Lectures, classes and conversations on Vedic Cosmology.
Srila Prabhupada - "The planetary systems are arranged in each material universe in layers like the petals of a lotus flower.
All the material universes deep inside our Brahmanda, are also inside the Lotus stem coming from Garbhodakashayi Visnu's naval".
Our small inner Universe deep inside our surrounding outer Brahmanda is known as Bhu-Mandala which is just a mere 4 billion miles in diameter according to Srimad Bhagavatam's 5th Canto.
Bhu-Mandala's 14 Planetary Systems are inside the lotus stem coming from the naval of Garbhodakashayi Visnu's Body.
This is explained in Srimad Bhagavatam canto 1 Chapter 3 Text 2:
"Within the stem of the lotus there are fourteen divisions of planetary systems, and the earthly planets are situated in the middle."
Srila Prabhupada continues - "All these planetary systems are scattered over the complete universe, which occupies an area of "two billion times two billion square miles." (SB 2.5.40-41, Purport)
Srila Prabhupada - "Regarding your question of the planetary systems, the planets are arranged in each universe in layers like the petals of a lotus. But in each layer there is mixed both heavenly, hellish and middle planets.
On the outside layer there are these three kinds of planets, on the middle layers there are the three kinds of planets and on the inner-most layer there are found these three kinds of planets. Above these layers, in the center, is the Brahmaloka where Lord Brahma, the creator is residing.
So the earth planet and the moon planet are both on the same layer but the earth is middle planet and the moon is heavenly planet." (Letter to Rupanuga - Los Angeles 20 Dec, 1968)
Srila Prabhupāda - "In each universe there is one Sun, but there are many planets like moons."
Lecture on SB 6.1.32 - Surat, December 16, 1970:
Devotee - "Is the planetary system the universe, or is there something beyond the planetary system which it is situated in? I do not not understand the difference between planetary system and the universe."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Universe is a covering just like a football (Brahmanda), and within that, there are planetary system. And these football-like universes (Brahmandas), they are floating in the Virajā water, where Mahā-Viṣṇu is lying. So each universe is covered.
Revatīnandana - "Like a coconut?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "Eh? Yes."
Revatīnandana - "Like a coconut half filled with water?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa koṭi (Bs. 5.40). Jagad-aṇḍa. Jagad-aṇḍa means this universe, aṇḍa, round sphere(?). Koṭi. Koṭi means innumerable. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭiṣv aśeṣa-vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam (Bs. 5.40).
And in each of them there are innumerable planets, and each planet, the atmosphere is different from one another. Vibhūti-bhinnam. Just like sun planet. It is a different thing from this planet, but... And the moon planet is a different thing from this planet."
Lecture on SB 7.5.31 - Mauritius, October 4, 1975:
Srila Prabhupāda - "That is stated in the Brahma-saṁhitā, that yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭiṣv aśeṣa-vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnaṁ (Bs. 5.40). Yasya prabhā.
The Lord's effulgence is Brahman effulgence. Within that Brahman effulgence there are innumerable universes, jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi. Jagad-aṇḍa means this brahmāṇḍa.
Aṇḍa. It is round; it is not flat. Aṇḍa, just like egg. Koṭi. Koṭi means innumerable. And in each universe... Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi koṭiṣv aṣeṣa-vasudhādi (Bs. 5.40).
In each brahmāṇḍa there are unlimited number of planets and stars, aśeṣa-vasudha. And vibhūti-bhinnam. And each planet is differently situated. Each planet has got specific atmosphere, specific arrangement. Just like the sun globe.
The sun globe is fiery. The moon, moon planet, it is very pleasing. There is also fire, but it is surrounded by cold atmosphere; therefore it is very pleasing."
Lecture on SB 7.6.20-23 - Washington D.C., July 3, 1976:
Srila Prabhupāda - "The expansion of the Absolute Truth how it is working, so Kṛṣṇa summarized before Arjuna that this material world, material world... Ekāṁśena sthito jagat, this material world.
What is that material world?
This material world, we see only one universe to our vision. Similarly, there are millions of universes. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jadad-aṇḍa koṭi (Bs. 5.40). Jagad-aṇḍa means one universe.
And in each universe, koṭiṣu aśeṣa. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭisv aśeṣu vibhūti-bhinnam (Bs. 5.40).
There are millions of planets and each planet is different from here. That is God's creation. So all this together, ekāṁśena sthito jagat, this material world is one-fourth part exhibition of God's creation.
And three-fourths' part is in the Vaikuṇṭhaloka, spiritual world. So by speculation, by our research, it is impossible, but we can get a glimpse of knowledge of the Absolute Truth when we receive it through the Absolute Truth, Kṛṣṇa. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement."
Lecture on SB 7.9.30 - Mayapur, March 8, 1976:
Srila Prabhupāda - "It is also stated in the Brahma-saṁhitā, yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi (Bs. 5.40). In the effulgence of Brahman... The example is also there. It is not very difficult. Just like in the sunshine is the effulgence, shine. Sun is there, and the shining is there, but within the shining there are innumerable planets.
In the daytime we cannot see, but at night we can see where from these stars and planets coming. They are already there. In the sunshine, due to the bright sunshine, we cannot see them, but they are existing. As our planet is existing within the sunshine, so similarly, there are millions of planets.
