CHAPTER 2
Why is it necessary to know about the Cosmos?

The things that we observe around us in the day and during the night, the earth and entire material in it and on it, earth-like planets, their satellites, various stars, millions of galaxies etc. whatever we see and those others objects which we cannot see are part of this cosmos; and the humans, since ancient times, have always tried to learn more about them. Now the question is, why is it important to know about the cosmos? To answer this, let us try to understand, what is this world made of?

2.1 The Root Cause (Mūl Kāraṇa) of the Cosmos

            The world is made of two elements-

1. The physical material which constitutes this world i.e. the substance that forms the ‘Upādāna Kāraṇa’ of this world and,
2. Those which are not the ‘Upādāna Kāraṇa’ but are only the ‘Nimitta Kāraṇa’.

            Of the above, the first are only non-living substances, while the second category have non-living as well as conscious entities. While defining ‘Cosmos’ in Āryoddeśyaratnamālā, Maharṣi Dayānanda Sarasvatī writes-

            “When the causal matter undergoes specific synthesis, by a process initiated by a doer and is presently worthy and usable in various forms is called ‘Sṛṣti’ (creation).

            Again in ‘Svamantavyāmantavyaprakāśa’ Maharṣi Dayānanda Sarasvatī writes-

            “It is the intelligent and rational interaction of different substances leading to various forms is called as Sṛṣti (creation or cosmos)”.

The two definitions can be summarized as below-                                 

1. Humans can acquire scientific knowledge about the materials of the nature and can use them. Without scientific knowledge it is impossible to use a substance wisely. Hence, in this world the knowledge of material science is essential for everyone. The cosmos is not disdainful but to be used wisely for everyone’s benefit. One should know all the substances of the cosmos i.e. from micro particles and even the subtle Prāṇa etc. to the biggest and heaviest stars and other celestial bodies, and use the information for the benefit of all. This is the purpose of the cosmos.

1. Cosmos has been created from causal substance. This causal substance is eternal and infinite. It can never be created nor gets destroyed. It always exists. It is not a ‘zero’ or non-existent, like the great Maharṣi Kapila had said-

‘Nāvastuno vastusiddhih’ (Sankhya Darśana 1.78)

            Means: Absence cannot create something (i.e. nothing can be created out of the state of nothingness). The same has been said by the great Vaidika scientist Yogeśvara Śrī Kṛśna–

‘Nāsato vidyate bhāvo, nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ’ (Gītā 2.16)

            Means: the non-existent never exists and that which exists never gets destroyed. It implies that there is nothing that can be created out of ‘Zero’ and an object that exists can never be completely destroyed. In the world whatever we observe as destruction of the existing and creation out of nothing, is simply-

‘Nāśḥ kāraṇalayaḥ’ (Sankhya Darśana 1.121)

            Means: destruction is conversion of an object into its micro or elementary components. In this case, the object does not becomes non-existent but disintegrates into very subtle particles that are not observable; it is called as the destruction or the ‘Pralaya’.

            On the contrary when these invisible or unobservable particles combine together to create a visible and observable macro object, it is known as the creation or genesis. In reality, the creation and destruction are the two states of the matter. It is to be noted that creation-destruction and cause-effect relation are  relative state. One object can be a root-cause for the other object (Upādāna Kāraṇa) while at the same time it can itself be a derived object (kārya–rūpa) of other micro particles. For example, ‘molecules of water’ are the root-cause (Upādāna Kāraṇa) for ‘water’, while the ‘atoms of Hydrogen and Oxygen’ are the root-cause (Upādāna Kāraṇa) for ‘molecule of water’. Likewise, molecules of water are the Upādāna Kāraṇa for water but are the ‘kārya’ of atoms of H₂ and O₂.

2.2 Cosmos: an intelligent creation

            The cosmos is created by the ‘specific combination’ of various subtle particles. Here the word ‘specific’ implies that the combination is not a random combination but is an intelligent, rational and organized combination. If we observe any randomness or chaos in the world, it is only due to our limited knowledge and understanding; even in that chaos, there exist an amazing and purposeful process, which we are unbale to comprehend due to our limited comprehension abilities.

            The entire cosmos is systematic, logically created and is functioning purposefully and objectively. All that we can comprehend or are not able to comprehend, works under establish principles and laws and are created accordingly. There is no activity in this world which is not as per the law. However, it is completely different matter that we cannot understand those laws and processes in totality. The same was agreed to by the famous American scientist Richard. P. Fineman –

            “We can imagine that this complicated array of moving things which constitutes the world is something like a great chess game being played by the Gods, and we are observers of the game. We do not know that the rules of the games are, all we are allowed to do is to watch the playing. Of course, if we watch long enough, we may eventually catch on to a few rules. The rules of the game are what we mean by fundamental physics. Even if we knew every rule, however, we might not be able to understand why a particular move is made in the game, merely because it is too complicated and our minds are limited”                             

 [Pg. 13, Lecture on Physics]

       It implies that this entire world is like God’s game. All the laws of Physics are the rules of that game. We cannot know them all. We can only observe and feel them. We cannot create those laws. Our science can be considered as developed only to the extent we know these laws or their parts. As our brain has limited capacity, it cannot fully comprehend the complex laws of this world. The understanding of the laws of the cosmos depends on the mental capacity of the person trying to understand and the technical resources he/she has access to. Due to this reason the research in physics will continue forever.

