Birth, Death and Life after death (KNOW YOUR DEATH - 1)

Birth, Death and Life after death - All at the desire of Mind.

                                                                                                              

What is life? When does it start? When does it end? What happens after it ends? What is the process of rebirth, Moksha or Maha-Nirvana ?

Some of these questions often arise in our mind. Swami Vijnananand has rationally answered these questions in his book “Know your Death”. Also there is a seminar available at Manashakti main center Lonavala (India) where these concepts are lucidly explained.

Mind (or spirit) is an energy which provides ability of doing activities / motion to the body. As long as the mind is associated with the body the condition of “life” exists.

Birth would be the moment of this association and death the moment of dissociation. How do we ascertain these moments with certainty? What must be happening at these vitally important moments of our life?

Relatively it is easier to decide the moment of death. What happens at the time of death? How do we describe the death of a person?  We say:

He departed from his body.

His spirit left.

He breathed his last.

The flame of life extinguished. Etc. etc.

In short death is separation of body from the mind-energy. Logically then, birth would be the moment of this association. This takes place at the moment of conception, the point from which the life energy gets associated with the conceived cell. This cell then starts collecting new cells and form a body to take birth later at the appropriate time.

Mind Energy (Mind Power)

Mind is an energy in the form of non-matter which “Swami Vijnananand” defines as 'transcending the velocity of light, the highest limiting speed of any matter'.

Do we have some idea about the magnitude of the Mind Power or the energy available in a life? We shall try to find this in terms of life and the energy associated with the life. Life begins at the moment of conception where the matter first time gets associated with the mind energy. Then the journey of life begins.

Life is the journey of motion.

Though generally it is believed that life begins at birth, it actually begins at conception, where it is set in motion. The motion continues till a person breathes last, when the motion in the body stops. In short, life is a journey of motion.

Lot of energy is required and released to perform various physical and mental activities from first to the last breath. Everybody, though varying, has given quantum of energy available for use in the life. Studying human energy management in detail, Swami Vijnananand has given some rational measurement for the life energy in his pioneering research on the human life. We will take a brief look at the measure of the magnitude of energy associated with the life which is Mind Power. But before that we should see the enormous un-measurable potential of the mind-energy.

Child Birth, a super-material effect:

If each intricate cell of an infant is to be fashioned by a skilled worker and if s/he would require a minute to create one cell. This means it will take five hundred thousand years to complete the task. Suppose even every person had to contribute a cell to make an infant, entire world population cannot even complete a tiny foot. However, every mother accomplishes this within her womb in 265 days.  How this is done? Science has only begun to perceive the complexity of the miracle. This is the miracle created by the energy associated with life.

(Ref. ‘Mind Power’, Manashakti publication)

Touch of life creates transformation in matter:   

A touch of life creates wonderful transformation in a tiny piece of matter.

Catalase is an enzyme in living protoplasm which accelerates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. The reaction can be accelerated by inorganic iron too. But the action of iron is very weak. However, by uniting an iron with special organic substance “pyrrole”, we can make that reaction thousands times more effective. Catalase, a natural enzyme, also contains iron with pyrrole, but its action is about ten millions times stronger because it contains additionally a specific protein.

This specific (protein) difference makes a miracle. Catalyst power of one milligram of iron, contained in the catalase complex (of life full protoplasm), is equal to that of ten tones of inorganic iron. That is the miracle of a touch of life-energy to a matter.

(Ref. ‘Mind Power’, Manashakti publication)

Transcending mind power:

For all our advanced techniques, we have not yet approached the level of rationalism possessed by living nature. Touch of Life gives ten million times more strength to a tiny piece. This is a phenomenon which science has not been able to explain so far. This transcendental power is called mind.

Each mind is unique, so are different its desires, strength and potential, also energy associated with it. Though external energy at physical level could be common to an extent for most human beings, total energy certainly varies from person to person considering the individual mind power.

Example - A billionaire and a middle class person travelling pay the same fare for a plane journey (visible paying capacity for that instance may be the same) while their spare wealth quantum differs, as they deserve.

While absolute total life energy cannot be accurately measured, there are some rational measures for external one. We will take a look at Swamiji’s estimation of external energy.

Life Energy: external measure

We have seen that human body is constantly in motion from birth to death. Thus the motion can be considered as the basis for measure of the life energy. There are a number of motions associated with various body systems. The easiest measurable body motion is pulse rate / heart rate which varies from age to age.

         

Medical text books provide us with the measure of motion, attributable to a living person during the span of life. The medical books say, that three months prior to birth, average normal pulse rate (pulse beats) is at 150 per minutes. At birth, it is 120 and nearing the age of death (advanced old age), it is gradually reduced to 60 per minute, on an average.

Thus, after birth, individual existence can be mathematically defined as capacity to beat the pulse at 120 per minute and proceed to the end when it is reached; reduced to 60 per minute. Thus right from the birth to old age there is reduction in the life energy. The process of aging begins from the first day.

