Krishna's Energies

Krishna, the Supreme Lord, has three types of energies:

1. Material
2. Spiritual
3. Marginal

The material energy is the dull matter that has no consciousness. The spiritual energy is the conscious energy that is devoted to His service. The marginal energy consists of the living entities - individual souls, such as ourselves, that have the choice of either identifying with matter or spirit.

In actuality, the marginal potency (individual spirit souls) is also spiritual. Because of his marginal position, the soul can be illusioned by the material energy, and completely forget his real nature. As soon as the soul associates with the material nature, he becomes conditioned. He tries to enjoy this material world, which is by nature different from him, and consequently he is frustrated in his attempt.

If the spirit soul associates with the spiritual nature through the processes of devotional service: hearing about Krishna, chanting His glories, remembering Him, worshipping Him, serving His lotus feet, offering prayers, carrying out His orders, becoming His friend, and surrendering to Him, the soul will be situated in his constitutional position and enjoy unlimitedly.

The soul is often compared to a small spark that will only continue blazing as long as it remains in the fire. When it is removed from the fire its illumination is quickly extinguished. Similarly, the soul will experience eternity, bliss and knowledge only as long as he remains engaged in Krishna's service. Otherwise, his true nature will be covered.