The Unending Cycle of Creation in Hinduism: An Eternal Recurrence Perspective

"What was before the universe?" is a question that has puzzled religious thinkers for ages. According to Hindu beliefs, the answer lies in the endless cycle of creation, maintenance, and dissolution that characterized the universe and its divine entities.

The Beginning and Endlessness of Creation

According to Hindu scriptures, before the universe as we know it existed, there was only Lord Narayana, the supreme being. This cosmic entity existed in a state of solitude, much like the absence of matter and energy in the void.

ldquo;Narayana verily was alone. There was no Brahman, no Isana, no water, no Agni and Soma, no heaven and no earth, no stars, no Sun, but only he, the Nara Purusa alone.rdquo; Maha Upanishad of Samaveda

Lord Narayana then embarked on the process of creation, bringing forth everything that now forms our universe. From him came various deities and elements, including Brahma, Rudra, Indra, and the Vedic gods.

ldquo;Then Nārāyaa the supreme Purua desired. From Nārāyaa emanates prāa manas the several organs of sense and action ākā vāyu agni āpas and pthivī that supports all. From Nārāyaa emanates Brahmā. From Nārāyaa emanates Rudra. From Nārāyaa emanates Indra. From Nārāyaa emanates Prajāpati the divine progenitor. From Nārāyaa emanates the twelve ādityas, rudras, vasus, and all the chandas Vedas.rdquo; Narayana Upanishad of Krishna Yajurveda

Cycles of Creation: The Eternal Recurrence

Hinduism presents a fascinating view of the universe as an endless cycle of creation, maintenance, and dissolution. Unlike a single, one-time big bang, Hindu cosmology suggests that these cycles have occurred repeatedly over an unimaginable period of time.

ldquo;Then the Creator begins to ldquo;awakesrdquo; and Everything comes into being. God unfolds Godself- into everything around you. Including you!rdquo; A description in the Rig Veda, Nasadiya Sukta

This cycle is not limited to a single eternal big bang but rather a sequence of creations. Each cycle includes periods of rest and activity, much like the burgeoning and dissipation of individual universes. This cycle applies only to the material world, while the spiritual and divine entities remain eternal and unaltered.

Remembering the Cycles: Eternal Recurrence

The concept of eternal recurrence is further exemplified by stories like that of the sage Kakbushunda, who remember previous cycles while others do not. For instance, Kakbushunda recounted witnessing the Mahabharata and Ramayana multiple times and noted different outcomes each time, suggesting that events do not repeat exactly but still occur in cycles.

ldquo;This is the 7th time we have met. The only difference is I remember and you do not.rdquo; Sage Kakbushunda

Such stories add a layer of complexity to the understanding of existence, where history and events may be re-lived but with variations. Philosophically, this idea aligns with the Western concept of eternal return, popularized by thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche, who viewed life as a repetitive experience.

The Meaning of Life: Service and Liberation

Although Hinduism postulates these eternal cycles, it does not view them as a monotonic experience. Instead, the purpose of life is seen as an endless journey of joyous service, growth, and spiritual liberation.

Religious teachers such as Ramanuja, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Swaminarayan, and Nimbarka have conceptualized life as a school or a game, where the objective is to learn and overcome suffering. They propose that the perpetual cycles of creation provide a platform for this eternal journey of growth and service.

ldquo;Life is a school.rdquo; The Healing Stream

This perspective encourages the cultivation of qualities like humility, faith, and surrender, guiding individuals to seek deeper communion with the divine and serve God forever.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my own experiences in writing about these eternal cycles, I can't help but feel a sense of déjà-vu, wondering how many times I've explored these questions and drawn the same conclusions. Life, like the cycles of creation in Hinduism, is a perpetual journey, and the reoccurring themes suggest that every moment holds the potential for learning and growth.

Until we meet again, I bid you Namaste, a greeting that embodies the essence of divine embrace and unity. May you find your path in this endless and beautiful cosmic dance.