# The nature of material existence *The material world is described as duḥkhālayam—a place of misery. Krishna Himself declares it temporary and full of suffering. Understanding this reality is essential for developing detachment and genuine interest in spiritual life.* ## Temporary and Full of Misery ![[bg/8/15]] ![[bg/9/33]] ## Compared to a Dream ![[sb/4/29/2b]] ![[sb/4/29/35]] ## The Three-Fold Miseries Afflict All Living Beings ![[sb/5/14/25]] ![[bg/7/13]] ## Birth, Death, Old Age and Disease Are the Real Problems ![[bg/13/9]] ![[bg/7/29]] ## Material Energy Is Krishna's Inferior Energy ![[bg/7/4]] ![[bg/7/5]] ## The Purpose of Material Creation ![[cc/madhya/20/117]] ![[cc/madhya/20/118]] ## From the Index - [[index/entries/material-world|Material World]] — The temporary realm - [[index/entries/maya|Māyā]] — The illusory energy - [[index/entries/suffering|Suffering]] — The nature of material life - [[index/entries/birth-death-cycle|Birth and Death]] — The cycle of saṁsāra