RAMAKRISHNA ... 3

RAMAKRISHNA ... 3

In Nature it seems there is an inbuilt system of action and reaction even in the psychological plane. We all know about this principle as operative in the physical world for rigid bodies but it also operates in the psychological world, although not in exactly equal measure in opposite mode. This is so because the psychological world is far more fluid and is not subject to such stringent physical bindings. However, the Hegelian dialectical flow of evolution does work in far more complicated terms than assuredly even Hegel himself apprehended, but it does work nonetheless to produce tangible results. This reactive principle in Nature tends to balance lost balances and so keeps up the dynamics that preserves human civilisation despite its horrendous heresies that have periodically wiped out entire peoples, races and cultures. As if in keeping with this principle of conservation that tends to preserve life and truth, there operates in Nature opposed forces in dual distinction and in perpetual tussle for supremacy. These forces are material and spiritual in nature, the former tending to take the mind outward into the world of the senses and the latter inducing it to withdraw inward into the world of the Spirit. These two forces are in a titanic tussle causing the forward flow of evolution in much the same way as gaining in altitude along a mountainous detour. This evolutionary flow is in effect not unilinear but along a complex web of sinusoidal curves that resolve to precipitate the deposit that is everchanging civilisation, sometimes rising and sometimes sinking. This rise and fall are alternately disposed, positive in ascent and negative in decline. Like the waxing and waning of the moon along the lunar cycle, civilisation rises and sinks alternately, showing up all its phases along its timeline, gathering energy here and expending it there to go through its cycle of evolution. In the Sanātan Dharma this movement has been called 'Yugachakra' (the Wheel of Aeons) where four 'yugas' (aeons) make up civilisational time beginning with Satya Yuga and moving through Tretā, Dwāpar and Kāli Yugas in turn to complete the cycle before it repeats and goes on for endless such cycles 'till Kingdom come'. 

Written by Sugata Bose 

To be continued.