Hindu arguments about cause and creation

Overview

Brahmanda, the cosmic egg, Aum, Udayana's argument for Ishvara, design and moral arguments, awe and wonder, Gita X 8, the Nasadiya Sukta's uncertainty, schools that reject a creator, and science.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

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1. 1

   What is the Hindu idea of Brahmanda, the cosmic egg?

   Model answer

   Brahmanda is the golden egg from which the universe unfolds at the start of each creation. The image suggests the universe has a single divine source.

2. 2

   How does the idea of Aum express a Hindu view of the world's cause?

   Model answer

   Aum is understood as the first vibration from which creation unfolds. The universe is pictured as the sound of Brahman made manifest.

3. 3

   How might a Hindu use the cosmological or first cause argument?

   Model answer

   The argument says everything has a cause, so there must be a first cause that is itself uncaused. A Hindu might identify that first cause with Brahman or Ishvara.

4. 4

   How did the Nyaya philosopher Udayana argue for Ishvara?

   Model answer

   Udayana argued that the world is an effect, like a pot, and every effect needs an intelligent maker. The maker of the world must be Ishvara, the Lord.

5. 5

   How might a Hindu use the teleological or design argument?

   Model answer

   The argument says the order and purpose in nature point to an intelligent designer. A Hindu might point to rita, the cosmic order praised in the Vedas, as evidence of Brahman.

6. 6

   How does the moral argument connect with the Hindu belief in karma?

   Model answer

   The moral argument says the existence of moral law points to a divine lawgiver. Some Hindu thinkers argue that karma needs an intelligent Lord to give each action its fruit.

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