Is the universal form of Krishna a material form?

Answer Podcast

So, is Krishna’s Virata-rupa (universal form) a material form? How can Krishna, who is transcendental, have a material form? And is the Kala-rupa (time form) related to the Vishwaroopa that Krishna showed to Mother Yashoda?

Prabhupada explains that from Krishna’s perspective, there is no distinction between material and spiritual. For Krishna, there is only one energy. Prabhupada gives the example of an electric powerhouse. The electricity emanating from it is undifferentiated power. When it reaches our homes, it might power a cooler to cool the air or a heater to warm it. The perception of ‘cooling electricity’ or ‘heating electricity’ is from the recipient’s perspective. From the powerhouse’s perspective, it’s simply electricity being generated. Similarly, from Krishna’s perspective, there is no difference between the material and the spiritual.

So, what do we mean by ‘no difference’? We can analyze things in terms of their constitution (composition) or their function. In terms of constitution, some things are material, and some are spiritual. For instance, the technology we are currently using to connect with each other is material in its composition. Scientists have developed the internet, and we are utilizing it. If we consider a sound system, with its microphone and amplifier, it is materially composed. However, in terms of function, it is being used for a spiritual purpose.

If something made of matter can be used for a spiritual purpose, what exactly is the difference between matter and spirit? Consider deities. Deities are materially composed – some are made of marble, others of metal or stone. But functionally, it is Krishna who manifests through them. In that sense, they represent the most potent forms of spiritual divinity manifested in this world.

So, what makes something spiritual or material? From an analytical or compositional perspective, we look at its makeup. But from a functional perspective, our intention and usage can make something spiritual. And, crucially, if Krishna manifests through it, then it becomes spiritual.

This applies to both the Kala-rupa and other manifestations. When Krishna manifests in the universe, the nature of his manifestation varies. The Second Canto of the Bhagavatam, as well as other cantos, describes how different planetary systems constitute his head, shoulders, or belly. These planets are material in their composition. Therefore, in that sense, Krishna’s universal form (Virata-rupa) is material in composition. However, this does not diminish Krishna’s potency to manifest through the world.

There are two aspects to God’s manifestations: transcendence and immanence. Transcendence refers to God’s manifestation beyond the world. Immanence refers to God’s manifestation within the world, within nature, within matter. Even when God manifests within matter, He remains transcendental.

So, when we say the Virata-rupa is material, it is primarily in terms of its composition. The particular visualization of God, where the limbs of the body are construed as material components, nonetheless embodies a spiritual reality. Krishna remains spiritual, manifesting through matter and elevating our consciousness toward the level of spirit.

The same principle applies to the Kala-rupa (time form). Time is the agency through which changes occur in this world. In that sense, time within the material world is part of material functioning. In physics, spacetime is considered a continuum, just another dimension, although there is much more to time than our perception. There is a material aspect to time.

However, despite its material aspect, time possesses an irresistible and irreversible quality. We cannot stop the flow of time, nor can we reverse it once a moment has passed. This irresistible, irreversible aspect of time points to divinity, to God’s omnipotence. In this sense, God is manifesting as time.

Therefore, we don’t need to be hyper-analytical in terms of composition. We can focus more on function. For a devotee, when they observe time acting – lifting the powerless and diminishing the powerful – they perceive God’s divine influence.