ue
knowledge. Sages read in diverse scriptures the limits that have been
declared of the three worlds and the ocean. Who is there, however, that
would set limits to what cannot be grasped by vision and what is
inaccessible (in all its parts)? If even it becomes possible to ascertain
the limits of the firmament which is the track of the gods and beings
crowned with ascetic success, it can never be possible to set limits to
that which is limitless and known by the name of the Infinite, to that
which correspond with the name by which it is known, viz., what has been
called the high-souled Manasa? When again His form is sometimes
contracted and sometimes expanded, how can any one else except one that
is equal to Him, be able to comprehend His limits? From the Lotus (of
which I have already spoken) was first created the Omniscient lord,
Brahman, endued with form, of essence comprised of Righteousness, and the
Creator of all mobile and immobile things.'

"'"Bharadwaja said, 'If Brahman sprang from the Lotus, then it is the Lotus
that should be regarded as the First-born and not Brahman. Why, however,
is Brahma said to be the first? Do thou remove that doubt of mine.'

"'"Bhrigu said, 'The Earth it is that is called the Lotus. It was created
for giving a seat unto that form of Manasa which became Brahman. Reaching
up to heaven itself, the Sumeru became the pericarp of the Lotus.
Remaining within it, the puissant Lord of the Universe created all the
worlds.'"'"

SECTION CLXXXIII

"'"Bharadwaja said, 'Tell me, O best of Brahmanas, how the puissant Brahman
residing within Meru, created these diverse kinds of objects.'

"'"Bhrigu said, 'The great Manasa (in his form of Brahman) created the
diverse kinds of objects by fiat of Will. For the protection then of all
creatures, he first created water. Water is the life of all creatures,
and it is water which aids their growth. If there be no water, all
creatures would perish. The whole universe is pervaded by water. Earth,
mountains, clouds, and all things which have form, should all be known as
transformations of water. They have all been produced by the
solidification of that element.'

"'"Bharadwaja said, 'How did water spring? How Fire and Wind? How also was
the earth created? I have great doubts on these points.'

"'"Bhrigu said, 'O regenerate one, in very ancient times called the
Brahma-kalpa, the high-souled Rishis of the regenerate order, when they
assembled together