Reading Notes: Seven Secrets of Vishnu, Part B

In part B of the 7 Secrets of Vishnu, we continue learning about Mohini's Secret.

(Photo from WikiMedia).

When Naran wakes up, a lotus blooms from his belly button. Inside of the lotus sits Brahma. He is the child sleeping out of the mother's womb and he senses the rush of stimuli from the outside world and experiences his first interaction with nature. He recognizes himself as distinct from Prakriti. This ability comes from Purusha within him, but he does not know it yet. He simply knows he is not Prakriti. How strange it must be to be born and not know what type of species you are. All he knows it that he is not what he knows of. He objectifies nature as he becomes increasingly self-aware. The birth of Brahma thus marks the birth of human consciousness. I can't image being the first person born with human consciousness. I feel as though I would think I was going crazy.
Brahma represents consciousness that is finite; it has the ability to realize infinite consciousness which is brahman. This is the acknowledgement of the finite truth that has been unravelled. The second meaning is the aspiration for the infinite truth that awaits. 
Brahma realized that nature changes as you move and over time. Nature is described as restless as it is constantly changing. But, in the mother's womb, everything is static and comfortable.
Brahma's mind is blessed with manas or imagination. He's able to imagine a time Shatarupa dances to his whims. This gives him joy. He's also able to imagine a time when Shatarupa overwhelms him and this frightens him. Most important, he's able to imagine a time when he will not be able to experience Shattarupa. In other words, he imagines death and this frightens him the most. I can't imagine being the only one able to imagine death. I feel as though it would consume my life.

For this week, I am debating between 2 stories. In one story, I want to make Brahma aware of the restlessness of nature. Then, I will have nature stop to some capacity and only Brahma will be aware of it. He will then have to persuade others in order to save the world. (Similar to Noah's Ark) Another story idea is to have Brahma feel as though he issuing crazy due to his consciousness. Both seem like they would be fun to write and I am excited to see what I end up with!

The Seven Secrets of Vishnu - Mohini's Secret, Part B, By Devdutt Pattanaik.