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Chapter 13: Nature, the Enjoyer, and Consciousness

Bg 13.16
TEXT 16
bahir antas ca bhutanam
acaram caram eva ca
suksmatvat tad avijneyam
dura-stham cantike ca tat
SYNONYMS
bahih—outside; antah—inside; ca—also; bhutanam—of all living entities; acaram—not moving; caram—moving; eva—also; ca—and; suksmatvat—on account of being subtle; tat—that; avijneyam—unknowable; durastham—far away; ca antike—near also; ca—and; tat—that.
TRANSLATION
The Supreme Truth exists both internally and externally, in the moving and nonmoving. He is beyond the power of the material senses to see or to know. Although far, far away, He is also near to all.
PURPORT
In Vedic literature we understand that Narayana, the Supreme Person, is residing both outside and inside of every living entity. He is present both in the spiritual and material world. Although He is far, far away, still He is near to us. These are the statements of Vedic literature. Asino duram vrajati sayano yati sarvatah. And, because He is always engaged in transcendental bliss, we cannot understand how He is enjoying His full opulence. We cannot see or understand with these material senses. Therefore in the Vedic language it is said that to understand Him our material mind and senses cannot act. But one who has purified his mind and senses by practicing Krsna consciousness in devotional service can see Him constantly. It is confirmed in Brahma-samhita that the devotee who has developed love for the Supreme God can see Him always, without cessation. And it is confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (11.54) that He can be seen and understood only by devotional service. Bhaktya tvananyaya sakyah.

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Copyright (c) 1972 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada