Why Was the Universe Created?

Question

Why did Brahma create the universe ?

Also does it matter if i say Brahma instead of God ?

—M, World

Answer

Dear M,

Different teachers and different scriptures give different reasons for creation. Some say, “God wanted to enjoy Himself through many.” Swami Kriyananda liked the explanation, “God is joy itself, and it is the nature of joy to want to share itself.” Paramhansa Yogananda said, “You will know when you will know.” Sri Yukteswar, the guru of Paramhansa Yogananda, recommended that we “leave some questions to be answered in the Infinite” (another way of saying that the human mind cannot understand the answer to such questions). All these “explanations” boil down to one thing: Knowing the reason for creation is not important to us at this time. The important question—because it’s much more practical—is this: “We’re here. What do we do about it?”

As for what name you use for God, use the name that is most meaningful for you, that inspires a living connection with Spirit and motivates you to seek the ultimate fulfillment of all existence: divine union.

Blessings,
Nayaswami Gyandev