Category:Absolute Truth

Theme Analysis

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Absolute Truth is the original source from which everything emanates, as defined by the Vedānta-sūtra aphorism janmādy asya yataḥ. Unlike relative truths of the material world, which are conditional and temporary, the Absolute Truth is eternal, self-cognizant, and non-dual. However, because human beings possess imperfect senses and a tendency to cheat, the Absolute Truth cannot be reached through the ascending process of mental speculation or experimental science. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes the necessity of the descending process, where knowledge is received through the mother Vedas and the authorized disciplic succession. By submissively hearing from a self-realized spiritual master, the sincere seeker can understand the three features of the Absolute Truth—Brahman, Paramātmā, and Bhagavān. Ultimately, Kṛṣṇa is revealed as the last word in absolute understanding, and realization of Him through devotional service is the final goal of the human mission.

• The Definition of Truth: The Absolute Truth is the supreme cause of all emanations and remains unchanged despite the transformation of His energies.
• The Failure of Speculation: Mental speculators and empiric philosophers cannot reach the Absolute Truth because it is beyond the range of imperfect senses and mundane logic.
• The Descending Process: Real knowledge must be received through the avaroha-panthā, or the descending path of hearing from authorized Vedic sources and the guru.
• The Three Levels of Realization: The Absolute Truth is realized in three phases: the impersonal Brahman, the localized Paramātmā, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavān.
• The Role of the Spiritual Master: To understand the Absolute Truth, one must approach a bona fide guru and inquire submissively while rendering service.

• Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Descending Process of the Absolute Truth.