“…a result gives one a glimpse of its cause. For example, since an earthen pot is the result of the actions of a potter, by seeing the earthen pot one can guess at the existence of the potter. Similarly, this material world resembles the spiritual world, and any intelligent person can guess how it is acting.”
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This is from the Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.3.14
[This chapter of the Srimad-Bhagavatam is entitled “Gajendra’s Prayers of Surrender.” In this chapter, the King of the elephants, Gajendra, having been attacked by a crocodile, prayed to the Personality of Godhead for protection.]
TRANSLATION
My Lord, You are the observer of all the objectives of the senses. Without Your mercy, there is no possibility of solving the problem of doubts. The material world is just like a shadow resembling You. Indeed, one accepts this material world as real because it gives a glimpse of Your existence.
PURPORT (excerpt):
…The word sarva-pratyaya-hetave is explained by Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura, who says that a result gives one a glimpse of its cause.
For example, since an earthen pot is the result of the actions of a potter, by seeing the earthen pot one can guess at the existence of the potter. Similarly, this material world resembles the spiritual world, and any intelligent person can guess how it is acting.
As explained in Bhagavad-gita, mayadhyaksena prakrtih suyate sa-caracaram. The activities of the material world suggest that behind them is the superintendence of the Lord.
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