# Soul & Supersoul > [!summary] > *The relationship between the individual soul (*jīvātmā*) and the Supreme Soul (*Paramātmā*) is one of the most important philosophical concepts. These analogies illuminate how the Lord accompanies every living being as the witness and guide within the heart.* ## Two Birds in a Tree ### The Classic Vedic Image Two friendly birds sit in the same tree. One (the soul) eats the fruits of the tree, while the other (the Supersoul) simply watches. This illustrates how the Lord witnesses all our activities without directly engaging in them. ![[cc/adi/2/19#purport|two birds]] —Cc. [[cc/adi/2/19|Ādi 2.19]] Purport See also: [[sb/3/6/9|SB 3.6.9]], [[sb/10/2/27|SB 10.2.27]] ## Two Swans in the Heart ### Companions Since Time Immemorial Like two swans living together in the heart, the soul and Supersoul have been companions since beginningless time. ![[sb/4/28/64#purport|swans]] —SB [[sb/4/28/64|4.28.64]] Purport ## Friend & Brāhmaṇa's Friend ### The Supersoul as True Friend The story of King Purañjana illustrates the Supersoul as the forgotten friend who always accompanies us, waiting for us to turn to Him. ![[sb/4/28/51#purport|friend]] —SB [[sb/4/28/51|4.28.51-55]] Purport See also: [[sb/4/28/61|SB 4.28.61-64]] ## Sun & The Supersoul ### Illuminating All As the one sun illuminates the entire universe, the one Supersoul illuminates the consciousness of all living beings. ![[cc/adi/2/21|sun]] —Cc. [[cc/adi/2/21|Ādi 2.21]] See also: [[sb/3/15/45|SB 3.15.45]], [[sb/5/20/5|SB 5.20.5]] ## Chariot Driver ### The Inner Guide The Supersoul is compared to a chariot driver who guides the soul (passenger) through material existence, directing intelligence (the driver) and controlling the senses (the horses). ![[sb/4/26/1-3#purport|chariot]] —SB [[sb/4/26/1-3|4.26.1-3]] Purport ## Government Representative ### Overseeing All As the government appoints officers to oversee activities in different localities, the Supersoul oversees the activities of all living beings from within their hearts. ![[cc/adi/2/10#purport|government]] —Cc. [[cc/adi/2/10|Ādi 2.10]] Purport ## Butter in Milk ### Present but Hidden As butter exists within milk but must be churned to manifest, the Supersoul is present everywhere but is realized through devotional practice. ![[sb/1/2/32#purport|butter]] —SB [[sb/1/2/32|1.2.32]] Purport *Complete reference: [[index/entries/analogies|Analogies Index]]* *See also: [[wiki/analogies/soul-body|Soul & Body Analogies]], [[wiki/analogies/sun|Sun Analogies]]*