An anticlimax of the pulse rising at a very old age does occur. Yet the same stems from reasons other than usual. Here, it might have occurred but for hardening of arteries or for the phenomenon of lamina shrinking. (Shrinking of cavity from where the blood flows). Other reasons that may account in this out-of-turn rise in pulse may be the loss of control on some organ or the other.

For special reasons pulse is recorded to be far below normal. Napoleon's pulse was said to be somewhere near 40. But the average as given above stands right for our basis.

At death, it is the mind that leaves body.

It is a planned retreat. It is our experience and it can be easily imagined, that the mind leaves body not because it is tired of the worldly desires to be enjoyed through body but because, the mind finds body damaged and so an inconvenient tool to enjoy. (Shall we add the death time declarations?)

In any case, leaving this argument to the exhaustive discussion in New Way Series, at the moment of death, the continuance of the capacity **3153600000 pulse-beats survives without any doubt. (This applies to normal death, the considerations for deaths due to accidents, suicide or voluntary departure by a Yogi from life by ‘Samadhi’ needs separate discussion, which can be provided separately).

We may just mention here that the state of the mind as it departs the body is vitally important to decide the future course of action.

**On an average the pulse-rate is 150/min (say 2.5 A), at prenatal stage, 120/min (2A) at birth, 70 to 80/min. at grown up age and 60/ min (A) at the old age (before death). In short, body motion decreases with increasing age and it is lowest just before death, although not zero.

Let’s consider (assume) average life of 60 years and 100/min. as an average pulse rate for the life span. 

**Based on this, the total energy can be calculated as follows.

 (100* x 60 minutes)       (24 hours)                 (365 days)                       (60* years)

----------------------      X      -----------        X    ----------------       X      --------------

         6,000                       144,000                525, 60 000                           315, 36,000

(* assumption, may vary from person to person).

As estimated above, the total typical average pulse energy during the life of 60 years is about 3.15 billion beats. Before the death moment there is a capacity to beat the pulse at 60/minute.

We have already suggested that these figures are hypothetical and arbitrary. These arithmetical values may better be taken algebraically. Nevertheless, the principle stands vindicated. If we designate algebraically value A to the surviving soul after death (A = 60 beats / min.), i.e. capacity 3153600000 pulse beats, '2A' will be value at birth with capacity 6307200000 pulse beats and '2.5A' (i.e. 7884000000 pulse beats three months prior to birth). Please note that the mind leaves the body at death when it has the capacity A.

Does the mind survive after death? Is it re-born?

The answer to the first part of the question is categorical ‘Yes’. As we have initially defined, Death is dissociation of body and mind. Body (matter) remains as corpse while the mind energy (non-matter) gets released. Now, the question is what happens to the left over capacity A or from where this 2.5 'A' comes from?

By first law of Thermodynamics nothing can come out of nothing. Therefore, the figure 150 (or algebraically figure 2.5 'A') must sometime be 149, 148, 147 and in far end sometime it must be 60 where we again meet the value 'A'.

In each individual case the values of A, 2A, and 2.5A may differ but the principle may stand vindicated.  After death the Mind has following options to choose. (Please see the figure above)

1.      To give up available energy A and go to zero. This is the concept of Maha-Nirvana.

2.      To earn additional energy from A to 2.5 A, and then opt for rebirth.

3.      To not to opt for birth and go on earning additional energy -endlessly up to infinity. This is the stage of Moksha.

As we say “Zero tends to infinity”, both the stages of Maha-Nirvana and Moksha are similar where the mind has given up the right of existence and merged itself in universal cosmic energy.

We have rationally examined the concepts of Birth, Life, Death, Rebirth, Maha-Nirvana, and Moksha. 

What must be the plight of the Mind after death before it chooses its options? We shall see this in the articles to follow.

Vijay R. Joshi.

Why we behave like this? (E O M -11)

We shall see the views expressed by Swami Vijnananand when he guided the young seekers of Manashakti in 1990 on the desired direction of the research needed to find the truth behind the process of evolution. The book in Marathi “Apan ase ka vagato” (Why we behave like this?) gives his message. Here are some excerpts from chapter 4 of this book.

We have fear and anger engraved.

Why  fear and anger are engraved in human mind? How are they related to evolution? basically, why should we have a desire to have this body? In the course of evolution, we came to this stage (human body) after wearing a variety of bodies (starting from amoeba to chimpanzee) in the past. We progressed to the human body by the route of evolution.

Sex is the original emotion. But fear and anger are a part of human nature…Unless they were having a contribution in the evolution, fear and anger would have never come trekking along with the living being. They survived only because they were basically needed…Even rage is a tool of evolution.

How is rage related for the survival of the fittest? The one who was mighty, survived. Nature itself has the rule - might is right. Then to be powerful than others, rage is required. We started to get revolutionized because of fear.

What is evolution? The transformation which took place in the living organisms is evolution. Darwin has stated that the meeting with Nature approval is proved by fight. The minute scripts or the portions of evolution should be understood well. They should be studied in deep.

