भूमिरापोऽनलो वायु: खं मनो बुद्धिरेव च | अहङ्कार इतीयं मे भिन्ना प्रकृतिरष्टधा || 4 || |
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Lord Krishna describes the eightfold divisions of His Manifested Nature, Cosmic Physical Universe or the embodied form of Apara-Prakriti. These divisions are the fundamental elements that comprise the physical and mental aspects of the material world. The elements mentioned are earth (solid), water (liquid), fire (heat), air (prana), ether (space), mind (subtle faculty of thinking and feeling), intellect (faculty of discernment), and ego (sense of individual identity).
God manifests Himself through the intricate interplay of subtle and gross elements. Using the powerful force of Maya or illusion, the one Spirit Consciousness divides Itself, giving rise to the gross, physical, Cosmic ‘Body of the Universe’, which mirrors the composition of the gross and perceptible nature of ‘Human Body’.
Elements of the Body
The human body, a microcosm of the universe, is intricately composed of the five fundamental elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. These elements form the very fabric of our physical existence, providing the foundation for our bodily structure. Just as the universe is structured by these elements, they shape our human form and give rise to our sensory experiences.
However, the human body is not a mere amalgamation of inert matter. It is enlivened and animated by three essential elements: ahamkara (ego or sense of self-identity), manas (the composite of thoughts and feelings), and buddhi (the intellect) with the help of five life forces and three gunas. The five life forces are Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana and Samana. Three Gunas are Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
Ahamkara, the ego, sets humans apart from other beings in the natural world. It grants us the awareness of our individual identity and a distinct sense of self. It is through ahamkara that we perceive ourselves as separate entities, with our own desires, preferences, and personal experiences.
The element of manas encompasses our thoughts, emotions, and the interplay of our mental faculties. It acts as the bridge between our sensory perception and the complex processes occurring within our minds. Through manas, we engage with the world, process information, and form subjective experiences based on our interactions with our surroundings.
However, it is the element of buddhi, the intellect, that truly sets humans apart in their cognitive abilities. Buddhi empowers us with the capacity for higher reasoning, understanding, and comprehension. It enables us to question, analyze, derive insights, and make conscious choices. Through buddhi, we gain the capacity to discern between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and make informed decisions.
Together, these three elements – ahamkara, manas, and buddhi – form the complex framework of the human mind and shape our perception of reality. They interact with the elemental composition of our bodies, allowing us to navigate the physical world and engage in a conscious experience of life.
Understanding the interplay between these elements within the human body opens the door to deeper self-awareness and provides insights into our unique place in the grand tapestry of existence. It reminds us that our physical form is not separate from the natural world but intimately connected to the elemental forces that shape the universe itself.
The Divine Current and Comprehension
Within the intricate workings of the human body, there exists a divine electric current that permeates every aspect of our being. This current, often referred to as the Spirit or the Divine Current, is the driving force behind our consciousness and comprehension.
Just as electricity powers the functioning of various devices, this divine current energizes and animates our physical and mental faculties. It flows through our body, illuminating our senses, thoughts, and actions. It is the source of our awareness, the spark that brings life to the inert matter of our physical form.
The divine current works in harmony with the elemental composition of our body, allowing us to experience the world through our senses. It enables us to perceive and interpret the external stimuli that we encounter, be it the sight of a beautiful landscape, the sound of music, or the taste of delicious food.
Moreover, this current plays a crucial role in the process of comprehension. It endows us with the power of buddhi, the intellect, which enables us to understand, analyze, and derive meaning from our experiences. Through the current’s interaction with our brain, it comprehends and interprets the information received through our senses, forming a coherent understanding of the world around us.
The comprehension facilitated by the divine current goes beyond mere perception. It allows us to go deeper, to recognize patterns, make connections, and derive insights. It enables us to engage in abstract thinking, imagine possibilities, and engage in higher cognitive processes that shape our understanding of ourselves and the universe.
Furthermore, this divine current is responsible for the storage and retrieval of memories, thoughts, and emotions within the realms of manas, the composite of our mental faculties. It serves as the underlying force that allows us to recall past experiences, access knowledge, and navigate the vast landscape of our inner world.
Within the realm of comprehension, the divine current also gives rise to a sense of identity or ego, known as ahamkara. It generates the feeling of “I exist,” providing us with a sense of individuality and self-awareness. This sense of identity permeates every cell of our body, creating a deep-rooted connection between our physical form and our consciousness.
This Divine Current or Spirit is a combination of Vibratory Aum and the inherent Cosmic Intelligence.
The Nature of Aum and Cosmic Intelligence
In the grand scheme of existence, the concepts of Aum and Cosmic Intelligence hold significant importance. Aum, considered a sacred sound and symbol, represents the vibratory force that underlies creation, while Cosmic Intelligence encompasses the directing force that governs the workings of the universe.
Aum, with its vibratory nature, is the creative power responsible for the manifestation of physical matter. It is the primal sound from which all other sounds and vibrations emerge. Just as Aum creates the physical world with its diverse forms and elements, it also plays a role in the creation of plants, stones, animals, and humans.
The plant kingdom, composed of living organisms rooted in the earth, is directed by the harmonious interplay of Aum and Cosmic Intelligence. Plants, trees, and stones embody the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—yet lack the components of ahamkara, manas, and buddhi. They grow and thrive according to the natural flow of energy orchestrated by Aum and Cosmic Intelligence.
Animals, on the other hand, possess ahamkara and manas, enabling them to experience a sense of identity and have basic thoughts and emotions. However, they lack the power of buddhi, the intellect that empowers humans to comprehend their existence fully. Their intellect however is only at the most basic level of ‘Instinct’ which is used for survival. It is only in human beings that ahamkara, manas, and buddhi are present, allowing for a deeper level of self-awareness and cognitive abilities.
The intricate interplay between Aum and Cosmic Intelligence becomes apparent when we delve into the human experience. Aum creates the physical body, composed of the five elements, while Cosmic Intelligence, inseparable from Aum, guides and directs the process of creation. A rose, for instance, is formed by Aum, which shapes its petals, stem, and color. The intelligence inherent in Aum allows us to comprehend that it is indeed a rose with ‘beautiful color’, ‘long stem’ and other features—an understanding that goes beyond mere sensory perception.
Aum and Cosmic Intelligence, collectively known as “Om Tat,” form a symbiotic relationship. Aum represents the vibratory aspect, the power of creation, while Cosmic Intelligence embodies the intellect and comprehension that arise from that creation. Together, they form the fundamental essence of existence.
Yet, beyond the vibrations of Aum and the intelligence of Cosmic Intelligence lies “Sat.” Sat represents the ultimate reality—the origin and first cause from which all creation springs forth. It transcends the physical manifestations and serves as the underlying source of everything that exists.
The human body serves as a microcosm of the larger cosmic design. Within the framework of bones, blood, and organs, numerous worlds exist, mirroring the diversity found in the macrocosmic universe. This intricate structure reflects the profound interconnectedness between the individual and the vastness of creation.
Though seemingly inert, the human body becomes a vessel through which the currents of life, ahamkara, manas, and buddhi flow. When the body eventually dissolves, the five elemental constituents return to their origin, while the remaining three elements merge into the gross form of Prakriti—the cosmic nature of the universe. Prakriti, akin to the human body, comprises the same eight elements and possesses an awareness that encompasses every minute aspect of matter within Her expansive form.
Recognizing the profound nature of the human body and its interconnectedness with the larger cosmic design allows us to appreciate the intricate relationship between the microcosm and the macrocosm. It unveils the dynamic interplay between the physical, mental, and spiritual realms and invites contemplation of our place within the vast tapestry of existence.