Q26
Contd.
The
Purva Mimamsa system of Jaimini advocates the theory that Prakriti
or insentient nature evolves by itself into this universe, being
impelled by the Prarabdha Karma (Karma done in previous
lives and about to be fructified) of Jivas or individual souls. According
to the Vedanta system propounded by Badarayana Vyasa,
Brahman the Absolute projects this universe out of Itself, sustains
it and withdraws it
into Itself at the end of the cycle.
This means that Brahman the Absolute
which is One without a second, becomes 'many', gets 'evolved' as the
universe and 'returns' to Its original state of unity. it is
something like the web coming out of the spider's mouth, sparks
emitted out of fire or vegetation growing out of earth. Everything
that exists is really Brahman, there is nothing that is not Brahman.
Thus Vedanta teaches a fundamental unity behind the universe.
When we look at the theories of modem
science which declare that electrons are fundamental particles of
matter, the permutations and combinations of which have given rise
to the various objects of creation, we are tempted to conclude that
modern science is fast approaching the findings of Vedanta. Whereas
modem science has not yet been able even to define in unambiguous
terms, lot alone explain, what mind, consciousness and life are,
Vedanta affirms in unequivocal terms that Brahman or Atman, whose
nature is eternal Existence, Consciousness and Bliss, is the
fundamental and only reality from which everything else, has
evolved. This affirmation has obviously gone far beyond the
discoveries and declarations of modem science.
|