Desire (according to the nature leads to)  Efforts (with fear/anger which leads to)  Victory or Defeat – this is the way the chain of development takes shape. So-called evolution is depending on human desire.

In that chain, we used fear and anger as protective armors in the beginning. But they become harmful later as other feelings and shades of nature got mixed in.

I will tell you, how anger got associated with evolution. The perspective in evolution being ‘survival of the fittest’, human beings had to struggle for living. This meant that they had to fight. In fear and anger, in both the places a fight - latent and evident- was the only difference...

There is basically a paradox (in life). It is there in laughter and tears, in fear and anger, in functionary and sensory organs, and in the inborn nature and in the one born out of experience… Though all of these are getting integrated, still, if you try to find the root of all this, you will have to go to evolution only. If you try to explore the minutest seed, then as your forms of mind went on playing with matter in the course of evolution, as you went on taking one incarnation after another – you will find the root of that manifestation of your nature, hidden somewhere in evolution. If that would be found in evolution, then the question that you will have in mind is, - has that been proved so far?

 We shall try to establish that link.

As you are all the time surrounded by some emotion, you are using motion at every moment – you either utilize it in the right manner or the wrong one. If utilized properly, then it gives good results in the material form at least. We call that as progress. When it has an ill effect we call that as downfall. But do the effects of this motion linger on in our personality, our body, our mind? You will have a question whether such a process really exists in reality. Then yes, there is indeed such a process.

It has not only happened in the present stage of the evolution but you have accumulated various experiences in your entire journey of evolution. Utilizing these experiences cumulatively, you were born. It is a truth that your nature was carved out of this. At the same time to prove this truth, you have to prove one more truth -- that, such a process exists in your life, it is in your anatomy, and we will have to arrive at it again. This way the thread which leads us to evolution will be woven correctly, joining the contemporary with the past history.

Comments: The process of epigenetics says that the behavior at any moment in the life is the cumulative effect of nature and nurture. The process starts at the stage of conception but even the period of preconception can't be ruled out. S. V. states that the process started from the moment life started on the earth when mind got associated with matter. The desire to associate of course is the property of mind.

Vijay R. Joshi.

MIND: RATIONAL FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION (W.M.M. - 10)

Excerpts from book: WHAT MIND MEANS (Author Swami Vijnananand (S.V.), Manashakti publication)

Molding mind, after a thorough search of its laws

Newton visualized mind to have been located in the brain/seat of sensation (sensorium). But once it agreed that mind, the commander-in-chief of the individual is the real ruler and remains independent of the ruled it does not help to blame it as a preposterous (utterly foolish). Instead of wasting too much energy on the side issues, concentration on molding mind, after a thorough search of its laws, proves profitable, imperative (absolutely necessary) and exigent (requiring immediate action).

(1) In a rational approach agnosticism clips (cuts) the wings of progress. It is a fact that Nature’s ways are to perplexing (complicated and confusing) to be easily perceived. We need to find a remedy to our rather poor and inferior approach to look to the Nature. If we find anything Greek and Latin (un-understandable) that is our own limitation, we should overcome it. Instead of boasting of full knowledge, let us correct ourselves instead of misleading the rest.

(2) Heisenberg admits mind, but in quantum physics, he desires to introduce quantum logic which reconciles between properties of quantum being at a place and not being there (it is true of electron that if we see it then it changes place instantaneously).

If matter (say electron) itself can stay on at one place and simultaneously at the other, mind for certain has more reason to possess such potent (mighty) power, without any contradiction.

(3) Nature nourishes no inherent contraction and casuistry (casuistry – the determination of right and wrong in question of conduct or conscience by analyzing cases that illustrate general ethics or rules). Self-illusion and false reasoning is human prerogative (exclusive right). The boastful person makes an unsuccessful attempt to ignore it and throw the burden on Nature.

(4) There was no offence meant as any stage to Marxists, monotheists (Belief that there is only one God), spiritualists, and in reality any school. But (it is strongly stated that) after all none should abuse truth itself as an undesirable impediment (obstacle). Marxists and of course Marx and Engels are referred to on and often since pin dawn their rope (details of understanding) on science. They declare to avoid dogmatism. There is no disrespect for Pavlov.

(5) Can mind ‘control’ matter or simply cause to move it? To shout loudly like braggart (boastful person) that mind control matters itself amounts to ever exceeding self-deceiving. Matter inherently has no emotions – rather it implies and teaches us ‘inertia’ – a true detachment. Confused with the unknowable laws and controversies, man feels lost and helpless. Then he goes to other extreme and in arrogance and declares that he knows everything.

It is advisable to have a little forbearance and follow the way calmly towards a serene (peaceful) solution by using the master key which is imbibed in the individual mind. Slowing down the ugly haste of the fast life, if one chooses quiescent (restful), tranquil (peaceful) and quietude (quietness) calm for progress it indeed would lead to sanguine (confident) provide (indication of future excellence or achievement).

