Creation in ISKCON’s Gaudiya Vaishnavism
ISKCON follows the teachings of Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, with the process of cosmic creation being explained in terms of material and spiritual energies.
1. Krishna as the Supreme Source
According to the Brahma-samhita (5.1):
“Ishvarah paramah krishnah sac-cid-ananda-vigrahah anadir adir govindah sarva-karana-karanam”
(“Krishna, who is known as Govinda, is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal, blissful, spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin, for He is the prime cause of all causes.”)
This means Krishna is the original source of all creation.
2. Maha-Vishnu and the Material World
The Vedic scriptures describe creation as emanating from Krishna through His expansion, Maha-Vishnu.
• Maha-Vishnu lies in the Causal Ocean (Karana-jala) and breathes out innumerable universes.
• These universes exist as bubbles within the Mahat-tattva, the total material energy.
• When Maha-Vishnu exhales, universes emerge; when He inhales, they dissolve.
3. Garbhodakashayi Vishnu and Brahma
• Within each universe, Garbhodakashayi Vishnu expands and lies on the Garbhodaka Ocean.
• From His navel, Lord Brahma is born on a lotus flower.
• Brahma, empowered by Vishnu, creates planetary systems and life forms based on karma and desires.
4. Paramatma (Supersoul) and Living Beings
• Kshirodakashayi Vishnu enters every atom and the heart of all living beings as Paramatma (Supersoul).
• The jivas (individual souls) are eternal parts of Krishna (mamaivamso jiva-loke jiva-bhutah sanatanah—Bhagavad-gita 15.7).
• Due to past karma, souls take birth in different species within Brahma’s creation.
Material vs. Spiritual Reality
• The material world is temporary and governed by Maya (illusion).
• The spiritual world (Vaikuntha) is eternal and beyond material suffering.
• The ultimate goal of life is to attain Krishna’s abode (Goloka Vrindavana) through bhakti-yoga (devotional service).
Conclusion
ISKCON teaches that cosmic creation is cyclical, originating from Krishna through Vishnu’s expansions and Brahma’s secondary creation. However, this material world is temporary, and the real aim of human life is to transcend material existence and return to Krishna.