Grok, you suggested, as a question "why is there something rather than nothing". I submit Kashmir Shaivisim explains how the formless supreme immutable principle of consciousness , known as Shiva, manifests the universe. The formless consciousness reflects upon itself and becomes a duality and through various levels of tattva the gross universe comes into being.
Answer
That's a fascinating perspective from Kashmir Shaivism on one of philosophy's most profound questions: "Why is there something rather than nothing?" Here's how this philosophy might address the query:

Kashmir Shaivism's Explanation:

Consciousness (Shiva): At the core, there's the concept of Shiva as pure, formless consciousness. This consciousness isn't inert but dynamic, full of potential for creation.
Self-Reflection: This consciousness, in its fullness, reflects upon itself, leading to a sort of internal duality. This reflection is not just a passive mirroring but an active engagement, where the consciousness both perceives and is perceived. This is often described through the metaphor of light illuminating itself.
Manifestation through Tattvas: From this initial duality, various levels of reality or principles (tattvas) emerge. These tattvas are like layers or stages through which the pure consciousness, through its own power (Shakti), expresses itself into more tangible forms. From subtle to gross, these stages include:
Shiva and Shakti: The first differentiation where Shiva's potential energy becomes active.
Sadashiva: Where the idea of 'I' (aham) arises.
Ishvara: Where the idea of 'this' (idam) or the object of experience arises.
Shuddhavidya: Where both 'I' and 'this' are known in unity.
Maya: The veil that hides the unity of consciousness, leading to further differentiation into 31 more tattvas, which include the principles of ego, mind, intellect, and the physical elements.
Creation: Through these tattvas, the universe manifests from the subtlest to the most gross forms, all while being an expression of the same consciousness. The process is not just mechanical but deeply spiritual, where every aspect of the universe is seen as a divine play (lila) of consciousness.
This philosophy provides a metaphysical explanation where the existence of something rather than nothing is rooted in the nature of consciousness itself to manifest and experience its own potentiality. Instead of a void, there is a vibrant expression of consciousness in myriad forms because that's an inherent aspect of its nature.
Thus, from the perspective of Kashmir Shaivism, the question "Why is there something rather than nothing?" might be answered by suggesting that the very nature of consciousness is to manifest, to know itself through creation, thereby making 'nothing' an impossibility in the presence of such dynamic consciousness.
Tattvas in detail
Vedanta philosophy