(6) Your fascination in fast life compels you to run faster and the race ends in complete exhaustion. Real question is what you indeed should choose. Once you make up your mind and develop abhorrence (dislike) for innate (inborn) peace in preference to keep going, the ‘necessity’ presses you to run. In short interval of time you have to resort to galloping (move fast, quicker). After a while you are called upon to surpass (the speed of) wind. Then follows Nature’s demand on you to undertake yet vigorous, slippery adventures! – Never ending …, till quietus (finishing strike or eternal rest) takes the toll (to have bad effect)!!

(7) Evolution theory of ‘Mind’

The law of evolution presumes an overall all sided development of an organism tending to perfection. It is nothing but mind that qualified itself. Steps up and retains character acquired in the lower species.

(8) No mind that (enables) breaths is ever healthy and similarly no body is ailing (unhealthiness is due to mind not body).

(9) Mind (emotion) admittedly causing motion in the body. Silently, the cause-mind separates effect on body.

(10) Understanding the MIND is important.

It is high time that man need enter into immediate negotiations with mind, to bring to an end cruel hard wars (battles) he has inadvertently (unintentionally) initiated against himself since long ago (yore).

·         Mind can be in motion.

·         In the ability to sustain restless as a hyena (cruel, untrustworthy and greedy person) in an active life, mind is associated with brain, which in turn links with the entire organism.

·         Mind incorporates and/or possesses, and/or is made up of, and/or is the same as emotions, sensation, thought, knowledge, consciousness.

·         Mind independent of matter

·         Mind is non-matter which can transcend the limiting speed of matter which presently is considered as speed of light.

·         Mind in the elementary/original (primordial) form may have embraced matter.

·    Since Darwin’s thesis is stated exclusively in terms of physiological evolution forcibly divided or dis-joined from psychical evolution by his own discretion, sound in-compatible or unsuitable. The evidence provides latter (psychical evolution) as the cause of the former (physiological evolution). The theory of continuity of mind throughout the evolution renders the matter more easy and understandable. 

· Individuality Presupposes Mind

· Psych and not material brain (in the head cover) is personality or individuality.

· Mind controls matter in hypnotic state or partial sleep.

· Mind is always alert, also in sleep, suggested dreams prove

· Quite Mind has greatest strength

· Dreams indicate: We may suffer without body

· Hypnotism, Dreams partial capacity of Mind to go out of body.

· ‘Mind’ independent of body.

·Thought at a given moment and also in general stands out as non-material entity.

·Control over mind can be achieved effectively by understanding laws of thermodynamics – markedly second law. The book by S.V. namely ‘Purpose of the Universe’ deals with this aspect.

·Consciousness is independent of body. (Chapter 5, based on Pavlov’s experiments)

The books written by S.V. namely,

(a) Death of disease,

(b) Cure without Medicine,

(c) Cure Yourself and

(d) The Rich, Ambitious and Healthy

Dwell-upon how maladies (chronic diseases) of any nature can be controlled by mind and mind alone. As expostulated (made earnest efforts by giving reasons for the correction of the misgivings of health treatment) there, material Universe obey, the laws of motion. Body is matter, so its inflation (swelling), deflection (deviation), dilation (enlargement of the cancers of body), diminution (reduction) or irritation (excitation) – In short, disturbance in its inertia – must be governed by basic laws of motion (which are applicable to all matters) (inertia – The property of matter by which it retains its state of rest or velocity along a straight line, so long as it is not acted upon by an external force)

When the mind has cut short its affection with the body (perceptible entities); whether the laws of matter are applicable to the human mind? (i.e. in case of a KARMAYOGI in Gita) This question is valued question. But in our above statement, this question is of no significance.

(11) Denial of existence of Mind ends in a vicious circle

Floating in the sea of doubts remains an exclusive privilege (special right) of mind. The suspicion set in about the existence of mind instigate (provoke to action) a vicious circle, with no hope of end in sight (vicious – grossly immoral, readily disposed to evil).

The reasonable, sensible (rational) and consistent acceptance of the answers (provided in this book about the mind and its existence) without the bias of previous habitual/natural inclination and notions (general understanding), survives only ray of hope to come out of the otherwise resultant vicious circle. If we forfeit (lost the right) the only gleam (dim light) of hope, the humanity (which is happy in high spirit) is as good as forced to dark ages.

It is always advisable to have scholarly docility (readiness to learn) instead of charlatanism (show of knowledge or ability), unless individual mind gives any further clue. A person in high spirit awaiting the so called ‘inner’ inspiration is unduly delaying at his own risk by denying the writing on the wall (i.e. the portent/indication of misfortune).   Such policy of procrastination (delaying) is forbidden (not allowed) for the wise people who would vote for reason (reasonable and wise people) Dialectical rationalism (logic based doctrine that take reason alone as a source of knowledge and which is independent of experience) often breeds (produces) curiosity which is impossible to satisfy and due precautions should be taken to keep it within limits.

Occasionally I (S.V.) too embrace fancies (conceptions) and conjure up (produce) a vision to picture size, weight and color of the mind. Of course firstly, it is linked up with beliefs in logic and probabilities. Secondly, should the possibilities formed turn themselves into a fairy tale, frustration is unlikely to be caused, since I am more attached to the scientific truth, than personal ego being satisfied.

