DR STEPHEN HAWKING: "GOD DOESN'T EXIST"

DR STEPHEN HAWKING: "GOD DOESN'T EXIST"

 

by Arup K. Isaacs

 

Dr Stephen Hawking's latest declaration that "God does not exist"  is very thought-provoking statement but the answer is very simple.

 

Dr Hawking is a hardcore materialist who believes that gross matter is the sole reality and that everything has originated from it and obeys the physical laws.

 

So, in his limited view, non-computational entities like consciousness, mind, life, thoughts, will, deja vu, sensations, feelings and emotions are of physical origin but obviously he's wrong as physical or mathematical analyzes apply only to analyzing gross material quantities or movements like mass, speed, force, charge, capacitance, viscosity, etc. Whereas science has never and never will understand via gross physical methods the basis and functions of consciousness, mind, life, thoughts, will, deja vu, sensations, feelings and emotions and their relation with gross matter as these non-computational entities though they inhere in and to an extent interact with gross matter yet they exceed the scope of gross matter and are as such of supra-physical origin.

 

According to quantum physics, when the 4-dimensional spatio-temporal physical universe is dissolved at the end of a cosmic cycle it enters into a subtler stato-dynamic state (quantum mechanical vacuum made up of a sea of virtual particles) and thereafter when the equilibrium is lost the subtler energy with its innate 4-dimensional spatio-temporal blueprint becomes grosser and gets projected back as the physical 4-dimensional universe and this keeps repeating itself in cyclical fashion.

 

No matter how much Dr Hawking and others of his kind deny these harsh truths they can never replicate, analyze, understand, quantify or isolate the supra-physical entities and here lies the clue about God's existence for believers in God. So, knowing nothing better aside from gross matter, our ignorant scientists are stuck with superstitious hypothesis like insentient matter serving as the sole reality that somehow gives rise to sentience. What a shocking paradox!

 

Religion has given a very poor account of itself down the ages with its myths, superstitions, dogmas, fanaticism, intolerance and iconoclasm and most religious texts are filled with mumbo jumbo theories of creation from nothing etc.

 

The dualistic idea of an extra-cosmic, anthropomorphic and creationist god who somehow created the primal energy, matter, consciousness and mind from nothing and who despite having no causal connection with the cosmos yet managed to manufacture these out of nothing and can govern them as well is nonsense and this fictional idea of god and creation is what invites the derision of the scientific community.

 

Thus Monotheism or Tauheed that is dualistic and based on this crude theory of creationism has been rejected by scientists and mystics alike.

 

Monism or Non-dualism or Advaita that preaches that a singular self-existent Source (Godhead) that serves as both the material and functional Cause or Origin of everything gives rise to the multi-dimensional Cosmic Manifestation. This makes perfect sense and is in agreement with reason, experiment and experience. Thus monism is the correct view of the Reality - science goes by a gross physical monism by which it considers a self-existent Grand Unified Physical Force as the ultimate reality that upon manifestation (not "creation" as this word "creation" implies a making of something from nothing which is absurd) gives rise to the physical 4-dimensional cosmic system but this theory fails to account for the non-computational or supra-physical entities and is consequently in error but mysticism goes far beyond science and makes Pure Consciousness as the Singularity or Ultimate Source that gives rise to the Cosmic Manifestation. As science cannot account for non-computational entities like consciousness, mind, life, thoughts, will, deja vu, sensations, feelings and emotions their physical monism is false or misleading and as such the monism based on Consciousness as serving as the ultimate self-existent Source of the Cosmic Manifestation appears correct as it rationally explains both the Supra-physical as well as physical elements of existence.

 

Godhead is the Pure Consciousness; the Cosmos is a graduated and a partial manifestation of the Godhead.

 

I'd like to quote the profound insight offered by Shree Aurobindo on the subject of consciousness:  Consciousness is not only "power of awareness" of self and things or events; it is or has also a "dynamic" and "creative" energy. It can determine its own reactions or abstain from reactions; it can not only answer forces, but create or put out from itself forces. Consciousness is "Chit" (Awareness) but also "Chit Shakti" (Consciousness-Force).

 

If by universe Dr Stephen Hawking means just the physical dimension of the totality then he's using inchoate scientific reasoning with its theories of quantum mechanical vacuum (QMV) etc. The QMV etc are the grossest aspects of the Cosmic Manifestation. As gross material theories fail to account for consciousness, mind, emotions, life, will, sensations, thoughts, deja vu, feelings, prophetic visions and other supra-physical entities and given their inability to explain these the one question of fundamental importance that arises is this: Whether matter is derivative of consciousness or is consciousness an aspect of matter. However, since gross matter cannot explain the phenomena of consciousness, mind, emotions, life, will, sensations, thoughts, deja vu, feelings and other supra-physical entities without resorting to paradoxes and inanities the only alternative is to consider consciousness (pure awareness and force) as constituting the basis of matter or the material and efficient cause of the cosmic manifestation.

