Variety is the spice of life.
We are thrilled by the variations. Why so? Is it our individual will to enjoy
what is not the same. Considered analysis would prove otherwise. If you look
up, on a clear unpolluted night sky and try to identify a star or a constellation
it would take you some time. However amongst the apparently motionless
firmament if you need to identify a shooting star or a tiny comet or even a
manmade satellite which reflects the sun’s light you are likely to do so
instantly. It is said by scientists that if an object right in front of you is
stationery and your eye balls also are locked into one position only, you can
see the object only because there is a constant refresh taking place in your
sight perception. Without this constant refresh as in a TV you cannot see the
object right in front of your motionless eyes. So our very design is such that
we can detect only if there is a change. This principle is used by motion
detection censors & burglar alarms. Sameness does not attract our attention.
This is built into our genetic code.
So therefore it would be
correct to conclude that it is not our individual will but the way all of us
have been created that compels all of us to inexorably seek that which is not
the same; that which is varied.
However let us look at things
as they truly are.
Biology informs us that the
difference between the genetic code of a common fruit fly and that of a human
being is less than 40%. The genome of a chimpanzee and that of a human being
varies by a merely 1% and between human beings a maximum variation is 0.1%.
Physics instructs us that an electron in a carbon atom is the very same in all
characteristics as an electron in an atom of gold. So is the case with the
other subatomic particles such as neutrons; protons etc. It is only the
configurations that make different atoms of different elements. If one were to
go further and listen to what Einstein propounded; all matter is energy
vibrating in a particular frequency. Therefore the true substance is the same and
only its appearance is varied because of the rearrangement/reconfiguration of
its constituents.
So it appears creation is not
very creative. Amongst or because of this lack of variety we are forced to
differentiate even the smallest variation failing which we will be unable to
grasp a reference point. Hence we are fine tuned to detect even the smallest of
variations and this whole tamasha is enacted.
Therefore the question is
does one recognise the very sameness of the substance of this universe and all
that is in it and live in this awareness or does one stick to the periphery and
live a frivolous life. This i guess brings some perspective. Why would one want
to become aware of the actual sameness instead of merrily engaging in the
ephemeral variety blissfully believing that this is all there is to it. The
answer would be, “Truth.” There are some of us who are driven to perceive
things as they actually are. Not as what they appear. These persons cannot
breathe without questioning. Just imagine if Francis Hubble had not looked at a
star in the sky just about 80 years ago and deduced that this pinpoint of light
it is just not a star but an entire galaxy of more than a billion stars but
appears like one tiny star to the naked eye; we will all not today know that
others galaxies exist and we would have considered the universe to be so
miniscule compared to what we know now. These pioneers need to push
the frontiers of knowledge in every sphere. This is their destiny. Some of them
yearn to consciously connect to the substratum of this universal consciousness.
The chit ambaram.
What does this universal
consciousness do. It enlivens each and everyone of us. It is said to be
“neutral” in the truest sense of the word. However without this enlivening
principle we cannot function as living beings and more importantly exist as
individual souls. There is no individual existence without this universal
consciousness. So, the scriptures inform us. Its most important characteristic
is its sameness in its connection with each one of us. Some call this “God”.
Therefore all this apparent variety stems from a deep rooted sameness; a
profound oneness.
So the choice is yours. You
continue to perceive with a limited world view; tethered to a weak
self-centredness and delude yourself as a frog would in a very small well or
breathe in the liberating universal consciousness and expand your
awareness. A dog on a tight leash is often satisfied at the titbits
thrown at it. The bliss that lies in growing aware of the universal consciousness
are unspeakably delightful. So, say the ancient texts. Why not give it a chance
and subsume this limited variety to the vast ocean of unsullied but uniform
bliss. It is a natural progression, one ascends into this awareness as sure as
one’s descends without effort when one jumps of a diving board at a swimming
pool. To remain engaged and entranced in this variety is fleeting and brings no
real joy. To dive into the universal sameness is our destiny and our ultimate
undeniable truth. It is not a sacrifice but a conquest of gigantic proportions.
It is true empowerment.
Bhagavad Geetha- 13 th chapter Kshetra Kshetragna yoga;
verse 28:- Samam Sarveshu Bhuteshu tishtantam parameshwaram; Vinasyatsv
Avinasyantam yah pasyati sa pasyati.- The universal principle resides in
everyone equally; He sees; who sees with equanimity this imperishable power
residing inside everyone of the perishable bodies.
-Gnaneshwar
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