A gathering of questions, an answer to knowledge. Upon hearing this nectar-like speech-[....]-one realizes that the Supreme Reality (Brahman) is like a spider that weaves a web and then gathers it back in. Whatever the Supreme Soul or God may be-whatever that ultimate reality is-why does He create the universe, and why does He withdraw it? Does anyone else have a question? [To Anil-ji]: Please look behind you, Anil-ji; check if anyone has raised their hand. Regarding the subject of creation, there are numerous descriptions. However, there are certain concepts that you may not grasp immediately. We hold the belief that God did not *create* the universe in the conventional sense. *Anadi Maya su yada jeeva pravartate*-meaning that the cosmic illusion (Maya) is beginningless, and the individual soul (Jiva) has existed within it eternally. For if the universe were truly "created," the question would arise: *When* was it created? Consider the analogy of having children: first, *you* were born; then you grew into adulthood; and *only then* did you beget children. Had you not been born yourself, how could you ever have reached adulthood? Imagine, for a moment, that you were never born; if you were never born, you certainly could not have children. The Supreme Soul (Paramatma) Himself was never born. Since the Supreme Soul was never born, how could He ever reach adulthood? And if He never reached adulthood, how could He then proceed to "create" the universe? Therefore, the Supreme Soul is beginningless (*Anadi*); He was never born. Consequently, He never passed through the stages of youth or old age, nor did He actively "create" the universe. The universe has existed simultaneously with His existence-for as long as God has been, the universe has been. It is not a sequential process like our own lives-where we think, "First I was born, then I grew up, then I got married, and *then* I had children." If we applied that logic to God-thinking He was born first, then grew up, and *then* created-it would beg the question: Was God Himself ever born? And if He was never born, how could He ever reach adulthood? And if He never reached adulthood, *when* exactly would He have created the universe? Thus, He was neither born, nor did He grow old, nor did He actively create the universe; He simply *is*-eternally-and the universe simply *is*-eternally-flowing on in a continuous, ceaseless stream. Ramesh Mittal: Guruji, my humble salutations. Guruji, when I sit for meditation, my mind tends to wander here and there. Should I try to forcibly restrain it myself, or should I simply let it be? Guruji: Yes, there are two approaches regarding the mind. There is, indeed, a specific method for restraining the mind; alternatively, one can choose to let the mind wander freely-but with the caveat that wherever it goes, you must not form any judgments or concepts about it-such as labeling it "good" or "bad." The trouble arises when we form a judgment-thinking, "This is good; my mind *should* go there," or "This is bad; my mind *should not* go there." .........
