Progressive Understanding of the Absolute Truth

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa) presents a progressive understanding of the Absolute Truth, culminating in the realisation of Bhagavān (the Supreme Person, Krishna). This progression is often described in three levels:

  1. Brahman (Impersonal, All-Pervading Reality)

    • This is the first stage of realisation, where the seeker perceives the Absolute Truth as an undifferentiated, formless spiritual essence—pure existence (sat).
    • It is the realisation of oneness and the dissolution of ego into an impersonal state of bliss.
    • Example: The Upanishads often describe Brahman as “nirguna” (without qualities) and jñānīs (knowledge-seekers) aim to merge into this eternal existence.

  2. Paramātmā (Supersoul, the Immanent Lord in Every Being)

    • A more refined understanding, where one perceives the Supreme within all beings and the universe.
    • The Paramātmā (Supersoul) is Krishna’s expansion, residing in the heart of all living entities, guiding them as the divine witness and inner controller.
    • This realisation adds divine intelligence and purpose to the previously impersonal Brahman.

  3. Bhagavān (The Supreme Personal God, Krishna)

    • This is the highest realisation, where one understands that the Absolute Truth is ultimately a divine person full of attributes, love and bliss—Krishna Himself.
    • Devotees realise that beyond Brahman’s formless radiance and Paramātmā’s localised presence, Krishna is the source of everything and the ultimate object of love and devotion.
    • Example: Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita (BG 7.7), where Krishna declares, "There is no truth superior to Me."

Bhāgavatam’s Key Verse:

"vadanti tat tattva-vidas tattvaṁ yaj jñānam advayam
brahmeti paramātmeti bhagavān iti śabdyate"
— (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.11)

Translation:
"The learned transcendentalists describe the Absolute Truth in three features: as Brahman (the impersonal all-pervading reality), as Paramātmā (the localized Supersoul), and ultimately as Bhagavān (the Supreme Personality of Godhead)."

This verse confirms that Supreme realization begins with Brahman, then rises to Paramātmā and culminates in Bhagavān. Just as the sun can be experienced as (1) mere sunlight (Brahman), (2) the sun’s globe (Paramātmā) or (3) the sun-god within (Bhagavān), the Absolute Truth can be understood at different depths.


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