Advaitic Analysis of Creation

[Guest guest]

Greetings Advaitins:

 

Shri Sadanandaji has introduced the interesting topic - The Myths of

Creation for the discussants to contemplation and clarifications. The

participation of the members on the previous topic, Karma and free-will

was overwhelming. I hope to see similar participation from the

veterans and also from the energetic new entrants. Those who want to

get a good overview of the Advaitic analysis of Creation, I suggest the

book, "The Mystery of Creation," Published by Central Chinmaya Mission

Trust, Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Bombay. This book presents a rigorous

introduction to Vedantic discussions on creation. This book can

transform one's understanding of the origin and the purpose of

existence. The book is available in all Chinmaya Mission Centers all

over the world.

 

--

Ram Chandran

Burke, VA

 

The enclosed paragraph is a vivid description of the creation of living

beings as given in the Upanishads. This is a part of the article, "

Spiritual View of the Universe" by Swami Nikhilananda from the above

book (Mystery of Creation)

 

In the beginning this universe was Brahman alone, in the shape of a

person. He reflected and saw nothing but Himself. He first said: "I am

He." Therefore He came to be known by the name I (Aham). Hence, even

now, when a person is addressed, he first says: "It is I," and then

repeats whatever other name he may have. He (Brahman) was afraid.

Therefore people still are afraid when alone. He thought: "Since there

is nothing but Myself, what am I afraid of?" Thereupon His fears were

gone; for what was there to fear? Assured ly, it is from a second thing

that fear arises. He (Brahman) was not happy. Therefore a person, even

today, is not happy when alone. He desired a mate. He became the size of

a man and wife in close embrace. He divided His body in two; from that

division arose husband and wife. Therefore the body, before one accepts

a wife, is half of oneself, like the half of a split pea. Therefore this

space is indeed filled by the wife. He was united with her. From that

union human beings were born. She reflected: "How can He unite with me

after having produced me from Himself? Well, let me hide myself." She

became a cow, the other became a bull and was united with her; from that

union cattle were born. The one became a mare, the other became a

stallion; the one became a she-ass, the other became a he- ass and was

united with her; from that union one-hoofed animals were born. The one

became a she-goat, the other became a he-goat; the one became an ewe,

the other became a ram and was united with her; from that union goats

and sheep were born. Thus, indeed, He produced everything that exists in

pairs, down to the ants., (Brhadiranya ka Upanishad Liv.1-4).