Why Did God Create the World? Part 7

Why Did God Create the World?

Part 7

Objects of the world have two causes - the material cause (upadana karana) and the efficient or intelligent cause (nimitta karana). The material cause pervades the object whereas the efficient cause remains separate from it. The clay is the material cause, which pervades the clay pot. The potter is the efficient cause, the intelligent being who remains independent of the pot. Is God the material cause, the efficient cause or both? God is inert, or like some law of nature, for those who think He is only the material cause. God is like a Father in Heaven, someone far away, overlooking the world for those who think He is only the efficient cause.

We understand that in case of a finite object the material and the efficient causes are different. But for the infinite world, the cause has to be one alone. God Himself manifests as the world. He creates the world out of Himself. He therefore pervades the entire creation and governs it as well; being changeless He does not undergo any intrinsic change to become the world. He is therefore the single efficient- material- unchanging cause (abhiman-nimitta-upadan-vivarta karana) of the world.

“Why does He manifest as the world?” God is infinite and complete. He has no desires to be fulfilled. We as the finite individuals have innumerable desires to be fulfilled. God made this world as a field where we can exhaust our inherent tendencies (vasanas). But as we fulfill our desires we create many more. We thus start the chain of action (karma) and result (Karmaphala), which keeps the cycle of birth and death (janma marana chakra) and of creation-destruction going on. This is therefore not our first birth nor is this the first creation. Instead of asking, which was the first birth or first creation; we should try and end this cycle. Realizing the Truth behind the world and oneself, one is free from the finitude. Knowing oneself to be the Pure being, there is no more becoming.

Since this world is made for us, let us use it to know the Truth. May His purpose behind creating this world be fulfilled.

In conclusion let us pray to God/Truth within us to guide us in life, give it meaning and purpose and resolve all our doubts.

Om Namah Shivay