Subject to this calm conviction, I dare say that the color of mind resembles the color of outer skin or like the eyes, if the organism is gifted with them.

We have drawn a conclusion in Chapter Seven, that an organism has elective capacity.

We have also made it clear that skill of mind to accumulate matter in Chapter Six and Nine (in answers to question 6 and 7).

Suppose all the present explanation later proves wrong or it calls for substantial modification, no calamity is brought forth. I (S.V.) stick to my stand that however logical by assertions, so far as complexion and mass of mind go, they are on the fence of fanciful arguments in which one or more interim premises or conclusions are silently assumed (are based on silent assumption).

(12)  Important points and references in the book “WHAT MIND MEANS”

Find a ready reference of mind, as dealt with from various aspects.

(1)     Mind is non-matter : Ch. 5, point 1 , 2C, 3, 4B, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11 , 12, 12A, : Ch. 6,   preamble and conclusion; Ch.7, point l, 2, 3, 5C, 6; Ch.8, point 1, 3; Ch.9, answers to  Questions 4, 5, 6, 7; Ch.1O, point 3.

(2)     Mind can go outside body partly: Ch. 5 point 3, 4B, 7, 8, 10; Ch.6 preamble and conclusion; Ch.7 Point 1, 2, 4; Ch.8, point 2, 3, 7; Ch.9, answer to Questions  4, 6, 7;  Ch.1O, point 2.

(3)     As many minds as living organisms: Ch. 6; Ch. 7.

(4)     Mind can be at rest at choice; Ch.8, point 1.

(5)     Mind is superior to matter, but willingly attaches to it: Ch.6; Ch.7, points 1, 2; Ch. 8, Points 2, 4, 5; Ch.1O, point 3.

(6)     Mind has greatest power and joy at rest: Ch.4; Ch.8, points 4, 5; Ch.9, answers to Questions 5, 6, 7,  Ch.10

(7)     Mind has elective capacity: Ch.7, point 3.

(8)     Mind though relatively known, subject to laws of motion at least when it manifests itself: Ch. 9, particularly answers to Questions 2, 3.

(9)     Mind creates disease: Ch.7, Point 6; Ch.8, point 6; All Ch. 9

(10)                       Mind knows Truth: knowledge of points in Ch.4; Ch. 8, Points 4, 5; Ch. 10,   Point 3.

(11)                       Purpose of mind to be perfect: Ch.5, point 5C; Ch.9, Answers to Questions 1, 5 and, end of Ch.9 and Ch.l0.

(12)                        Mind can accumulate mass: point 1: Ch.7 point 4: Ch. 10 Point 1. Ch. 6; Ch.9, answers to Questions 5, 6, 7.

(13)                       Rebirth possible, but not essential: end of Ch.9; Ch.5, Point 5C.

(13) MIND KNOWLEDGE USED FOR SOCIAL WELFARE.

S. V. wrote + 200 books which are based on the subjects related to mind one way or the other. The NEW WAY PHILOSOPHY deals with all the aspects concerning the welfare of an individual to the welfare of entire humanity.

Besides the above mentioned book namely WHAT MIND MEANS, the other two books directly dealing with ‘mind’ are ‘MIND POWR’ AND ‘BETA PULSE PREDICTS’. We shall review these books later.

S. V. just did not stop after the publishing his new way philosophy but entered in the laboratory of the society to establish and prove his findings. All this was done in a unique manner. The outcome is the establishment of ‘Manashakti Research Center ( M. R. C.) at Lonavala, Pune India’, the unique study, research center serving all sections of societies consistently for last over 40 years. The findings of S.V. are being tested by thousands of participants every year by taking training seminars, workshops and mind – body machine tests regularly conducted by the center with missionary zeal. The center is popular for the nurture and training of mind in a secular way for all age groups. The ‘hospital for peace of mind’ serves to the needy for comprehensive holistic health.

Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, the famous computer scientist visited M. R. C. After understanding the work of S.V. said that “Swamiji has set up a novel way of testing his research findings in the huge laboratory of the society!” This is a unique way of testing the knowledge, since every individual has own distinct ‘mind’.

(Note: This is an attempt to make reader friendly interpretation of the book “WHAT MIND MEANS” based on my perception. Readers are requested to refer to the original book to cross check their understanding.)

Vijay R. Joshi

PURPOSE OF THE UNIVERSE

Why and how of the universe:   

One cannot think of the universe without talking of God. While answering the question whether the God exists, Dr. Stephen Hawking, the famous scientist, said He exists in the form of the laws of nature. The very purpose of the science is to discover these laws and use the knowledge for the betterment of human life.  There are many theories regarding the existence of the universe.  The widely accepted theory is the theory of Big Bang, which says that the world came into existence out of nothing after a big bang within a fraction of seconds. Ever since its creation, it is believed that the world is travelling to its destination, total equilibrium, which is the purpose of the universe. It will reach the final stage of the entropy where the motion in the world will come to a standstill. Parallel on these lines, eastern and also western mythology believe the stage of Pralaya, havoc, the eventual destruction. However, it may take millions and millions of centuries.   No one can surely ascertain the purpose of the universe. Even science hasn’t been able to throw light on it in clear terms. Carl Pearson, in the book “Grammar of Science”, while talking about the first cause (which produces the effect of being of universe), says… ‘Here begins our ignorance’.

