Three phases of the Absolute truth

Speaker:  Srila Prabhupada
Source: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.28–29, Nov. 8, 1972, Vrindavana

krishna-leela-series-part-15-prayers-offered-by-lord-brahma-to-lord-krishna-part-2-6-728The Absolute Truth is one. One who knows the Absolute Truth, he knows that Brahman, Paramatma, Bhagavan, the same objective, but they are realized by different devotees or different knower in different features. The example is given in this connection: Just like if you see from a very distant place one hill, you’ll find just like a cloud, hazy cloud. If you push forward further you’ll find something green. But when you actually approach the hill, you’ll find there are many houses, many animals, many trees, varieties. So the Absolute Truth, when it is realized by our limited understanding, the Absolute Truth appears as nirvisesa, impersonal Brahman. Similarly, when we try to meditate upon the Absolute Truth within our heart, He appears as Paramatma. Yogis… Dhyanavasthita-tad-gatena manasa pasyanti yam yoginah (SB 12.13.1). But at the ultimate issue, He’s Vasudeva, Krsna, origin. Advaitam acyutam anadim. Anadi: Krsna has no source. He’s the original source of everything. Janmady asya yatah. Aham sarvasya prabhavah (SB 1.1.1).