Man
is a mystery. So is his abode, the world, which is a part of the universe. The universe
too is a sealed book. Generation after generation tried to unravel this mystery. They
succeeded but only partially. Their prolonged quest failed to reach the ultimate
conclusion despite energetic enterprise. Why? Why self- awareness has been denied to any
creature? Why has man with all his much vaunted wisdom, not been able to probe into his
environment completely? Doubtless, man’s advent into the world is not because of his
own will and intention. That is no reason, however, why he should be incapable of knowing
his outer environment and his own self. Human birth is not a sheer chance as believed by
modern science. Is man not the product of prior contemplation? Is he without a creator? Is
his lease of life without any design or mission, despite the concept that all other
objects and creatures of the world are worthless as compared to man, much less at par with
him? The intellectual elite believe, and rightly, that every object and creature is
associated with some role in the management of the universe. This human life cannot
understandably be meaningless. The Indians were, in fact, pioneers in endeavouring to find
solution to the aforesaid problems. Their perceptions are embodied in the Vedas, the
Upnishads and the Gita.
The
Vedas are believed to have been divinely inspired. They exhort man, the individual Soul,
to unite itself with God, the Universal Soul. Observance of certain religious rituals too
has been declared beneficial by the Vedas. The Upnishads based directly on the Vedas, are
progressive and conclusive interpretation and elucidation of the Vedas. The latter’s
peculiar merit is that they unfold a universal philosophy which makes the path of
intellectual eminence smooth. This paves the way for rational and meritorious actions. The
activating force behind such actions, however, is knowledge.
Though
this process was gradual, yet the impact of change was transparent and meaningful. Such
evolution of thought found its climax in the Gita, which enjoys the status of a divine
lighthouse.
According
to these speculations, the entire creation was the outcome of interaction between man and
nature. The creation was developed by the creator through the ‘medium’. The
basic concept of the indescribable power of the ‘medium’ creation is believed to
be the product of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Man
is manifestation of God. Hence the ultimate goal of human life is integration with God.
All creation is a gathering of old comrades separated since long. An uncertain and
transient thought wave became pervasive that spiritual eminence is to be found in worldly
pomp and show. Doctrines and disciplines relating to spirituality came to be viewed as
court summons. Human life was deemed to have a purpose akin to
bliss. Transmigration of soul was considered inevitable.
Other
countries like China, Egypt and Italy too tried to probe into divine lore. Similar
harmonious thought waves, doctrines and disciplines came into vogue. Modes of worship in
various religions and countries were antagonistic. Yet the ultimate goal was that it is
possible to realise the supreme and lofty power i.e. God, by acting upto prescribed
spiritual tenets. He (God) is competent to liberate the human soul from physical bondage.
Despite conflicting techniques of God realisation, there was uniformity and unity in
regard to the ultimate target.
Centuries
before Christ, Taoism was prevalent in China. According to this faith, man is just a
manifestation of the absolute and independent reality. This reality was declared as
inscrutable power. It was admitted that the purpose of life was to integrate oneself with
Tao consciousness by immobilizing emotions and extinguishing desires.
As
per ancient Egyptian historical records, Hazrat Moosa had the privilege of mysteriously
conversing with God on the mountain “Toor”. The entire creation was acknowledged
to be manifestation of God even in this faith. But God was believed to be an entity
distinct from creation, above all attributes. Purification of human souls and immunity of
human life from calamities and misfortunes was attributed as God's privilege alone.
The
Greeks used to worship many Gods as the source of creating the whole universe. Aristotle
expressed the view that man should become like gods and then merge with God. Certain
mysterious religious conventions were also prevalent for linking man with his Maker. The
Greeks believed that every human soul is a spark of divine glow. The goal of human life
was merger with God.
The
Parsis too inspired man to contemplate the absolute reality. Worship was considered as the
means of divine illumination.
Buddhism
enjoined Nirvana as the goal of human life. Nirvana could be attained by renouncing
desires.
Christianity
believes in religious experiences of Christ and the Kingdom of God. Anybody who adopts a
righteous and pure life under the guidance of spiritual stalwarts acquires divine values
and is regenerated according to his personal merit. But mere customary and mechanical
morality as also similar good deeds are meaningless without spiritual consciousness to
make amends for one's sins. The entire Christian world entertains complete faith in the
existence and supremacy of God.
Islam
is the formulation of inner perceptions of prophet Mohammad. This faith focuses on oneness
of God (without a second) and Mohammad as His Messenger. God is invisible and above all
attributes. Except this Absolute Reality all else is ephemeral and perishable. All
persons, being manifestations of God should love one another as equals. They should
identify God through the messenger.
Scientific
advancement has produced social and economic disparities as also political infirmities.
Even the inventors of textile machinery had to go without cloth. Thus growing population,
scientific progress and industrial development hampered blossoming of spiritual heritage.
But the aforesaid historical facts cannot suppress the reality of harmony and synonymy in
our inner fabric despite external discrepancies. In sum, different religions are only
different branches of the same tree that seek inspiration and nourishment from the
absolute God.
In
view of the above exposition neither man nor universe is a mystery or a tangle. For
illumination and resolving this mystery, what is needed is a God realized seer. Call him a
true master, prophet, or Satguru.