 

1) "The basic element by which we can discern anything with its feeling and properties is Consciousness which cometh from Super Conscious flow with graduated materializing form - that all Consciousness may be conscientious in conflict with others."  (Shree Shree Anukul Chandra Thakurji)

 

2) "Consciousness is not only "power of awareness" of self and things or events; it is or has also a "dynamic" and "creative" energy. It can determine its own reactions or abstain from reactions; it can not only answer to forces, but create or put out from itself forces. Consciousness is "Chit" but also "Chit Shakti"(Consciousness-Force)!"  (Shree Aurobindo)

 

The self-existent Absolute Consciousness is PURE AWARENESS  and Force and serves as both the material and efficient Source of the Manifestation but in Its lower aspect as the Causal-Mechanism of the Supracosmic and Cosmic Manifestation It contains within Its Supreme Self an inherent SYSTEM of names and forms (both good and bad aspects imbued with a modicum of free will), that, in differing degrees, get projected at the commencement of a cosmic cycle and get withdrawn back into the Origin at the end of a cosmic cycle if the projected combination is not evolutionary...that depends on what It wants to achieve by way of divine play.

 

However, these names and forms, good or bad, that inhere in the Absolute can be dissolved by the Absolute Consciousness if It chooses to and thereafter all the names and forms (good or bad) will, on dissolution, be reduced to their raw materials and forces that inhere in the Absolute (as seed materials and forces) that can be fashioned into names and forms of other kinds (good or bad or only good or only bad) and projected as the Manifestation as and when the Absolute decides to do so.

 

MONISM or NON-DUALISM is the TRUTH of EXISTENCE !

 

PS: To get at the root cause of the cosmos one has to employ the Yoga to enter deeper planes of consciousness by the method of identity in consciousness of the subject with the object to inquire into such profound queries concerning self, purpose of existence, true laws of nature and universe.

 

Best Regards,

Arup K Isaacs

 

[ Arup K. Isaacs, a disciple of ANANT SRI BABA, is a Christian by birth & practice, in which he has done better after taking 'dikhsa' and also the sacred thread-Yagyopavita. He is an educationist based in Mumbai. ]

 

Tantric roots in the Vedas.

Tantric roots in the Vedas.

 

(From the book Yogic Secrets of the Vedas) 

By Yogi Baba Prem Tom Beal Vedavisharada, CYI, C.ay, C. va

 

While the Tantric system has often been viewed as a later development within the greater field of Hinduism; a deeper study reveals that the roots to Tantric teachings exists within the Vedas themselves. Tantric teachings are based in and as old as the Vedas itself, representing another side of the Vedic approach. 

 

It is not realistic to expect the Vedas to contain the entire teachings of the Vedic period, but rather as Samhitas they contain the Shrutti or revelations that were given during deep meditation.  This point cannot be argued, but it is important to note that there were different schools of Vedic thought and teaching.  According to Panini in the Mahabhasya, there were about 100 different schools of thought pertaining to the Yajur Veda.  While this can be seen as a weakness, it is in reality the strength of Hinduism.  By the acceptance of different schools of thought a comprehensive system of thought and teaching is preserved.  While very few schools of thought are preserved today, each one still retains its relevance, importance, and contribution. Just as westerns scholars made the mistake of assuming that Yaska and particularly Sayana were the final authorities on Vedic subjects.  It is important that the modern student not become dogmatic about different schools of interpretation.  Possibly all or many of the schools were correct in their Vedic approach and interpretation.  This broader view makes the Vedas the most powerful and important teaching within humanity. 

 

While scholars have often viewed the Vedas as primarily masculine, the feminine is represented by the Sanskrit letters themselves.  There are many Vedic Goddesses like Ila, Ushas, Aditi, and Sarasvati to name just a few.  But most importantly and often overlooked is Apas.  While apas is viewed as the primordial waters, it is often given a neuter position within the Sanskrit language.  But within the Shatapatha Brahmana (II.1.1.13), it clearly states that "[the] waters [apo] are female, Agni is male.  This message is repeated in II.1.1.14.  In this context the waters (apas) serve as the shakti of agni, or at a minimum the flow and movement of agni.  Within the ritualistic teachings of the Yajur Veda this relationship between the waters and Agni is very important.  On the inner level, the same teaching is reflected within the Rg Veda as the destruction of Vrtra, and the releasing of the waters.  Apas has a verbal root of ap, which means to obtain.  The releasing of the waters is the obtaining or acquiring the realization or experience of Agni.  This is reflected through the Tantric practice of merging the masculine and feminine principles together. 

