Krishna the Father, Paramatma the Son, and the Human Soul

Here at scientia-gnostica we like to do comparative religion bridging ideas from one religious tradition with another to have new understanding and clarity. The topic that I would discuss today is the topic of the Father in the west we have learned of the Father as the creator of the world or the cosmos. But in the east they have a different view of the creator being an architect or engineer that works for the Father. In Gaudiya Vaishnavism which is a particular sect within Hinduism they see the Father as Krishna. They also see him as the Absolute or the completeness of God. They see Krishna not just at the level of the solar system but at the level of the universe and beyond.

Within Vaishnavism there are four Sampradayas or schools or sects. But what they all agree on is that they see Krishna as the Father. And a second term I want to introduce is that a “Paramatma.” Which means the Super-soul or the in-dweller of the inner most part of the heart. This is Krishna within each being each person or creature within creation. Each Paramatma is Krishna and not Krishna because it is particularized within each an every individual. We are all different, have acquired different experiences. We have all accumulated different karma. So the Paramatma which is a term we are going to later describe at length is that. Our own shinning little star that guides us through our path. This little star inspires us and nudges us to act when needed.

So, there is Krishna above in his abode in the Heavens or regions of light and there is Krishna below in our hearts. The Krishna from above is the Father and I see the Krishna from below as the Son; because its Him and not Him it is particular as previously mentioned. Another way of looking at is to see Krishna as the Absolute, and all the Paramatmas as the infinite. All creatures, all beings, and all atoms, in creation or nature.

So that’s what I wanted to share with you today. That the Father is Krishna and the Son is the Paramatma. Later we are going to talk about the Human Jiva or Human Soul and how the Jiva relates to to the Paramatma. But I will leave you with something to consider. The Paramatma and the Human Jiva are like twins brothers. But they play different roles.