An observation on Brahman, Ishwara and Creation

[Guest guest]

Dear Advaitins,

 

Namaste,

 

In this post I would like to summarize my present understanding of

Advaita Vedanta. I shall write down my observations briefly and I

welcome comments and feedback from the other members of the group.

Corrections are also welcome. Let us be precise and as brief as

possible since time is the constraint for all of us.

 

In my humble understanding, Brahman is a mysterious entity in which

all the things which we see manifested are latent. Brahman is not

only nirguna but it does contain will, or the Shakti whose result is

this marvelous creation. Adi Shanakra calls this mysterious power as

the praramesha shaktiH.

 

An illusion can be created by a `real power' and not by another

illusory power which is contrary to reason. This can be equated with

mAyA. It is a power which is capable to obstruct the reality and

project the seemingly unreal entities. This creation though I cannot

say `eternal', is latent in Brahman which is its cause. Let me try

to explain it with the help of an example.

 

Let us take an ice for example. Ice is nothing but modified water.

It is not illusory entity but it's a real entity which has

manifested out of it. For making an ice we require energy which we

use for freezing it. Hence, ice a real entity is nothing but water +

energy. In the case of water there is a real modification in the

water which gets transformed into an ice.

 

In the similar fashion, Brahman is an entity in which all names and

forms are latent and not only that it has got will also inherent in

it. The creation is nothing but the real manifestations of these

latent entities due the expression of that will, which can be

equated with Shakti or sportive power of the lord. At the same time

we have to note that unlike water there is no modification in

Brahman itself! The true jnanis who have realized the absolute have

always affirmed that there in no tinge of duality in Brahman.

 

As in the case of sushupti if there is no will, it is impossible for

us to wake up. Similarly, If we assume that Brahman is nirguna and

how do we explain the universe which is definitely an act of will?

We cannot deny it, at our present state at least. Nor we can say

that it is the result of an illusory power.

 

It may seem contradictory but form me it seems more logical. I would

definitely like to know the perspectives of other members and at the

same time let us give due respect and regard for the different

AchAryas of the advaita sampradaya. If possible, let us try to have

an healthy discussion without getting into controversy.

 

Yours in Sri Ramakrishna,

 

Br. Vinayaka.