Universe began with motion and will probably end when the energy reaches a stage of entropy when the motion will cease to exist. Similarly, life begins with motion at the initial stage of conception and the last moment of death arrives with end of body motion. The life is a journey of motion. The bottom-line is; the motion does matter to the universe as well as a human being. In a way life is thus synonymous with universe.

S.V. authored a book “PURPOSE OF UNIVERSE”, the reference of which was seen in the last Blog. Before we go briefly through the deliberations in this book, let us refer to the conversation on this subject initiated by TEMPLETON FOUNDATION wherein the considered views of first rank world thinkers and scholars were recorded. But before we turn to this conversation, let us see the overview of the total Universe vis-à-vis the earth and we; the thinkers about the purpose.

The notable facts are:

1. Almost 95 % of the Universe is invisible with even the aid of the most advanced technology.

2. As compared to the vastness of the total visible universe, the status of our earth is less than a fraction of droplet in the huge ocean.

3. The earth bears about 7 billion population and you and me (i.e. the thinkers of the purpose of universe) are one out of 7 billion.

4. The universe is interconnected i.e. the components affect each other as we can see that the sun, moon, planets in solar system can affect each other. It is mentioned somewhere that this phenomena is so strong that a wink of an eyelid can take the effect of vibrations to a star called VEGA (ABHIJIT in Hindu mythology) which is 25 light years away from our earth. The knowledge of the universe and its components is the necessity of all humans for which science constantly makes efforts.

5. As citizen of a country, we have to follow the rules of the land. By the same logic, we have to follow the rules of the universe, so knowing the purpose and rules of the universe is the natural desire of any inquisitive human being.

6. Where science is unable to discover the truth, the help of rational philosophy is always worth considering.

Visible Universe is just 5% of the total Universe

Composition of the UNIVERSE 1

The findings are among the first results from analysis of data collected by the European Space Agency's Planck spacecraft, which is providing the most detailed look to date at the remnant microwave radiation that permeates the universe.

Compared to the previous best measurements, the universe is a little older and, surprisingly, is expanding a little more slowly than currently accepted standards.

Plank's data also shows that ordinary matter - the stuff that makes up stars, galaxies, planets and everything visible - accounts for a relatively tiny 4.9 percent of the universe.

Dark matter, which does not interact with light but can be detected by its gravitational pull, comprises 26.8 percent of the universe. The rest of the universe is dark energy, a mysterious and recently discovered force that defies gravity and is responsible for speeding up the universe's rate of expansion. New results from Planck show dark energy accounting for 69 percent of the universe...

Where is Earth in the visible Universe? 2.

1. Earth Our home is a spinning ball of rock travelling through space at about 100,000 km/hour and is known to us as the planet Earth.
2. Earth-Moon System The planet Earth is actually part of the Earth-Moon system. Although we think of the Moon as orbiting the Earth, the two bodies actually orbit their common center of mass (which happens to be inside the Earth). Compared to other planet-moon systems in our solar system, our moon is very large relative to its planet and therefore perhaps should be thought of as a companion planet rather than a moon
3. Inner Solar System the Earth-Moon system is, of course, travelling around the sun (a journey that takes about 365 1/4 days). Nearby several other planets, (Mercury, Venus, and Mars) comprise what we call the inner solar system.
4. Solar System. After Mars comes the asteroid belt and then four more, much larger, planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune). After that comes the Kuiper Belt, which is full of smaller objects such as Pluto.
5. Sun's Neighborhood Our sun is just one of many stars in the sky. Some of the stars we see at night (such as Sirius and Alpha Centauri) are located relatively close by, from 4 - 10 light years away. Others, such as Deneb, are much further, up to 1,400 light years away. (light speed @ 3 lakh kilo meters / second)
6. Milky Way Galaxy All the stars that we can see in the night sky are part of a large galaxy called the Milky Way, which actually is comprised of about 100 - 400 billion stars.
7. Local Group Our galaxy, the Andromeda galaxy, and several other nearby galaxies form what's called the Local Group. Andromeda is located approximately 2.5 million light years away.
8. Virgo Super-cluster Our local group of galaxies are part of a much larger cluster of galaxies, known as the Virgo super-cluster. The center of the Virgo super-cluster is about 65 million light years away.
9. The Universe Our universe is comprised of millions of super-clusters. Altogether, there are probably 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe.
10. The Multiverse? Here we cross the line between science and speculation. According to some theories, our universe is actually just one of many universes in what could be called the multiverse.

Summary of Templeton conversation:  “DOES THE UNIVERSE HAVE A PURPOSE?”

The contributors are scholars and thinkers of the first rank.

