The Vishnu Purana provides a detailed cosmology and cosmogony, explaining the origins and processes of the universe's creation. Here’s an expanded version of the summary you provided, incorporating more context and details:
Vishnu Purana on Creation
According to the Vishnu Purana, in the beginning, there was a state of absolute non-existence. There was no night or day, no earth or sky, no darkness or light. In this state of primordial void, only the One, Brahma, existed. Alongside Brahma were two primary principles: Puman (Purusha) and Pradhana (Prakriti). These principles are integral to understanding the creation process in the Vishnu Purana.
Brahma, Vishnu, and the Principles of Creation:
Brahma: The supreme entity, Brahma, is also equated with Vishnu in this context. Brahma is both the creator and the essence of all creation. He encompasses both Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (matter).
Purusha (Puman): This represents the cosmic spirit or the unmanifested consciousness. It is the passive, male aspect of the cosmos and is unchanging and eternal.
Prakriti (Pradhana): This is the cosmic matter or the unmanifested nature. It is the active, female principle that consists of three gunas (qualities) – sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).
Kala (Time): Time, or kala, acts as the connecting factor that initiates the process of creation. It is through the influence of time that the equilibrium of Prakriti's gunas is disturbed, leading to the creation process.
The Process of Creation:
Pradhana and Purusha: In the beginning, Pradhana and Purusha exist in a state of perfect equilibrium. Pradhana is inert and without form, while Purusha is pure consciousness.
Disturbance of Equilibrium: The equilibrium of the gunas in Pradhana is disturbed by the influence of kala (time). This disturbance marks the beginning of creation.
Mahat (The Great Principle): From the disturbed Pradhana arises Mahat, also known as the cosmic intellect or the Great Principle. Mahat represents the first principle of individual consciousness.
Ahamkara (Ego): From Mahat comes Ahamkara, which is the principle of individuation or ego. Ahamkara is responsible for the sense of self and identity.
Further Creation: From Ahamkara, the cosmos further differentiates into various elements and entities. This includes the creation of the five gross elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether), the ten senses (five sensory and five motor), the mind, and the cosmic body.
Bhagavan Vishnu: Throughout this process, Vishnu remains the unchanging essence, overseeing and pervading the entire creation. He is both immanent and transcendent, the sustainer of the universe, and the ultimate reality.
Cyclic Nature of Creation: The Vishnu Purana also emphasizes the cyclic nature of the universe. Creation is not a one-time event but occurs in cycles (kalpas) of creation and dissolution (pralaya).
In summary, the Vishnu Purana describes a sophisticated model of creation, emphasizing the interplay between consciousness (Purusha), matter (Prakriti), and time (Kala). It underscores the unity and omnipresence of Brahma/Vishnu, who is both the creator and the essence of all existence.