 

Within the Shatapatha Brahmana (I.1), it is stated that svaha is the feminine form of Agni, or more correctly the opposite polarity in the Vedic ritual.  This is why all Vedic fire rituals often contain the word svaha as the offering is being made.  This is certainly true with the Agni hotra ceremony.  Svaha personified is the wife of Agni, the fire ritual cannot be complete without this male/female polarity being present.  She also represents the spoken offering as well as the ashes, the transformed matter at the end of the fire ceremony.  Again she is shakti of Agni on the inner and the outer level of our being. 

 

The word svaha comes from two words: 1) 'su' meaning to move or go, to press out, but more correctly to enliven, impel, or generate. 2) 'aha' meaning to say, speak.  Together they enliven speech, generate through speech, or are using speech to impel.  It can also mean to press out through speech.  What is important is that the Tantric concept of male/female energies is present. 

 

Within the Vedic Vedi, or fire pit, the same concept is present.  We see the fire pit symbolically representing the female energy and the offering of ghee or other materials as the masculine principle.  This foundation Vedic teaching is another example of the Vedic representation of Tantric principles. 

 

Some temples within India exhibit male and female deities in a physical (sexual) embrace, on the outer walls, while this does not literally refer to sexual Tantra as is often assumed, it again conveys the importance of the Vedic and Tantric teaching of male and female balancing principles.  This principle manifests even on the grossest level of manifestation as the female genitalia forming the shape of a flame. 

 

Clearly it can be seen that numerous Tantric principles are rooted from the Vedic teachings.  Even the left handed or sexual path of Tantra is rooted within Vedic principles.  Regrettably the sexual aspect of the left-handed path receives the most focus and the deep spiritual principles often become obscured.

 

But do the Tantras refer directly to any of the Vedic deities?  The answer is YES! 

 

·         Paramananda Tantra 11.35 Surya, Agni and soma are mentioned.   

·         Gautamiya Tantra mentioned Antar yajna.

·         The Shaktisangamatantra mentioned Indra, Chandra, and Manu. 

·         The Agamas continue or contain the symbolism of the Vedas.

·         The Mahanirvanatantra illudes that the agama approach is in harmony with the Vedas.

·         The Tantras did teach Antar Yajna, a Vedic principle. 

 

 Do more modern sages support this belief and link between Tantra and Vedic teachings, the answer is YES. 

 

·         Sri Aurobindo discussed the connection between the Tantras and Vedas.

·         T.V. Kapli Shastry also believed that there was a connection between Tantric tradition and the Vedas.  Though he acknowledged that they approached the teachings differently.  He did believe that they supported the authority of the Vedas.

 

·         Swami Vivekananda supported a connection between the Vedas and Tantras. 

·         Sri Ramana Maharshi referred to Brahman, terms such as tat tvam asi.  He also mentioned that he the techniques of Tantra were good for purifying the mind.  He actually agreed that most yoga techniques were good for purifying the mind.

·         Ganapati Muni (Ramana's disciple) wrote on the connection between the Vedas and Tantra.

 

·         In more modern times, this work has been continued by Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (David Frawley) especially in his book Tantra Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses.

 

 The change in deities within the Tantric system is not in conflict with Vedic teachings, but is more likely a later transition of teachings, just as the Puranas are a later modification and/or continuation of the original Vedic teachings.  Looking within the Vedas as revelation, one can clearly see that most systems of India are rooted within the Vedic teachings and are included within the Tantric system. 

 

If you enjoyed this article, you would enjoy Yogi Baba Prem's book Yogic Secrets of the Vedas.

 

 Sources, references and suggested reading:

 Sanskrit References:

 

Rg Veda

 Yajur Veda

 Taittiriya Samhita of the Krishna Yajur Veda

 Shatapatha Brahmana (Kanva)

 Paramananda Tantra

 Gautamiya Tantra

 Shaktisangamatantra

Other References: 

"Tantra Yoga and the wisdom goddesses" by David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) published by Passage Press 1994

 AgamaKosha Vol. 5 Prof S.K. Ramachandra Rao

 Mahabhasya

 Nighantu and Nirukta

 

Avatar-Divine qualities

Avatar-Divine qualities

B V Narasimha Rao

 

 Bhgavan Ramana Maharshi descended to earth to spread the rationalization of spiritual proceses .All Avatars are having divine qualities which are  described as follows.

 

The first is termed "SVARUUPA LAKSHANA" - Its true, inherent, Absolute Nature. The Upanishaths declare IT to be inexpressible by words and in fact unreachable by the Mind: APRAAPYA MANASA SAH.

 

The second is called THATASTHA LAKSHANA or its partial attributes and manifestations. When DIVINITY descends in human form, DAIVAM MAANUSHA RUUPENA, it is said, IT manifests sixteen aspects of selfless, loving, universal attractive features or powers.

