Matter originally is spirit and when

spirit is not distinctly understood, that is

matter. Just like a tree is also a

manifestation of spirit soul, but the

consciousness is covered. When the tree is

cut, it does not protest. But the moving

entity has stronger consciousness than the

tree. There is consciousness in the tree

though. Also consciousness in a dormant

state is matter; consciousness in a

completely developed state is spirit.

Matter is the symbol of undeveloped

consciousness.

LETTER TO MADHAVA -- MAYAPUR 17

FEBRUARY, 1976