Sunday 1 October 2017

MAINTAINING THE PEACE WITHIN

We have been repeatedly reminded not to question the source and end of creation for we would not comprehend. There are episodes from the Puranas that show us the futility of such a venture. The story of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma racing against time in opposite directions to reach both the feet and crown of Lord Shiva respectively denotes this. Yet we keep on trying to understand and comprehend God's work. Much has been spoken and written about it. For instance when deliberating on the age of this universe, we learn more about these mysteries. But there is never a common stand to all these revelations.

A well researched article By Joseph Morales on time,
At the end of Brahma's daytime period, the Three Worlds (Bhuloka, Bhuvarloka, Swarloka) and the seven underworlds (of the nagas) are temporarily dissolved (pralaya); that is, the same folks can be reincarnated when the next day of Brahma begins.  The souls of individuals also continue to exist to be reincarnated in the next daytime of Brahma. 
At the end of the life of Brahma, all worlds are completely dissolved (mahapralaya). No one is reincarnated from these worlds ever again.
In the Hindu theory, life follows a downward trend most of the time, from the finest age to the worst. At the end of the worst age, Kali Yuga, divine intervention rapidly destroys the wicked and restores everything to its pristine state.
- Source: http://baharna.com/karma/yuga.htm)
See Stephen Knapp's explanation at https://www.stephen-knapp.com/timings_of_the_four_yugas.htm

While we try to analyse and understand these mysteries, https://www.gurbani.org/articles/webart265.htm, points out to us that all these attempts are futile. Many pertinent and logical questions are put forward with the final questionnaire, "How all of this can help any one in his spiritual progress - becoming the Gurmukh (enlightened being)? Other than fanning one's Haume (ego) and his love for Maya, they really do not serve any meaningful purpose. All accounting is in egotism, in these, there is no Peace (sggs 36)."
The Gurbani time and again reminds us that the Infinite Lord can neither be scaled, nor His infinitude be in any way altered — He cannot be confined within the limits of the finite experience of our limited body-mind-intellect apparatus. In other words, man's calculating mind can never hope to catch the Infinite. Let alone the Infinite Lord, the Gurbani declares that no one can even describe the limits of a God-conscious being! No matter how much one may describe the Lord, His limits still cannot be known (sggs 421).
Thus, the Gurbani repeatedly tells us that the Unlimited Lord can neither be projected nor his limits be calculated. Because, in reality, we ourselves are a projection of the Lord's Nature (Joti-Svaroopa)! Can a shadow look for the object that is responsible for its existence? Therefore, the Gurbani repeatedly asks us to overcome the calculating mind (Haume and duality) and to just accept the Divine Hukam (Will or Bhaanaa) — "Only He Himself knows His state", and leave it that way. It's not that the Gurbani wants to strangle the growth of our thinking faculty, but the fact remains that such mental circus of the ego- and Mayaic-mind has no real contribution to one's spiritual growth or one's being the Gurmukh. 
The Gurbani says that the Lord "is incalculable". Perhaps one can appreciate now as to why the Gurbani seems to suggest refraining from such futile exercise. For such exercise does not offer any real inner Peace, spiritual vibration or spiritual benefit. Neither it can eradicate one's Haume (ego) nor the veil of Maya. To the contrary, it only adds fuel to the fire! The Gurbani further claims that no one has ever realized the Infinite God by clever calculations. To realize Him, one has to become the Gurmukh. Who through the Shabad, transcends, Maya (duality and relativist consciousness), primitive ego (Haume) and all calculations.
Hence, as indicated by the Gurbani, to speculate God's limits or to treatise Him is not only impossible, but also pointless and unnecessary. 
(Source: — T. Singh, www.gurbani.org)

Which brings us to the constant reminder from Agathiyar, "Of what use is certain questions and what are you going to do about it?". I tend to believe that this cosmos, and all of creation, and all occurrences is only but a dream of Erai and will end (dissolve) once he wakes up. As is stated, ".... to become Enlightened while alive, here and now - not after death", I believe too that this is the ultimate mission and purpose in live and it has to happen here and now.

And as written, "The Eternal comes and settles down in the house, i.e. the Almighty can be found within the mind, quickly by following the guru’s teachings.", rather than try to know everything under the sky, I shall remain contended that Agathiyar has come into my life and shall henceforth reveal what is necessary on a need to know basis, as and when required. I shall maintain my peace that way.