The Origin of Creation and the Supreme Form
BHAGAVATA PURANA DEEP DIVE - Edition 5 - The Birth of Creation and the Cosmic Form of God
For previous editions of the BHAGAVATA PURANA DEEP DIVE CLICK HERE.
The Bhagavata Purana, as we have already seen in this series, weaves together layers of spiritual wisdom with profound philosophical depth. Each chapter builds upon the last, expanding our understanding of divinity, devotion, and the nature of existence. In this 5th edition, we dive into the first part of the third chapter of Book 1, where Suta Goswami reveals the origins of creation and describes the Purusha — the cosmic, all-encompassing form of the Supreme One. This chapter is nothing short of a majestic unveiling of the Divine's role as both the source and sustainer of all existence.
A Brief Summary of the Third Chapter
The setting continues in the serene Naimisharanya forest, where Suta Goswami narrates to the sages the origin of creation. Suta explains how, in the very beginning, the Supreme One desired to create the worlds. To do so, He assumed the form of Purusha — the Cosmic Being. Lying in the eternal waters of creation in yoga-nidra (a divine meditative slumber), the Supreme One sprouted a lotus from His navel, and from this lotus, Lord Brahma emerged. Brahma, the creator of all progenitors of the universe, would now play his role in creation.
The Purusha's form is described as vast, transcendent, and full of sattva — purity, light, and wisdom. His form embodies the entire cosmos, manifesting as thousands of faces, legs, arms, and eyes, symbolizing that all of creation is but an extension of Him. From Him arise all species: the gods, humans, animals, plants, and even celestial beings. Thereafter, Suta describes the major incarnations of God (which we will discuss in the next edition).
The Supreme One’s Desire to Create
The opening of this chapter highlights a timeless truth: creation is not accidental. It is a deliberate act of divine will. The Bhagavata Purana tells us that in the beginning, desiring to create the worlds, the Supreme One assumed the form of Purusha.
Here, we see a crucial aspect of the Supreme Being's nature: He is both the cause and the initiator of creation. Unlike materialistic theories that view creation as a random event, the Bhagavata Purana roots the origin of everything in the conscious will of the Divine.
The Desire to Create: This desire does not arise out of a lack or need (as it might for mortals), but out of pure lila (divine play). Creation, therefore, becomes an expression of divine love and joy.
Assumption of the Form: The Supreme One takes the form of Purusha — a vast, transcendental being. The Purusha is not bound by material limitations; instead, He is both immanent (within creation) and transcendent (beyond creation).
This invites us to see creation not as separate from God, but as an extension of His divine energy. Everything around us is infused with His presence.
The Lotus and the Birth of Brahma
The imagery of the lotus in this chapter is deeply symbolic. He was lying in the waters in yoga-nidra. A lotus sprouted from His navel, and Brahma, the lord of all the creators of the universe, was born from this lotus.
The Waters of Yoga-Nidra: The divine slumber of yoga-nidra represents a state of perfect equilibrium and timelessness before creation begins. The waters symbolize the infinite, undisturbed potential of existence.
The Lotus: A lotus is born in water but rises above it, untouched and pure. It represents purity, growth, and transcendence. The navel of the Purusha (the central point of His form) becomes the source of the entire creation.
Brahma's Birth: Lord Brahma, who represents the creative force in the universe, emerges from the lotus. However, Brahma is not the ultimate creator; he is merely the instrument through which creation manifests. The Supreme One remains the origin and sustainer of all.
This story gently dissolves our tendency to attribute ultimate authorship to secondary forces. Brahma, though revered, derives his creative powers from the Supreme Purusha.
The Cosmic Form of Purusha: The Universe as His Body
Suta describes the Purusha in grand terms, saying that those with "wise eyes" can perceive His full form. His form is full of Sattva. Those with wise eyes can see His full form—with thousands of legs, arms, faces, ears, eyes, noses. Gods, humans, and all other species are born from this form.
The Purusha Sukta from the Vedas also speaks of a similar cosmic form. What does this description signify?
Unity in Diversity: The description of thousands of limbs and faces conveys that all living beings, in their diversity, are part of the One Supreme Being. Every individual is but a fragment of the divine whole.
The Universe as His Body: This is a powerful concept. The sun and moon become His eyes, the wind His breath, and the mountains His bones. Nature and the cosmos are not separate from Him but are expressions of Him. This perspective inspires reverence toward all of creation.
The Role of Sattva: Sattva refers to purity, harmony, and wisdom. The Purusha is full of Sattva, which means He is eternally free from the disturbances of passion (rajas) and darkness/ignorance (tamas).
This description elevates our vision. To see the universe as the body of God transforms our relationship with the world. It urges us to act with humility, gratitude, and awe.
A Glimpse into the Incarnations
Toward the end of this chapter, Suta briefly hints at what is to come. He mentions the 22 major incarnations (avatars) of the Supreme One, which I will describe in the next edition.
The concept of avatars (divine descents) is one of the most beautiful aspects of the Bhagavata Purana. It reveals that the Supreme One does not remain aloof; He actively engages with the world. Whether it is to restore dharma, uplift devotees, or protect creation, He takes various forms across ages.
The incarnations serve as a bridge between the infinite and the finite, offering us tangible glimpses of the Divine.
The Inner Invitation
This chapter, while describing the grandeur of creation and the Supreme's cosmic form, subtly invites us to see beyond appearances. It urges us to:
Recognize the Divine as both within and without.
Understand that the universe, with all its diversity, is but an expression of One.
Approach creation with reverence and devotion, for it is sacred.
Look for the presence of the Supreme One in all beings and all things.
When we begin to see the world as His manifestation, our actions naturally become more aligned with dharma. We realize that serving others, protecting nature, and living virtuously are acts of serving Him.
Final Thoughts: The Purusha and Us
The Third Chapter of the Bhagavata Purana gives us a profound vision of reality. It reveals the Divine as the source, the sustainer, and the essence of all creation. The story of Brahma's birth from the lotus reminds us that all creative energies ultimately flow from Him.
The image of the Purusha—vast, all-encompassing, and transcendent—inspires us to expand our perspective. We are not isolated individuals but integral parts of the divine whole. Recognizing this dissolves our ego and fosters a sense of unity with the cosmos.
In the next edition, we will delve into the fascinating incarnations of the Supreme One and see how He engages with creation out of compassion and love. Until then, let us reflect on this truth:
The Divine resides in all, and all reside in Him. To know this is to see with wise eyes.
Thank you for joining me on this deep dive. May the vision of the Purusha fill your heart with wonder and devotion.
Awe inspiring! So beautifully written that I will read this many more times just to see the beautifully written descriptions of the devine.