Nevertheless, there is a significant difference between time and Brahman. While both are all-pervasive, infinite and without any beginning and end; Brahman is universal consciousness, time is not. That’s why time is also called as the shadow of Brahman. Therefore the description of Brahman in the Vedic writings is not self-contradictory but a reflection of the reality. This reality cannot be explained through intellect or lab tests but could only be experienced by the individuals. If the world is to be what we perceive with our senses, then there would be no riddle or mystery. The hidden, non-sensible and omnipresent existence of Brahman in all appearances and forms is what makes it mysterious.

Conclusion

It is therefore apparent that Brahman is the only reality behind the ever changing universal manifestation. He is infinite, eternal and irreducible pure consciousness with no attributes. Since He is the only source of all that exists and seed of all seeds, everything rests in Him. Simultaneously, He rests in everything; moving or non-moving, conscious or non-conscious for He is the only cause and source of all existence. Hence according to Vedic writings the Universe is nothing but a mere manifestation of invisible Brahman. When the visible manifestation is annihilated it returns to the invisible Brahman.

Everything in the Universe rests upon Brahman as the beads made of thread in a necklace are strung on a thread. Like thousands of sparks appear from fire and then dissolve back into fire, like a large variety of plants and herbs originate from earth and then they return back to earth and like millions of waves appear in the ocean and then dissove back into the same ocean, like millions of thoughts appear and then they dissove back into the same mind; everything in this universe appears from the Brahman and returns back to Him. The one Being of whom all existences are Becoming. Precisely for this reason in the Vedic writings Brahman (God) self-extended in time and space has been defined as the Universe. Thus, the Universe and all that exists in the Universe is nothing but Divine and must not be abused. It is a single unified entity with multiple ever changing manifestations.