Madhvaon Brahma Sūtra 1.1.2

(Brahman is that) from whom the origin, sub- sistence, dissolution, order, enlightenment, nescience, (mundane) bondage (of life) and absolution (proceed). For the Skanda Purana says, ‘The Person from whom the origin, subsistence and dissolution, order, enlightenment, the cover of gloom, bondage and absolu- tion proceed, is the unconditioned Lord Hari ’ Scrip- ture says, ‘ That of whom these beings are born, by whom when born, they live, into whom they retire for rest and life again (when released) ; that do thou enquire into, that is Brahman ’ (T.U. iii-1.) ‘ He is Brahman who is the one supporter of the three (things), (matter, soul and time), who supports the earth and heavens and all the worlds ’ (Rv. I. 154-4). * He under four names sets (at work) the ninety great gods like the round wheel.’ (Rv. I. 155-6). ‘Thou art past measuring, and fittest the whole space with thy perfect essence, none can ever approach thy greatness; there is not one, O Vishnu, who was, is or will be, that is capable of attaining to thy glory by which the glory of all the gods is limited ’ (Rv. VII, 99.12). * He who is our immediate progenitor and father, who is the maker and who is cognisant of all the worlds and the things abiding therein. (Rv. X. 82-3). These and such other texts (show that the first great cause of the world is Vishnu, who is Brahman). By deductive reasoning other (dieties) cannot be sup- posed (to be the cause).