Tag: Interconnectedness

Unity in Diversity: Panchagni Vidya and Modern Science

Dear Readers, Welcome to a Journey of Enlightenment and Discovery, Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Understanding.

The Panchagni Vidya:

The Panchagni Vidya, or the teaching of the five fires, is found in both the Chhandogya Upanishad and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, which are two of the major Upanishads in Hindu philosophy.

In the Chhandogya Upanishad (Chapter 5), and in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Chapter 6, Second Brahman), the story involves King Pravahana Jivala imparting the Panchagni Vidya to Swetaketu. This teaching emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality and the interconnectedness of all beings. The metaphor of the five fires is used to illustrate the profound spiritual truths.

 The Upanishads aim to provide deep philosophical insights and spiritual guidance, and the Panchagni Vidya is a prime example of the profound teachings found within these ancient texts.

Swetaketu is asked by King Pravahana Jivala if he has studied the knowledge that leads to the understanding of the One from which all things originate and by knowing which, all things become known. Swetaketu thinks he knows everything; therefore, he answers in the positive. Instead, Pravahana Jivala gives Swetaketu a series of lessons on the self and the interdependence of all beings.

King Pravahana Jivala uses the metaphor of five fires to illustrate his teachings.

He asks Swetaketu to perform a series of rituals involving five fires to demonstrate the oneness of the individual self (Atman) with the universal Self (Brahman). Through this metaphor, he imparts the knowledge that just as different fires arise from the same source (wood), all individual beings arise from the same universal source (Brahman).

The Panchagni Vidya teaches the fundamental principle of Advaita Vedanta, which asserts the non-dual nature of reality, stating that the individual soul (Atman) is ultimately identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman).

Note: The word Vidya in Panchagni Vidya is to be understood as Upasana~ Meditation. Here Vidya does not mean Knowledge.

The Five Fires~ in the Panchagni Vidya are:

  • Heaven
  • Rain God
  • Earth
  • Male
  • Female

The Belief is that the five fires are given the five liquid oblations as follows:

  1. Faith to Heaven: Soma Raja is generated.
  2. Soma to Rain god: Rain is generated.
  3. Rains to Earth: Food is generated.
  4. Food to Man: Sperm is generated.
  5. Seminal fluid to Woman: Newborn emanated.

Here is the story of King Pravahana Jaivali and Svetaketu.

 Svetaketu was son of sage Uddalaka Aruni also known as Gautama too. Well educated and confident of his knowledge. There was a noble, highly learned king of Panchal, during the late Vedic period named Pravahana Jaivali. Svetaketu went to his court for sharing his knowledge in King’s court. The moment Svetaketu arrived at the court, the king received him with due respect and offered him requisite hospitality, being a Brahmin boy and well versed with Vedas and all branches of learning.
The king asked the boy: ” Are you well educated? Have you studied? Is your education complete? Has your father instructed you?”
The boy replied. “Yes, my education is complete, and I am well-read.” Then the King asked some questions. ” Naturally, you are a well informed and able to answer my questions. You are proficient in every branch of learning.” The boy affirmed. King then asked following five questions.

The first question asked by the King:

“Do you know where people go after they depart from this world? When people die, where do they go? Do you know the answer to this question, my dear boy?”
The boy replied, “I do not know. I am unable to answer.”

King then asked second question:

“Do you know wherefrom people come when they are reborn into this world?” The boy said, ” No, I do not know answer of this also”.

The Third Question:

” Have you any idea of the paths along which the Souls ascends, the paths being known as Devayana and Pitriyana? Do you know the difference between these two paths? Why is one distinct from the other?” The boy said, ” I do not know the answer to this question also.”

The Fourth question:

“Why is it that the yonder world is not filled with people and overflowing? Always, the world is able to contain people and it is never flooded with them. What is the reason for this?” The boy said, ” This also I do not know.”

The Fifth question:

” Do you know what are the five oblations that are offered and how the fifth oblation as liquid becomes a human being?”
“The boy said, this too I do not know.“
Then the King said, ” Why did you say that you are well read and well instructed? King said ” How is it possible that you are not able to answer even these questions. What made you think that you are well educated. What is that your father has taught, and you are not able to answer these?” Listening this from the King, boy realized that his education was incomplete, and his pride vanished. The boy realized for the first time that it was his wrong idea that he knew everything. Feeling disgraced, he returned home and took his father to task for not teaching this Vidya which could have helped him in answering the questions put by the king. But Sage Gautama himself was unaware of the answers. Therefore, sage Gautama went to the king Pravahana to learn the Vidya. King received with due respect and offered him many gifts. But the sage Gautama refused to accept gifts since he was interested only to be enlightened on the discourse which King mentioned to the boy Svetaketu. King then Commanded him, ” Stay for a long time.” Then King said, O Gautama, before you, this Vidya was never gone to Brahmanas: it is for this reason, that among all people, it was only with the Kshatriya.

