The Perverted Material World

In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna compares this material realm with a banyan tree that has its roots upwards and branches down.1 We may think that such a tree does not exist, but we can perceive such a tree as the reflection of an actual tree on the bank of a river.

The root of such a tree, or where the actual tree and the reflected tree join, can be compared to the desire of the individual soul, which is manifest by his utilization of free will. By his free will he may choose to enter into the spiritual realm (actual tree) or the material world (reflected tree).

Just as a reflection is an inverted replica of the original, the relationships in this world are reversed representations of the relationships in the kingdom of God.

The Vedas tell us that there are five rasas, or relationships, that exist in the transcendental dimension:

1. Passive adoration
2. Servitude
3. Friendship
4. Parental affection
5. Conjugal love.

The rasas are sometimes flavored by indirect relationships that come and go appropriately according to different situations. All of these relationships have as their focal point Krishna, Who is understood as the enjoyer in every instance, whereas the individual soul is the enjoyed, taking as his only pleasure the satisfaction of the Supreme Soul. This attitude brings complete satisfaction to the soul.

Here in the perverted reflection (material world) the individual soul attempts to be the enjoyer taking all other entities, the material energy, and even God as the objects of enjoyment. The conditioned soul structures his life in such a way as to maximize this enjoyment, but is continuously frustrated. Ultimately, everything is taken away by the Supreme Lord in the form of time.
1. Bhagavad-gita 15.1