God's Appointing - The Authorized Managers of the Universe
In an attempt to understand the workings of the universe, material scientists often attribute the perfect orchestration of nature to unguided physical laws. However, the Vedic literatures explain that behind every universal function is a highly intelligent, empowered person. Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Viṣṇu, is the ultimate executive who organizes the cosmos by appointing specific living entities to managerial posts. From the demigods controlling the weather to the spiritual masters distributing transcendental knowledge, everything functions under a divine hierarchy. By understanding the nature of God's appointing, we learn how to properly respect His deputies while reserving our absolute surrender for the Supreme Lord Himself.
The Appointed Demigods
The complex machinery of the material universe requires immense supervision. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the demigods are not independent gods, but rather powerful living entities specifically appointed to execute the Lord's law and order (vidhi).
- The demigods are powerful living entities appointed by the Supreme Lord for the maintenance and supervision of all material functions like the heating, watering and lighting of the universe.
- Sukadeva Gosvami said: The Manus, the sons of Manu, the great sages, the Indras and all the demigods, O King, are appointed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His various incarnations such as Yajna.
- Vidhi means law and order, and one who executes the law and order, they are called vidhi-kara. So all the demigods, they are appointed by the Supreme Lord to execute the law and order.
- At the same time, a devotee of the Lord does not foolishly mistake them to be the Supreme Lord. Only foolish persons accept the demigods as being on the same level as Visnu; actually they are all appointed as servants of Visnu.
Yamarāja and the Administration of Justice
Just as a state government requires a penal department, the cosmic government features a strict system of justice. The Supreme Lord appoints Yamarāja as the superintendent of death and the ultimate judge of the living entities' karma.
- Yamaraja is appointed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead to see that the human beings do not violate His rules and regulations.
- Yamaraja is the officer appointed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead to judge religious and irreligious principles and to punish people who are irreligious.
- Who is appointed by the Lord to supervise the activities of sinful living creatures.
- The higher authorities appointed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead thus render justice to the living entity according to the living entity's desires.
The Duty of Earthly Leaders
Leadership on Earth is not meant for the accumulation of personal power or wealth. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that kings, presidents, and political leaders are meant to act as appointed representatives of God, tasked with protecting the citizens and consulting the Supreme Lord's instructions.
- A king is supposed to be appointed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead to look after the interests of his particular planet.
- The present chaotic conditions of the world are due to the ignorance of leaders who forget that they have been appointed to act by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Because they have been appointed by the Lord, their duty is to consult the Lord and act accordingly.
- Those who are engaged in creation, maintenance and annihilation should consult the Supreme Person, who has appointed them, and should act accordingly. Then everyone will be satisfied, and there will be no disturbances.
- You are the protector of surrendered souls, and you have been appointed to give employment to us. Therefore we have all come to you for protection. You are not only a king, but the incarnation of God as well. Indeed, you are the king of all kings.
The Appointed Spiritual Master
To guide the conditioned souls out of the material labyrinth, the Lord appoints representatives who exist entirely on the spiritual platform. The bona fide spiritual master is the Lord's appointed agent, carrying the pure message of Kṛṣṇa consciousness without alteration.
- An impersonalist cannot be a bona fide spiritual master, for such a spiritual master's only purpose in life must be to render service to God. He preaches the message of Godhead as the Lord's appointed agent and has nothing to do with sense gratification.
- He preaches the message of Godhead as the Lord's appointed agent and has nothing to do with sense gratification or the mundane wrangling of the impersonalists.
- Although the demigods, who are officials appointed by the Lord for management, are attached to materialistic enjoyment, they never claim to be proprietors of the universe.
- The responsibility of the Lord is also unique. The Lord has no responsibility because all His work is done by His different appointed energies. But still He accepts voluntary responsibilities in displaying different roles in His transcendental pastimes.
Conclusion
A comprehensive understanding of the universe reveals a flawless system of divine delegation. Śrīla Prabhupāda systematically establishes that the Supreme Personality of Godhead manages the vast cosmic manifestation not by His own direct labor, but by appointing highly qualified deputies. Demigods like Lord Brahmā, Indra, and Yamarāja act as the Lord's official administrators, managing the elements, supervising planetary affairs, and delivering strict justice based on the living entities' karma. Although these demigods wield immense power, they remain humble servants who never claim absolute proprietorship. Devotees honor them for their appointed posts but never commit the foolish mistake of equating them with the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu. On the earthly plane, heads of state are similarly meant to act as the Lord's appointed protectors; the rampant chaos in modern society is the direct result of atheistic leaders abandoning this divine mandate. Ultimately, the Lord appoints the bona fide spiritual master (guru) to rescue the conditioned souls by delivering the unadulterated message of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Because the Lord has perfectly organized this vast network of appointed energies and officials, He remains blissfully free from all mundane responsibilities, fully absorbed in His sweet, eternal pastimes.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category God's Appointing. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.