Great king imparted the knowledge of the Panchagni-Vidya. The King explained five fires:

The First fire is svargaloka (Heaven):

The Sun is the fuel (sacrificial stick) of this Fire. The rays of the Sun are the smoke, while the day is the flame. The moon is the ember (red hot coal~चिंगारी). The stars are the sparks of this fire. When Agnihotra is performed, the jivas become Soma Raja(moon) and enter svargaloka.

The Second fire is Parjanya.

O Gautama! the god of rain is the sacrificial fire; air is its fuel; the cloud is the smoke. Lightning is the flame. The Thunderbolt is the charcoal. The roars of the fire are the sparks. Soma Raja (Jiva) is the oblation in this fire.

The Third fire is the Earth.

For this fire, the year is the sacrificial fire. Akasha (sky) is the smoke. The night is the flame. The directions are the live charcoals. The directions are the sparks. The oblation in this case is rain. When the rains reach the earth, food is grown.

The fourth is man himself.

His speech(vaak) is the sacrificial fire. His prana is smoke. His tongue is the flame. The eyes are the live charcoals, and his ears are the sparks. Here the oblation is food. From that food the seed of man is born.

The fifth fire is Woman.

The interconnection between man and woman is the live charcoal. The small pleasures are the sparks. The oblation is the seed of man and from this does a new-born emanate.

The particle physics of you 

Commentary:

The Jiva which has ascended to the Heavenly world by the virtue of good deeds descends on the exhaustion of that merit to the earth to take up another life, from heaven in the form of rains. There in the earth, the self enters a food grain growing on a plant and then enters the blood of the male who consumes that food grain and that turns into sperm. Finally, when the seminal fluid enters the female womb upon coitus, the Jiva also enters the womb along with it. In the womb it gets embodied.

**Following section describes the conception of Human being using metaphor of Sacrifice (Yajna~ meditation). The fifth offering mentioned here is the seed of man (Semen) that brings about conception at the end.

 The Ten months in mother’s womb:

Thus, after the fifth oblation, water becomes Purusha known as Man. The foetus lies within the mother’s womb, covered with membrane, for about nine or ten months, and then it is born. [**This is the answer to the fifth question asked by the King Pravahana]

When a person is born, he lives as long as he is destined to live. Then, when he dies as ordained, he is carried from here to the fire from which he came.

 Path of Devayana:

Those who know this (Panchagni vidya), and those who live in the forest, practicing austerities with faith- they go to the path of Devayana(the world of light) From the world of light they go to the world of day; from the world of day to the world of bright fortnight; from the world of bright fortnight to the six months when Sun moves northward [Uttarayana]; from there go to the Sun, from the Sun to the moon; and from the moon to lightning. There someone, not human, receives them and leads them to Brahmaloka. This path is Devayana (path of gods).

 On the other hand, those who live in the village and perform acts of public service, charity, and so on, attain the world of smoke. From there they go to the world of the night; from night they go to the world of the dark fortnight; and from the dark fortnight they go to the world of the six months when the Sun moves to the south. This means that they never attain the world of the year.

 From the six months of the southern solstice, they go to the world of the ancestors, from there they go to the sky. Then from the sky they go to the moon. This is King Soma. This is the food of the gods. The gods enjoy eating this food.

 Living in the world of the moon until the merit (the fruits of his work) is exhausted, he then returns to this world along the same path. First going to the sky, he then goes to air. Having become air, he next becomes smoke. Having become smoke, he then becomes mist. From mist they become a cloud, after which they pour forth as rain. Then they are born as food. To emerge from these is difficult, only if someone or other eats him as food and pours him out as semen can he be reborn. 

Those whose conduct on Earth has given pleasure, can hope to enter a pleasant womb; but those whose conduct has been foul can expect to enter a foul and stinking womb.

But those small and continually returning creatures (like flies and worms) are not to be found on either of these two paths: theirs is a third condition, ” Be born and die” That is why the world up there is not filled up, and that is why a man should carefully watch his actions. On this there is the following verse:

This completes the answers to the five questions.