They are also existing. Yasya... Similarly... Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi (Bs. 5.40). This is only universe, but these each universe, millions of universes, they are existing within the Brahman effulgence, brahmajyoti, both spiritual and material. Everything is there."
Lecture on SB 7.9.31 - Mayapur, March 9, 1976:
Srila Prabhupāda - "By expansion, svāṁśa. From Kṛṣṇa the expansion is Balarāma; from Balarāma the expansion is Saṅkarṣaṇa, then Aniruddha, Pradyumna, like that, then Nārāyaṇa, then again Saṅkarṣaṇa, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, dvitīya-catur-vyūha. From this Saṅkarṣaṇa, Mahā-Viṣṇu.
Therefore Mahā-Viṣṇu is described, kalā-viśeṣaḥ. Yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya jīvanti loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ, sa iha yasya kalā-viśeṣo (Bs. 5.48).
This Mahā-Viṣṇu, from whom, by His breathing only, millions and trillions of universes are coming, and each universe there is a Brahmā, jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ.
Just like in this universe there is one Brahmā. He creates again so many demigods, animals, human beings in each universe. Again we create so many also. Each of us, although we are very insignificant, still in the history we find one man begets hundreds of children."
Lecture on SB 7.9.33 - Mayapur, March 11, 1976:
Srila Prabhupāda - "So emanation and the original fact-vapur idam. Idaṁ hi viśvaṁ bhagavān ivetaraḥ: "This viśvam, this universe, is Bhagavān in one sense." Just like this my finger, so that is also my body.
Although it is named "finger," but it is my body. Or even a piece of hair, that is also my body, although it is differently named, "hair."
So similarly, when you understand that every particle of this material world is also the body of the Supreme Lord, that is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Aṇḍāntarasthaṁ paramāṇu-cayāntara-stham. Eko 'py asau racayituṁ jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi.
So there are millions and trillions black universes, and each atom of each universe is Kṛṣṇa. That we have to understand. That is being explained here."
Lecture on SB 7.9.49 - Vrndavana, April 4, 1976:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Just like in the Brahma-saṁhitā: yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya jīvanti loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ (Bs. 5.48). Loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ. So this jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ, mean Brahmā... Jagad-aṇḍa. Āṇḍa means egglike, egg-shaped, this Brahmāṇḍa or this universe.
And there are jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ, plural number. So in each universe there is a chief living entity. He is called Brahmā because Brahmā is created first.
So that Brahmā, there are millions of universes, and there are millions of Brahmās and millions of Śiva and other demigods. Each Brahmā is full with all different types of living entities. But such Brahmās, where they are being born?
Not only Brahmā, the brahmāṇḍa. Yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya jīvanti. Niśvasita-kāla. Just like we exhale and inhale. A minute... Or not minute even. A second.
Within a second we exhale and inhale so many times. So similarly, Viṣṇu, Mahā-Viṣṇu, He is also exhaling and inhaling. But during that period so many brahmāṇḍas are coming and so many brahmāṇḍas disappear."
Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Lectures.
Lecture on CC Adi-lila 1.7 - Mayapur, March 31, 1975:
Srila Prabhupāda - "In the beginning, they are coming out of the breathing of Kāraṇa-toya-śāyī Viṣṇu, and then gradually they are developed bṛhannatvāt, bṛhatvāt. It increases gradually. That Kāraṇa-toya-śāyī Viṣṇu is also Saṅkarṣaṇa. And then Garbhodakaśāyī. The universes are created.
Then, when they develop, then same Viṣṇu, Mahā-Viṣṇu, enters into each universe, and He creates an ocean. That is called Garbhoda Ocean. And He lies down there on Śeṣa-Nāga, And then, from the navel, the lotus flower sprouts, and then Lord Brahmā is created.
Then, after many years tapasya, tapo, he understands how to create. In this way the whole creation of universes takes place. Garbhodakaśāyī. And after creation of this universe, then same Viṣṇu, Garbhodakaśāyī, within this universe He creates His own Vaikuṇṭha where there is an ocean of milk. There are different kinds of oceans, we learn from śāstra."
Lecture on CC Adi-lila 1.7 - Mayapur, March 31, 1975:
Srila Prabhupāda - "So the Mahā-Viṣṇu, first of all He enters in each universe as Garbhodakaśāyī. Then, within the universe, He creates His Vaikuṇṭha and lies down there—Kṣīrodakaśāyī. This Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu is approached by the demigods when there is need of maintenance or for subsiding the disturbance by the demons.
Then Brahmā, Lord Śiva and others, they go on the beach of this milk ocean and submit their appeal.
Then the answer is given to Brahmā, and he informs to other demigods. This is the process. You'll find this later on. So payobdhi-śāyī and śeṣaś ca, Sesa, that is also incarnation of Viṣṇu.
He is sustaining the body of Viṣṇu in different oceans, and He is serving the Lord Viṣṇu in so many ways. Śayyā, āsana, sitting place, bed, and upavīta, and clothes, garments—so many ways He is serving."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Garbhodakaśāyī means this, within the womb or bottom of this universe, there is a ocean, big ocean, and in that ocean the plenary portion of Kāraṇodakaśāyī Viṣṇu enters.
