The plan of nature is a slow, yet steady unfolding of consciousness is awareness. As awareness increases, avenues open up, offering greater happiness, fulfilment and joy.
A stone is alive with atoms but has no feeling. It makes no difference to the stone whether you kick it, pulverise it or worship it. A stone in the pristine Himalayas has no ability to take in the beauty of its environment; one in a coalmine does not rue its misfortune.
A plant is aware of soil conditions and moisture. It sends its roots to sources of water and nutrients. Its roots reach out to sunshine and it blossoms in spring. It is believed to respond to music, too. But it does not feel the love or tenderness of a parent.
Animals are aware of seasons. Migratory birds fly thousands of miles to beat winter. Animals sense danger and elude predators. They are capable of deep caring and form loving relationships.
The human being is mindful. You are aware of the seen and obvious. You can connect cause with effect and decipher laws of nature. You also have the power to align with the unseen and subtle hand of Divinity.
You can choose to remain at lower levels of awareness — eating, drinking, sleeping — content to submit to the elements.
On the other hand, you could soar to higher levels of consciousness, to a world that offers certain victory over material world, where you find perfect equilibrium in every set of circumstances. You can enjoy the highs of classical music and maintain the same poise when someone passes a nasty remark.
Vedanta requires commitment to your own inner transformation. As you go up, you transcend earlier limitations. You become independent. What are we aware of? Sense gratification is what the world craves for. But it is the lowest and is limited by the here and now. And you can be happy only when you are catered to.
The realm of emotion is far more powerful and satisfying. It pervades and controls the body. You willingly give up physical pleasures for emotional joys. A mother may be starving but is happy when the child eats.
By Jaya Row