Prakṛti: The Divine Law of Cause and Effect
Prakṛti is a Sanskrit word that means “nature” or “the original or natural form or condition of anything”. It is a key concept which describes the material and spiritual worlds as manifestations of prakṛti, the creative energy of Bhagavān, the Supreme Controller. Prakṛti operates under the laws of cause and effect, which are designed by Bhagavān for the welfare of all living being.
The Material and Spiritual Worlds
There are two types of prakṛti: bhautika prakṛti and adhyātmika prakṛti. Bhautika prakṛti is the material world, and Adhyātmika prakṛti is the spiritual world.The material world is a reflection of the spiritual world, but it is temporary, illusory, and full of suffering. The spiritual world is the eternal, real, and blissful abode of Bhagavān and His devotees.Bhagavān did not make different laws for the material and spiritual worlds. The laws of the material world are derived from the laws of the spiritual world. Therefore, Śrīla Prabhupāda, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), said that if we want to understand the spiritual world, we should understand the material world. The material world is a school where we can learn the lessons of karma and dharma, and prepare ourselves for the ultimate goal of life: kṛṣṇa-prema, pure love of God.
The Cause and Effect of Prakṛti
The principle of cause and effect is the basis of all laws in this world, be it physical, moral, or spiritual. Everyaction has a corresponding reaction, which is either favorable or unfavorable, depending on the nature of the action. The cause of prakṛti is Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the source of everything. The effect of prakṛti is to facilitate the evolution of consciousness of the living entities, who are part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa.
In the spiritual world, the cause is Kṛṣṇa, and the effect is prem, the pure love that binds Him and His devotees in an eternal relationship of service and reciprocation. In the material world, the cause is also Kṛṣṇa, but the effect is prakṛti, puruṣa, and cetana. Prakṛti is the material nature, which provides the varieties of forms and situations for the living entities. Puruṣa is the enjoyer, who is the individual soul that identifies with the body and mind and tries to enjoy prakṛti. Cetana is the consciousness, which is the symptom of the presence of the soul and the potential for spiritual awakening.
The cause of the body is Kṛṣṇa, and the effect of the body is to use it as a medium to attain Bhagavān. The human body, which is very rare but obtained without effort (by the laws of karma), is considered a suitable boat to cross the material ocean. We in this body are situated in this world, sometimes experience happiness and distress. This fact in itself is the proof that we are trapped in prakṛti.
The Role of Jīvātmā in Prakṛti
But what is the reason for one’s happiness and distress? It is neither Bhagavān nor prakṛti, but jīvātmā, the individual soul, who is responsible for his happiness or distress. Jīvātmā wants to enjoy prakṛti (bhoktṛtve) violating the laws of prakṛti.
There is a reason why prakṛti is there (cause and effect). Because jīvātmā does not want to understand the system and act against it, jīvātmā suffers or enjoys. One may be thrilled breaking the laws of prakṛti but at the cost of distress. One who follows the rules will be happy. One gets happiness and distress in this world, not just distress alone. There are rules of prakṛti which are very stringent and the consequences of jīvātmās breaking them. One who acts according to the system and follows the rules will always be happy. This is only possible when we give up an independent mentality.
In other words, one should give up ahankār, the false ego, and follow the system given by Bhagavān and not create one’s own. Sense gratification does not only mean engaging the senses in sense enjoyment but also breaking the system. You will be healthy and happy if you know the rules of keeping the body healthy and follow them (cause and effect). Similarly, one will be happy if one understands and follows the rules of the maryāda, the social and moral order.
Humility means understanding the laws behind the creation, body, and bhakti and moving forward without breaking them. Breaking the laws of Bhagavān is bhog, material enjoyment, which leads to bondage and suffering. Following the laws of Bhagavān is yoga, the process of linking with Him, which leads to liberation and bliss.
Conclusion
Prakṛti is the divine law of cause and effect that governs the material and spiritual worlds. It is the creative energy of Bhagavān, who is the ultimate cause of everything. By understanding and following the laws of prakṛti, we can attain the highest goal of life: kṛṣṇa-prema pure love of God.