This is explained in the Bhagavad-gītā, viṣṭabhya aham idaṁ kṛtsnam ekāṁśena sthito jagat (BG 10.42). By one portion, the Garbho..., er, Kāraṇodakaśāyī Viṣṇu (Maha-Visnu) enters each universe, and within that universe He creates a ocean by His perspiration.
Now, there are so many questions: "How these oceans are created?" The scientist says that it is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen gas. So wherefrom this gas came? The answer is here.
Of course, from the gas, water comes out. If you cover one boiling pot, the gas, the vapor coming... And you will find spots of water. So from the gas, the water comes, and from the water, gas comes. This is nature's way. But the original water came from the perspiration of this Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu."
Lecture on CC Adi-lila 7.8 - Vrndavana, March 15, 1974:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Just like the sun is rotating within the orbit. Now it is, say, eight o'clock at night. But at this time, there is six o'clock, seven o'clock, nine o'clock, ten o'clock—everything is there.
Similarly, every moment, Kṛṣṇa's līlā is going in some of the universes. There are innumerable universes. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi (Bs. 5.40). So in each universe, Kṛṣṇa-līlā is going on. And in rotation, after some lakhs of years, again Kṛṣṇa comes on this planet.
This is... Therefore Kṛṣṇa's līlā is nitya-līlā. So just to attract us, that "You are fond of dancing. Why don't you come back to Me and dance with Me?" this is Kṛṣṇa's business.
"Why you are rotting in this rotting dance? You want association. You want sporting. Why don't you come to Me and take part in My sporting with the cowherds boys?" This is invitation of Kṛṣṇa."
Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.146-151 - New York, December 3, 1966:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Now, Lord Caitanya says, Vaikuṇṭha. Just like this universe is a jagad-aṇḍa, is a big round ball, aṇḍa. Aṇḍa means egglike, just like egg is round.
Therefore it is called brahmāṇḍa. It is a round spherical ball.
Every planet is round, and the universe is also round, and the Vaikuṇṭhas are also round, all round. Vaikuṇṭha, brahmāṇḍa-gaṇa-śakti-kārya haya.
So all these universes, the universe which we experience... There are innumerable universes that we cannot see.
We can see only one universe, and in one universe there are innumerable planets. Similarly, there are innumerable universes, and in each universe there are innumerable planets. This information we get from Brahma-saṁhitā."
Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.172 - New York, December 14, 1966:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Saṅkarṣaṇa and in incarnation... Saṅkarṣaṇa, from Saṅkarṣaṇa, there are three expansions. They are called Viṣṇu-Mahā-Viṣṇu, Mahā-Viṣṇu, Garbhodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu, and Kṣirodakaśāyī Viṣṇu—from Saṅkarṣaṇa. Mahā-Viṣṇu.
When the material world is created, the Mahā-Viṣṇu expansion is there. From Mahā-Viṣṇu, all these universes are generated.
This Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu enters into each universe, and then, in each universe, from Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu, Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu is expanded. That Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu has a planet within this universe near the polestar.
And from that Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu, the expansion, Paramātmā, is distributed in everyone's heart. Īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ hṛd-deśe arjuna tiṣṭhati (BG 18.61)."
Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.172 - New York, December 14, 1966:
Srila Prabhupāda - One Viṣṇu-mūrti is the Mahā-Viṣṇu. Yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya jīvanti loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ (Bs. 5.48). From Maha-Viṣṇu, all these universes are being generated, niśyaika-kāla..., when He, Mahā-Viṣṇu, is lying in the Causal Ocean, and from His breathing all these universes are being generated.
Then they expand, and then Mahā-Viṣṇu enters in each universe as Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu. And Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu... These pictures are there. You have seen. And from Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu...
From Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu there is expansion of Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu. From Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu the Paramātmā, or the expansion of Supersoul in every living entity, that is expanded. Then His incarnation.
The incarnation, that is also innumerable. Principally the incarnations are avatāra haya kṛṣṇa ṣaḍ-vidha prakāra."
Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.245-255 - New York, December 16, 1966:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Mahā-Viṣṇu puruṣāvatāra, Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu puruṣāvatāra and Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu puruṣāvatāra. They are called puruṣāvatāra. Ekaṁ tu mahataḥ sraṣṭṛ:
"And the first puruṣāvatāra, who is called Mahā-Viṣṇu, He creates the material ingredients, which is called mahat-tattva."
Everything requires ingredients. So the, I mean to say, original ingredients, the, what is called, subtle ingredients, they were created first by this Mahā-Viṣṇu. Then, from those ingredients, universes were produced.
And each universe, ekaṁ tu mahataḥ dvitīyaṁ tv aṇḍa-saṁsthitam. The first puruṣāvatāra, Mahā-Viṣṇu, creates the ingredients, and the second Mahā-Viṣṇu enters in each and every universe. He is called dvitīya.
And tṛtīyaṁ sarva-bhūta-stham: "And the third, He enters into the body of all living entities, Paramātmā, or the Supersoul." This is the division of three first incarnation."
Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.281-293 - New York, December 18, 1966:
Srila Prabhupāda - "The same Viṣṇu, Mahā-Viṣṇu, expanded Himself in millions other forms.praveśa kariyā dekhe, saba-andhakārarahite nāhika sthāna, karilā vicāra
"When He entered in each universe, it was all dark. So He began to think."
nijāṅga-sveda-jale brahmāṇḍārdha bharilasei jale śeṣa-śayyāya śayana karila
Now, in each brahmāṇḍa... This universe, what we are seeing, it is only half. Half is full with water. And where is that water, we cannot see. But there is water.
