Hari OM
'Text-days' are for delving into the
words and theory of Advaita Vedanta.
TATTVABODHAH.
[You are reminded that reviewing the
previous week's posts will become essential as the meanings of the Sanskrit
terms may not be repeated. There may come additional or alternative meanings,
but all should be noted. As study progresses, the technical terms must
necessarily become 'second nature' to the student. When the Sanskrit is used,
the translation will fall easily into place - or likewise, if the English is
used, the Sanskrit term must easily come forwards.]
Please revisit THIS post and chant the mangala-charana. Please use the
TattvabodhaH label to access all posts relevant to this text.
The chanting and suutras for today's post were given last week. The
tamas aspect of Maya results in the production of matter. Creation of the five
elements - more properly referred to as the Five Great Elements
(pancha-mahaa-bhuutaaH) - of which the entire world as we currently understand
it is made. It was said that there was a divide and share mechanism of the
elements, resulting in a significant variety from their combination…. Remember
this has been thought about by the Rsis of at least six thousand years past,
without the aid of microscopes or any such equipment. Pure intellect arrived at
these conclusions.
Having moved from their tanmaatra (subtle/nascent) state, the
elements move into the realm of the gross and in doing so loose some of their
purity. It is said, therefore that:
|
SPACE =
|
½ space
|
⅛
air
|
⅛
fire
|
⅛ water
|
⅛ earth
|
|
AIR =
|
½ air
|
⅛
space
|
⅛
fire
|
⅛
water
|
⅛
earth
|
|
FIRE =
|
½ fire
|
⅛
space
|
⅛
air
|
⅛
water
|
⅛
earth
|
|
WATER=
|
½ water
|
⅛
space
|
⅛
air
|
⅛
fire
|
⅛
earth
|
|
EARTH=
|
½ earth
|
⅛
space
|
⅛
air
|
⅛
fire
|
⅛
water
|
Note that the concept of molecules and atoms, as such, was not
there; yet the thinking was that there were tiny particles (anu) and that there
was some form of interaction - which we know today as chemical bonding. This
chart can be represented pictorially also…
Tamo-guno is characterised by inertia. That which cannot know itself
or illumine another is inert. The elements having been grossified, are mere
matter, without sentience, but are now available to the senses for perception.
The permutations of these form the gross world, including the body. The food we
eat contains starches, proteins and chemicals - EARTH; it has WATER content;
has its own, but is also processed by, HEAT (fire); there is always an element
of AIR there and the food may have SPACE between its molecules as well as
occupying space as its formed unit. Even
thought water in its purest form is colourless, odourless, tasteless, we know
that from different sources, it tastes of the place of its origin and may well
have an odour… the body has heat, consists of much water and has spaces as well
as occupying space, there is air and the organs and bones are made of 'earth'…
The gross body cannot work without the subtle body. When the subtle leaves the
gross, the latter disintegrates and returns to its component elements..
"dust to dust". Death is merely a movement in time of an object from
one state to another.
All gross bodies have the same gross elements; no body can claim to
be other - all differences at gross level are superficial. If this is
understood, then all conflicts due to caste, creed, colour, gender and so on
would end.
Thus, this section concludes, there is identity between the micro
and the macro. That which we see and touch and smell and taste and hear is
nothing more than a gross manifestation on the individual level (pindanda) of
that which exists, albeit at a much greater subtlety, within the total,
univeral, level (brahmanda). The classic example, thought limited by being only
within the gross, is that of the ocean and the waves. The waves and the ocean
are not separate - their Truth is water only and water they will always be.
William Blake's words fit this sentiment beautifully; "To see
the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower; hold infinity in the
palm of your hand and eternity in an hour."
