The Spider and Its Web

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Jaya Guru Datta,

 

Here is today's saying:

 

"In the case of creation of the universe, Ishwara is both the Upadana Karana

(material cause) and the Nimitta Karana (instrumental cause). How is this

possible? Let us understand it with the help of the popular example of the

spider and its web.

 

A spider weaves a web. It has not brought the raw material (like the potter

brings the clay) from elsewhwere. Thus, for the web, the spider itself is the

Upadana Karana (material cause). Does one see the spider everywhere in the web

all the time? (Just as one sees clay everywhere in the pot). No. It is

therefore the Nimitta Karana. It means that if the life principle pervading the

entire body of the spider is given prominence, (i.e,when one considers it as

Upadhi)- the spider is the Upadana Karana. If the spider is viewed as a Karta

(doer), it becomes a Nimmita Karana because of its Sva-praadhaanya

(self-prominence).

 

Similarly, Ishwara is the Upadana Karana by virtue of His Upadhi Praadhaanya.

He is also the Nimitta Karana by virtue of Sva-praadhaanya (self-prominence)."

 

Sri Swamiji

Lessons in Vedanta - 17 part V

 

Sri Guru Datta,

Swamiji Says

 

 

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