Just like a ball, and half the ball, inside, is filled with water. So and where from this water came?
Viṣṇu, the Viṣṇu which entered each universe, from His perspiration He created this water. And He laid down on the water.
This is called Śeṣaśāyī Viṣṇu or Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu. Tāṅra nābhi-padma haite uṭhila eka padma: "And then He created one lotus flower from His navel."
You have seen that picture in the title page, title cover. Nābhi-padma. Sei padme ha-ila brahmāra janma-sadma: "And from that lotus flower, on that lotus flower, the Brahmā, the first created being, was manifested."
Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 21.49-61 - New York, January 5, 1967:
Srila Prabhupāda - "There are innumerable universes, and each universe contains one Brahmā, one Śiva, one sun, one moon, one Indra, like that, officers just like.
So there are innumerable universes, so innumerable Brahmā, innumerable Rudra, innumerable suns, innumerable moons, everything innumerable.
But each brahmāṇḍa contains one each. So how it happens? It is explained in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. So Lord Caitanya is reciting that story.
eka-dina dvārakāte kṛṣṇa dekhibārebrahmā āilā—dvāra-pāla jānāila kṛṣṇere
One day, when Kṛṣṇa was king at Dvārakā, with sixteen thousand queens, so one day Brahmā of this universe came to see Him. Brahmā āilā—dvāra-pāla jānāila kṛṣṇere. And as... The same etiquette was there also. This is also coming by paramparā."
Lecture on Brahma-samhita, Verse 35 - New York, July 31, 1971:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Eko 'py asau, that Govinda by His one expansion of plenary portion, eko 'py asau, that expansion is meant for creating this material world. Eko 'py asau racayituṁ jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi.
Not one universe, but billions of universes. As you see within this universe, there are millions and trillions of planets.
Similarly, there are millions and trillions of universes. Jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi. So in each universe, Govinda enters, then it becomes developed.
Just like the matter created by the male and female, the jīva soul enters and then the body develops. Similarly, this material... Matter has no power of developing. Govinda enters into the matter, and therefore the universe develops. It is very easy to understand."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ. In each universe there is a chief man, just like Lord Brahmā. Just like in your country the chief man is the president, Mr. Nixon, similarly, in this universe the chief man is Lord Brahmā.
And in the Bhagavad-gītā you'll find, Brahmā's age you cannot calculate even one day. He's living so long a duration of life. But he's not independent. Yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya (Bs. 5.48).
His life, his duration life, although so long, still, it is said that that life is only a breathing period of Lord Mahā-Viṣṇu. Niśvasita-kālam.
Just like we are breathing, exhaling and inhaling, coming out and again taking. So when Mahā-Viṣṇu exhales, all the universes coming, and when He inhales, it goes again within. And the duration of Brahma's life you can calculate."
Pandal Lecture - Delhi, November 20, 1971:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Now, He is the enjoyer of all sacrifices. Now, try to understand that in this material world, there are millions and trillions of universes, andeach universe there are millions and trillions of planets.
And each planet, there are millions and trillions of living entities. Now if not all, some of them are offering sacrifices, at least the sober section, in all the universes, and Kṛṣṇa is enjoying. Bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ.
Just imagine how much He is eating. And similarly, He is the proprietor. He says that sarva-loka-maheśvaram (BG 5.29), "I am the proprietor of all the planets," sarva-loka. Not only in this universe, but also there are millions and trillions of universes.
If we have to accept the verdict of the śāstra, the Brahma-saṁhitā says yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭiṣv aśeṣa-vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam (Bs. 5.40).
In each universe, there are ananta, unlimited number of planets. So Kṛṣṇa claims that sarva-loka-maheśvaram, "I am the proprietor of all the planets." Then who can compare his riches with Kṛṣṇa?"
Room Conversation with David Wynne, Sculptor- July 9, 1973, London:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, to glorify God means the glorify the nature also. Just like here is a poem in Brahma-saṁ...
yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭisv aśeṣa-vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnamtad brahma niṣkalam anantam aśeṣa-bhūtaṁgovindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi(Bs. 5.40)
Now, the whole creation is there. Yasya prabhā prabhavataḥ (Bs. 5.40). On account of the bodily rays of Kṛṣṇa, Govinda, which is called brahmajyoti... Just like on account of the sunshine, the whole universe is existing.
So similarly, there is a shine, bodily shining, what is called brahmajyoti. So when the brahmajyoti is there, then innumerable universes are created. Yasya prabhā prabhavataḥ (Bs. 5.40).
When the effulgence, brahmajyoti, is there, innumerable universes are created. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi. Jagad-aṇḍa means universe. Koṭi, innumerable. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭisv aśeṣa-vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam (Bs. 5.40).
And in each universe is created with innumerable number of planets. And each planet has got different atmosphere. Now the whole universe is described. Govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi. Yasya prabhā. The beginning: "Whose effulgence has created."
That means simultaneously you praise His creation; at the same time, you get the universal knowledge how many universes are there, how they are situated, what is the atmosphere, everything. You get a glimpse of idea at the same time. Govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi. This is the way."
