of the five material elements. In this sense also, the physical constitution of a human being and that of a celestial being are identical.
From a spiritual point of view, we are all spiritual sparks, integral parts of God, the Holy Spirit Supreme. Whether materially or spiritually, we participate fundamentally, of one and the same nature; but, under the influence of illusory energy, we create friends and enemies for ourselves.
Logos 186
Those who reach the Edenic, paradisiacal planets can see their happiness suddenly interrupted by the sword of time. Indeed, the one who manages to reach the Edenic planets will have to fall again sooner or later.
Those who reach the higher planetary systems, Edenic, paradisiac, must return to earth as soon as the fruits of their pious activities are exhausted. Thus, those who access the Edenic planets by the force of sacrifices and pious acts must finally fall back on this Earth. The sword of time descends on beings and causes them to fall from their high position in this material world. Once on earth, they will have to start all over again.
On the other hand, the fruits of the service of love and devotion offered to the Lord are much more valuable than the elevation to the paradisiacal planets, because they make it possible to reach God and to enter his eternal kingdom, from which one no longer returns to the material universe. The Lord can free the incarnate being from the chain of deaths and rebirths. Only devotional service makes it possible to reach the spiritual planet of the Supreme Eternal, and here again, we have only one occupation: to serve the Lord with love. Indeed, the activities specific to devotional service remain the same, whether here on earth or in the spiritual world. Devotional service is not subject to change and it is sublime.
Logos 187
Why does God chastise those who do evil?
There are two kinds of punishment: that which a warrior inflicts on his enemy, and that which a son receives from his father. However, there is obviously an enormous difference between the two.
God does not conceive of enmity towards any living being. On the contrary, he always cares about the good of all, without exception, and when he punishes, his punishment is comparable to that of a father who punishes his son. If he chastises