LITMIR.BIZ

       THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE

      There is a consciousness in the grass and trees, a consciousness that animates the tiny amoeba, that manifests in the amazing animal kingdom and in the wondrous richness of human life. This consciousness permeates all creation, from the deepest recesses of our earth to the farthest unknown galaxy. It controls the movement of the stars and it blossoms in the tiniest flower. It creates, it maintains, and it destroys, and yet it is beyond even these. We can call it Brahma, the Supreme. In the ancient science of Tantra, the creation of the universe is a cycle, called Brahmachakra— the “circle of the Supreme.”

      There are two parts of the cycle of creation: the “extroversal” phase of expansion, when pure consciousness manifests into matter and mind, and the “introversal” phase, when that consciousness slowly returns to its pure state. Along the way there are temporary reversals, but the essential evolution is from infinite consciousness into static matter and back to consciousness again.

      When you begin to understand this cycle, you can begin to perceive the roots of all scientific and religious thought. Researchers, physicists, philosophers, and religious teachers through the ages have discovered pieces of the puzzle of creation and have labeled them in many ways, making it look as if there are many distinctly different theories of creation. But if you study carefully, you will begin to see that the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Many creation stories are simply the attempts of early teachers to translate subtle ideas into symbols that people of their day could understand.

      Modern thinkers are beginning to piece together more of the creation and evolution theories, and what is emerging looks very much like yoga philosophy. Ken Wilbur, author of such groundbreaking books as The Spectrum of Consciousness and Up from Eden, maintains that the force of evolution is the drive toward spirit. “The creation did not take place all at once at some time in the distant past,” he says. “Creation is occurring now as evolution — ceaselessly novel, ceaselessly driving toward higher and higher unities in search of the absolute Unity, or spirit itself. And that, I believe, is the only way to bring science and religion together.” According to Tantra this ultimate unity is Brahma, and every being, every atom in the universe is moving toward realization of that supreme state.

      Try to picture the infinite cycle of creation in your imagination. Go way back, before the beginning, before matter, before mind … oops! You’ve hit a snag already. How can you, with the mind, perceive that which is beyond the mind? The point between manifest and unmanifest consciousness is the “beginning” of the creation of the universe— a point not in time but beyond it. Only through deep meditation can you perceive this initial point, and when you do, you merge in it and you are unable to communicate that state in words. A knotty problem!

      Speaking of knotty problems, I want to share with you a dilemma I encountered while writing this chapter. Tantric cosmology is fascinating and complex. It combines quantum physics, intuitive insight, and religious metaphor. Much of it is not yet understood in scientific terms. I have tried to get it into simple language and to eliminate as many Sanskrit words as possible, but, quite frankly, it’s still rough going. I considered placing it at the end of the book, but these concepts are the foundation upon which the practices of yoga and meditation are built. Understanding the cycle of creation is, in my view, very helpful — though not essential — in motivating you to do meditation and yoga practices every day. It provides a context for the conduct of everyday life.

      So, it’s up to you: You can either read on from here, or skip over this chapter and read the rest of the book, referring back to this one when you need the information.