Divine progress from sight to insight

Divine progress from sight to insight

The plan of Nature is a slow, yet steady unfolding of consciousness, awareness. As awareness increases, avenues open up, offering greater happiness, fulfilment and joy.

A stone is alive with atoms but has no feeling. It makes no difference to the stone whether you kick it, pulverise it or worship it. A stone in the pristine Himalayas has no ability to take in the beauty of its environment; one in a coalmine does not rue its misfortune.

A plant is aware of soil conditions and moisture. It sends its roots to sources of water and nutrients. Its shoots reach out to sunshine and it blossoms in spring. It is believed to respond to music, too. But it does not feel the love or tenderness of a parent.

Animals are aware of seasons. Migratory birds fly thousands of miles to beat winter. Animals sense danger and elude predators. They are capable of deep caring and form loving relationships.

The human being is mindful. You are aware of the seen and obvious. You can connect cause with effect and decipher laws of nature. You also have the power to align with the unseen and subtle hand of Divinity. You can choose to remain at lower levels of awareness – eating, drinking, sleeping – content to submit to the elements.

On the other hand, you could soar to higher levels of consciousness, to a world that offers certain victory over the material world, where you find perfect equilibrium in every set of circumstances. You can enjoy the highs of classical music and maintain the same poise when someone passes a nasty remark.

Vedanta requires commitment to your own inner transformation. As you go up, you transcend earlier limitations. You become independent. What are we aware of? Sense gratification is what the world craves for. But it is the lowest and is limited by the here and now. And you can be happy only when you are catered to.

The realm of emotion is far more powerful and satisfying. It pervades and controls the body. You willingly give up physical pleasures for emotional joys. A mother may be starving but is happy when the child eats. You can tap into past and future joys, reliving the thrill of your first date or visualising the ecstasy of parenthood. However, emotional joys are restricted to known avenues.

The intellect pervades and controls both body and mind. It smashes through known boundaries and goes to unknown realms. Science and technology are constantly breaking barriers and reaching out to new heights. The subtle intellect, conscience, goes beyond the universe to the Transcendental. It conceives of the Beyond. It tells you right from wrong, higher from lower. It is your inner compass. This magnificent ability to be aware of a Reality beyond the universe is a privilege only human beings enjoy.

Atman, Spirit, is all-pervasive. It governs all laws, so accommodate that powerful, divine Force within you. Have you ever marvelled at your own body and its complex systems? Have you stood in awe of the rising sun or the full moon? Have you wondered who or what created this stunning world?

We call this divine Power, God. But a statue is not the saint; the menu is not the meal. Go beyond the menu and enjoy the meal!