In Hindu belief, why did Brahma (the creator god) create an imperfect or suffering universe?

In Hinduism, Brahma is conceived as the creative force of the universe, but this creation presents a cyclical, complex, and contradictory reality rather than absolute perfection. The imperfection or suffering of the universe cannot be understood by superficial observation alone; it is deeply connected to the fundamental principles of Hindu metaphysics: maya, karma, samsara, and moksha.

The Nature of Brahma and the Purpose of Creation

According to Hindu philosophy, Brahma represents the creative aspect of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), but this creativity is different from the absolute divine will of Western theology. Brahma creates the universe within the concept of lila (divine play), implying that creation is not a whim or a pastime, but a spontaneous expression of a divine order. However, this order is a dance of opposites and cycles rather than absolute perfection. According to Advaita Vedanta, Brahma itself is a reflection of the ultimate reality, Brahman, and the universe is a temporary manifestation of this reality through maya (illusion). In this context, the imperfection of the universe is due to the nature of maya, for maya is a veil that veils absolute unity and reveals multiplicity, difference, and therefore suffering and imperfection.

So why did Brahma create such a universe? Philosophically, the answer lies in the fact that the universe exists for a purpose: the eventual attainment of moksha (liberation) by souls (atman) through the operation of dharma (cosmic order) and karma. The universe, with its imperfections, is a stage on which individual souls learn through experience, evolve under the law of karma, and ultimately realize their oneness with Brahman. Imperfection, in this context, is not a fault but part of the divine plan.

Ontological Basis of Suffering and Imperfection

In Hindu philosophy, suffering (duhkha) is an inevitable feature of samsara (the worldly cycle). As stated in the Bhagavad Gita, the universe is composed of a combination of opposites: joy and sorrow, birth and death, success and failure. These opposites are a reflection of the dynamic nature of the universe and are manifested through the gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas). Brahma’s creation is based on the interaction of these three gunas, and this interaction contains both the creative and destructive aspects of the universe. Suffering occurs when tamas (ignorance and inertia) predominates, and is linked to the soul being caught up in the illusion of maya.

From a philosophical perspective, imperfection in the universe should not be viewed as an absolute evil, but as a means to the soul’s evolutionary journey. In the Upanishads, the universe is implied to be a teacher; pain is a catalyst that frees the individual from ignorance (avidya) to knowledge (vidya) and ultimately to liberation. Brahma’s creation of an imperfect universe is therefore not a deficiency but an intention to provide an opportunity for souls to discover their own nature and ultimate reality.

Karma and Free Will

Another dimension of imperfection in Brahma’s creation is related to the law of karma. According to Hindu philosophy, every event in the universe is a result of individuals’ past actions (karma). Pain and imperfection are a reflection of the karmic consequences that individuals create through their own free will. Brahma establishes this karmic order when he creates the universe, but does not interfere with the actions of individuals. This shows that the pain in the universe is not Brahma’s negligence or deliberate design, but rather the result of the free will of individuals. Philosophically, this emphasizes the responsibility of the individual to achieve moksha by fulfilling his dharma and breaking free from the shackles of karma.

Advaita and Dvaita Perspectives

According to Advaita Vedanta, the imperfection of the universe is merely an illusion (maya). In reality, only Brahman exists, and the universe is a temporary manifestation of it. Suffering and imperfection arise from the individual’s failure to realize his oneness with Brahman. In this perspective, the imperfection of the universe created by Brahma is merely a result of the individual’s limited perception; in reality, everything is already perfect, for everything is Brahman.

On the other hand, dualistic approaches such as Dvaita Vedanta accept Brahma as the creator of the universe, while maintaining that the universe and individuals are separate from him. According to this view, imperfection in the universe may be part of Brahma’s divine plan, but this plan gains meaning through the individual’s surrender to God (Vishnu or Shiva). Suffering, in this context, can be seen as a test that brings the individual closer to God.

The Purpose of Imperfection

The fact that Brahma created an imperfect or suffering universe is not a paradox from the perspective of Hindu philosophy, but part of a divine design. The universe is a stage for lila, a laboratory of karma, and a path to moksha. Imperfection is a means by which an individual moves from ignorance to knowledge, from separation to unity. When Brahma created the universe, he did not aim to provide absolute perfection, but to create a space for souls to discover their own nature. In this context, the suffering and imperfection in the universe is not a curse, but a guide for the individual on their journey to liberation.