Significance of Creation
Synonyms: Formation, Development, Inception, Innovation, Construction, Establishment, Generation, Production, Origination, Assembly, Innovation.
In Dutch: Schepping; In Finnish: Luominen; In Spanish: Creación; In German: Schaffung; In Swedish: Skapelse; In Malay: Penciptaan; In French: Création
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Creation'
In Buddhism, "Creation" encompasses bringing things into existence, especially during active periods. It highlights phenomena arising from causes, emphasizing relational existence. It can also manifest as a form of riddhi in the realms of desire and form.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to the process by which phenomena arise dependent on causes, emphasizing the idea of relational existence.[1] (2) A form of riddhi that can manifest in two realms: that of desire (kama) and that of form (rupa).[2]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The act of bringing things into existence, particularly emphasized during the times of activity in contrast to dissolution.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Creation'
In Hinduism, Creation encompasses the origin of elements, formation of Brahma, and the Lord's role in bestowing individuality. It's the universe's origin, attributed to divine will, manifesting from the Non-Dual Absolute. It is a process, a divine activity, and a subject of reflection, stemming from the Unmanifested Brahman, with cyclical beginnings.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This describes the process of the world's origin, which is presented with diverse and sometimes contradictory accounts in various textual sources.[4] (2) This is a process that cannot occur if there is no conjunction of the atoms, and it is contrasted with pralaya.[5] (3) This event is described as being accomplished by some inferior Lord different from, and superintended by, the highest Self, as stated in the text.[6] (4) The process by which elements originate, the order of which is considered in relation to the order of their withdrawal, with the text indicating the reverse sequence applies.[7] (5) The act of bringing forth all creatures, which is attributed to the Lord as the sole causal agent in accordance with previously performed deeds.[8]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) It has been authoritatively mentioned otherwise by illustrations of earth, iron, sparks etc. The text describes this as a device for grasping the true position.[9] (2) The process or phenomenon of bringing something into existence, often perceived as separate from the truth.[10] (3) The process of manifesting the Universe to satisfy the first desire, leading to the existence of the conscious being.[11] (4) The phenomena and entities that arise from the Non-Dual Absolute, all of which are temporary and depend on their material components.[12]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Creation is the subject of reflection or thought, related to 'tapas', and is the central focus of Brahman's activity before the emergence of the world.[13] (2) The act of bringing something into existence, particularly in relation to the physical universe.[14] (3) The process through which the universe comes into being from the Unmanifested Brahman.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The provided text mentions creation as a process that the Lord and individual soul are subjected to.[16] (2) The act or process of bringing the universe and all its components into existence, often attributed to divine will or action.[17]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Described as illusory creation, where phenomena appear to exist due to the power of ignorance, akin to dreams.[18]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The apparent world of duality, which is transient and mortal, contrasted with the eternal knowledge that transcends it.[19]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The process before which the wise man is one, and during which he assumes diverse forms before returning to his source.[20]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) It is an essential property of Brahma and cannot be negated from God's nature.[21] (2) It is related to sustentation, and rest follows these subjects as night follows day, or God's rest followed his work.[22] (3) The creation is the manifestation of the unchangeable nature of the Divine Mind, similar to the imageries seen in dreaming. The creation is situated in the intellect.[23] (4) Of what use is it to reason with the ignorant, concerning the production and destruction of this, when they have not the Divine Intellect in their view, which indicates a limitation.[24] (5) The manifestation of the universe from the divine, considered in relation to Brahma and the underlying principles of existence.[25]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A brief reference within the text to the creation events, though it is not the central focus of the Garuda Purana.[26] (2) The early chapters of the Brahma Purana describe the creation of the universe and outline significant historical epochs known as Manvantaras.[27] (3) The central subject of the Matsya Purana, detailing the formation of Brahma and the patriarchs.[28]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The creation refers to the origin of the primeval human race, their condition, and the later creation of classes of men.[29] (2) Creation is the process that Brahma was trying to accomplish and would assuredly pass to destruction through the intense glory of the Sun, which is the cause of creation, dissolution and permanence.[30]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Creation springs repeatedly at the beginning of every Kalpa, and Brahman takes birth from Aniruddha’s navel, and from Brahman spring all creatures mobile and immobile.[31]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The Rishis and the Gods began to worship the great Omnipotent Vishnu, thus gone to sleep for this of the universe.[32]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This term signifies the beginning of the material universes, which is one of the actions performed by the divine.[33] (2) Creation is the purpose for which a new Brahma is born, which is the manifestation of the universe according to the provided information.[34] (3) A term used to encompass all that was made from the elements and seen by the observers.[35] (4) The act of bringing something into existence; in this text, it signifies Lord Krishna's manifestation of the world of Goloka.[36]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The act of the Lord endowing limbs and sense-organs, enabling beings to engage in productive activities.[37] (2) Describes the process of returning entities (like Devas and humans) from a subtle or unevolved state into a distinguishable physical form.[38] (3) The process by which the Lord enables non-sentient beings to undergo change and bestows individuality and sensory organs to them.[39]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The collective of things that have been brought into existence, the entities that are subject to destruction.[40] (2) This signifies the beginning of something, as it is one of the processes that are considered to be pastimes or activities.[41]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) This is one of the activities performed by the Supreme Brahman through its variegated potencies, and is also accomplished through the agency of His maya-shakti, according to the text.[42]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Creation is the act of Brahma, who wakes up and proceeds to create the world again. The order of creation is then stated, beginning with the Mind.[43] (2) This is described as emanating light, then water with taste, and then earth with odour.[44] (3) The process by which living beings and their assigned qualities come into existence, attributed to the influence of various factors.[45]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of bringing forth existence, referenced as a pivotal moment in understanding the divine.[46]
Jain concept of 'Creation'
In Jainism, Creation signifies the state of existence shaped by one's actions. It encompasses the cycle of life and rebirth, emphasizing the consequences of choices and the continuous evolution of the soul through karma.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The state of being or existence that arises from one's actions and choices, often referring to the cycle of life and rebirth.[47]
The concept of Creation in local and regional sources
Creation is multifaceted, encompassing continuous renewal, philosophical challenges, and the human soul's relationship with God. It is seen as eternal and a projection, contrasting with Western views. Creation, tied to the Vedas, is a boundless process, aligning with scientific concepts of energy.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The creation is said to proceed out of the Vedas, and the Shabda-state of every object is its subtle state, and the things we see, hear, touch, or perceive in any manner are the gross manifestations of entities in the subtle or Shabda-state.[48] (2) Creation is mentioned in the context of ever new, which will bring new water to go through the process all over again, indicating continuous renewal.[49] (3) The text indicates that creation in the human soul covers up God, and that stopping creation is the key to finding the Absolute, which is within the soul.[50] (4) To say that creation has any beginning is to lay the axe at the root of all philosophy, as it challenges fundamental assumptions.[51] (5) This is the concept of the universe and its existence, which is considered to be without beginning, and it is always present as long as God exists, according to the Vedas.[52]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The act of bringing something into existence, and it refers to the universe and all its contents, in which man's role is questioned and is he the only thing that has Karma.[53]
The concept of Creation in scientific sources
In regional contexts, "Creation" equates to "Khalq," a term for humanity. This word appears 261 times, highlighting Creation as a prevalent concept linked to humankind.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) This is the meaning of Khalq and a synonym for humanity, occurring 261 times.[54]