I read this statement in one of the Upanishads. In my opinion (Ha! I too have opinions – but they are only tentative), the perspectives provided in the Upanishads seem to represent the reality of human existence; of the place of mankind in the Cosmos. These writings offer the highest level of metaphysics (in a condensed form) to us all. Against the speculative nature of much of the science about the material world, these writings suggest meaning to human existence. Do the writings of other religions do that to a comparable extent? I know not!
That everything in the universe – from the subatomic and atomic micro-levels to the objects and structures at the macro-level – is seemingly inter-connected, appears to be acceptable to scientists. The ‘indivisible whole’ seems to hold good! It also makes great sense.
Whether theories derived to explain the micro-world can be applied to the macro-world has, I suspect, to be sorted out. The brilliant minds speculating with great insight about appropriate explanations will, without doubt, come close to the truth (having regard to the reality of Maya).
However, since the non-material domain is beyond the scope of the current scientific methodology, it may be impossible for mankind to confirm the Upanishadic perspective of an indivisible universe encapsulating both the material and insubstantial domains of existence.
So, how do we humans achieve immortality? Consolidating the understandings of competent clairvoyants, spirits advising local groups through their ‘channelers’, and the guidance from the Upanishads: we should return to the aether from which we were projected (the Hindu Ocean of Consciousness) when we have completed our responsibilities, through cycles of reincarnation on Earth (no other solar systems surely necessary).
What might these responsibilities be? Initially, I felt that, explicitly, it is only to ‘cleanse’ our respective souls morally. Now, I extend that belief to include an implicit responsibility to contribute to improving mankind’s collective morality – through what we do and say. I instance Gandhi and Confucius – great guides for us all (with no offence intended to the great founders of our major religions).
A universal morality can arise from a clear understanding that we are all already connected (co-projected?), and thereby bonded to, and mutually responsible for, one another. Can there be any meaning for human existence otherwise?
We are, I believe, part of a coherent whole.
RAJA ARASA RATNAM 