The ocean of material existence is very difficult to cross without the mercy of Parameśvara. It is not only difficult, but impossible. Even though the jīvas are superior to matter, they are by nature weak and dependent on Bhagavān as their sole protector, guardian and saviour. The jīva is anu-caitanya, an atomic particle. He is dependent on and the servant of Parama-Caitanya Bhagavān. In other words, Parama-Caitanya Bhagavān is the refuge of all jīvas. This world of matter is created by māyā and, therefore, the position of the jīva is the same as that of an offender who is in prison. The jīva wanders throughout this world as a result of his opposition to Bhagavān. Those jīvas who are opposed to Bhagavān are called baddha-jīvas (conditioned souls) because they are chained by māyā. On the contrary, those jīvas who follow Bhagavān are released from māyā and are called mukta-jīvas (liberated souls). This difference is due to the contrary conditions in which the unlimited jīvas are situated. Hence, there are two divisions, baddhajīvas and mukta-jīvas.