Play in the Brahma Sutras

Ancient Perspectives: Lila and Krida

Lilakaivalyam

Brahmasutra II.1.33 (167)

Lokavattu lilakaivalyam

“But (Brahman’s creative activity) is mere sport, such as is seen in the world (or ordinary life).”

Lokavat: as in the world, as in ordinary life; Tu: but; Lilakaivalyam: mere pastime. (Lila: sport, play; Kaivalyam: merely; Lilamatram: mere pastime.)

This sutra comes from Chapter Two: Avirodha Adhyaya (Topic 11, Sutras 32-33).

The Inconceivable Pastime

• SB 12.10.28

“It is indeed most difficult for embodied souls to understand the pastimes of the universal controllers, for such lords bow down to and offer praise to the very living beings they rule.”

The Joy of the Divine

Tantraloka (Abhinavagupta)

“He is jumping with Joy, just like a kid, without any opinion about what is to accepted or rejected.”

Krīḍā (play) is the Will to abide as superior to all; in this manner there is Absolute Freedom (Svatantratvam).

• See also: Mandukya Karika 1.9 which refers to krida.