Talk:Īshvara is the Sustainer of this Entire Universe.
By Sri Vishal Agarwal
This means that Bhagavān fulfills the following roles with regard to the universe:
- Just as the pillars of a mansion support the entire structure, Bhagavān supports the cosmos.
- Just as the ground is the foundation on which a house stands, the universe rests on Bhagavān.
- Bhagavān establishes the physical laws of the universe and ensures their operation.
- If Bhagavān were to withdraw His sustaining power even for a moment, there would be total chaos in both the universe and society.
- It is Bhagavān who enables all biological functions of the body such as sight and digestion; without His constant activity, life could not continue. [1]
- Bhagavān maintains order in the universe and society without any selfish motive.
- In reality, all human accomplishments and powers depend on Him; without His sanction, nothing can be attained.
Although Brahman is without physical attributes, He possesses the power to create, sustain, and preserve the universe.
- “I shall explain that which ought to be known, knowing which one attains immortality. It is the Supreme Brahman, the best of the beginningless, which is said to be neither existent nor non-existent.” Gītā 13.12
- “That has hands and feet everywhere, eyes, heads and mouths everywhere, has the ability to hear everything in this world, and stands in this universe, enveloping everything.” Gītā 13.13
- “He appears to have all the senses, and is yet free from all senses; unattached and yet sustaining all, free from the guṇa-s and yet enjoying all the guṇa-s.” Gītā 13.14
- “Outside as well as within all beings, whether stationary or mobile; He is not known because of His subtlety; He is situated afar and is also near.” Gītā 13.15
- “He is indivisible and yet abides within beings as if divided; He is to be known as the sustainer of all beings, as well as their devourer and creator.” Gītā 13.16
An analogy may clarify this sustaining role of Bhagavān. Imagine watching an opera in a grand auditorium. The sound system, lighting, oxygen supply, and ventilation all function seamlessly. One may not notice these systems until a sudden power failure occurs: the sound vanishes, the hall goes dark, the air stagnates, and the performance comes to a halt. The electricity that was taken for granted was in fact sustaining the entire experience. Similarly, people often take Bhagavān for granted, yet He is the power that sustains the cosmos at every moment.
Story: The Third Eye of Śiva [2] Once, Śiva was in deep meditation. Though His eyes were half-closed, His gaze was turned inward. In a playful moment, Devī Pārvatī covered His eyes with her hands. Instantly, darkness spread across the universe. Out of fear, beings began to worship Śiva. Then a third eye appeared on His forehead. As it opened, a flash of light spread throughout creation, restoring vision to all beings. Pārvatī realized that the sight of the universe itself depends on the sight of Śiva, and that His vision can never be obstructed.
Story: How Viṣṇu Feeds Every Ant [3] Bhagavān Viṣṇu is described as the sustainer of the world, feeding every living being. Lakṣmī, His consort, once asked Him why He always returned home late. Viṣṇu replied that He first ensures that every creature receives its food before He Himself eats. To test Him, Lakṣmī confined an ant in a box. That evening, Viṣṇu again said He had fed all beings. Lakṣmī opened the box, expecting the ant to be unfed, but instead found it eating a piece of jaggery. She then understood that Viṣṇu indeed provides for every being, even in ways beyond human perception.