Understanding Deva-Tattva

Have you ever wondered what the world is made of? In the Vedic way of thinking, there are two main things that make up everything in the universe. These are called Deva and Bhoota. Let us see what they mean!

What is Deva?

Deva is like a special energy or power. Think of it like the battery inside your favorite toy. You can't see the battery, but you know it's there because it makes the toy move. That's what Deva is like! It is invisible, which means we can't see it with our eyes, but it is very important because it gives life to everything around us.

What is Bhoota?

Bhoota is all the stuff you can see and touch. It’s like trees, rocks, animals, and even our own bodies. These are all physical things. Imagine all the things you can see around you – they are all Bhoota. It’s like a bunch of building blocks that make up the world.

How Do Deva and Bhoota Work Together?

Every physical thing (Bhoota) has Deva inside it. Without Deva, nothing could exist or work properly. It's like how a toy can't work without its battery. The toy (Bhoota) needs the battery (Deva) to function. So, everything in the world needs Deva to be alive and active.

The Big Idea

Here's the big idea: there is only one Deva in the whole universe! But this one Deva can split into many forms to create everything we see. It’s like one big ball of clay that can be shaped into many different things, like animals, houses, or trees. Even though they look different, they are all made from the same clay!

Some Important Sayings

1. "One Deva is hidden in all things (एको देवः सर्वभूतेषु गूढः)":
   This means the same power, Deva, is inside everything, even if we can't see it.
2. "The wise call it one, but it appears many (एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति)":
   This means smart people understand that everything comes from the same Deva, even if it looks different.
3. "One without a second (एकमेवाद्वितीयम्)":
   This means that there is only one true Deva, and nothing else is separate from it.

Think About Fire!

To understand this better, think about fire. Fire is always the same, but it can look different depending on what it is burning, like wood or paper. This is just like how Deva is the same in everything but shows up differently in all things.

So, everything around us is made of two parts: the seen part (Bhoota) and the unseen power (Deva). The things we see are like toys, and the power that makes them work is like the battery inside them. Even though we can't see Deva, it is always there and never changes. Just remember, everything comes from one big, powerful Deva that makes the whole universe work!

Knowledge Bank

The Creation of the Universe Through 3 Divine Powers

The universe, both stable and moving, is created and functions through three divine powers: knowledge, action, and desire. The power of desire (Iccha Shakti) is ever-present, guiding the process of creation. The power of knowledge (Jnana Shakti) understands the nature of creation and provides the cause and tools for it. The power of action (Kriya Shakti) manifests the universe according to the plan shaped by desire and knowledge. Together, these powers bring the entire universe into existence, based on a clear and deliberate will.

Gyan Vapi - The well of wisdom in Kashi

Gyan Vapi, this well in Kashi was created by Lord Shiva. According to legend, there was once a time when there was no water on earth. Shiva struck the ground with his trident, and from this action, the first spring of water emerged. Lord Shiva then constructed a well around this spring. The water is considered to embody wisdom in liquid form. It is believed that drinking a sip from the well will help one gain wisdom. Today, a peepal tree shelters the well, which is secured by an iron grill to prevent anyone from jumping into it in pursuit of salvation.