Shloka 55
तत्राप्य् आसन्नदूरत्वाद् बहुत्वस्वल्पतामयः ज्योत्स्नाभेदो ऽस्ति तच्छक्तेस् तद्वन् मैत्रेय विद्यते
tatrāpy āsannadūratvād bahutvasvalpatāmayaḥ jyotsnābhedo 'sti tacchaktes tadvan maitreya vidyate
Even there, due to nearness and distance, moonlight seems ‘more’ or ‘less’—a difference only in manifestation. So too, O Maitreya, the śakti of that Reality is one in essence, yet perceived as varied according to condition and standpoint.
Sage Parāśara (addressing Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Why one Brahman’s śakti appears differentiated (more/less) according to proximity and standpoint, like moonlight
Teaching: Philosophical
Quality: compassionate
Concept: Differences perceived in the Divine power are due to conditions of reception and standpoint, not due to any real division in that power’s essence.
Vedantic Theme: Atman
Application: When confronted with unequal capacities or experiences, practice viveka: distinguish the one underlying Reality from the varying upādhis, cultivating non-envy and steady devotion.
Vishishtadvaita: Unity of the Lord’s śakti is maintained while acknowledging real plurality of modes/conditions in the world—difference without separation (apr̥thak-siddhi).
Vishnu Form: Para-Brahman
Bhakti Type: Shanta
Jagat Karana: Yes
FAQs
It shows that perceived differences (more/less) can arise from conditions like distance, while the underlying source remains one—used here to explain how a single divine power can appear manifold.
He uses a natural example (moonlight) to argue that variation is often in manifestation and perception; similarly, the one śakti of the Supreme is experienced as diverse effects within the cosmos.
The verse supports a Vaishnava metaphysics where Vishnu’s supreme reality is unitary, while His śakti governs the universe through differentiated appearances—affirming sovereignty without fragmenting the Divine.