Question:
It is mentioned in the scriptures that we took birth in this material world because we had a desire to enjoy. Why then did the Lord make so many species and why did he involve karma? If we all had different desires (many desires), he could have made each one of us a unique form species. (He is God after all. He can do anything.) Thus we could have quickly returned back to him. On top of that, the Lord added karma, making it more difficult for us to attain him. Please explain.
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Krsna’s position as the Supreme Personality of Godhead is described in the first verse of the Srimad Bhagavatam(SB 1.1.1). He is the Supreme Person and the Supreme Controller, and He is completely independent. That means He is not bound to act as we want Him to act and do things. Just as you mentioned in your question- He can do anything, but according to His wish.
According to the Srimad-Bhagavatam, one species does not evolve into another, but rather the soul evolves in consciousness as it transmigrates from lower to higher forms of existence in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. In the material realm the soul begins its journey in a human body. Material desires and subsequent actions result in the soul’s being born in a species that fits its mentality. If the soul falls to a lower species, it then takes successive births in species with higher and higher states of consciousness. This is the process of transmigration. And therefore, depending on one’s consciousness one is awarded a particular type of a body at death.
Regarding your question on why Krsna has put a system of Karma, it is simply to hold us human beings accountable, or responsible, for our actions. If we really want to go back to the spiritual world, our original home, then we would act according to what Krishna wants. Pure devotees of the Lord do not have to worry about incurring karma as they are always, 24/7, engaged in loving devotional service to the Lord.
Please also refer to Digest 1C to know why Krishna does not take us back to the Spiritual world , instead of making us responsible for our acts.
