This is a technical look, from the Gaudiya-Vaishnava perspective, at a complicated philosophical question: Were we with God before we came to the material world?

This philosophical question is carefully analyzed according to shruti, smriti, and the Vaishnava acharyas’ translations of key words in Sanskrit texts. Evidence from Srimad-Bhagavatam, Brahma-vaivarta Purana and other books are examined, as well as discussions with Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Bhaktivinoda Thakura and other recent acharyas.