The classic text in regard to volitional creation, cited by Ramanuja and Shankara, is from the early portion Sixth chapter of the Chandogya Upanishad, “May I become many.”

A loose translation of text 1.1.5, based on the commentaries of Shankara and Ramanuja is “on account of seeing (or thinking), the pradhana, which is unscriptural, is not the cause of creation.” The short story is the in this passage, the Vedantins, led by Badarayana are arguing against a classical Samkhyin who claims that mere matter or pradhana can account for creation, without need for volitional agency.

In 2.2.18, the text says (again loosely) “Though you claim that the composite (the world of composite things) has two causes, it cannot happen (on your account).” In this case, Shankara interprets the verse as a response to Buddhists who claim that the world of common experience arises out of the aggregation of elemental substances and the skandas. Shankara claims that the Buddhist notion of creation doesn’t suffice to account for how the world of experience and of karma, etc. could arise without volitional agency behind it.

Thanks for the post. You mention “the Upanishads teach that creation is always preceded by volition and thought”. Could you share some examples? Also, I would be interested if you could expand a bit on the Brahma-sutra texts you quoted and their commentaries.

Kaustubha