Creation theories and the reality of the world, #5

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Q: The Vedas contain conflicting accounts of cosmogony. Ether is said to be the first creation in one place; vital energy (prana] in another place; something else in yet another; water in still another, and so on. How are these to be reconciled? Do not these impair the credibility o f the Vedas?

A: Different seers saw different aspects of truth at different times each emphasising one view. Why do you worry about their conflicting statements? The essential aim of the Vedas is to teach us the nature of the imperishable atman and show us that we are that.

Q: I am satisfied with that portion. A: Then treat all the rest as artha vada [auxiliary arguments] or expositions for the sake of the ignorant who seek to trace the genesis of things.

Q: I form part of the creation and so remain dependent. I cannot solve the riddle of creation until I become independent. Yet I ask Sri Bhagavan, should he not answer the question for me?

A: Yes. It is Bhagavan that says, `Become independent and solve the riddle yourself. It is for you to do it.' Again, where are you now that you ask this question? Are you in the world, or is the world within you?

You must admit that the world is not perceived in your sleep although you cannot deny your existence then. The world appears when you wake up. So where is it ? Clearly the world is your thought. Thoughts are your projections. The `I' is first created and then the world. The world is created by the `I' which in its turn rises up from the Self. The riddle of the creation of the world is thus solved if you solve the creation of the `I'. So I say, find your Self.

Again, does the world come and ask you `Why do "I" exist ? How was "I" created ?' It is you who ask the question. The questioner must establish the relationship between the world and himself. He must admit that the world is his own imagination. Who imagines it ? Let him again find the `I' and then the Self.

Moreover, all the scientific and theological explanations do not harmonise. The diversities in such theories clearly show the uselessness of seeking such explanations. Such explanations are purely mental or intellectual and nothing more. Still, all of them are true according to the standpoint of the individual.

There is no creation in the state of realization. When one sees the world, one does not see oneself. When one sees the Self, the world is not seen. So see the Self and realize that there has been no creation.

>> taken from >> Be As You Are, The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi>> Edited by David Godman