“Creation” a misnomer:
In the previous article, we discussed how the term “religion” is a misnomer for the term “Dharma”. In this article, we will discuss another misnomer – “creation” to explain the term “Srishti”.
The term “Srishti” is often mistranslated as “creation.” While both terms refer to the emergence of the universe, their underlying concepts are quite distinct.
The Vedic Perspective on Srishti
The Sanskrit word “Srishti” (सृष्टि) is derived from the root word “Srj” (सृज्). This root word means to “produce”.
While both “production” and “creation” involve bringing something new into existence, there are key differences between the two:
Creation:
Originality: Creation implies bringing something entirely new into existence. In Abrahamic religions, the God created cosmos by his command.
First-time occurrence: Creation is the first instance of something. So, creation of this cosmos is a unique event.
Production:
Process: Production involves a systematic process of admixture of existing elements to bring out their subtle quality. In Vedic tradition, the world was created with the admixture of different elements of pre-existing & eternal proto-matter (moola prakriti).
Recurrence: The process of admixture and dissolution goes on for eternity like clock-work (kala-chakra). In Vedic tradition this process is eternal, the substance is eternal, Parabrahman is eternal and individual consciousness is also eternal. However, all their eternity is subordinate to Parabrahman which is the supreme consciousness responsible for the cosmic order.
In Vedic philosophy, Srishti signifies the cosmic evolution or manifestation of the universe from the moola-prakriti. It’s not a singular event, but a continuous process of expansion and contraction.
The Role of Consciousness:
Consciousness (Purusha) plays the central role in the process of Srishti. It is through the interplay of consciousness and matter (Purusha and Prakriti) that the cosmic play occurs.
As individual consciousness, we are brought in to the process in order to realize full potential and finally unite with Parabrahman.
The Misleading Notion of Creation
The concept of creation, as understood in many Western philosophies, often implies a divine act of bringing something into existence from nothing. This notion is not aligned with the Vedic understanding of Srishti. In Vedic Tradition, there is no “NOTHING”; rather everything exist in a flux.
By recognizing the nuances of Srishti, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the Vedic worldview and its profound insights into the nature of reality.
Key takeaways:
The term “creation” should be completely avoided for “Srishti”. Suggest the same politely to those who use the word creation for the word Srishti.
Due to lack of adequate word in English it is suggested to use “Srishti” only in discussions.
Vedic Tribe is happy to bring you this series narrating ten common mix-ups on Vedanta and provide clarity as much as practically possible.
Our intention is to create enough curiosity in you to enable you to study Vedanta with clarity and adopt its teachings in your day-to-day life.
All the best.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
