9. There is therefore no such thing as reminiscence, at any time whatsoever; it is merely built on popular belief, and not upon the reason of wise men. (Because the creator had no remembrance of a prior creation in his first formation of the world).
10. Ráma rejoined:—How do you say sir, that rememberest everything that there was no previous remembrance in the first creator; who must have remembered the creation of a first kalpa or learnt it, O inspired sage, by his inspiration also. (So says the sruti:—Brahmá performed austerities and was inspired by the Lord, see Manu I).
11. Vasishtha replied:—The pre-existence of reminiscence is possible in the outward or visible world, which admits of cause and effect; but can it be where there is no such world, but a mere vacuum only.
12. There is nothing visible here, from the highest heaven to the lowest pit; if it <were> so a nullity only, then what is its reminiscence and to what use is it.
13. The remembrance of the prior world in its absence, is called its reminiscence; but when there never was nor is any visible world at all, how can you think of its reminiscence; even in fancy.
14. The entire absence of the phenomenals at all times, makes it identic with the invisible Brahma himself; and this being the truth of it, say how can you fancy the reminiscence of anything.
15. Therefore the prime creator, could have no remembrance of a prior existence; nor could he have any bodily form, being of a spiritual form of pure intelligence only.
16. We should remember the past from our present state, that we are mortal beings undergoing repeated transmigrations, and not bring other persons and things to our remembrance, as others think it to mean. (We should remember ourselves only).
17. Reminiscence means the retention of past things, in our remembrance or inward memory; but what can we remember, when there nothing was nor is, nor shall ever be anything.
18. All this stupendous fabric, is the supreme Brahma itself; who remains as immovable as a mountain, and without its beginning, middle or end. What then is the reminiscence or presence of it?