A person who steals gold, or drinks liquor, or goes to bed with his master’s wife, or kills a Brahmin-these four are lost. Also lost is the fifth- one who keeps company with such people.

But he who knows the five fires remains pure even if he is in the company of these people. He who knows this is pure and innocent, and after death he goes to the world of the good and pure.

The Celestial Region, the Atmosphere, the Earth, Man and Woman- These are the five stages of the Fire which becomes the object of meditation known as the Panchagni Vidya.

By the interconnection, combination and harmonious adjustment of the structure of these five levels of manifestation, birth takes place. This symbiology of Birth is applicable for all organisms in the world. This is theory of manifestation. Every event is Universal event, even the birth of a human. Every birth is to be considered in the light of Panchagni Vidya.

The whole point of this description in the context of the Panchagni Vidya is to describe us how the event of Births happens? What are the stages of the descent of the soul into the physical embodiment? It has to be understood through philosophical point of view. The point made out is that higher realms are activated by the consequences produced by our actions, in turn which become causes of our descent.

Two paths are laid before the soul after death. One is Devayana, the Northern path. It is for those who sought Wisdom. The other is Southern Path~ Pitriyana.

A Single autonomous Process:

Universe and its various constituents are only parts of it, internally connected. The whole universal manifestation is a single process, and it is a continuous process. The process of Births and Deaths are to be explained from this point of view, where all phenomenal experiences are part of this single autonomous process and are connected to ultimate cause. There is some law which works in some particular manner on account of which we are compelled to follow this course of repeated cycle of Births and Deaths, known as transmigration.

The whole universe is our father; the entire universe is our mother:

There are various stages of manifestation. How the birth of an individual takes place, how a child is born? For that, the underlying philosophy or science to be understood. What we the common people know that child is born from womb of the mother. That is true. But the process of birth takes place throughout the cosmos. All the governing forces of nature (of the Universe) are active in the production of a single child.
The whole cosmos is behind the scenes. The Universe is the parent of the little baby. That is the ultimate cause. It has connection with cause of all causes (Causal), by a chain of causal connections.

When the secret is known, no one will say, ” It is my son or my daughter.” It is neither yours neither mine. It belongs to that from where it has come.

It has come from the cells of this Universe. It has not come automatically in the seminal essence of the father or the womb of the mother. A system works here with a process since primordial time. It is the quintessence of every particle of the whole of Nature.
That is why we say:

“Brahmanda is in the Pindanda” ~ The macrocosm is in the microcosm.

Conclusion:

The Panchagni-Vidya is a meditation [UPASANA], —it is not an outward ritualistic sacrifice; it is a contemplation by the mind in which it harnesses every aspect of its force for the purpose of envisaging the reality.
Existence itself is regulated by the presence of the sun. The sun is the cause of life on earth. But who is the cause of the sun? The sun is also an effect of certain factors, —we may call them astronomical. That vibration is precedent and anterior to what we call the manifestation of even the causal condition of this world. Prior to all this, something else must be there, and prior to that, again, another thing, and so on, so that even our insignificant life in this world, in this physical body, can be said to be completely controlled by factors which are transcendent, beyond the sun and the moon and the stars, and where we go in this manner of tracing our cause back, we cannot know. This is the point driven home into the mind of Gautama by Pravahana Jaivali in the context of the explanation of the Panchagni-Vidya.

Connected Universe:

There is a mutual dependence between the outer world and the inner world of the individual. Our thoughts influence the atmosphere. We must realize that thoughts are vibrations, and it is nonlocal. These vibrations are not isolated activity inside our brain. The vibrations emanate like an aura to certain distance from the body of a person. The distance depends upon the intensity of the intensity of the aura (good vibes~ harmonious thoughts.) Therefore, cumulative effect of the vibrations produced by all the individuals can bring very good result in that environment in return.

Readers are requested to study further on the following topics/websites.

2. We are influenced by the environment around us. EPIGENETICS a new subject.
There is a cycle, as it were, a wheel rotating in the form of give-and-take between the gods in the heaven and the human beings here. We give something and we are given back something. Nature gives us what we give to it in the form of our own deeds in this world. We do not get what we do not deserve, and we cannot get, also, what we have not given actually. What we have given, what we have deserved, what we have parted with in the form of a sacrifice, that is given back to us, with compound interest sometimes, according to the law of Nature. On account of this cyclic activity of Nature, in which the individuals get involved through their actions, there is rainfall. So, we can imagine how rains occur.

