The text is in the form of an oral presentation which the learned Ugrasrava Sauti makes to an assembly of rishis (sages) resting in the Naimisha forest after attending a sacrifice. In answer to their query, Sauti narrates the sacred history, describing Krishna-Dvaipayana as its author. The oral tradition is ancient in India. Quite possibly, the epics underwent modifications and additions before they achieved their canonical formulations.
We read about the prestigious history and characteristics of the epic. This most illustrious narrative, it is said, had been “heard by divine beings and the Brahmarishis. We are told that the work is known as Bharata. It is not yet Mahābhārata) .
There is a brief comment to the effect that the work had already been published, was being taught, and that it would spread farther in times to come. The book is described as a treasure-house of knowledge; the learned enjoy its language and expressions.
We go on to read that the work incorporates the wisdom of all scriptural works, from the Vedas to the shrutis, and that people read it in different ways. Some start from the beginning, some from a story in the middle, and so on. Scholars study the whole work. They comment on it, sometimes to show their own knowledge. Some explain its meaning while others simply recite it by rote. It is obvious that the poet had a clear understanding of the many ways in which readers respond to a great work.
There is also a statement in this first section on cosmogenesis: When there was only complete darkness, and no light or brightness, the Cosmic Egg (brihad aṇd*am) came into being. It is described as the inexhaustible seed of everything. This is a remarkable insight, namely, that there is no limit to the variety, range, and multiplicity of entities and occurrences. From a reductionist point of view, there is no limit to the permutations and combinations of the material contents of the universe. From an emergentist perspective, there is no telling how many new things will yet emerge.
After this insight the author moves into the mythological realm: From the Cosmic Egg arose Brahma, Suraguru and Sthanu. After this came 21 Prajapatis which include Manu, Vasishtha, Parameshthi, ten Prachatas, Daksha, and the seven sons of Daksha. These were followed by Vishvedevas, Adityas, Vasus, Ashvins, etc. Then came Brahmarishis and Ra*jarshis. It was in this way that water, the heavens, the earth, the years, the seasons, the days, the nights, and everything known to us were formed.
Spurts of Thought 