| The genesis and expansion of the universe is limitless like the manifestation of its eternal creator. The world we live in is a marvelous expression of Nature in its visible (perceptible) as well as subtle forms. Our world has two components - one which is materialistic or perceivable and the other which is invisible, beyond the normal limits of perception through our sense organs. The electromagnetic waves, radio waves and other energy waves, though being integral part of our life in terms of the splendid applications of sound, heat, light and electricity etc, cannot be perceived directly. The activities of our physical body at the molecular, cellular and organ levels too are governed by the invisible, intangible, subtle, vital force of chetana (- eternal power of cosmic consciousness) existing in our ’living’ self.
The three dimensional expansion of the space is endowed with matter, energy and absolute emptiness. Broadly speaking, its constituents are classified as thala - solid material forms existing on the earth and other planets; jala - water, liquids and vaporized forms; and nabha or akasha - the limitless ensemble of gases, energy waves and the etheric space around the world. What happens deep beneath the earth’s surface or within the depths of an ocean - cannot be measured or sensed accurately and completely despite the availability of ultra-sensitive instruments and sophisticated technology. More difficult it becomes in the case of akasha. The realization of the vital energy, thought waves and other subtle reflections of chetana existing in this "unlimited hole" is impossible to be achieved only by means of material based science and technology. Human intellect and inner self too cannot even get a ’glimpse’ of this subtle world in general.
The existence and importance of the subtle world and the mysteries of Nature is emphasized in this volume. In view of the author, Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya, if the jada (perceivable, materialist) component of Nature is like a living body then the chetana or subtle component is like the source of life in this body. Both are essential for the existence of the world. However, the chetana, being the cause, the source of universal force and creation and expansion of the jada, is of perennial significance. The chetana world plays a predominant role in human life as it inspires the gamut of expressions of mind including the inner cores of thoughts and sentiments.
Little do we realize the impact of the subtle environment of chetana upon our psychology. The power of chetana governs our mental activities and hence orients our deeds and the conditioning of the circumstances of our life too. The tendencies of our mind, our thoughts and emotional impulses also affect the subtle atmosphere of chetana around us. The latter kind of impact becomes significant if mutually compatible or synergistic effects are generated by the collective consciousness of larger number of people. The vicious cycle created by maligning of the subtle world because of the collective malice of people’s thoughts and pernicious passions has given rise to an alarming crisis of faith today. This has resulted in unprecedented decline in moral values and has virtually driven humanity near the edge of extinction.
Man’s faith in the truth of visible world has been substantially strengthened with the support of advanced science and technology today. But, the loss of ancient literature on spirituality and the lack of practical guidance on adopting the spiritual disciplines have minimized the faith of majority in the existence and influence of the subtle world of chetana. Studies in Human Psychology too have got narrowed down because of being treated as part of the behavioral science alone. Sentiments of people seem to have got confined only to selfish attachments and self-esteem. The single tracked evolution of intellect has almost annulled the existence of the subtle world, which is beyond the reach of scientific laboratories. This, rather prejudiced attitude has led to incomplete development and untoward consequences in terms of - loss of mutual faith, serene love, healthy co-operation and openness in people’s relationships with each other... |
