The Creation of Material Elements.

When Krishna's first manifestation, Karanarnavasayi Visnu, appeared, the principle of material creation was manifested, followed by time, and then by the three attributes and modes of influence of material nature: virtue, passion, and ignorance, which represent material nature and are transformed into action.

Through the almighty power of the Supreme Lord, Krishna, the entire material creation evolves through transformation in a chain reaction process, and through this same divine almighty power, these manifestations are transformed again through the reverse process, finally returning to the spiritual body of God, where they will abide.

All material existence corresponds to a series of reactions that follow one another, and thus the notions of past, present, and future appear. This chain of cause and effect does not exist in the spiritual world, nor does the cycle of six material phases: birth, growth, stabilization, reproduction, deterioration, and annihilation.

Time, which is synonymous with material nature, corresponds to the principles of material creation, manifested after their transformation. Thus, time can be seen as the root cause of all creation. The transformation of material nature thus gives rise to material action in its various forms. The latter can be identified with the natural instinct of every living being, and even with inert objects. Then, when action has manifested, it in turn gives rise to various products and by-products of the same nature. All these manifestations have their origin in Krishna, the Supreme Lord.

The animation of the total material energy gives rise to material action. Virtue and passion develop first, then, under the influence of ignorance, matter, the knowledge associated with it, and the action that results from it manifest.

The various forms of material creation all more or less derive from the development of passion.

The total material energy is the principle of material creation, and when the latter is animated by the will of God, the Absolute, the influences of virtue and passion initially predominate; then, through various forms of material action, passion alone remains predominant. But soon, the individual being, through his actions, falls increasingly under the influence of ignorance.

Brahma embodies passion, Lord Visnu, the plenary emanation of Krishna, virtue, and Siva, the father of material action, ignorance.

Material nature is said to be the mother, and Siva the father, for he engenders material existence.