Recommended readings:

  1. Back to the Truth: 5000 years of ADVAITA by Dennis Waite. **
  2. THE TEN PRINCIPAL UPANISHADS: Translated by Shree Purohit** Swami and W.B.Yeats
  3. Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Sankaracharya: Translated by Swami Gambhirananda.**
  4. Commentary of ChAndogya Upanishad: By Swami Krishnananda.
  5. ChAndogya Upanishad: By Swami GuruBhaktananda.
  6. EIGHT UPANISADS -VOL-1 with commentary of Sankaracharya, Translated by SWAMI GAMBHIRANANDA.
  7. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: by Swami Madhabananda.
  8. THE TAITTIRIYA UPANISHAD: SHIKSHAVALLI-ANANDAVALLI-BHRIGUVALLI with Sri Shankara’s Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidanandera Saraswati.
  9. A-U-M Awakening to Reality: By Dennis Waite***
  10. Panchadasi: Swami Vidyaranya:
  11. Information available on internet.

Beyond the Brain: Exploring Universal Connectedness through Human Consciousness

Welcome to the Realm of Connected Consciousness:

Here we will discuss the Boundless Potential of Universal Interconnectedness:

Let us first understand ” Non-Local Consciousness:

Non- Local consciousness is a profound concept rooted in ancient Hindu philosophy, specifically in Vedanta. The word ” Chaitanya” (Absolute Nature of Brahman). This is often referred to Awareness which is again Universal and interconnected consciousness. According to Vedanta, “Brahman” is described as the ultimate reality or the absolute consciousness that underlies and pervades everything in the Universe. According to this belief, our individual consciousness is not limited to the boundaries of our physical bodies, but rather extends beyond and connected with Cosmic Consciousness, which permeates the entire Universe. Even beyond time and space. This interconnectedness suggests that we are all interconnected beings, part of the whole Universe(s). As such our thoughts and actions have far reaching effects beyond what we may perceive on this Earth. 

There is one type of meditation known as “All-Absorbent Meditation” which refers to a practice of meditation that involves focusing the mind on the ultimate reality and experiencing a state of pure consciousness in which the individual self merges with the Universal Self.

This is a research-based topic.

This discussion is on the concept of “Universal connectedness through human consciousness outside the brain”. While traditionally considered localized within the confines of the brain, emerging evidence and theoretical frameworks propose the existence of a broader, non-localized consciousness that extends beyond individual boundaries. By examining various studies from the fields of neuroscience, parapsychology, and quantum physics, this article is presented before you to explore the potential for interconnectedness among human consciousness. 

Here, I will recommend reading of two research-based documents on “Nol-Local Consciousness”. Readers will have a comprehensive overview of this enigmatic topic.

1) “The Conscious Universe: The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena” by Dean Radin. In this groundbreaking work, parapsychologist Dean Radin presents empirical evidence and studies that supports the existence of Non-Local Consciousness.

2) “Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality” by Dean Radin. In this follow up work, writer goes deeper into the connection between Quantum physics and Non-Local Consciousness. Role of entanglement has been explored to explain the interconnectedness, we are discussing about.

Key Words:

Introduction:

Human consciousness has long been regarded as a product of neural activity occurring exclusively within the brain. However, recent research and theoretical developments challenge this notion, suggesting that consciousness might transcend individual minds and exhibit interconnectedness on a universal scale. This topic aims to investigate the possibility of universal connectedness through human consciousness outside the brain by analysing empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and philosophical perspectives.

Interconnectedness: let’s know:

In the perspective of Vedanta, interconnectedness refers to the fundamental oneness that underlies all of existence. According to Vedantic philosophy, there is a profound interconnectedness between all living beings and the entire universe, transcending apparent boundaries and divisions.

“यस्मिन्सर्वाणि भूतानि आत्मैवाभूद् विजानतः। तत्र को मॊहः कः शॊक एकत्वमनुपश्यतः॥”

The shloka says: “When a person realizes the Self (Atman) in all beings and all beings in the Self, what delusion and sorrow can ever be there for the seer?”

This shloka emphasizes the profound truth that when one truly understands the interconnectedness of all beings and recognizes the oneness that exists, they transcend the illusions of delusion and sorrow. The awareness of interconnectedness leads to a deep sense of unity, compassion, and harmony with the entire cosmos.

Non-Local Consciousness and Parapsychological Phenomena:

Parapsychological phenomena, such as telepathy, precognition, and remote viewing, challenge conventional notions of consciousness confined to the brain. This section examines studies and evidence related to parapsychological phenomena, investigating the potential link between these phenomena and the existence of non-local consciousness.

