The concept of Creation in the Major Upanisads
by C. Poulose | 2009 | 39,559 words
This study deals with the Concept of Creation according to the Major Upanishads—ancient Indian scriptures that form a crucial part of Vedic literature and Indian philosophy. The present research investigates the Upanisadic philosophy in general as well as the school of Advaita Vedanta and other Indian philosophical traditions that incorporate Upani...
4. Concept of Creation in Yajurveda
In the [Yajurveda] the most significant hymn that is a beautiful description of different creatures, Gods, were produced from the stotras recited in yajna. The [Yajurveda] with one they praised creatures were produced. Prajapati was over-lord with three (i.e. out breath, upward breath and diffusive breath) they praised; the priest hood 123
was created. Brhaspati was over lord with five (four vital breaths and mind) they praised; beings were created. The lord of beings was over-lord. According to [Yajurveda] the months were created, the nobility was created, domestic animals were created, earth and heaven came apart, trees were created and the creatures were created. ekasya'stuvat praja adhiyanta prajapatiradhipatirasit | tisrbhirastuvat brahmasrjyata brahmanaspatiradhipatirasit || pancabhirastuvat bhutanyasrjyanta bhutanam patiradhipatirasit | sapta rsayo'srjyanta pitaro'srjyanta rtavo'srjyanta maya'srjyanta ksatramasrjyanta -- 11 1 23 || The creation of human being is also described in the [Yajurveda] " 24 The ritual cosmogony of the [Yajurveda] continues in the Brahmanic literature. The Satapatha Brahmana describes the order of 25 creation and finally made arrangements for their sustenance. The [Yajurveda] explains that the Brahman itself appears as the world. The reality is the creator; it creates the world from itself. It bears the name of Agni etc. although it is one. 26 124