Karika verse 1.14

14. (K⁸). The creation of the world by the Lord is through His mere will. This is the conclusion arrived at (by the true sages).—14.

Notes.

All true sages like Brahma and the rest declare that the entire universe proceeds from the mere will of the Unchanging, All-Intelligence—the Lord Hari. Why should the All-Powerful have recourse to illusion (like a juggler), and why the All-Knowing should dream a false universe, (as think the mayāvādins)? How can the Lord free from all faults become modified into various imperfect objects (as think the Bhāskaras)? Therefore this universe is created by the mere will of Viṣṇu, who is free from all modifications. The teaching of the entire Vedas is that the creation is real.

[Note.—The word “prabhu” is derived from √bhū with the affix pra. He who exists (bhavati) in the same excellent (pra) form is prabhu—i.e., who is above all vikāras. This sets aside pariṇāmavāda which supposes the Brahman to undergo all modifications in the shape of objects. This is one meaning. The second meaning of prabhu is “He who has power (prabhavati) to do all”—the Almighty. This sets aside the illusion theory—for the weak man only rests contented with producing illusion, as he cannot create the real object. The third meaning of prabhu is, “He who knows (anubhavati) in the highest (pra) degree”—the Omniscient, This sets aside the māyāvāda. The Lord being All-knowing cannot have māyā or nescience. Thus by using one word prabhu, all the three erroneous theories have been set aside.]

Kārikā-Verse 1.14.—(continued).

14. (K⁸) The thinkers about Time are of opinion that Time is the origin of all beings.—14.

Notes.

If the creation proceeds from the mere will of God, what is His object in creating? If He creates with some object for His own satisfaction then he is not full; if He creates without any such desire, then His action is motiveless. This objection is raised and answered next.