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by Jayaram V
There is an intelligent design hidden in the universe. Whether it is
the structure of
an atom, composition of a cell or configuration of a
star system, we can see this intelligent design hidden everywhere.
Even in the seemingly random process of evolution and our births and
deaths, we can see the hand of intelligent design playing its dutiful
role. Science may examine the structure
and the configuration of matter and understand how things are made or
composed. But it cannot explain why things are the way they are. Science
will never ever be able to answer it correctly,
because science cannot deal with the Cause of the causes.
The ancient Aryans saw the hand of the intelligent design hidden in every aspect
of the universe and considered it to be responsible for the orderliness of creation.
They saw hidden in the the entire creation a certain mysterious order of
things and called it 'Rta' (pronounced
as ritha). They believed it to be the divinity itself because it
regulated the affairs of the world and maintained dharma by keeping
things within their boundaries and ensuring their movements with
predictable certainty.
They saw Rta working in the natural rhythmic flow of seasons, the
movement of time, the constitution of the body and the elements, the configuration of the
planets and their rotation, the passing of day and night, the recurrence
of sunrise and sunset, the wondrous symmetry of forms and shapes, the sounds of music and the
dazzle of colors.
They were convinced that these things were perfect because Rta was
responsible for their inherent symmetry and the order of
things.
For the ancient Aryans, Rta was the fundamental universal principle
that governed all creation and manifested itself in every conceivable
way, from the cells and atoms to the planets and the universe. The
concept was so important in the ancient world that we can find traces of
it in other languages also. The Sanskrit world 'ritu' (season) or riti
(tradition or the way of things) originated from this word. We can find
its equivalent in other Indo European languages also. It equivalent word
in Latin is 'rhythmus', in French 'rhythme',
in Greek 'rhuthmos' and in English 'rhythm'. Whatever be the language
these words
convey the same concept: order, beat, pulse, metre, pattern, flowing, and harmony.
The ancient people found rta a convenient way to deal with the uncertainty
of
events and the unpredictable nature of existence. In an ephemeral
world on which they had little control,
they found the regularity of certain events and movements as evidence of
underlying stability and sign of intelligent control. The predictability of certain events and situations
helped them manage their affairs better, such as harvesting the crops,
performing rituals and determining auspicious and inauspicious
occasions. From it evolved the science of numbers, numerology, astronomy and astrology. It also helped them to
predict seasons and look into the future with some degree of certainty based upon their
knowledge of the order of the stars and the movement of the planets. At a deeper level they
also realized the importance of establishing harmony, order and discipline in
their inner worlds for an ever lasting peace. They realized that integration
of the lower self with the higher self could not be achieved without
bringing the two together into a harmonious whole.
Harmony and integrity are essential aspects of the Absolute Truth
which is but a harmonious blend of several relative realities and truths. When there is conflict and
feeling of separation, we feel exhausted, lost and frustrated and if we
are on the spiritual path we will find it more difficult to continue our
sadhana
and stabilize our minds and bodies. Unconditional love, letting
go of things, compassion, contentment, open mindedness, accepting things
as they are, the state of being rather than having, establishing rapport
with our higher and lower selves become easier to achieve with inner
harmony between the lower and the higher selves.
He who realizes this fundamental reality of our existence is freed from
all inner confusion and conflicts. He learns to cope with things as they are, without judging, without trying to change
things and without conflicts. He accepts the conditions of his life
with equanimity and lives in harmony with himself and with
others. He finds order amidst chaos, the hand of divine in every event and
harmony of purpose even in the midst of a conflict.
This is the truth. If you want to live in peace, establish harmony in
your mind and body. If you can
harmonize your your lower nature with that of the higher self you bring
order into your chaotic world of thoughts and move closer to God
whose essential nature is truth, bliss and harmony (satyam, sivam and
sundaram).
Suggested Further Reading
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