Why is the Universe Created?

The material world provides an opportunity for the errant soul to simulate the role of being the controller and enjoyer. The initial ingredients and impetus for creation come from Lord Vishnu, after which Brahma takes over as the engineer. The various living entities assume the role of subsequent controllers by deploying their energies in crafting cities, communities, families, homes, possessions, wealth, social identities and circles of influence. In our attempts to become ‘king of the castle,’ we soon realise that even if we are successful, the castles are built in sand, eventually washed away by the ruthless waves of time.

Our sojourn in this material world can be likened to a movie. Just as a movie is essentially a manipulation of light, the material world is similarly a combination of various transformations of material energy. Movies tend to be based around the aspirations and dreams of the audience, and in the same way, the material world is manufactured according to the desires of the living entity. Unfortunately, just as watching a movie never truly fulfils our desires, our activities in the material world never bring the satisfaction we yearn for. Movies have an entrance fee, and similarly, to enter the movie of the material world, one simply needs an accumulation of karma. While we have good and bad reactions in our stock, we return to the material world to settle the balance. Just as people hop from movie to movie, experiencing different flavours and emotions, the entangled living being hops from universe to universe in various forms of life trying to experience the variety of what’s on offer. Only when we retire from the frantic search for material enjoyment and re-direct our energies towards a loving relationship with Krishna, will we find our permanent and steady state of being in the real world, the spiritual world.