The Philosophy of the Upanishads c10.s3.t2.1

c10.s3.t2.1

The first starting-point of the conception of Brahman as destroyer of the universe is formed probably by the fact of death, which presents itself as the result of experience, and engages attention at all times, and therefore also as early as that ancient period. After men had become accustomed to see in Brahman the power which as *prâṇa* brings forth and sustains life, it was an easy step to restore it to the same power "when it wearies of bearing the burden," and to see in Brahman as *prâṇa* "the cause of death and of life."⁴ Therefore as early as S'atap. Brâh. 11. 3. 3. 1 we find it said:—"Brahman handed over the creatures to death"; and in S'atap. Brâh. 13. 7. 1. 1 again:—"He sacrificed himself in all beings, and all beings in himself." This thought is further expanded by the Upanishads. In Bṛih. 1. 2. 1 "death and hunger" (*mṛityur, as'anâyâ*) figure as creators of the universe:—"all that he created he resolved to devour;