Logos 228

The soul is always fully aware and knowing. Now, consciousness is the perceptible manifestation of the soul.

If we cannot perceive the presence of the soul in the heart, where it lives, we can always apprehend its existence by the consciousness which emanates from it. Sometimes the sun is hidden by clouds, but we know that it is daylight, because if the solar globe is not visible, the light which emanates from it is always present. We know that the sun has risen as soon as dawn begins to glow. The principle is the same for the soul: since a consciousness animates all bodies, human or animal, it must be present in everyone. The consciousness of the distinct soul, however, differs from that of God, in the sense that the latter is supreme and has integral knowledge of the past, present and future. The consciousness of the tiny being, on the contrary, is limited, subject to oblivion. When he forgets his true nature, God, who does not have this weakness, instructs him, enlightens him by his teaching.

“The Supreme Soul (the Eternal Supreme) and the infinitesimal soul (we) are both on the same tree, the body of the animated being, more precisely in its heart. Only the one who has freed himself from all material desire and who no longer knows lamentation can understand, by the grace of the Supreme Lord, the glories of the soul.”

Krishna is the source of the Supreme Soul, and each of us is the infinitesimal soul, oblivious of its true nature. The incarnate spiritual being therefore needs to be enlightened by the teachings of the Lord or His qualified representative, the spiritual master to know the truth.

Logos 229

The Eternal Supreme says: “Quickly he becomes blameless and finds eternal peace. You can proclaim it forcefully, My devotee will never perish. Whoever takes refuge in Me can reach the supreme goal”.

A holy being who serves God with love and devotion must learn to tolerate all difficult and even dangerous situations in this world, because he benefits from the divine protection of the Supreme Lord. Even if it is only at the beginning of his devotional service, the servant of God benefits from this divine protection. No sooner do we embark on the path of the service of love and devotion that we offer to God,