Parashara Reveals Divine Time Scales
Creation - Chapter 3
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Creation - Chapter 3
Explore cosmic time through Parashara's teachings to Maitreya. Delve into Brahma's creation, divine time scales, and the current Varaha Kalpa in this epic Hindu cosmology.
Maitreya, seeking to understand the mysteries of creation, posed a profound question to the sage Parashara: "How can we attribute the power of creation to Brahma, who is described as being without qualities, limitless, pure, and free from imperfections?"
Parashara, drawing upon his deep wisdom, began to explain the intricate nature of Brahma and the process of creation. He said, "The essential properties of all things in existence are beyond the grasp of ordinary thought and knowledge. Similarly, the power of creation and countless other attributes are inseparable aspects of Brahma's essence."
To illustrate this concept, Parashara offered an analogy. "Just as heat is inherent to fire," he explained, "so too are these creative powers innate to Brahma."
Continuing his explanation, Parashara revealed, "Listen carefully, and I will describe how the divine Narayana, who is another form of Vishnu, manifests as Brahma, the great progenitor of the world, to bring all things into existence."
Parashara then addressed a common misconception: "Though we often speak of Brahma as being 'born,' this is merely a figure of speech. In truth, it refers to Brahma's manifestation rather than a literal birth, for Brahma is eternal."
He added, "Brahma is also known as Lokapitamaha, which means 'the grandfather of the world,' signifying his role as the creator of all beings."
To provide context for Brahma's existence, Parashara explained the concept of divine time: "In the measure of Brahma's existence, we say that a hundred of his years constitute his full lifespan. This vast period is known as Para, and half of it is called Parardha."
Parashara then made a connection to his earlier teachings. "Remember," he said, "when I told you that Time itself is a form of Vishnu? Now, let me explain how this concept of Time is applied to measure not only the duration of Brahma's existence but also that of all sentient beings and even inanimate objects like mountains and oceans."
Parashara began his explanation of time measurement, starting with the smallest units: "Oh best of sages, let me explain how we measure time, from the briefest moment to the span of ages."
He continued, "Fifteen twinklings of an eye make one Kāșthā. Thirty Kāșthās compose one Kala, and thirty Kalas form one Muhūrtta. These are the fundamental units upon which larger measures of time are built."
Moving to more familiar units, Parashara said, "Thirty Muhūrttas constitute a full day and night for mortals. Thirty such days make a month, which we divide into two half-months. Six months form an Ayana, marking the period of the sun's progress either north or south of the ecliptic."
Transitioning to divine time scales, Parashara explained, "Two Ayanas compose a year in the mortal realm. However, in the divine realm, this same period has a different significance. The southern Ayana is considered a night for the gods, while the northern Ayana is their day."
He then introduced the concept of divine years: "A divine year consists of 360 such days. Now, consider this: twelve thousand divine years constitute the period of four Yugas, or ages."
Parashara elaborated on the Yugas: "These four ages are not of equal duration. They are distributed thus: the Krta age spans four thousand divine years; the Treta age, three thousand; the Dvapara age, two thousand; and the Kali age, one thousand."
Continuing with larger cosmic cycles, Parashara said, "Each Yuga is preceded by a period called Sandhya, and followed by another called Sandhyamsa. These transitional periods each last for as many hundred years as there are thousands in the Yuga."
He then defined the largest cycle: "The Krta, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali ages, together with their Sandhyas and Sandhyamsas, form what we call a great age, or Mahayuga. A thousand such Mahayugas compose a single day of Brahma."
Parashara concluded this section by connecting it back to Brahma's lifespan: "Remember, a hundred years of Brahma's time, each consisting of these immense days, constitute his full life. This gives you a sense of the vast scales of time we're dealing with in the cosmic order."
Parashara continued his exposition on cosmic time scales, introducing a new concept: "Now, let me explain to you the idea of Manvantara, which is a crucial cycle in the cosmic order."
He began with its definition: "A Manvantara is the period of Manu's reign. It's a vast span of time during which a particular Manu oversees the world and its affairs."
Elaborating on its duration, Parashara said, "The length of a Manvantara is quite remarkable. It equals seventy-one times the number of years contained in the four Yugas, with some additional years added."
To put this in perspective, he added, "In terms of divine years, a Manvantara lasts for 852,000 years. When converted to mortal years, this equates to 306,720,000 years, not counting the additional period."
