Creation theories and the reality of the world, #2

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Question: How has srishti (creation) come about? Some

say it is predestined. Others say it the Lord's leela or sport.

What is the truth?

 

Sri Ramana Maharshi: Various accounts are given in books. But is

there creation? Only if there is creation do we have to explain how

it came about. We may not know about all these theories but we

certainly know that we exist. Why not know the '`I'' and then see if

there is a creation?

 

Question: In the Vedanta of Sri Sankaracharya the principle

of the creation of the world has been accepted for the sake of

beginners, but for the advanced the principle of non-creation is put

forward. What is your view on this matter?

 

Maharshi: " There is no dissolution or creation, no one in

bondage, nor anyone pursuing spiritual practices. There is no

one desiring liberation nor anyone liberated. This is the

absolute truth. " This sloka (verse) appears in the second

chapter of Gaudapada's Karika. One who is established in the Self

sees this by his knowledge of reality.

 

Question: Is not the Self the cause of this world we see

around us?

 

Maharshi: Self itself appears as the world of diverse names

and forms. However, Self does not act as the efficient cause

(nimitta karana), creating, sustaining and destroying it. Do

not ask `Why does the confusion of Self, not knowing the truth

that it itself appears as the world arise?' If instead you

enquire `To whom does this confusion occur?', it will be discovered

that no such confusion ever existed for Self.

...............

taken from

Be As You Are, The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi

Edited by David Godman