# Government > [!summary] > *Kings, servants, laws, and administration provide imagery for understanding the Lord's supreme position and our relationship to Him.* ## King and Subjects ### Lord and Living Entities As a king is served by all citizens, the Supreme Lord is the supreme master served by all living entities—directly or indirectly. ![[bg/5/29|king]] —Bg. [[bg/5/29|5.29]] ## Government Representative ### Spiritual Master's Authority A government representative carries the authority of the government. The spiritual master carries the authority of the Lord and previous teachers. ![[sb/1/5/23#purport|representative]] —SB [[sb/1/5/23|1.5.23]] Purport ## Law and Order ### Universal Regulation As a state has laws governing citizens, the universe operates under laws (karma, dharma) governing all living beings. ![[bg/3/15#purport|law]] —Bg. [[bg/3/15|3.15]] Purport ## Prison and Rehabilitation ### Material World as Correction The material world is like a prison for rehabilitation—not punishment for its own sake, but to correct and eventually release the soul. ![[sb/3/26/5#purport|prison]] —SB [[sb/3/26/5|3.26.5]] Purport ## Servant and Master ### Constitutional Position As servants are meant to serve the master, the constitutional position of the soul is to serve the Supreme Lord. ![[bg/18/65#purport|servant]] —Bg. [[bg/18/65|18.65]] Purport ## King Without Duty ### Material Enjoyment Without Service A king who neglects his duties but enjoys the treasury is condemned. One who enjoys material nature without serving the Lord is similarly condemned. ![[iso/1#purport|treasury]] —Iso [[iso/1|1]] Purport ## Ambassadors and Kings ### Devotees Representing Lord Ambassadors represent their nation in foreign lands. Devotees represent the Lord in this material world, carrying His message. ![[sb/1/16/26-30#purport|ambassador]] —SB [[sb/1/16/26-30|1.16.26-30]] Purport *Complete reference: [[index/entries/analogies|Analogies Index]]* *See also: [[wiki/analogies/city|City]], [[wiki/analogies/lord-living-entities|Lord & Living Entities]], [[wiki/analogies/guru-disciple|Guru & Disciple]]*