Brahman and Maya - Both are behind creation of the world - Swami Sivananda

[Guest guest]

Like the pot and clay, waves and the sea, golden ornaments and gold,

the universe is non-different from Brahman. The cause does not lose

its being by appearing as the effect. The world is not an illusion,

but it is non-different from Bhrahman. Just as heat is inseparable

from fire and identical with it, so is the universe, which is of the

nature of Brahman, identical wit it.

 

The world is dependent on Brahman and independently the world is

nothing. The play of cit (consciousness) alone shines as this

universe. The universe was, is and always will be. There is no

beginning or end to creation.

 

Behind the impermanent material world there is the invisible source

of all things, pure, unchanging spirit or Atman. In the presence of

God, maya (illusion) creates the world, even as in the presence of

the superior officer, the subordinates do their work. Just as a

carpenter cannot work without the instruments, and the instruments

themselves also cannot do any work without the carpenter, so also

Isvara (God) cannot create the world without maya, nor can maya

create the world without Isvara.

 

Overflow of Brahmic Bliss

 

This world is an overflow of the love of God. This is the view of a

bhakta (devotee). This world is an overflow of the bliss of Brahman.

This is the view of a Vedantin or sage. Love and bliss are one; God

and Brahman are none. This world is nothing but the expressions of

God's love for himself. This world is an expression or manifestation

of God. It is the outcome of the spontaneous play of love and joy.

God expands himself and manifests as the world.

 

Atmic sankalpa (the will of the Self) makes this universe shine and

constitutes it. Every object is surcharged with divine significance.

Everything in this world has a spiritual message to convey. Learn

from everything. All is Brahman. When this truth is intellectually

recognised and intuitively realised, then all feelings of differences

end forever.