Higher level view of the Universe

In a previous post, we started with two approaches to understand the universe and the concept of universal identity. One is through concepts that can be comprehended by our senses and the mind. The other one is purely abstract and more or less beyond comprehension.

We discussed the former in the previous post. Now let us try to understand the other , namely the abstract view of the Universe.

In our perceptible view of the world, we have material things, mind, intellect and ego, as well as the sentient souls. These are like the branches of a tree that can be seen or perceived. But does this tree of universe have roots? Without roots probably the tree would not have come into existence.

But the roots of this tree are not visible since they are hidden. But they got to exist. Also, the branches keep withering out, only to be replaced by new branches. It is the roots that keep nurturing these branches that have a short life.

Bhagavad geetha describes this ‘tree of the universe’ in a very poetic manner. It says

“The tree of the universe has its roots hidden (avyakta - not perceptible). Its branches are spread all over the perceptible world. These branches are short lived. But the tree as such is eternal (avyaya).

It is the roots that are the real supporter of this tree. So they are superior (Oordhwa) to the branches that are perceptible.

One should understand this imperceptible root. If one understands this root, then that person attains eternal peace.

This root is called the Brahma. This Brahma is neither existence (Sath) nor it is non-existance (Asath). Unlike the branches, It neither has beginning nor an end.

Though not apparent, this Brahma pervades the entire world as if it has legs and hands all over the place; as if it has eyes, ears all over the place; as if it has the mind everywhere.

This Brahma is inside as well as outside everything. It moves, as well as it does not move. It is very far from us, but at the same time it is very close to us. It is very subtle and very difficult to understand.

It looks as if the Brahma is divided into various living and nonliving beings. But actually it is whole. It has no parts. It is the root cause of the universe and its sustenance.”

These words may look mutually contradictory. There are two ways to look at them. One is that they are trying to emphasize the imperceptible nature of this Brahma which is beyond words.

In my book “Ancient wisdom – Modern viewpoints”, I have tried to give one possible logical way to explain this verbal confusion.

It is this imperceptible Brahma state that is experienced by anyone who reaches the ultimate state of Samadhi i.e. the climax of meditation.

How easy it is to attain this realization? That is what we will see in the next post.

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Based on verses 15.1, 13.12, 13.13, 13.15, 13.16 of Bhagavad Geetha, one of the most quoted and widely translated of the ancient Indian scriptures, believed to have been composed by Vyasa as part of the great Indian Epic Mahabharata, 5000 years ago. The interpretation of the verses and audio recital are by Dr.King (Copyright © 2018 Dr. King)