Adi-lila, Chapter 3 215
always transcendental to such limitations. You sometimes cover such characteristics
by Your own energy, but nevertheless Your unalloyed devotees are always able to
see You under all circumstances.”

PURPORT

This verse is also quoted from the Stotra-ratna (13) of Yamunacarya. Everything
covered by the influence of mayd is within the limited boundaries of space, time
and thought. Even the greatest manifestation we can conceive, the sky, also has
limitations. From the authentic scriptures, however, it is evident that beyond the
sky is a covering of seven layers, each ten times thicker than the one preceding it.
The covering layers are vast, but with or without coverings, space is limited. Our
power to think about space and time is also limited. Time is eternal; we may imagine
billions and trillions of years, but that will still be an inadequate estimate of the
extent of time. Our imperfect senses, therefore, cannot think of the greatness of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, nor can we bring Him within the limitations
of time or our thinking power. His position is accordingly described by the word
ullahghita. He is transcendental to space, time and thought; although He appears
within them, He exists transcendentally. Even when the Lord’s transcendental
existence is disguised by space, time and thought, however, pure devotees of the
Supreme Lord can see Him in His personal features beyond space, time and thought.
In other words, even though the Lord is not visible to the eyes of ordinary men,
those who are beyond the covering layers because of their transcendental devotional
service can still see Him.

The sun may appear covered by a cloud, but actually it is the eyes of the tiny
people below the cloud that are covered, not the sun. If those tiny people rose
above the cloud inan airplane, they could then see the sunshine and the sun without
impediment. Similarly, although the covering of mdyd is very strong, Lord Krsna
says in Bhagavad-gita:

daivi hy esd gunamayi
mama maya duratyaya
mam eva ye prapadyante

mayam etam taranti te
“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is
difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross
beyond it.”’ (Bg. 7.14) To surpass the influence of the illusory energy is very difficult,
but those who are determined to catch hold of the lotus feet of the Lord are freed
from the clutches of mayd. Therefore, pure devotees can understand the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, but demons, because of their miscreant behavior, cannot
understand the Lord, in spite of seeing the many revealed scriptures and the
uncommon activities of the Lord.

TEXT 90
WYATSICS SCH SS AS OCA |
BARAT ACA FR SHA TWTCA | d° I