S.NO.	RESPONSE	NUMBER OF SCHOLARS
1	YES	5
2	NO	2
3	UNDECIDED TENDING TO YES	3
4	UNDECIDED TENDING TO NO	2

Out of 12 Experts on the subject who participated in the conversation, as shown in the table above, 8 are in favor of “YES’ where as 4 are of the opinion which say “NO’,

The representative views one each in favor and against the purpose as follows.

Christian de Duve, Biochemist, Recipient of the 1974 Nobel Prize in Physiology & Medicine. (S.NO. 8)

No. (There is no need of a human like creator and motivation behind any purpose of creating our universe, earth and life on earth. Universe is an expression of reality)

Purpose pre-supposes a mind that conceived it, as well as the ability to implement it.

In the present case, this means that the owner of the mind not only created the universe the way it is, but could have created another universe and decided to create        the existing one for a specific reason. So the question really deals with the belief in a Creator who enjoys almost infinite power and freedom but, at the same time, goes through the very human process of pondering decisions and acting accordingly. In a way, this is a very human like vision of God.

A second aspect of the question concerns the motivation behind the purpose. What did God have in mind in creating the universe the way it is?        Being the ones who ask the question, it is obvious that we see earth and life on earth (ourselves) as at least part of God’s goal.

I prefer the indisputable statement that the universe happens to be such that certain events, including the generation of life and mind, were possible, perhaps even probable, if not obligatory (compulsory). Instead of searching the “mind of God” for the explanation of this fact, I see it as an expression of reality and as a significant clue to the nature of this reality.

It will be noted that there is no logical need for a creator in this view. By definition, a creator must himself be un-created, unless he is part of an endless. Why not have the universe itself uncreated, an actual manifestation of Ultimate Reality, rather than the work of an uncreated creator? The question is worth asking.       

Owen Gingerich - Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and of the History of Science at Harvard University, Senior astronomer emeritus at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. (s.no. 6)

Yes. (With God’s experiment comes the freedom of choice, and I choose YES).

Frankly, I am psychologically incapable of believing that the universe is meaningless. I believe the universe  has a purpose, and our greatest intellectual challenge as human beings is to glimpse what this purpose might be.

Quite possibly, the purpose of the universe is to provide a congenial (suitable) home for self-conscious creatures who can ask profound (intense, thorough) questions and who can probe the nature of the universe itself. In the deep mystery of God’s vast creative experiment there may be many facets that we, in human terms, would relate to as purposes of the universe. I believe that, incredibly (unbelievably), this includes the creator’s self-revelation through human intelligence and personalities.

We see that majority of the experts grant “purpose” to the universe. The views regarding the relevant aspects of the other scholars are summarized as follows:

