The Third Purusha is Brahmâ in Creation, Vishnu in Preservation and Śiva in dissolution. Vishnu as the Âtmâ in each being manifests Himself in action consciousness and will. Brahmâ is the propelling power in the Involution of beings, which gives them their physical body. Vishnu is the propelling force in the evolution of beings through physiological action (Prâna), sensation, intellect, and lastly the development of the spiritual faculties. THE BHÂGAVATA PURÂNA AND ITS PARTS. *SKANDHA II., CHAP. 10.* The next question of Râjâ Parikshit was most comprehensive. It related to all knowledge of the Universe in all details. In answering the question, Suka related the whole of the Purâna, from beginning to end. In doing so, the Muni gave a short introduction as to the history of the Purâna. When Brahmâ regained his drowsy consciousness at the dawn of the present Kalpa, he knew not how to bring back the former state of things. He practised Tapas. Then Bhagavân appeared and related to him the Bhâgavata Purâna. Brahmâ taught the Purâna to his son Nârada. Nârada gave it to Vyâsa, and Vyâsa to his son Suka. The Purâna has ten parts: — 1. _Sarga_ — the creation of the Bhûtas, Tanmâtras, Indriyas, Ahankâra and Mahat, or of the materials that form individuals, and the appearance of Virât Purusha. 2. _Visarga_ — the Individual creation by Brahmâ or the creation of the individual life forms. 3. _Sthâna_ — the preservation of the created beings in their own states by Bhagavân. 4. _Poshana_ — the divine favor to those that properly remain in their own states. 5. _Manvantara_ — the duties of the Rulers of Manvantaras. 6. _Uti_ — desires that bind one to Trilokî. 7. _Isânukathâ_ — stories of the Avatâras and of the followers of Hari. 8. _Nirodha_ — the sleep of Hari and of all individual souls a Pralaya. 9. _Mukti_ — the continued perception of the identity of self and of Brahmâ. 10. _Asraya_ — The Final Resort, Para Brahma or Paramâtma from whom Creation and Dissolution both proceed. This brings us to the end of the Second Skandha. SKANDHA III. BHÂGAVATA AS RELATED BY MAITREYA TO VIDURA. The Third and Fourth Branches of the Bhâgavata are related by Maitreya to Vidura. Maitreya was the disciple of Parâsara, father of Vyâsa. Parâsara learned the Purâna from Sânkhyâyana, Sânkhyâyana from Sanat Kumâra and Sanat Kumâra from Atlanta Deva. I.--THE CREATION *SKANDHA III., CHAP. 5-6.*