Morning Walk - March 18, 1974, Vrndavana:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, bright, brightness. (heavy wind noise) (break)"
Devotee - "That stars?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "Stars? They are planets like this planet. Like moon planet, the moon planet. Nakṣatrāṇām ahaṁ śaśī. The stars, they are so many moons, not suns. They say "sun." And we say, "No, it is moon." Sun is only one. In each universe there is one sun, but there are many planets like moons."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Reflections."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Reflection, we get it from Bhagavad-gītā. Nakṣatrāṇām ahaṁ śaśī. (heavy wind noise) (break) ...due to the sun, reflect."
Guru dāsa - "Why does the moon reflect? They say the moon is sandy, but this sand here is not reflecting."
Srila Prabhupāda - "That... They are not going to the moon planet. They are going to some other planet, Rahu planet."
Morning Walk - April 10, 1974, Bombay:
Girirāja - "Right now Kṛṣṇa is in so many different universes."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes."
Girirāja - "And He is having the same pastimes."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes."
Girirāja - "And in each universe there is an Arjuna."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Everything."
Girirāja - "Everything. So is it the same living soul, Arjuna, in each universe, or a different living being may be taking that position?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "Take it for granted, different. What is the wrong there? After all, everyone is Kṛṣṇa's expansion. Ānanda cinmāyā-rasa-pratibhāvitābhiḥ (Bs. 5.37). We are also expansion. (aside:) Hare Kṛṣṇa. But still, we have got individuality.
Kṛṣṇa proved it—I explained that in Vṛndāvana when everything was stolen by Brahmā. Again another batch of cows and calves and cowherds boys. (aside:) Hare Kṛṣṇa. Immediately. What is the difficulty for Kṛṣṇa? Is it clear or not? You wanted to clarify. Is it clear or not?''
Room Conversation with Prof. Regamay, Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Lausanne - June 4, 1974, Geneva:
Yogeśvara - "Yasya prabhā prabhavataḥ (Bs. 5.40)."
Srila Prabhupāda - "No, that is another. Yasya niśvasita-kālam avalambya. Mahā-Viṣṇu is breathing. So taking advantage of that breathing, innumerable universes are generating.
And each universe, there is a superintending deity who is called Brahmā. Yasya hi niśvasita-kālam. Kālam atha avalambya jīvanti loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ.
Many hundreds and millions of Brahmās there are. They live, only taking advantage of the breathing period of Mahā-Viṣṇu. (break) Mahā-Viṣṇu is sub-plenary portion.
First Kṛṣṇa, then Balarāma, then Saṅkarṣaṇa, Pradyumna,
And in the Bhagavad-gītā you'll find, Brahmā's age you cannot calculate even one day. He's living so long a duration of life. But he's not independent. Yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya (Bs. 5.48).
His life, his duration life, although so long, still, it is said that that life is only a breathing period of Lord Mahā-Viṣṇu. Niśvasita-kālam.
Just like we are breathing, exhaling and inhaling, coming out and again taking. So when Mahā-Viṣṇu exhales, all the universes coming, and when He inhales, it goes again within. And the duration of Brahma's life you can calculate."
Pandal Lecture - Delhi, November 20, 1971:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Now, He is the enjoyer of all sacrifices. Now, try to understand that in this material world, there are millions and trillions of universes, andeach universe there are millions and trillions of planets.
And each planet, there are millions and trillions of living entities. Now if not all, some of them are offering sacrifices, at least the sober section, in all the universes, and Kṛṣṇa is enjoying. Bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ.
Just imagine how much He is eating. And similarly, He is the proprietor. He says that sarva-loka-maheśvaram (BG 5.29), "I am the proprietor of all the planets," sarva-loka. Not only in this universe, but also there are millions and trillions of universes.
If we have to accept the verdict of the śāstra, the Brahma-saṁhitā says yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭiṣv aśeṣa-vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam (Bs. 5.40).
In each universe, there are ananta, unlimited number of planets. So Kṛṣṇa claims that sarva-loka-maheśvaram, "I am the proprietor of all the planets." Then who can compare his riches with Kṛṣṇa?"
Room Conversation with David Wynne, Sculptor- July 9, 1973, London:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, to glorify God means the glorify the nature also. Just like here is a poem in Brahma-saṁ...
yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭisv aśeṣa-vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnamtad brahma niṣkalam anantam aśeṣa-bhūtaṁgovindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi(Bs. 5.40)
Now, the whole creation is there. Yasya prabhā prabhavataḥ (Bs. 5.40). On account of the bodily rays of Kṛṣṇa, Govinda, which is called brahmajyoti... Just like on account of the sunshine, the whole universe is existing.
So similarly, there is a shine, bodily shining, what is called brahmajyoti. So when the brahmajyoti is there, then innumerable universes are created. Yasya prabhā prabhavataḥ (Bs. 5.40).
When the effulgence, brahmajyoti, is there, innumerable universes are created. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi. Jagad-aṇḍa means universe. Koṭi, innumerable. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-koṭisv aśeṣa-vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam (Bs. 5.40).
And in each universe is created with innumerable number of planets. And each planet has got different atmosphere. Now the whole universe is described. Govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi. Yasya prabhā. The beginning: "Whose effulgence has created."
