How can God experience fear when there is no question of self-ignorance in His case?

[An online spiritual discussion was conducted on March 20, 2021, in which several devotees participated. The questions of devotees answered by Swāmi are given below.]

[Śrī Bharath Krishna asked: Padanamskaram Swami! How can we say that God experiences fear (for His entertainment) when there is no question of self-ignorance in His case? A soul experiences fear because of self-ignorance and body consciousness. But God knows that this whole creation is unreal although it appears real to Him. Then how is it possible for God to experience fear? Even if He experiences fear, I feel it might not be as intense as a soul experiences. Am I correct, Swami? Thank You so much for clarifying all of my doubts.]

Swāmi replied: God imposes self-ignorance upon Himself and such self-imposition of ignorance is perfect for the omnipotent God, unlike the soul which has very little power. He enjoys fear as one of the nine modes of entertainment (navarasa). Of course, He can come out of the fear at any second, whenever He wishes, because He can never be controlled by the cosmic illusion called māyā. God is called the controller of māyā (Vaśīkṛtamāyaḥ…), whereas, the soul is said to be controlled by māyā (Māyāvaśīkṛtaḥ…). His attachment as well as detachment are both perfect since He is omnipotent. In the case of the soul, neither the attachment nor the detachment is perfect. This is due to difference in the potency of God and the soul. When God becomes ignorant, the ignorance is perfect and when He realises, His realization is also equally perfect. You are always trying to compare God to an ordinary human being and hence, you are getting such doubts!

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