Why Does the Universe Exist? An Advaita Vedantic Perspective

It was argued there exists a lacuna in the literature with regards to an application of theories constructed a posteriori to the question, “Why does the universe exist?” It is suggests that, in contrast to modern logicians, the ontology outlined in the doctrine of advaita vedanta was purportedly constructed a posteriori using metaphysical knowledge acquired through ASCs (e.g., samadhi). It was further contended that experiential knowledge of the manifestation and dissolution of the universe is accessible during certain ASCs associated with advaita vedanta (e.g., kevala nirvikalpa samadhi), but not during ordinary or normal waking conscious—and is thus “state specific” or “state dependent”. It was suggested that such experiences might provide valuable insights into the external and internal causal mechanisms of the universe that are unobtainable a priori.
Two a posteriori derived creation theories associated with advaita vedanta (e.g., the theory of simultaneous creation and the theory of non-causality) weresubsequently applied to the question, “Why does the universe exist?” It was argued that, from the standpoint of drishti-srishti vada, the question “Why doesthe universe exist?” is unanswerable because: (1) The human intellect is annihilated at the precise location at which the universe dissolves into its purported cause (a metaphysical entity referred to as Brahman). (2) As Absolute Subject-ivity, Brahman cannot be rendered an object of conscious awareness and thus experienced. Consequently, a complete causal explanation of the universe cannot be formulated on the grounds that the “initial conditions” (i.e., Brahman) are unknowable. Extrapolating from the theory of ajata vada, the question, “Why does the universe exist?” may not be addressed via a causal explanation because: (1) the universe in the orthodox sense of “all space, along with all the matter and radiation in space” is held to be a delusory perception; and (2) when veridically perceived the universe is an uncaused appearance in Brahman.

Reference:
Adam J. Rock, Ph.D. The University of New South Wales Wagga Wagga, NSW Australia
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