Myths of Creation in Brhadaranyaka Upanishad and the Timaeus. A Comparative Study

Abstract

This article deals with the notion of creation in a philosophical sense in Plato and the basic Upanishad, the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad. This is an attempt to bring to surface any similarities and differences between the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad and Plato’s cosmological dialogue (the Timaeus, though many references are made to the Timaeus’ continuation or prequel, the Critias). An introduction in order for the works to be placed within a time-frame and then several myths are analyzed and compared, including the myth of Atlantis in Plato and the idea of time in both Plato and the Upanishad. In addition the article examines the notion of ex nihilo creation in the two texts. Finally conclusions are drawn as to the main points brought to analysis.