Example of Parapsychological phenomena: Remote Viewing.

Remote viewing is a fascinating parapsychological phenomenon where individuals claim to perceive distant or unseen objects, locations, or events using extrasensory perception. It suggests the potential for consciousness to transcend physical boundaries and access information beyond the conventional senses.

Quantum Physics and Consciousness:

Quantum physics offers intriguing insights into the nature of reality, suggesting a fundamental interconnectedness of all things at a quantum level. This section explores the intersection of quantum physics and consciousness, discussing theories such as quantum entanglement and the role of consciousness in the collapse of the wave function.

Photo by Stefan Stefancik on Pexels.com

Consciousness and the Nature of Reality:

The interconnectedness of consciousness beyond the brain raises profound questions about the nature of reality. This section delves into philosophical perspectives, including idealism and panpsychism, which propose that consciousness is not a product of matter but a fundamental aspect of reality itself.

Upanishads teaches on the interconnectedness of consciousness. Chandogya Upanishad: Ch-6.8.7: Shloka says: ” Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma”- “All this is Brahman”- This means that all-pervading nature of Brahman, signifies the interconnectedness of everything in the Universe through supreme Consciousness.

Some notable books that explore the relationship between consciousness and the nature of reality:

  1. “The Conscious Universe: The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena” by Dean Radin
  2. “The Nature of Consciousness: Essays on the Unity of Mind and Matter” edited by Rupert Spira
  3. “Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe” by Robert Lanza and Bob Berman
  4. “The User Illusion: Cutting Consciousness Down to Size” by Tor Nørretranders
  5. “The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos” by Brian Greene
  6. “The Quantum World: Quantum Physics for Everyone” by Kenneth W. Ford
  7. “The Physics of Consciousness: The Quantum Mind and the Meaning of Life” by Evan Harris Walker
  8. “The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism” by Fritjof Capra
  9. “The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality” by Dalai Lama
  10. “The Mind’s I: Fantasies and Reflections on Self and Soul” edited by Douglas R. Hofstadter and Daniel C. Dennett.
  11. “The Quantum Mind and Healing: How to Listen and Respond to Your Body’s Symptoms” by Arnold Mindell
  12. “The Self-Aware Universe: How Consciousness Creates the Material World” by Amit Goswami
  13. “Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness” by Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner
  14. “The Holographic Universe: The Revolutionary Theory of Reality” by Michael Talbot
  15. “The Physics of Consciousness: The Quantum Mind and the Meaning of Life” by Evan Harris Walker
  16. “Quantum Physics of Consciousness: The Quest for a Theory of Everything” by Graham Smetham
  17. “Mind and the Quantum: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness” by David Bohm and Basil Hiley
  18. “The Quantum Theory of Consciousness: Toward a Theory of Everything” by Gerhard Grössing
  19. “Consciousness and the Universe: Quantum Physics, Evolution, Brain & Mind” by Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff
  20. “Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness: The Quest for a Common Conceptual Foundation” edited by Michael Silberstein, Mark W. Schlosshauer, and William McQueen.
  21. Evolve your Brain: The Science of Changing your Mind: By Joe Dispenza: 
  22. THE BIOLOGY OF BELIEF: 10th Anniversary Edition: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles: Lipton Bruce H.
  23. THE DIVINE MATRIX: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles, and Belief. By GREGG BRADEN
  24. Taking the Quantum Leap: The new Physics for Non-scientists: By Fred Alan Wolf
  25. You are the Universe by Deepak Chopra and Menas Kafatos.
I have had the opportunity to engage with a wide array of books from the aforementioned list which are in bold with a colour italic.

In my past writings within “My Journey through Books series” I have expounded upon the evolution of my fascination with the study of consciousness and the pursuit of an enlightened state. 

My journey through Books 

Awareness: The Ultimate Truth

According to my studies, I would like to highlight the contributions of notable figures such as David Chalmers, the Penrose-Hameroff approach, David Bohm, John von Neumann, and the ongoing research conducted by the Heart-Math Institute.

Conclusion:

While the traditional view of consciousness as an isolated phenomenon within the brain has prevailed for centuries, emerging research and theoretical frameworks point to a more expansive and interconnected nature of human consciousness. By examining evidence from neuroscience, parapsychology, and quantum physics, this research topic sheds light on the potential existence of universal connectedness through consciousness outside the brain.