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# The Nature of God

After lifetimes of frustrated attempts at finding happiness in this material world, the living entity, eternal, full of knowledge and bliss, begins a serious search for the Absolute Truth. Since eternality is so integral to our nature, we naturally look for that in this material world. This brings us to the sat (eternality) aspect of the Absolute Truth, known as the impersonal *Brahman*. Later, the searcher realises that the Absolute Truth must also be sentient, having the capacity to oversee and direct the entirety of the cosmos. This brings one to the *cit* (knowledge) aspect of the Absolute Truth, known as *Paramatma* or Supersoul, who keeps the affairs of material creation ticking like clockwork. Finally, one wonders what that Supreme being does in Their own abode, separate from this temporary world. This brings one to the understanding of the *ananda* (bliss) aspect of the Absolute Truth, known as *Bhagavan*, who fully manifests the name, fame, form and qualities of God. At this stage, one understands that separate from controlling material nature, the Supreme Lord also has His own intimate personal life in the spiritual world.

Jiva Goswami thus explains that perception of Absolute Truth can be of different degrees. When we perceive the Absolute Truth *without potency*, this is *Brahman* realisation. When we perceive the Absolute Truth with *material potencies*, this is *Paramatma* realisation. When we perceive the Absolute Truth with *material* and *spiritual* potencies this is *Bhagavan* realisation. That is the most complete understanding.

The natural question that follows is how we re-establish our relationship with that Supreme Person.