Maitreya Seeks Cosmic Wisdom from Parásara
Creation - Chapter 1
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Creation - Chapter 1
Follow Maitreya's quest for knowledge as Parashara unveils the mysteries of creation, guided by sages Vasishtha and Pulastya.
We begin with a reverent salutation to Vasudeva, the supreme deity. We honor you, Pundarikaksha (lotus-eyed one), and revere you, Vishvabhavana (creator of the universe). Glory to you, Hrishikesha (master of the senses), Mahapurusha (great being), and Purvaja (firstborn).
May Vishnu, the eternal and imperishable Brahman, bless us. He is Ishvara (the supreme lord) and the cosmic spirit. Through the three gunas (qualities of nature), he orchestrates the creation, preservation, and dissolution of the universe. As the source of nature, intellect, and all universal elements, may he grant us understanding, prosperity, and ultimate liberation.
Maitreya, a devoted disciple, approached the sage Parashara with great reverence. Parashara, grandson of the revered Vasishtha, was a beacon of wisdom. His knowledge spanned history, the Puranas, Vedas, and various branches of science. He had just completed his morning devotional rites when Maitreya arrived.
Bowing respectfully, Maitreya addressed Parashara:
"Master, your teachings have given me confidence in my knowledge of the Vedas, law, and sacred sciences. Now, I seek to understand the nature of our world – its past, present, and future.
"Please enlighten me, oh wise one. What is the essence of this world? Where did life and matter come from? What will everything return to in the end? How did the elements come into being? What is the origin of gods and other beings?
"I'm curious about the layout of our world. Tell me about the oceans, mountains, the earth, sun, and planets. Share with me the stories of gods, sages, and kings. How did the great Vyasa divide the Vedas? What duties should people of different castes and life stages follow?
"Oh grandson of Vasishtha, I wish to learn all this from you. Please, in your kindness, impart this knowledge to me."
Parashara smiled, touched by Maitreya's thirst for knowledge. "Your questions are excellent, Maitreya," he said. "They remind me of a story my grandfather Vasishtha once shared with me.
"In my youth, I learned a terrible truth. My father had been killed by a Rakshasa (demon) sent by Vishvamitra. Rage consumed me, and I began a ritual to destroy all Rakshasas. As hundreds of them turned to ash, my grandfather Vasishtha intervened.
"He spoke to me gently but firmly. 'Enough, my child. Let go of your anger. The Rakshasas aren't to blame for your father's death – it was destiny's work. Anger is a fool's downfall and has no place in a wise heart. Each person reaps what they sow.'
"My grandfather continued, 'Anger destroys what we gain through hard work – fame, spiritual merit, and the path to higher realms. Great sages always avoid wrath. Don't let it control you, my son. Stop this destruction of innocent spirits. True strength lies in mercy.'"
Parashara paused, lost in the memory. Then he continued, "Moved by his words, I stopped the ritual immediately. My grandfather was pleased with my decision and blessed me."
"Soon after, Pulastya, a son of Brahma himself, arrived. We welcomed him with proper respects. Pulastya spoke to me, his eyes shining with divine light.
"'Because you heeded your grandfather's advice and showed mercy despite your anger, you will become a great scholar,' Pulastya said. 'Since you spared my descendants, I grant you another gift – you shall become the author of a summary of the Puranas. You will understand the true nature of deities and gain perfect, doubt-free understanding in all spiritual matters.'
"My grandfather Vasishtha added his own blessing, saying all of Pulastya's words would surely come to pass.
"Now, Maitreya, your questions have brought these memories to life. I will share with you the complete compendium of the Puranas, as you've asked. Listen carefully, for this knowledge is precious.
"Know this fundamental truth: The world was born from Vishnu, exists in Vishnu, and Vishnu is the cause of its continuance and end. Vishnu is the world itself."
Thus concludes the first chapter of the first part of the Vishnu Purana.