Seeing the Supreme Lord from All Sides
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is beyond the scope of ordinary perception. While many philosophies attempt to understand Him, the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.6.10) provides a profound revelation about His universal form and how it accommodates both personal and impersonal conceptions of divinity.
This verse states:
parābhūter adharmasya
tamasaś cāpi paścimaḥ
nāḍyo nada-nadīnāṁ ca
gotrāṇām asthi-saṁhatiḥ
“The back of the Lord is the place for all kinds of frustration and ignorance, as well as for immorality. From His veins flow the great rivers and rivulets, and on His bones are stacked the great mountains.”
This verse uses the universal form of the Lord to convey deep truths about His transcendental nature. It explains how different aspects of existence—ignorance, morality, frustration, natural phenomena, and more—are all connected to the Lord’s divine form.
The Universal Form of the Lord: A Glimpse of His Vastness
The universal form (Virāṭ-rūpa) of the Lord represents the cosmic manifestation, where the various parts of His body correspond to the different elements and phenomena of creation.
- The Back of the Lord: Ignorance and Frustration
The verse describes the back of the Lord as the seat of ignorance (tamas), frustration, and immorality (adharma). This symbolizes how those who are turned away from the Lord’s personal aspect experience life as a struggle—marked by confusion and dissatisfaction.Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that ignorance is not separate from the Lord because everything, even the illusion of material life, emanates from Him. However, ignorance represents being on the “back side” of the Lord, where His personal features are hidden.
- The Veins and Bones: Rivers and Mountains
The universal form also connects the Lord’s body with the natural world:- The veins of the Lord represent the rivers and rivulets that sustain life.
- The bones of the Lord symbolize the mountains, which provide stability and structure to the planet.
The Personal and Impersonal Conceptions of God
This verse underscores the duality of how people perceive the Lord—either personally or impersonally—depending on their spiritual understanding.
1. The Impersonal Feature: Realizing the Back of the Lord
Those who lack devotion or spiritual insight perceive the Lord as impersonal energy. They see Him as the formless Brahman or the vast cosmic force that powers the universe. This realization is likened to viewing the “back” of the Lord, where His personal features are obscured.
Impersonalists may attain a level of spiritual understanding, but their experience is incomplete. Without recognizing Krishna’s personal form, they remain in a state of frustration and confusion, as described in the Bhagavad-gītā (7.24):
“avyaktaṁ vyaktim āpannaṁ manyante mām abuddhayaḥ”
“Unintelligent men, who do not know Me perfectly, think that I, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was impersonal before and have now assumed this personality.”
2. The Personal Feature: Seeing the Front of the Lord
Devotees who approach Krishna with love and surrender can perceive His personal form. This is the “front” view of the Lord, where His beauty, qualities, and transcendental activities are fully revealed.
The Bhagavad-gītā (18.55) confirms:
“bhaktyā mām abhijānāti yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ”
“One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, only by devotional service.”
Those who see the Lord from the front experience His eternal form, bliss, and knowledge.
The Unified Nature of the Lord
The Lord is not confined to being either personal or impersonal; He is simultaneously both. His personal form (Bhagavān) is the ultimate realization, while His impersonal feature (Brahman) is His effulgence. This dual nature is beautifully explained in the Vedic scriptures:
- Brahman: The impersonal, all-pervading light emanating from the Lord.
- Paramātmā: The localized Supersoul present in the hearts of all beings.
- Bhagavān: The ultimate personal form, full of qualities and transcendental activities.
As the cause of all causes, Krishna is described in the Brahma-saṁhitā:
“īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ”
“Krishna, who is known as Govinda, is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal, blissful, spiritual body.”
Practical Lessons from the Lord’s Universal Form
- Turn to the Front of the Lord
Frustration, ignorance, and immorality arise when we turn our backs on Krishna. By surrendering to Him and embracing His personal form, we move away from material confusion and toward eternal joy. - See Divinity in Nature
The rivers, mountains, and all elements of creation are not random; they are part of the Lord’s universal body. Recognizing this inspires respect for nature and gratitude for Krishna’s provision. - Strive for Complete Realization
While impersonal realization may bring temporary peace, only personal devotion to Krishna leads to lasting fulfillment. - Engage in Devotional Service
The easiest way to connect with Krishna is through bhakti-yoga—chanting His holy names, offering prayers, and serving others with love.
Call to Action: Seek Krishna’s Personal Form
Are you content with seeing the “back” of the Lord, living a life of material struggle and ignorance? Or do you wish to turn toward His “front” and experience His personal love and guidance?
Śrīla Prabhupāda reminds us:
“To realize Krishna’s personal form is the highest perfection of life. Only through devotion can we understand Him fully.”
Take a step today:
- Chant Krishna’s holy names:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare - Offer your thoughts, words, and actions to Him.
- Study scriptures like the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam to deepen your understanding of His divine nature.
By turning toward Krishna’s personal form, you will find peace, purpose, and eternal happiness.
Are you ready to see the Lord face-to-face? Begin your journey today.
