Why does this Universe exist? Purposeless existence, logically, has to be unacceptable for humanity. Evolution, or creation, we came into existence. We possess mind, and intellect. Our intelligence must compel us to discover the existential purpose. If we are not capable of uncovering the mystery of our lives, who will? This Universe radiates a decisive quality. Every object, large, or small, continually displays decisiveness. Exploration of planets, and stars would not be feasible if the cosmic forces acted randomly. Into this decisive quality of our Universe, we bring conjecture, and improbable theories of evolution, and surmise galactic vastness as an accidental formation.
According to modernists the cosmic existence started with a Big Bang. Matter was condensed into a Singularity with extreme density and heat, approximately, 13.8 billion years ago, and the explosive Big Bang event dispersed matter (mostly hydrogen, helium, and lithium), which eventually cooled to form stars, galaxies, and our solar system formed 9 billion years back. Where did matter exist? Did it exist in space? Matter cannot exist in a vacuum. It must occupy space; why space is not matter as well? Assume matter existed in a condensed singular point awaiting expansion, what event triggered expansion? Life emerged after the formation of Earth 4.5 billion years back. Where did life come from? One need not be a scholar to see the disconnect with humanity in the Big Bang theory for the observable universe. It is disconnected with our existential reality! The existence of the Universe is a farce under these conditions. Purposeless, aimless, and utterly random. How can humanity find purpose and aim in a random, and illogical Universe?
Germination process of a seed seen through the lens of intelligence awakened us to realize intelligent components in everything we see. We should expand our mind to, logically, be awed by the magnificence of our Universe through the lens of intelligence. We are a speck of dust in this vastness, yet, we possess the ability to discover the vastness, and beyond. Human existence, a beautiful splendor of intellect.
Various aspects of intelligence were revealed earlier. We are in possession of intelligence, yet it does not elevate our lives. Why should it remain adamantly silent despite the many problems humanity encounters. Intelligence is an elixir that can solve all these problems we face. Why should it remain in an inactive state for us? Our mind delivers erratic results called karma, and it is an unreliable source for guiding our lives. Joy is an elusive target for humanity relying upon the mind. Intelligence is joy, and joy is intelligence just as sugar molecules are sweetness, and sweetness is sugar. Joy and intelligence are indistinctive.
Humanity cannot excel with esoteric theories for existential reality. An astrophysicist can enjoy and indulge, but it exists outside the reach of humanity. Our daily pursuits, and cosmic existence become disconnected. Science has to be intricately woven into the fabric of our lives; else, science, and human existence will be on parallel tracks. The track of science will discontinue in the future. Human existence continues with, without science. Geological Time Scale, Big Bang theory, Quantum theory, and many other theories exist external to the human conscience. Our existence unimpacted. Will such knowledge continue to exist disconnected with humanity? Logically, one must conclude an end is imminent for a purposeless body of knowledge for humanity. Knowledge exists eternally, only, when it can offer upward mobility for humanity.
We bond with each other. We have bonds with the departed. We have deeper bonds with historical figures unconnected with our existence. Past history of humans is an inalienable bond we possess. We marvel at ancient structures. We visit museums to see artifacts from bygone eras to admire the creativity, and crafting skills. Past is ever alive in the midst of modern times. Past is useful to promote virtues of modern times; the past is useful to condemn modern times. When modern times merge into the annals of history, modern times will be looked upon with similar tilt by future generations. Understanding esoteric existential thoughts whether it is our Universe, or our meager existence becomes a matter of fact when we tie it with human experience.
We are the possessor of intelligence. Yet, it is inaccessible and out of our reach. If we have inaccessible wealth, what purpose can wealth serve us? Animal species come into existence with easy access to intelligence. We endure a difficult, and different journey despite being a superior entity to animals. An existential dichotomy. Like an uncut diamond endures cleaving, shaping, and polishing processes with a diamond cutter to emerge as a diamond, we must endure a similar process to come into contact with our intelligence. We must be cleaved, shaped, and polished to reveal our effulgence to ourselves. Human birth does not provide us with humanity. It has to be cultivated, harvested, and spread across to serve others. Our culture, traditions, and religion are instruments for emergence as a human being.
Our arrogance precludes intelligence from awakening. This is elegantly depicted in Sri Ramayanam in the opening book called ‘childhood.’ The label of ‘childhood’ is very revealing about the quality of intelligence. Quality exists conditionally. Without conditions, quality will be subjected to abuse. Intelligence exists, unconditionally, in insentient entities because it cannot be abused. We are not animals. We are a superior race. Superiority cannot thrive uncultured. It has to adhere to superior criteria to receive the rewards. The ‘childhood’ book reveals the criteria for humanity. Sri Ramayanam describes the journey of Sri Rama for a 14-year period of his existence. We would be naturally inclined to think that ‘childhood’ book is about his youthful years. Surprisingly, the childhood of Sri Rama concludes in one chapter with his birth. Who is the child in the book titled ‘childhood?’
Sage Viswamitra is the child in ‘childhood.’ The reader is introduced to Viswamitra’s childhood. Childhood that he attained at a mature age is the narration in the opening book of Sri Ramayanam. Intelligence, therefore, is awakened when we dispose of arrogance. Arrogance of the self. Viswamitra was a powerful ruler in the Northern parts of present-day India. He was a great warrior, and his physical strength was unparalleled. It was a source of pride for him. He could over power everyone with his brute strength. His physical strength became weakened, crippled, and ultimately defeated in the hands of an ascetic. The might of his army, and their weapons were defanged by the ascetic who remained steadfast against the onslaught without engaging in the physical battle. Viswamitra did not give up the fight until he discovered the power of intelligence protecting the ascetic. He decided that all the physical might is worthless against intelligence. He chose to acquire the stature of the ascetic because the intellectual might of the ascetic was proven to be far superior. The travails of Viswamitra were narrated in the court of King of Mithila, present-day Nepal. Viswamitra remained unperturbed, and nodded in agreement because the account of Viswamitra’s life contains a number of embarrassing incidents. A king’s court would be filled with dignitaries from the kingdom, scholars, various luminous people from across the world, and ordinary people attending the events of the day. In such an environment remaining equanimous while your life is narrated, the mistakes highlighted demonstrably to a wide audience requires intelligence. The ascetic who challenged the might of Viswamitra’s physical strength bestows upon him the title, Brahmarshi.
Childhood of Sage Viswamitra is a journey at a mature age. Why should the account of Viswamitra’s adult journey be given the title, ‘childhood.’ It is called childhood because when we awaken intelligence, it will protect us like a child is protected by the parents. A child does not take steps to protect oneself, it rests upon some other entity. The child does not spend energy for protection. The reaction of a child in pleasure, or danger, and in praise, or chide remains equanimous. We must acquire tranquility in our existence to awaken intelligence. Intelligence will take control of our lives from mind, and deal with superior results in our lives. We should examine our world whether we are occupants of an intelligent system, or a system of utter randomness of thoughts. Random thoughts are foundationless. Foundation for the Universe is intelligence, and that will rise as the Post-Modern era.
Fragrance of Humanity 
Excellent, thought provoking article on the need for Viveka. Informative and intelligent – it was a pleasure reading it, thanks
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