Vedic Cosmology

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Namaste!

 

 

Does anyone know much about vedic cosmology? I would like to share a passage

from a book I am reading:

 

The most important texts on Vedic cosmology may well be the Bhagavatam and the

Vishnu Purana, but the subject is explained in all its complexity in the

Surya-siddhanta, a mystical text revealed by a demigod-god from the sun almost

two million years ago. Basically the cosmology found therein divides material

existence into innumerable universes each one contained within a spherical shell

composed of layers of elemental matter. Each universe contains fourteen

planetary systems, from higher to lower. Interestingly, vedic cosmology is

geocentric, locating the Earth and similar planets midway on the axis of these

planetary systems. It is not, however, ethnocentric, for Mount Meru, recognized

in this system as the center of the universe, is found far from the Indian

subcontinent. It should be noted, though, that in a mystical sense Vrindavan is

considered the center of the universe. Since earthly planets are considered

equidistant from both extremes of the cosmos, the earthly realm is

considered an ideal middle ground for working out ones karma, between the

heavenly delights of the upper spheres and the torturous pain in the lower

planets. Great demigods from the higher dimensions thus pray for birth on earth,

for here they can avoid sensuality long enough to engage in the serviced of the

Lord; tormented beings from the lower planets also hope for birth in the earthly

region, for here they can avoid pain long enough to purse higher goals. The

seven nether worlds are each named in the Vedic texts, and what the unfortunates

who live there undergo is described in graphic detail. The earthly middle is

made up of Svarloka, Bhuvarloka and Bhurloka (Earth). From here on may graduate

to the four higher planetary systems, known as Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka,

and Satyaloka, the highest planets of the demigods-- if one acts piously and

accrues good karma. Otherwise, one falls back down to the lower planets. Vedic

text describes the prodigious duration of life and

day-to-day interests of beings on the upper planets, sparing no details.

 

A Passage of matter:

 

Vedic texts describe that when one first incarnates in the material world, one

may be born as Brahma, a primary being in one of the highest material planets.

Because the soul's Brahma incarnation is initially pure, having no experience of

the material world its body is not grossly material.Rather it is comprised of

subtle matter only -- it is made of pure intelligence. But then, due to

association with the irrational passions borne of having a nonspiritual body on

falls to the lowest species, known as the Indragopa a single - celled organism

on a lower planet. From there, one gradually evolves through the 8,400,000

species of life, and eventually takes birth on an earthly planet. From here,

again, one can go up, or go down.

 

 

I find this interesting because once upon a time I would read Edgar Cayce also

known as "The Sleeping Prophet". He had said something very similar to this. I

am curious to know more of how the the lower and higher levels work. It almost

reminds me of heaven and hell sort of thing. Could anyone elaborate on all of

this....? Or could you tell me the direct passage where I could find some of

this in the Bhagavatam, the Vishnu Purana, or the Surya-siddhanta..? I have

looked here and there online but there is so much it becomes overwhelming. I

know so little of the Hindu religion, it is so beautiful and rich.

 

Jai Ma!

Robin