Day 283 - The Final Stage of Cosmic Dissolution

Day 283 - The Final Stage of Cosmic Dissolution

In this passage from the Yoga Vasistha, Vasistha continues to elaborate on the events during the cosmic dissolution, the role of Rudra (the cosmic force of destruction), and the nature of existence itself. The narrative paints a vivid picture of how the universe collapses and returns to its primordial state, while also delving deep into metaphysical concepts.

The Final Stage of Cosmic Dissolution

1. Destruction of the Universe: Vasistha describes the aftermath of destruction, where the entire universe is consumed by the elements. The space is filled with ashes, the winds blow fiercely, and torrential rains pour down, creating a chaotic symphony of destruction. This climactic moment signals the complete breakdown of all natural order, with elements fighting against each other—fire, wind, and water are in conflict, throwing the remains of mountains, cities, and planets into disarray. The rain finally extinguishes the cosmic fires, leaving behind a world reduced to ruins.

2. Complete Darkness and Stillness: After the destruction, the entire space is filled with darkness, and only a vast, limitless ocean remains. This symbolizes the return of creation to its primordial, undifferentiated state, where nothing exists but pure potentiality—the void before creation.

3. Brahma in Meditation: In this void, Vasistha sees Brahma, the creator, deeply absorbed in samadhi (meditation), surrounded by gods, sages, and celestial beings, all in a state of deep meditation. This scene emphasizes the stillness and silence that follows the dissolution, where even the forces of creation and destruction withdraw into pure consciousness. Vasistha compares this to awakening from a dream, where the material world, including the gods, is recognized as a product of mental conditioning, not an objective reality.

The Illusion of Creation

• Vasistha explains that once the mental conditioning (vasanas) ceases, the body and all forms of creation also cease to exist. Just as dream objects vanish upon waking, the material world and the subtle body disappear when one realizes the truth. This teaching points to the illusory nature of existence—everything that seems solid and real is but a projection of consciousness.

• Conditioned Awareness as Bondage: Vasistha emphasizes that the awareness of conditioning (mental patterns, desires, and notions) binds one to the illusion of creation. When this conditioned awareness is dissolved, one attains liberation, or nirvana.

The Appearance of Rudra (Shiva)

1. Rudra as the Egosense: Rudra, also known as Shiva, appears during the final moments of dissolution. He is described as a fearsome figure with five faces, ten arms, and three eyes, symbolizing his role as the cosmic destroyer. Rudra represents the ego-sense, the force that disturbs equilibrium and drives the processes of creation, preservation, and destruction.

2. Rudra as the Cosmic Fire: Rudra drinks the cosmic ocean, embodying the ego that swallows up all experience and existence at the end of the cosmic cycle. His form is described as both space and the life-breath (prana), linking him to the fundamental forces of existence. Rudra's three eyes symbolize the three gunas (qualities of nature: sattva, rajas, and tamas) and the three aspects of time (past, present, and future).

3. Rudra’s Dual Role: Despite his destructive nature, Rudra is also a form of Siva, who brings about ultimate peace and liberation. This dual role reflects the paradoxical nature of creation and destruction in the universe—both are necessary for the cyclical processes of existence.

The Cosmic Person and the Infinite Consciousness

• Vasistha delves into the concept of the cosmic person (virat), explaining that this figure has two bodies: one of pure consciousness and one representing the physical world. However, the cosmic person is not truly divided—these forms are illusory. The cosmic person exists in an undivided, whole state, much like space itself, which cannot be separated into parts.

• The Nature of the World: Vasistha emphasizes that the world exists only as a concept within consciousness. It has no inherent material reality, and its form changes based on how consciousness perceives it. The idea of the world being sustained or falling apart is merely a notion within the infinite consciousness, much like a dream-city that exists only in the mind of the dreamer.

Symbolism and Philosophical Insights

1. Cosmic Dissolution as a Return to Unity: The entire process of dissolution symbolizes the return of the universe to its original state of oneness. After the destruction of all forms and manifestations, only Brahman (infinite consciousness) remains, undivided and pure. This reflects the core teaching of Advaita Vedanta—that all diversity and duality are illusions, and only the non-dual, infinite consciousness is real.

2. Creation as a Dream: Vasistha reiterates that the world is like a dream created by the infinite consciousness. Just as dreams have no material basis and disappear upon waking, the physical universe has no independent reality and vanishes when the mind realizes its true nature.

3. Conditioning and Liberation: The key to liberation lies in overcoming mental conditioning. As long as one identifies with the body, mind, and the external world, one is bound by illusion. Liberation is attained by recognizing that all of these are merely projections of consciousness and not real in themselves.

Conclusion

Vasistha's teachings in this passage highlight the illusory nature of creation, the role of ego in sustaining the illusion, and the ultimate dissolution of all forms back into pure consciousness. The cosmic dissolution described here is not just a physical event but a profound metaphor for the spiritual journey—one in which the seeker must go beyond all mental conditioning and realize the oneness of all existence.