditioned souls from perceiving the Lord’s omnipresence. This illusion leads to the false belief that we are the controllers and proprietors of the world, making it difficult to recognize Krishna’s presence in every aspect of life.
Only by cleansing our hearts through devotional service (bhakti-yoga) can we perceive the Lord everywhere.
Realizing the Lord in All Living Beings
How can we begin to perceive Krishna in all forms of life, including plants and animals?
- Chant the Holy Names of the Lord
The process of chanting (Harināma-saṅkīrtana) purifies the heart, allowing us to perceive Krishna’s presence everywhere.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare - Practice Compassion
Understanding that Krishna is present in all beings fosters compassion toward all life, encouraging non-violence and kindness even to the smallest creature. - Offer Respect to Nature
Trees, rivers, and mountains are manifestations of Krishna’s energy. By respecting and caring for nature, we honor the Lord’s creation. - Read and Reflect on Scriptures
Regular study of the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam deepens our understanding of Krishna’s all-pervading presence.
Call to Action: See Krishna in Every Living Being
Pause and reflect:
- When you see a tree swaying in the wind, do you recognize Krishna sustaining it?
- When you admire the beauty of a flower, do you perceive the hand of the Lord nurturing it?
- Can you see Krishna within every heart, guiding all living beings?
Let today be the day you resolve to see Krishna in every aspect of life.
Śrīla Prabhupāda beautifully said:
“A Krishna conscious person sees Krishna everywhere—in every atom, every leaf, every flower, and every living being.”
Are you ready to open your eyes and heart to the presence of the Lord in all living beings—even the plants beneath your feet?
Begin today. Recognize. Surrender. Serve.
In seeing Krishna everywhere, you will find Him within yourself.
