Transfiguration: Matter into Spirit

(written January 25, 2019)

(References: BG 4.24, 5.10, 1.5.33)

“The absolute truth, covered by maya is called matter”. As living entities in this material nature, it is a need for us to do material activities in order to stay alive. However, these material activities performed for sense gratification, keep one stuck in the material nature, birth after birth. Thus the so called material enjoyment is a very bad bargain. In the Srimad Bhagavatam, it is explained how the material nature itself can be used to free oneself from the repeated cycle of birth and death. “For example, milk preparations sometimes cause disorder of the bowels, but the very same milk converted into curd and mixed with some other remedial ingredients cures such disorders.” Similarly, the best way to make the best use of a bad bargain is to use everything material in relation with the Supreme. Everything is an emanation from the Supreme Spirit, and by His inconceivable power He can convert spirit into matter and matter into spirit.

The secret to spiritual success is to employ the so-called matter in the service of the spirit. The material nature of a thing once put in the service of the Lord is changed into spirit. We can learn how to do this by taking the shelter of a bonafide spiritual master. He is the perfect example of one who does not reject material things, nor lord over it. Instead, he uses it in the service of Krishna. He is an expert in teaching us the alchemical ways of using everything in Krishna’s service.

One who has realized that Krishna is the Supreme Proprietor, and uses everything in the service of Krishna sees no sinful or binding reactions. By doing this one not only eradicates the ill effects caused by the material nature, but attains the biggest blessing of life which is no desire for sense gratification and attaining the love for Krsna.