213. Atma and Paramatma
Krishna explains about 'The Creation' at different places and indicates that the entire existence is the coherence of prakriti (nature) and purush (spirit). HIS womb is the mahat-brahma (great prakriti) into which HE places the seed ( purush ) which is the cause of the birth of all beings (14.3). Gunas (qualities) and vikar (evolution or change) are born of prakriti (13.20) and prakriti is also responsible for cause and effect; Purush is responsible for experiencing the polarities of sukh (pleasure) and dukh (pain) (13.21). Krishna further elaborates and says, "There are two kinds of beings ( purushas ) in creation, the kshar (perishable) and the akshar (imperishable). The perishable are all beings in the material realm. The imperishable is called kootastha (soul) (15.16). But there exists another eternal Highest Being called Paramatma (Supreme Soul). Permeating the three worlds, HE sustains them (15.17). Essentially, it is et...