410 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 5, Ch. 12
TRANSLATION

All of us on the surface of the globe are living entities in
different forms. Some of us are moving and some not moving. All
of us come into existence, remain for some time and are annihi-
lated when the body is again mingled with the earth. We are all
simply different transformations of the earth. Different bodies and
capacities are simply transformations of the earth that exist in
name only, for everything grows out of the earth and when every-
thing is annihilated it again mingles with the earth. In other
words, we are but dust, and we shall but be dust. Everyone can
consider this point.

PURPORT

In the Brahma-sitra it is said: tad-ananyatvam drabhambhana-sab-
dadibhyah (2.1.14). This cosmic manifestation is a mixture of matter
and spirit, but the cause is the Supreme Brahman, the Supreme Per-
sonality of Godhead. Therefore in Srimad-Bhaégavatam (1.5.20) it is
said: idam hi visvarn bhagavan ivetarah. The entire cosmic manifesta-
tion is but a transformation of the energy of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, but because of illusion, no one can appreciate that God is non-
different from the material world. Actually He is not different, but this
material world is simply a transformation of His different energies:
parasya Saktir vividhaiva sriyate. There are also other versions of this in
the Vedas: sarvarh khalv idamh brahma. Matter and spirit are all non-
different from the Supreme Brahman, Bhagavan. Lord Sri Krsna con-
firms this statement in the Bhagavad-gita (7.4): me bhinna prakrtir
astadha. The material energy is Krsna’s energy. but it is separated from
Him. The spiritual energy is also His energy, but it is not separated from
Him. When the material energy is engaged in the service of the Supreme
Spirit, so-called material energy is also transformed into spiritual energy,
just as an iron rod becomes fire when placed in contact with fire. When
we can understand by an analytical study that the Supreme Personality
of Godhead is the cause of all causes, our knowledge is perfect. Simply
understanding the transformations of different energies is partial
knowledge. We must come to the ultimate cause. Na te viduh svdrtha
gatim hi visnum. The knowledge of those who are not interested in
knowing the original cause of all emanations is never perfect knowledge.
