Text 17] | Narada Muni Cursed by Prajapati Daksa 279

through fantastic theories. The science of the original cause is explained
in various Vedic literatures. Athato brahma-jijndsa/janmédy asya
yatah. The Veddnta-siitra explains that one should inquire about the
Supreme Soul. Such inquiry about the Supreme is called brahma-jijndsa.
The Absolute Truth, tattva, is explained in Srimad-Bhagavatam
(1.2.11):

vadanti tat tattva-vidas
tattvam yaj jnadnam advayam
brahmeti paramatmeti

bhagavin iti sabdyate

“Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this
nondual substance Brahman, Paramatma or Bhagavan.” The Absolute
Truth appears to neophytes as impersonal Brahman and to advanced
mystic yogis as Paramatma, the Supersoul, but devotees, who are further
advanced, understand the Absolute Truth as the Supreme Lord, Visnu.

This material cosmic manifestation is an expansion of the energy of
Lord Krsna, or Lord Visnu.

eka-desa-sthitasyagner
Jyotsna vistarini yatha

parasya brahmanah Saktis
tathedam akhilam jagat

“Whatever we see in this world is but an expansion of various energies
of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is like a fire that spreads
illumination for a long distance although it is situated in one place.”
(Visnu Purana) The entire cosmic manifestation is an expansion of the
Supreme Lord. Therefore if one does not conduct research to find the
supreme cause, but instead falsely engages in frivolous, temporary
activities, what is the use of demanding recognition as an important
scientist or philosopher? If one does not know the ultimate cause, what is
the use of his scientific and philosophical research?

The purusa, the original person—Bhagavan, Visnu—can be
understood only by devotional service. Bhaktyaé mam abhijdnati yavan
yas cdsmi tattvatah: only by devotional service can one understand the
