 A critical aspect of the ontological entities presented by Swaminarayan is the interpretation and description of Akshar.Shankara, Ramanuja, and others shift the meaning of Akshar to either Supreme Being (God), "jada-prakrut"i, or "mukta atma".In contrast, Swaminarayan explains Akshar is a distinct reality with four different forms, including Parabrahman’s abode, the personal servant of Parabrahman in that divine abode, the sentient substratum pervading and supporting creation (chidakash, "cidākāśa") and the Aksharbrahman Guru present on earth.