That means simultaneously you praise His creation; at the same time, you get the universal knowledge how many universes are there, how they are situated, what is the atmosphere, everything. You get a glimpse of idea at the same time. Govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi. This is the way."
Morning Walk - March 18, 1974, Vrndavana:
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, bright, brightness. (heavy wind noise) (break)"
Devotee - "That stars?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "Stars? They are planets like this planet. Like moon planet, the moon planet. Nakṣatrāṇām ahaṁ śaśī. The stars, they are so many moons, not suns. They say "sun." And we say, "No, it is moon." Sun is only one. In each universe there is one sun, but there are many planets like moons."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Reflections."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Reflection, we get it from Bhagavad-gītā. Nakṣatrāṇām ahaṁ śaśī. (heavy wind noise) (break) ...due to the sun, reflect."
Guru dāsa - "Why does the moon reflect? They say the moon is sandy, but this sand here is not reflecting."
Srila Prabhupāda - "That... They are not going to the moon planet. They are going to some other planet, Rahu planet."
Morning Walk - April 10, 1974, Bombay:
Girirāja - "Right now Kṛṣṇa is in so many different universes."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes."
Girirāja - "And He is having the same pastimes."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes."
Girirāja - "And in each universe there is an Arjuna."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Everything."
Girirāja - "Everything. So is it the same living soul, Arjuna, in each universe, or a different living being may be taking that position?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "Take it for granted, different. What is the wrong there? After all, everyone is Kṛṣṇa's expansion. Ānanda cinmāyā-rasa-pratibhāvitābhiḥ (Bs. 5.37). We are also expansion. (aside:) Hare Kṛṣṇa. But still, we have got individuality.
Kṛṣṇa proved it—I explained that in Vṛndāvana when everything was stolen by Brahmā. Again another batch of cows and calves and cowherds boys. (aside:) Hare Kṛṣṇa. Immediately. What is the difficulty for Kṛṣṇa? Is it clear or not? You wanted to clarify. Is it clear or not?''
Room Conversation with Prof. Regamay, Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Lausanne - June 4, 1974, Geneva:
Yogeśvara - "Yasya prabhā prabhavataḥ (Bs. 5.40)."
Srila Prabhupāda - "No, that is another. Yasya niśvasita-kālam avalambya. Mahā-Viṣṇu is breathing. So taking advantage of that breathing, innumerable universes are generating.
And each universe, there is a superintending deity who is called Brahmā. Yasya hi niśvasita-kālam. Kālam atha avalambya jīvanti loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ.
Many hundreds and millions of Brahmās there are. They live, only taking advantage of the breathing period of Mahā-Viṣṇu. (break) Mahā-Viṣṇu is sub-plenary portion.
First Kṛṣṇa, then Balarāma, then Saṅkarṣaṇa, Pradyumna,
Aniruddha,
Vāsudeva.
Then, from Saṅkarṣaṇa, Nārāyaṇa. Then, from Nārāyaṇa, again catur-vyūha, second Saṅkarṣaṇa, Vāsudeva, Aniruddha.
1 - And from the second Saṅkarṣaṇa is Mahā-Viṣṇu.
2 - And from Kāraṇodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu (Maha Visnu), comes
Garbhodakashayi Visnu.
3 - And from Garbhodakashayi Visnu is Kṣīrodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu is in each universe. He is the Supersoul.
And when any incarnation comes within this world, He comes through Kṣīrodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu. In that way, Kṛṣṇa comes through Kṣīrodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu. But this Kṣīrodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu is the expansion of the expansion of Kṛṣṇa."
Morning Walk - April 3, 1975, Mayapur:
Paramahaṁsa - "The soul, living entity."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Because the soul is there. Similarly, the Supersoul is there, and He's arranging everything. The volcano's eruption does not take automatically. When it is desired by Kṛṣṇa, then it takes place. Mayādhyakṣeṇa (BG 9.10). Why don't you read Bhagavad-gītā. "Under My superintendence."
When He knows that "Now this eruption is required," immediately there is... Parāsya śaktir vividhaiva śrūyate (Cc. Madhya 13.65, purport). He has got so many potencies. One potency works. That's all. Because the living soul is there, therefore the seminal discharge takes place.
Similarly, because the supreme living is there, therefore all these things are happening. Where is the difficulty to understand? Kṛṣṇa says, viṣṭabhyāham idaṁ kṛtsnam ekāṁśena sthito jagat: (BG 10.42)
"The whole worldly affair is going on because I am there." Viṣṭabhya: "I have entered into it." Don't you read in the Bhagavad-gītā? Then?
And we are reading that portion, how Karanavasayi Viṣṇu enters in the each universe. He's... Then He expands Himself as Kśīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu. We are explaining that. Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā, viṣṭabhya. Viṣṭabhya means entering."
Morning Walk - July 24, 1975, Los Angeles:
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "So he's saying that they have seen beyond that."
Srila Prabhupāda - "How they can see?''
Paramahaṁsa - "That was my question."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Prabhupāda says how can they see?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "No, they take all these stars as sun. But that is not fact. Sun is one. In each universe there is one sun in the middle. In this universe in the middle, from the circumference, 200,000,000,000's, no, two billion."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Two billion."
Srila Prabhupāda - "And above the sun there is moon. Then Mars, then Venus, like that. 1,600,000 miles above, above, above."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "So the moon is further away than the sun."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, therefore I say they have never gone to moon. Never gone."
