We often wonder at the relation or distinction between God and Nature. Here is an important portion which comments on the same.
Nature and God
There is a principle expounded here. As Raama stood bow in hand, the ocean god bowed before him with clasped hands and said:
“Dear Raamachandra! Earth, air, ether, water, fire – these five elements must follow the eternal laws of their nature. Tempted by pleasure or reward or frightened of punishment, can I ever swerve from my nature? Can water harden and become stone? Or can I reduce my depths into a shallow pond for your easy crossing?”
Thus the ocean king protested with all politeness to Sri Raama.
Vaalmiki puts into the mouth of the ocean king a fundamental of our religious philosophy. He explains the primordial relationship between God and Nature. God’s law operates in and through nature. The laws of nature were created so that the universe may proceed by itself. So too the law of Karma. The five elements, all objects without life as well as all living creatures, must follow their own permanent laws.
According to the Hindu Shaastras, Nature itself, the sequence and chain of cause of effect, the properties of matter, and the law of Karma, all are ordained permanently by God.
Nature itself is a witness to God. He is not proved by a suspension of the laws of nature.
This is expounded clearly in the 9th chapter of the Bhagawat Gita:
“Under my supervision Nature gives rise to all that exists – movable and immovable – and the universe evolves from this cause.”
This is put briefly by Vaalmeeki in the speech of the ocean king.
(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Ch LXVI; The Great Causeway; P418-419)
- Rahul
No comments:
Post a Comment