The
Universe is nearly infinite in grandeur. The human life is
next to nothing compared to the life cycle and vastness of
this wonder-filled existence. Our life begins from the womb
and ends in the tomb. Could there be more to what our lives
are between womb and tomb? If yes, then Solomon is
absolutely right: everything is vanity, illusive and
horrible. The child is perfectly unconscious, at least up to
a certain age. That produces innocence, purity and beauty in
it. During the last stage of life when one foot is on earth
and another is being pulled by the tomb, man becomes a
strange creature. People usually say that the old ones have
become child-like. But far from being innocent, pure and
unconscious like the child, he has become cunning, ugly and
miserly. He has grown up only physically, his development
has not been mental. Life has been only a struggle to fulfil
the basic needs and a few sensual pleasures. Throughout this
journey, he has developed so many ugly qualities such as
greed, anger, jealousy, lust and others.
The seed that grows in the jungle
or in the forest is nurtured by Mother Nature. It grows up
in a scientific but natural way and is fulfilled by
providing oxygen, shade, wood, fruit, flower and by
preventing soil erosion. It is a blessing to the whole of
Nature as its contribution is really enormous. What is
man’s contribution? If we say that technological,
industrial and agricultural inventions are his contribution,
then another question comes forward. Have all these given
him peace of mind, good health? Is humanity really healthy?
Trees are much more useful than just giving shade, fruit and
other advantages. The construction of our modern world
reflects the contribution of trees. Similarly, man’s
potential is not only that much as can meet the eyes, he can
be much more creative. The scriptures say that he represents
Divinity. The means that he has invented to lead a better
life has made a hell both within and without. Till now, all
his means have failed. There must be definitely a wrong
focusing of his mind towards what we call reality.
The wonderful creature that we are
cannot be that much useful only as to reproduce, seek
sense-gratification and a comfortable living. We are all
seeking never-ending power, peace and joy. All material
means have been tried. Why not turn to religion? Here, I do
not mean the orthodox, fanatical approach. I mean a deep,
detached and scientific study of all religions. Here, we
should be able to cast aside our egos and be ready to
espouse that method and knowledge which will enable us to
have a clear vision of our real nature, of our present
situation and the reality about human existence. All these
demand much honesty at all levels. By this I mean that we
should be honest intellectually, emotionally and be
courageous enough to accept truth as it is whatever be its
source. Though its real source is existence, the instrument
may be any being, or anything.
My own observation is that the
mind has to undergo a complete transformation. Prior to
that, it has to be understood how the present situation has
ensnared the mind. For that purpose, psychology and
scientific spiritual practices like Yoga and others could be
of much help. A global understanding of the nature of man,
God and the Universe would be of paramount importance. Some
religions lay great emphasis on our eating habits. Could it
be that the food we consume influences our mind and its
behaviour? The thought process, the different levels of our
consciousness have to be studied. I am fully convinced that
the real solution to all problems lies with religion. Here
of course, I mean that religion can be used as a means, not
as an end. The end and aim is to go beyond all forms of
conflict and sorrow so as to attain never-ending bliss.
