Parabrahman
Gallery | Links:
In the beginning, there was only the Parabrahman. It is the most supreme, self-existent entity. The only “real” entity with no beginning and no end. The absolute reality that escapes description. It is both formless and every form at once. Pure consciousness beyond the boundaries of thoughts and senses. A vast, infinite pool of water both impossibly still and torrential with waves. It is all-pervading and complete. It was only when the Parabrahman willed it, the creation of the material universe was initiated.
A reality capable of being experienced would now manifest. All of existence would, for the first time, become observable, discoverable, and distinguishable. This will of the Parabrahman produced a vibration that reverberated in every direction, forming into the first sound 🕉 (Aum).
Aum is the sound that contains all other sounds. It’s the source from which everything else unpacks itself. As it rippled through reality, it formed the Maha Tattva or the primordial element. It was the total material energy of reality, a complete summation of both the prakrti (cosmic material) and purusa (conscious energy).
From the Maha Tattva originated the first three gunas (characteristics/attributes) of the universe:
- रजस् (Rajas) - quality of passion and action.
- तमस् (Tamas) - quality of imbalance, disorder, and chaos.
- सत्त्व (Sattva) - quality of balance and harmony.
The balance between these gunas is fundamental to the inner workings of the universe. When they came into being, their interplay gave rise to both:
Pancha Tattva (five basic elemental attributes)
- Vayu - Air
- Apas - Water
- Agni - Fire
- Prithvi - Earth
- Akasha - Ether
Pancha Jnanendriya (five material senses)
- Vision
- Hearing
- Smell
- Touch
- Taste
The journey from the Parabrahman to the physical universe underscores the depth of ancient wisdom encapsulated in the Puranas, highlighting how these texts have navigated the complexities of existence and interconnectedness for millennia. It stands as a testament to the enduring insights of ancient philosophies, offering perspectives that remain relevant in understanding the fabric of reality today.