Morning Walk - June 7, 1976, Los Angeles:
Rāmeśvara - "In the Fifth Canto, you've quoted from Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura that the most sacred place in the whole universe is Śrī Māyāpura-dhāma."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes."
Rāmeśvara - "In all the universe."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "In each universe there is a Vṛndāvana and a Māyāpura. That means in each universe there's a planet earth like this planet?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, there are so many planets. Each universe full of planets. Koṭiṣu vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam. There are millions of universes, and in each universe there are millions of planets. Koṭiṣu vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam."
Morning Conversation - April 30, 1977, Bombay:
Srila Prabhupāda - "And millions of Vaikuṇṭhalokas, planets, and the topmost planet is Goloka Vṛndāvana. This is the spiritual nature. This is material, within this universe, and that is spiritual. Paras tasmāt tu bhāvaḥ anyaḥ: (BG 8.20) "another nature, which is indestructible." This is the whole situation.
Now, how you show it, that you think over. This is only fragmental part of material creation. And each universe is floating in the..., like a football.
Football floats in the water. It is like that. And each universe, half filled up with water, Garbhodakaśāyī. And the planetary system is hanging on that half filled-up water."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Above it."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Hm. And if it is dropped, it falls in the ocean, as once it was. Varāha-mūrti saved."
Morning Conversation - April 30, 1977, Bombay:
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Earth, planet earth, fell down."
Srila Prabhupāda - "This is like that. So you have to, as far as possible... If you can you have to demonstrate, "This is planetary system." So at least we shall show what is going on within this universe.
And each universe is covered with seven material elements (the surrounding Brahmanda). Each covering is ten times more than the other covering, earth, water, air, fire. A wonderful creation. And how it will be shown?
So I have decided, therefore, that let us show something about this planetary, er, this universe. And others, we give idea. How it will be done, you think over as far as possible. (laughs)
It is not these rascals' calculation, that every planet is rock and sand, and God had no business to create so many planets of rocks and sands to be discovered scientifically by these rascals' attaining them.
Just see the fun, how far the godless men can dare to speak and think. How great rascals they are! Simply to deny the existence of God, that's all. That is their business. And the creation has no brain, asatyam. Anīśvaram: "There is no God. It is all false." Jagad āhur anīśvaram (BG 16.8)."
Letter to Rupanuga - Los Angeles 20 December, 1968:
Srila Prabhupada - ''Regarding your question of the planetary systems, the planets are arranged in each universe in layers like the petals of a lotus. But in each layer there is mixed both heavenly, hellish and middle planets.
On the outside layer there are these three kinds of planets, on the middle layers there are the three kinds of planets and on the inner-most layer there are found these three kinds of planets.
Above these layers, in the center, is the Brahmaloka where Lord Brahma, the creator is residing.
So the earth planet and the moon planet are both on the same layer but the earth is middle planet and the moon is heavenly planet."
Letter to Rupanuga - Hawaii 14 March, 1969:
Srila Prabhupada - "How can I explain how the light and heat from the single sun in this universe is able to reach so far? Is it a question of the receptivity of different planets?" We can see one sun only.
So it is simply speculation whether there is one or more suns. But we get from authority of Sastra that there is one sun, in each universe, and the stars and moon reflects the light of this sun.
There is one sun in the daytime, and it illuminates so nicely that all darkness is gone. But at night, you may argue, if these stars are so many suns, then why the darkness is still there?"
Letter to Mohanananda - Delhi 6 December, 1971:
Srila Prabhupada - "Regarding your question on the creation, Maha-visnu is lying in the causal ocean and while He is breathing the universes are coming out like small seeds. And when they come into contact with the causal ocean they develop.
Then the same Maha-visnu enters into each universe and again he lies down in the Garbha Ocean within each universe. From this Garbha ocean lying down, a lotus stem grows from His navel and Lord Brahma is born.
Brahma creates all other things. Lord Siva is born from Brahma and He is reserved for dissolving everything. These things are all described in the 2nd Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam."
2 - And from Kāraṇodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu (Maha Visnu), comes
Garbhodakashayi Visnu.
3 - And from Garbhodakashayi Visnu is Kṣīrodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu is in each universe. He is the Supersoul.
And when any incarnation comes within this world, He comes through Kṣīrodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu. In that way, Kṛṣṇa comes through Kṣīrodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu. But this Kṣīrodakaśāyī-Viṣṇu is the expansion of the expansion of Kṛṣṇa."
Morning Walk - April 3, 1975, Mayapur:
Paramahaṁsa - "The soul, living entity."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Because the soul is there. Similarly, the Supersoul is there, and He's arranging everything. The volcano's eruption does not take automatically. When it is desired by Kṛṣṇa, then it takes place. Mayādhyakṣeṇa (BG 9.10). Why don't you read Bhagavad-gītā. "Under My superintendence."
When He knows that "Now this eruption is required," immediately there is... Parāsya śaktir vividhaiva śrūyate (Cc. Madhya 13.65, purport). He has got so many potencies. One potency works. That's all. Because the living soul is there, therefore the seminal discharge takes place.
