214. How and Why


 

Paramatma is like an eternal ocean and atma is an imperishable drop that is engulfed by the perishable human body. Krishna describes that ocean and says, “Know that brilliance to be mine which residing in the Sun illuminates the world, which is in the Moon as well as in fire (15.12). Permeating the earth, I nourish all living beings with energy. Becoming the Moon, I nourish all plants with the juice of life” (15.13).

“Having become Vaishvanara (fiery power), I exist in the body of living beings, united with prana (inhalation of breath) and apana (exhalation), I digest the fourfold food (15.14). I am seated in the hearts of all beings; and from Me come smriti (self-awareness), jnana (wisdom) and apohan (clarifying doubts). I alone am to be known by all the Vedas, am the author of the Vedant, and the knower of the meaning of the Vedas” (15.15).

Firstly, Krishna says that He is the brilliance of the Sun (sunlight) and nourishes all living beings with energy. Plants convert it into the food we consume. Fossil fuels are essentially stored sunlight from the distant past. Sunlight keeps water in the liquid state. Hence, it enables us to survive and exist.

Secondly, Krishna chose the process of digestion and breathing as metaphors to explain the numerous processes that happen in the human body. It’s like the healing of a surgeon’s incision; it’s the harmony between various organs and chemicals in the body making it functional.

Science is proficient at answering the ‘hows’ but not the ‘whys’. ‘How light works’ is explained but the answer to ‘why is light dual’ is left open. In these verses Krishna explains that He is the source behind these ‘whys’. While we struggle to find definitive answers to ‘why’, they are, in essence, manifestations of His Leela - the divine play.


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