Parashara then explained the cyclic nature of creation within a Manvantara: "At the beginning of each Manvantara, a remarkable event occurs. Seven Rishis (great sages), certain secondary divinities, Indra (the king of gods), Manu himself, and the kings descended from him are all created simultaneously."
He continued, "What's fascinating is that at the end of each Manvantara, all these beings cease to exist, only to be created anew in the next cycle."
To emphasize the importance of this concept, Parashara said, "Understanding Manvantaras is crucial to comprehending the rhythms of creation and dissolution in our universe. They represent major epochs in the cosmic drama, each overseen by a different Manu."
He concluded this section by connecting it to the larger time scale: "Remember, fourteen Manvantaras make up one day of Brahma. This gives you an idea of the vastness of cosmic time and the cyclic nature of existence in Hindu cosmology."
Parashara continued his discourse on cosmic time scales, moving to an even grander perspective: "Now, let us contemplate the day and night of Brahma himself, for these cycles encompass all we have discussed so far."
He began with the duration: "A single day of Brahma, known as a Kalpa, consists of fourteen Manvantaras. This immense span of time is beyond mortal comprehension, yet it is but a flicker in the eternal existence of the universe."
Parashara then described the events that occur at the end of Brahma's day: "As Brahma's day draws to a close, a remarkable and terrifying process unfolds. The three lower worlds - Bhur (Earth), Bhuva (Atmosphere), and Svarga (Heaven) - are consumed by fire. The entire universe is engulfed in flames, marking the end of a cosmic cycle."
He continued, "The heat becomes so intense that even the inhabitants of Maharloka, the fourth of the seven upper worlds, find it unbearable. Distressed by the cosmic conflagration, they ascend to Janaloka, the fifth world and realm of enlightened beings."
"As the dissolution progresses," Parashara explained, "the three lower worlds merge into a single vast ocean. It's a sight beyond imagination - all that was once diverse and teeming with life becomes one undifferentiated expanse of water."
Parashara then described what happens to Brahma during this time: "Brahma, who is one with Narayana, the supreme deity, lies down upon his serpent bed. He enters a state of yogic sleep, contemplating the dissolution of the universe he had created."
He added, "The lotus-born creator is observed in this state by the ascetic inhabitants of Janaloka, who have escaped the lower realms' destruction."
"This period of dissolution," Parashara continued, "lasts for a night equal in duration to Brahma's day. To put this in perspective, a single day or night of Brahma would last for billions of years in human terms."
Concluding this section, he said, "When Brahma's night ends, he awakens and begins the process of creation anew. Thus, the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution continues eternally, like the rhythmic breath of the cosmos itself."
Parashara continued his exposition, now addressing the ultimate scale of cosmic time: "We have discussed Brahma's day and night, but now let us consider the full span of Brahma's life."
He explained, "Just as we measure our lives in years, Brahma's life is measured in his own time scale. A hundred years by Brahma's reckoning constitutes his full lifespan. This period is so vast that it defies ordinary comprehension."
Introducing a new term, Parashara said, "Half of Brahma's lifespan is called a Parardha. It's an important milestone in the cosmic timeline."
He then revealed a startling fact: "As of now, one Parardha of the current Brahma's life has already passed. We are currently in the first day of the second Parardha of Brahma's life. To put this in perspective, a single Parardha would last for trillions of human years."
Parashara moved on to discuss the present cosmic era: "The Kalpa we are currently experiencing is known as the Varaha Kalpa. It's named thus because in this cycle, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a boar (Varaha) to rescue the Earth from cosmic waters."
He elaborated on the significance: "The Varaha avatar is crucial in Hindu cosmology. It symbolizes the divine power that upholds dharma (cosmic order) and rescues creation from chaos. This event set the stage for the current cycle of creation."
Parashara added, "This Varaha Kalpa is the first Kalpa of the second Parardha of Brahma's life. It marks a new beginning in the grand cosmic cycle."
Concluding his discourse on cosmic time scales, Parashara offered a reflection: "Consider the vastness of time we've discussed - from the brief Kāșthā to the immense span of Brahma's life. It shows us the cyclical nature of existence and the impermanence of all things, even on a cosmic scale."
He ended with a philosophical note: "Understanding these time scales helps us grasp our place in the universe. It reminds us of the eternal nature of the supreme reality that underlies all these cosmic cycles of creation and dissolution. Yet, it also emphasizes the preciousness of our current existence within this vast expanse of time."
Thus concludes the third chapter of the first part of the Vishnu Purana.