Similarly, because the supreme living is there, therefore all these things are happening. Where is the difficulty to understand? Kṛṣṇa says, viṣṭabhyāham idaṁ kṛtsnam ekāṁśena sthito jagat: (BG 10.42)
"The whole worldly affair is going on because I am there." Viṣṭabhya: "I have entered into it." Don't you read in the Bhagavad-gītā? Then?
And we are reading that portion, how Karanavasayi Viṣṇu enters in the each universe. He's... Then He expands Himself as Kśīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu. We are explaining that. Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā, viṣṭabhya. Viṣṭabhya means entering."
Morning Walk - July 24, 1975, Los Angeles:
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "So he's saying that they have seen beyond that."
Srila Prabhupāda - "How they can see?''
Paramahaṁsa - "That was my question."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Prabhupāda says how can they see?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "No, they take all these stars as sun. But that is not fact. Sun is one. In each universe there is one sun in the middle. In this universe in the middle, from the circumference, 200,000,000,000's, no, two billion."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Two billion."
Srila Prabhupāda - "And above the sun there is moon. Then Mars, then Venus, like that. 1,600,000 miles above, above, above."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "So the moon is further away than the sun."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, therefore I say they have never gone to moon. Never gone."
Morning Walk - June 7, 1976, Los Angeles:
Rāmeśvara - "In the Fifth Canto, you've quoted from Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura that the most sacred place in the whole universe is Śrī Māyāpura-dhāma."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes."
Rāmeśvara - "In all the universe."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "In each universe there is a Vṛndāvana and a Māyāpura. That means in each universe there's a planet earth like this planet?"
Srila Prabhupāda - "Yes, there are so many planets. Each universe full of planets. Koṭiṣu vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam. There are millions of universes, and in each universe there are millions of planets. Koṭiṣu vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam."
Morning Conversation - April 30, 1977, Bombay:
Srila Prabhupāda - "And millions of Vaikuṇṭhalokas, planets, and the topmost planet is Goloka Vṛndāvana. This is the spiritual nature. This is material, within this universe, and that is spiritual. Paras tasmāt tu bhāvaḥ anyaḥ: (BG 8.20) "another nature, which is indestructible." This is the whole situation.
Now, how you show it, that you think over. This is only fragmental part of material creation. And each universe is floating in the..., like a football.
Football floats in the water. It is like that. And each universe, half filled up with water, Garbhodakaśāyī. And the planetary system is hanging on that half filled-up water."
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Above it."
Srila Prabhupāda - "Hm. And if it is dropped, it falls in the ocean, as once it was. Varāha-mūrti saved."
Morning Conversation - April 30, 1977, Bombay:
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa - "Earth, planet earth, fell down."
Srila Prabhupāda - "This is like that. So you have to, as far as possible... If you can you have to demonstrate, "This is planetary system." So at least we shall show what is going on within this universe.
And each universe is covered with seven material elements (the surrounding Brahmanda). Each covering is ten times more than the other covering, earth, water, air, fire. A wonderful creation. And how it will be shown?
So I have decided, therefore, that let us show something about this planetary, er, this universe. And others, we give idea. How it will be done, you think over as far as possible. (laughs)
It is not these rascals' calculation, that every planet is rock and sand, and God had no business to create so many planets of rocks and sands to be discovered scientifically by these rascals' attaining them.
Just see the fun, how far the godless men can dare to speak and think. How great rascals they are! Simply to deny the existence of God, that's all. That is their business. And the creation has no brain, asatyam. Anīśvaram: "There is no God. It is all false." Jagad āhur anīśvaram (BG 16.8)."
Letter to Rupanuga - Los Angeles 20 December, 1968:
Srila Prabhupada - ''Regarding your question of the planetary systems, the planets are arranged in each universe in layers like the petals of a lotus. But in each layer there is mixed both heavenly, hellish and middle planets.
On the outside layer there are these three kinds of planets, on the middle layers there are the three kinds of planets and on the inner-most layer there are found these three kinds of planets.
Above these layers, in the center, is the Brahmaloka where Lord Brahma, the creator is residing.
So the earth planet and the moon planet are both on the same layer but the earth is middle planet and the moon is heavenly planet."
Letter to Rupanuga - Hawaii 14 March, 1969:
Srila Prabhupada - "How can I explain how the light and heat from the single sun in this universe is able to reach so far? Is it a question of the receptivity of different planets?" We can see one sun only.
So it is simply speculation whether there is one or more suns. But we get from authority of Sastra that there is one sun, in each universe, and the stars and moon reflects the light of this sun.
There is one sun in the daytime, and it illuminates so nicely that all darkness is gone. But at night, you may argue, if these stars are so many suns, then why the darkness is still there?"
Letter to Mohanananda - Delhi 6 December, 1971:
Srila Prabhupada - "Regarding your question on the creation, Maha-visnu is lying in the causal ocean and while He is breathing the universes are coming out like small seeds. And when they come into contact with the causal ocean they develop.
Then the same Maha-visnu enters into each universe and again he lies down in the Garbha Ocean within each universe. From this Garbha ocean lying down, a lotus stem grows from His navel and Lord Brahma is born.
Brahma creates all other things. Lord Siva is born from Brahma and He is reserved for dissolving everything. These things are all described in the 2nd Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam."
https://gauragopala.blogspot.com/2019/03/studying-structure-of-universe-srimad.html
ReplyDelete