S.NO.	EXPERT’S NAME BACKGROUND	VIEW IN SHORT.	DETAILED VIEW SUMMARY
1.	Lawrence M. Krauss Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Case Western Reserve  University	Unlikely.	Centuries of exploration by science has not found any clear evidence to the Purpose. Therefore a scientist can conclude that it is very unlikely that there is any divine purpose. The conclusion is in the mind of the beholder, and it is outside of the realm of scientific theory and prediction. Finally ,even if the universe has a hidden purpose, everything we know about the cosmos suggests that we do not play a central role in it (in purpose, if any) A universe without purpose should neither depress us nor suggest that our lives are purposeless. We should not despair, but should humbly rejoice in making the most of these gifts, and Celebrate our brief moment in the sun.
2	David Gelernter, Professor of computer science at Yale and a National fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.	YES.	Do the Earth and mankind  have a purpose? If so, then the universe does too, ipso-facto. Namely, to defeat and rise above our animal     natures; to create goodness, beauty, and holiness.
3	Paul Davies Physicist, cosmologist, & astro-biologist. Director of the Beyond Center at Arizona State University.	Perhaps!	Where, then, is the evidence of “cosmic purpose”?  Well, it is right under our noses, in the very existence of science itself as a successful explanatory paradigm. Science is a voyage of discovery, and     as with    all such voyages, you have to believe   there is something meaningful out there to discover before you embark on it. And with every new scientific discovery made, that belief is confirmed If the universe is truly pointless, then it is also incomprehensible, and the rational basis of science collapses.
4	Peter William Atkins Fellow and professor of chemistry at Lincoln College, Oxford.	No.	Sentimental wishful thinking, which underlies all religion, is an unreliable tool for the discovery of truth of any kind. I regard the existence of this extraordinary universe as having a wonderful, awesome grandeur. It hangs there in all its glory, wholly and completely useless.    To project onto it our human-inspired notion of purpose would, to my mind, sully and diminish it.
5	Nancey Murphy, Professor of Christian Philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary.	Indeed.	The question of purpose is closely related to the question of whether something like the God. The question of Western monotheistic religions can be known to exist by studying the order, goodness, and grandeur of the universe.
7	Bruno Guiderdoni, Astrophysicist & Director of the Observatory of Lyon, France.	Very Likely.	Features of the natural world appear to be fine-tuned for biological complexity. But where does this apparent fine-tuning come from? Is it God’s signature? People of faith believe it is so. They read purpose in the universe as a painter sees beauty in a view on the ocean. Scientists must go one step further and examine alternative explanations to the fine-tuning idea. In the millennial of Homo sapiens’ evolution is something I find quite puzzling. The reality is that we are able to contemplate such questions. And the bigger the questions our brains can ponder, the more unlikely that the cosmic drama we are all participating in is simply          a cosmic lottery. This is why, at the end of the day, I can’t refrain from thinking that there actually is purpose in the universe.
9	John F. Haught,  Senior Fellow, Science and Religion, at  the Woodstock Theological Center,  Georgetown University	Yes.	The fact that we can ask such a question at all suggests an affirmative answer.  If, along with me, you are asking this question, you are already closing in                on the answer. Your mind is engaged at his very moment in nothing less than the search for truth. It is because this transcendent value has already taken hold of you, and in you the whole universe, that you can                have faith in your critical intelligence and also trust that the universe has a purpose.     As long as the search for truth persists, not only can you trust your mind, you can also trust the universe that has germinated such an exquisite means of opening itself to what is timelessly worth treasuring.
10	Neil de Grasse Tyson, Astrophysicist. Director of New York City’s Hayden Planetarium.	Not Sure.	To assert that the universe has a purpose implies the universe has intent. And intent implies a desired outcome. But who would do the desiring?                And what would a desired outcome be? Are answers to             these questions even possible without expressing a profound bias of human sentiment? Of course humans were not around to ask these questions for 99.9999% of cosmic history. So if the purpose of the universe was to create humans then the cosmos was embarrassingly inefficient about it. So while I cannot claim to know for sure whether or not the universe has a purpose, the case against it is strong, and visible to anyone who sees the universe as it is rather than as they wish it to be.
11	Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. UN Messenger of Peace.	Certainly.	A purpose in the universe. Perhaps, one day, that purpose will be revealed. science typically scoffs at any belief in a god, When I was a child, born into a Christian family, I accepted the reality of an unseen God without question. And now that I have lived almost three quarters of a century I still believe in a great spiritual power. A common scientific view is that evolution occurs simply because matter obeys some unseen law whereby a simple organism will, if it evolves at all, become a more complex one. Evolution is thus a blind process without purpose and science will one day uncover the simple mechanical rules underlying every seeming mystery. Our own lives, therefore, are equally without purpose. There is no place here for the spirit, the immortal soul. Many people find this hard or impossible to accept
12	Elie Wiese,   he Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities. University Professor at Boston University. This essay was translated from   French by Jamie Moore.	I hope so.	And if it doesn’t, it’s up to us to give it one The Jewish tradition in which I base my thoughts defines it unambiguously—we are his partner. To put it plainly: Though God created the world, it is up to people to preserve, respect, enrich, embellish, and populate it, without bringing violence to it. World cannot be to propose or impose a choice between joy for some and distress for others. Man’s task is thus to liberate God, while freeing the forces of generosity in a world teetering (see-saw motion) more and more between curse and promise. Do the Earth and mankind have a purpose? If so, then the universe does too, ipso facto. If not, the universe might still have (some other) purpose; but I don’t have to face that contingency, because I believe we do have one…

(Note – Since the views of scholars at S. No. 6 and 8 are given separately, they are excluded from the table).

Over-all views summary:

- Knowing the purpose is beyond the jurisdiction of Science. The conclusion (on interpretation of Nature’s laws) is in the mind of the beholder, and it is outside of the realm of scientific theory and prediction.

- We (human beings) do not have any role, if there is any hidden purpose. We should enjoy our life don’t worry for the purpose of the universe. I believe the universe has a purpose, and our greatest intellectual challenge as human beings is to glimpse what this purpose might be. The fact that we can ask such a question at all, suggests an affirmative answer.

-  Though God created the world, it is up to people to preserve, respect, enrich, embellish (decorate, beatify), and populate (live in) it, without bringing violence to it.

-  Do the Earth and mankind have a purpose? If so, then the universe does too, ipso-facto.

-  By the very fact. If the universe is truly pointless, then it is also incomprehensible, and the rational basis of science collapses.

-  Purpose presupposes a mind that conceived it, as well as the ability to implement it. The question really deals with the belief in a Creator. A second aspect of the question concerns the motivation behind the purpose.

-  There is no logical need for a creator in this view. By definition, a creator must himself be uncreated, unless he is part of an endless. Why not have the universe itself uncreated.

-  So if the purpose of the universe was to create humans then the cosmos (universe) was embarrassingly inefficient about it. So while I cannot claim to know for sure whether or not the universe has a purpose, the case against it is strong.

The above conversation largely concludes that whether Universe purpose may or may not be spelled out, every prudent individual should live life with a meaningful purpose.

Vijay R. Joshi.

References: - 1 - MARCH 2013 DATA FROM SCIENCE DAILY NEWS.

                        2 - http://www.usefulcharts.com/science/where-is-earth-in-the-universe.html