Page 23 - Wisdom Unfurled

Strictly speaking, it is we who have set up a tiny creation by providing the material which formed its basis. In it the function of God was but nominal except for the primary stroke of Will which stirred up the action (kshobha). The actual root of all things in existence was matter, which existed in essence form, just in the same way as the root of all machinery is the iron ore under the earth. The stroke of Will was full of high velocity which is still there and shall continue till the end. In this respect the beginning and the end of creation are like the two extremities of the same velocity. The middle space comprising the real force was the main instrument for bringing the entire structure of the universe into existence. It possesses immense power and gives out shocks like those of the electric current. The middle portion serves as the centre. A little below, there is the chief activating force which serves as the cause. There is also another point, seemingly only a few millimeters’ distance from the central point where something like an animating force exists in proper moderation. I put it as only a few millimeters’ distance because of its being observed from a great distance. But if one takes a closer view of it after getting out of his body limitations, the distance would then appear to him as unlimited. The higher we go above the central point the dimmer becomes the force, and this serves to indicate our closer proximity with the Real. The dim force is that which falls to man’s lot while the stronger force at the central point falls to the lot of avatars, who are fully charged with the conditions of the point. Lord Krishna as an avatar has come down from the sphere of the central point while Lord Rama has from the other end. For this reason he had more of human synonymity in Him. He presents an ideal of life as one must try to have as a man.
Some are of opinion that avatars do not have an identity. I do not agree with them, since, if they had no identity, they could not have worked bodily for the purpose of accomplishment of the task allotted to them. As for their work, they stand in need of a physical body, which admits of growth and development. The ‘identity’ is absolutely essential for them as it is for any one else.
The avatars come down for a definite purpose, endowed with all the necessary powers required for the accomplishment of the work, allotted to them. That may, in other words, serve to be their samskaras which brought them down into the world. The power withdraws them after their work is finished.
The difference between an ordinary man and an avatar is that man is covered with numerous sheaths while an avatar is free from most of them. They have the Divine within their perception, while a man is deprived of it. Now though the origin of man and avatar is the same, the avatar is in closer contact with the Divine. Everything he stands in need of comes to him, from the eternal