Description of Autumn 143

rainy season. It is stated in the Bhagavad-gita that the material energy, or
nature, is not independent in its actions. Nature is acting under the super-
intendence of Krsna. It is also stated in the Brahma-samhita that material
nature, known as Durga, is acting as the shadow of Krsna. Whatever order
is sent from Krsna, material nature obeys. Therefore the natural beauty
created by the rainy season was acted out according to the indications of
Krsna. Soon all the water reservoirs became very clean and pleasing, and
refreshing air was blowing everywhere because of the appearance of
autumn. The sky was completely cleared of all clouds, and it recovered its
natural blue color. The blooming lotus flower in the clear water in the
forest appeared like a person who has fallen down from yoga practice but
again has become beautiful by resuming his spiritual life.

Everything becomes naturally beautiful with the appearance of the
autumn season. Similarly, when a materialistic person takes to Krsna
consciousness and spiritual life, he also becomes as clear as the sky and
water in autumn. The autumn season takes away the rolling of dark clouds
in the sky as well as the polluted water. Filthy conditions on the ground
also become cleansed. Similarly, a person who takes to Krsna consciousness
immediately becomes cleansed of all dirty things within and without.
Krsna is therefore known as Hari. “Hari”? means “he who takes away.”
Krsna immediately takes away all unclean habits from anyone who takes
to Krsna consciousness. The clouds of autumn are white, for they do not
carry any water. Similarly, a retired man, being freed from all responsi-
bility of family affairs (namely, maintaining the home, wife and children)
and taking completely to Krsna consciousness, becomes freed from all
anxieties and looks as white as clouds in autumn. Sometimes in autumn
the falls come down from the top of the hill to supply clean water, and
sometimes they stop. Similarly, sometimes great saintly persons distribute
clear knowledge, and sometimes they are silent. The small ponds which
were filled with water because of the rainy season, gradually dry up in
autumn. As for the tiny aquatics living in the reservoirs, they cannot under-
stand that their numbers are diminishing day by day, as the materially
engrossed persons cannot understand that their duration of life is being
reduced day by day. Such persons are engaged in maintaining cows, pro-
perty, children, wife, society and friendship. Due to the reduced water and
scorching heat frem the sun in the autumn season, the small creatures
living in small reservoirs of water are much disturbed; they are exactly like
uncontrolled persons who are always unhappy from being unable to enjoy
life or maintain their family members. The muddy earth gradually dries up,
and newly grown fresh vegetables begin to wither. Similarly, for one who
