VISHNU - The preserver

VISHNU - The preserver

Viṣṇu is the name given to the cohesive or centripetal tendency of the universe — the Sattva Guṇa.

The Viṣṇu force manifests as a flow towards the centre, towards greater cohesion, existence, reality, truth, light and sustenance. It is this centripetal tendency that holds the cosmos together and ensures its continued existence.

It pervades all existence and is therefore known as "Viṣṇu".  The name can be derived from the roots vish — vishnati — to spread. vish — vishati — to enter into or from vishli — viveshti — to surround = all these are expressions of pervasion.

In terms of consciousness Viṣṇu is identified with the dream-state (svapna) where things are conceived of as archetypes or prototypes prior to their manifestation. He is the abstract concept of all things whereas Brahmā is their realization in perishable materials.

Viṣṇu is the inner cause, the unseen power by which all things exist. Brahma is concerned with the outer material manifestation of all things, but Viṣṇu is their inner essence. Viṣṇu is the principle of duration and the power that holds the cosmos together. He is therefore the goal of all spiritual and religious paths.

In fact all religion deals with Viṣṇu only. Every religion is comprised of theology (Brahmā-vidyā) and a moral code (Dharma). Theology defines the principles which rule all existence the nature of the absolute reality and our individuality. Morals codes (Dharma) prescribe the means for attaining the highest goal —both are encompassed by Viṣṇu.

Viṣṇu is the only high god who is regularly depicted in a reclining posture. He rests upon the great serpent of time (ananta-śeṣa) floating upon the Milk Ocean.

Ananta Śeṣa

Ananta Śeṣa is the name of the serpent with a thousand heads upon which Vishnu reclines. This serpent in non-different from Vishnu Himself. The word Ananta means the endless or infinite, and Śeṣa means the 'remnant' or 'residue'.

When creation is withdrawn it cannot entirely cease to be, there must remain a germ in subtle form of all that has been and will be so that the world can be re-projected when the time comes.

It is this remainder of the universe that is embodied by Ananta śeṣa floating upon the limitless ocean of the causal waters and forming the couch upon which Vishnu rests.

Ocean of Milk

This symbolizes the state of undifferentiated unity of Prakriti (primordial matter) prior to creation of the universe. It stands for the pure unadulterated state when the three cosmic forces; (rajas) centrifugal force — expansion, (tamas) centripetal force — contraction and (sattva) centralizing or harmonizing force] exist in perfect harmony and balance.

It also represents the consciousness, in the myth dealing with the churning of the ocean of milk we have the symbol of churning the mind through devotion in order to produce the essence (butter) in the form of God Consciousness. During this process the 14 jewels are extracted.

The ocean is also symbolic of the space or ether or infinity, and Vishnu is identified with the sun whose function of creation, preservation and destruction in our solar system is identical to that of the Supreme Lord in the entire universe.

Symbols

The Conch (Śaṅkha)

The conch in His upper left hand represents the first manifestation of articulate language— AUM— nāda Brāhman. This monosyllable contains within itself all language and meaning in a potential state. It is the seed from which speech developed — the nutshell containing the whole of wisdom.

All the forms of the universe are effects of the primeval sonic vibration. Thus the conch is the symbol of the origin of existence. Its shape is a spiral, starting at one point and evolving into ever increasing spheres. It comes from water, the first compact element. When blown it produces the sound AUM.

During war in ancient India the conch was blown to signal the commencement of the battle, it was also blown by the victorious parties to announce their victory. The god's blowing of the conch therefore indicates that he is always ready to do battle with the forces of evil and for the protection of his devotees.

The Discus (cakra)

The Discus in His upper right hand is called Sudarśana which means 'pleasing-to-see', it is usually shown in iconography with a hexagon in the centre. The six points of the two triangles represent the six seasons in a yearly time cycle, in the centre nave is the seed sound (bīja) 'Hrīm', which represents the changeless, motionless centre , the Supreme Cause.

The Cosmic Mind has the unlimited power which creates and destroys all spheres of existence (lokas) and forms of the universe, the nature of which is to revolve. The Discus represents the "will-to-multiply". There is only one centre to the wheel but it is said to have a thousand spokes.

The Lotus (Padma)

The lotus in His lower right hand represents the manifested universe, the flower that unfolds in all its glory from the formless and infinite waters of causality. It also represents purity on mind, body and speech.

The Mace (gadā)

The mace held in his lower left hand is the form of strength or power, and the intellect is the highest power, by the power of mind one person can control thousands. The mace is thus the symbol of the intellect (buddhi) or the power of knowledge.

It is called Kaumodakī which means the-stupifier-of-the-mind. The power of knowledge is the essence-of-life from which all physical and mental powers come. Nothing else can conquer time and itself become the power of time.

The mace as a symbol of sovereignty also indicates the law of Karma by which all humans are governed.

Garuda - Vishnu's Vehicle

Vishnu rides upon a creature half-human & half-eagle known as Garuda or Garutman which means "wings-of-speech". Garuda in the mythical and colourful Hindu scriptures is the King of the Birds and acts as messenger between Gods and Humans. He is the manifestation of the triple Vedas.

As the embodiment of the principle of sacrifice Viṣṇu is carried by the rhythms, (Rik) sounds (Sāma) and the methodology (Yajus) which are the instruments of the ritual.

Garuda is depicted as having the golden body of a strong man with a white face, red wings, and the beak of an eagle, with a crown on his head and is said to be large enough to block out the sun.

Garuḍa is depicted as the mortal enemy of snakes — he thus represents courage. Snakes represent all those factors that obstruct the spiritual path. His wife's name is Unnati or "progress" also called "queen-of-knowledge"