This chapter on Hinduism talks about the concept of Universe (Brahmanda) as per Hinduism and how the Universe goes through the eternal cycle of creation, preservation and destruction continuously. The Universe (Brahmanda) goes through the creation (Shrishti), Preservation (Sthithi) and destruction (Pralaya) cycles eternally. These cycles repeat at different levels at the end of each Yuga, Mahayuga and Kalpa. The Universe (Brahmanda) comes from Brahman, rests in him and merges with him. It is under the mighty rule of Brahman everything in nature is kept in its proper place, every function is regulated , order and harmony everywhere are maintained. Brahman cannot be directly understood by the senses, mind and intellect but he resides in every living being (Antharyami) and controls them. He is the Aathman or Soul. Brahman is eternal, inifinite, ever-free and is beyond time, space and causation. He cannot be limited by any form or attribute and he is transcendental. Nobody knows creation (Shrishti). The why and how of Shristi can be never be traced by human intellect. As per the Hindu philosophy god by his own will and mysterious powers become all objects in the world. First he appears as Akasha, then as Vayu, then as Agni, then as Varuna, then as earth. The process goes on and he forms himself as the first living being in the world called Hiranya Garbha. Then he proceeds to manifest into numerous worlds, gross and fine, as well as their contents. – Jeevas. Jeevas may be either Chara (Moving) or Achara(non-moving). However every jeeva is conscious and able to recognise. Every jeeva is subject to the sensations of pain and pleasure. It is a Kartha and Bhoktha.(doing and experiencing) – Based on their action in one life Jeeva goes from birth to birth. Between the man and Brahman there are various living beings outside the earth which human beings cannot perceive. Inhabitants of each of these worlds form a class by themselves. Some of these classes are: Yaksha; Sadhya; Kinnaras, Gandarvas and Devas. Each occupy worlds of their own. Further as per Hindu Philosophy, the Brahmanda (Universe) comprise of higher world (Swarga), our world and lower world (Paathala) There is also a theory of seven worlds above the earth (Bhu, Bhuva, Suva, Jana, maha, Thapa, Satya) and seven worlds below the earth (Athala, Vithala, Suthala, Rasathala, Thalathala, mahathala, Paathala) There is also another way of classification of the higher worlds as Pithru loka, Deva loka and Brahma Loka. All these suggest numerous sub divisions of Brahmanda(universe) Another thought was each of these worlds are under a presiding deity Agni, Vaayu, Varuna etc. The gross body (cosmic body) to which all the souls belong is called Brahman. The gross mind and intellect (cosmic mind and intellect) which controls all the mind and intellects of jeevas and who creates all Jeevas is called Hiranyagarbha. Hiranyagabha is the first being which came out of Brahman in this Universe. The gross physical mechanism (cosmic physical body) which pervades all the physical bodies of the universe is called Virat. Each jeeva is a portion of Brahman, HIranyagarbha and Virat.