 

KAAMA AAKARSHANA or desire fulfilling power

 

BUDDHYAAKARSHANA - the power to activate, stimulate and fulfil our intellectual capacities. He is the bestower of the power of reasoning, power of discrimination and power of renunciation .

 

AHAMKAARA-AAKARSHAN : A transformation of our Ego sense

 

SHABDHA AAKARSHANA, the power of sound. Bhagavan's words and teachings cast a spell on us. They are put into simple language but are pregnant with profundity and depth. They produce powerful vibrations in the hearts of Scholars as well as laymen.

 

SPARSHA AAKARSHANA - the power of divine touch; it is healing touch. His is a sin-erasing touch; It is a purifying sacred and holy touch.

 

RUUPAAKARSHANA. Svaami's forms are splendrous and wondrous. His spiritual form has an aura of radiance!

 

The seventh power of attraction of Bhagavan`s  is called RASAAKARSHANA - sweetness personified. His words are sweet; His bearing is sweet and grace filled; His gestures and movements exude LOVE and compassion.

 

The eighth power of Bhagavan's attraction is called CHITTHAAKARSHANA. Chittha is the store-house of our past and present memories and unfulfilled residual desires and impressions from our previous lives, called Vaasanas which haunt us in the present and will continue to affect our future also. Bhagavan like Krishna can be called Chittha Chora - the stealer of all our dominating desires, thereby making us desire-free!

 

The ninth power of Bhagavan's attraction is called GANDHAAKARSHANA - the power of His divine fragrance. He exudes a fragrance of Purity, Holiness and Loving Grace and Compassion. As the Upanishath states DUURAATH GANDHO VAATHI; Svaami's spiritual "fragrance" spreads far and wide purifying our polluted thoughts and our environment polluted with pride and prejudice, hatred and violence.

 

The tenth is the power called DHAIRYA-AKARSHANA - the power of overwhelming courage and self-confidence. Bhagavan's early life was a saga of calm courage and great patience. hardships, of physical and mental violence on His person. He was the object of calumny and poisonous envy from some of the villagers.

 

The eleventh power of Bhagavan's attraction is called SMRITHYAAKARSHANA.Smrithi means powerful memory power. Swamy has phenomenal memory reaching far into our past and present and deep into our future too.

 

The twelfth power of attraction of Bhagavan`s is NAAMAA KARSHANA, the power of His Sacred name  RAMANA. Chanting of His holy name with faith, works miracles of healing, ensures success in our undertakings, helps in overcoming accidents and above all in the removal of our elemental fears of death - all these effects have been testified and recorded by numerous devotees from all parts of the wide world.

 

The thirteenth power of BHAGAVAN's attraction is called BEEJAAKARSHANA SHAKTHI. Divinity exercises elemental or seed force and incorporates it in all beings. The Geetha says, "Beejam Maam Sarva Bhuuthaanaam. ": Know Me to be the eternal seed power, the cause of germination of all Beings. All beings are born from the seed of Brahman, the Supreme Divinity. He is indeed the seed force of all Manthras or holy, thought-articulations in terms of seed syllables and words. These represent the basic energies of various deities presiding over the forces of Nature and Cosmos as a whole.

 

The fourteenth power of Bhagavan's attraction is called AATHMASAKARSHANA; Divinity attracts our inner Being, Antharaathma. It is called soul- power attraction; drawing the sense oriented Self towards the experience of the bliss of divinity.

 

The fifteenth power of attraction of Bhagavan  is called AMRITHAAKARSHANA. Amritha is the elixir of life in divinity. Unbounded Love and immortality are the signs of Divine life. The individual self prays to the Supreme Divinity to bestow on a Life of LOVE, LIGHT andIMMORTALITY, in the following Upanishaahik words:-

 

Asatho Maa Sath-gamaya,Thamaso Maa Jyothir gamayaMrithyor-Maa Amritham-gamaya

 

Bhagavan graces us with the nectar of DHARMA and BRAHMA: the attainment of Supreme Bliss consciousness in eternity through Righteousness, Selfless Service and Sacrifice. Bhagavan frequently quotes the Upanishath; Thyaage Naike Amrithathvam Aanasuh: Immortality cannot be attained either through actions, through progeny or through wealth. Only by Sacrifice, meaning sacrificing totally the possessive and the ego senses, is immortality possible.

 

The sixteenth is the totality of the above fifteen attractive powers and it is called SARVAAKARSHANA SHAKTHI. Bhagavan's Integral, Holistic, Divine, Universal Personality exercises in totality all the fifteen powers mentioned above. He is the embodiment of all Divine Principles; He is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, omni-named and omni-formed, the very Omni Self. That is why people of all climes, castes, cultures and creeds are fascinated by His divine drawing power and miracle of Universal Love and visit Tiruvannamalai , the Abode of Supreme Peace Arunachala.  .

 

Lotus feet of Bhagavan