CHAPTER CLXXXXI.
Solution of the great question of unity and Duality.
Argument:—Concerning the identity of the world and God, or the total absence of the universe.
Ráma rejoined:—If it is so sir, as you say, the world must be a great riddle; as it can neither be said to be in existence with all its contents, or it is a perfect nullity with every thing quite extinct in it.
2. This existence that shows itself as the world to sight, appears as a delusion or deception of vision in view; though it cannot properly be called an illusion, if it is composed of divine essence as you mean to say.
3. Vasishtha replied:—The fortuitous appearance in which Brahma, manifests himself of his own accord; is known to him as the world and subsisting in himself.
4. Ráma rejoined:—How does Brahma manifest himself as the world, before existence of space and after its extinction (at the ultimate dissolution of creation); and how does the divine spirit shine itself as the world in want of the light of the luminaries?
5. Vasishtha replied:—The world shines in this manner in the light of the Divine Intellect; and know this light to proceed from the Divine spirit, which is thus diffused all over the universe.
6. As the light of the lamp or chandelier, enlightens the house with its lustre; it was thus the holy light of the Divine spirit that shone itself, without presenting its outward appearance, or having any one to look upon it (before creation).
7. Thus it is an immaterial and imperishable entity, without any appearance of or looker on it; it shines with the light of the intellect, upon the basis or stand of the Divine spirit.
8. It shines in its visible appearance, in the sight of the spirit only, that constantly looks upon it, as it sees its dreams in sleep.