5: The Three Aspects of the Absolute Truth
Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Brahman, Paramatma or Bhagavan. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.11)
Brahman
Brahman means spirit, the greatest, supreme, Krishna's all-pervading energy.
It is the oneness that underlies the variety of manifestations, the substance of existence.
- Saguna Brahman: Brahman with manifested qualities (material world).
- Nirguna Brahman: Without manifested qualities (spiritual world).
Paramatma (Supersoul)
A localised expansion of the Lord, expanded everywhere in every heart and atom of the material universe.
- He is one but appears divided, just as the sun shines on everyone.
- He knows all bodies, unlike the individual soul.
- His source and identity: Ksirodakasayi Vishnu
- He is sometimes detectable as conscience or the inner voice.
- He has all knowledge and is our best well-wishing friend.
Bhagavan
(= of opulence [bhaga] the owner [van])
- The personal and original aspect of the Absolute Truth.
- Bhagavan realisation includes Paramatma and Brahman realisation.
- Parasara Muni's definition: the Supreme Personality who possesses all six opulences in full.
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