            According to the Vaidika Science of Maharṣi Aitaraiya Mahīdāsa, all activities in in the cosmos, begin and progresses in phases following set patterns and defined laws. There nothing in this cosmos that is formed randomly and casually. Formation of elementary particles, stars, various waves and particles, various nebula clouds etc. formation of atoms, molecules and all other objects occurs in organized manner under the defined laws and follow a set pattern. All the constituents necessary for the cosmos are also created in steps as per the guiding laws of the conscious entity (Cetana Tattva).

2.3 There is nothing ‘uncertain’ in the Universe

            According to the famous German scientist Heisenberg, the momentum and the position of a moving particle cannot be measured together with absolute precision at a given point and at same time; it is termed as the ‘uncertainty principle’. From the perspective of Vaidika science, we may not be able to measure some things with ‘certainty’ but there is nothing uncertain in this Universe. Any particle or celestial body (stars or planets) follow defined path and velocity. There is no change in them. If there is any change, then it is for a brief period only; otherwise there are chances of mishappening.

            The of orderly and timely movement of earth under the stipulated nature’s law is an important reason for sunrise and sunset and various seasons on the earth. Due to these any particle or galactic system first rises and then declines. This is the perpetual and universal law of the cosmos. All heavenly systems, the bodies of the animals and plants, all movable and immovable objects in this universe follow this established principle. In between the advancement and decline, every object progresses as per the prescribed law.

            In the cosmos, nothing happens arbitrarily. Whatever we observe as arbitrary, is in reality as per a certain law, but we are unable to comprehend it due to our limited aptitude.

            The aptitude varies not only among the animals but also among humans. One can understand the laws of physics to a limited extent basis his/her aptitude, beyond which everything is random and arbitrary for him/her. An ignorant person will always consider an event as by-chance or arbitrary but a wise person and scientist will always try to find a reason behind it. 

            Today, the scientific community is not inventing any new law but is just discovering and learning about the existing working principles of the cosmos. It is the process of ‘scientific discovery’, where thousands of scientists of the world are working hard day and night. We don’t know a principle doesn’t mean cosmos is without principles. Albert Einstein also agrees that-

            “Randomness is a reflection of our ignorance of some fundamental property of reality”.

[Pg. 134, Elements of Quantum Optics by Brice Scott]

            Now that the entire universe is purposefully and intelligently created, it is certain that its creator is highly learned, almighty, all powerful, eternal, invisible and exists everywhere (omnipresent).

            The one which is constantly changing is called the ‘universe’ or the ‘world’. There is nothing in this cosmos which is static or permanent and the one which is static, permanent and flawless is not a part or component (Upādāna Kāraṇa) of this creation. From smallest particle to heaviest celestial bodies of this universe, are in continuous motion and due to this motion, they are constantly changing their form too. This change is due to combination and separation of particles happening everywhere and all the time in the universe. Moreover, the cause of these combination and separation is motion and even it too happening logically. The systematic understanding of the combination and separation of substances in the cosmos and their specific properties is termed as ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’ or cosmology. 

2.4 The scope of ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’

            Barring Spiritual science (Ādhyatma Vijñāna), all other streams of science are various branches of ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’. It can be said that the entire material science comes under the ambit of ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’, however in common parlance the study of formation of various celestial systems only is called ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’. In English it is called as ‘Cosmology’.

            Contemporary scientists know and admit that Solar Physics, Plasma Physics, Astronomical Physics, Astronomy, Quantum Field Theory and String Theory are not only close to the Cosmology but are also the branches of ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’ or Cosmology. Moreover, cosmology cannot be envisioned without Particle-Atomic-Nuclear Physics. Science behind heat, light, electricity and magnetism etc. are also essential to explain Cosmology. Therefore, these sciences are part of ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’. For all of them, the word ‘Physics’ is highly appropriate.

            Other branches of science viz. Chemistry, Geology, Zoology, Botany etc. are incomplete without the Physics; alternatively, Physics is the root of Chemistry and other branches of science. Hence, almost all the branches of modern sciences are part of ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’. However, in reality the entire ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’ is incomplete without Spiritual Science. 

            Knowing the purpose of the cosmos, humans since the time they were born, have been constantly trying to know about the genesis and functioning of the cosmos. Even today, humans, where ever they reside on the earth and weather they are educated or not, think about this universe at some or the other level. These thoughts vary according to the intellect of the individuals. Sometimes they are restricted in their analysis of universe due to the faith and belief systems.

2.5 The history of ‘Sṛṣti Vijñāna’

            There is an extensive discussion on the real science behind the nature in all ancient Vaidika texts including Veda, Manusmṛti, various Brahmana Texts, Mahābhārata, Sūtra Texts, Upaniṣada etc. Even, before the birth of modern sciences, western nations had witnessed the views of thinkers like Aristotle, Plato etc. regarding the science behind the nature. The basic source of all these thoughts and the views of other beliefs and faiths system of india and foreign countries was ‘Vaidika Darśana’ only, which got distorted and proliferated in the world.

            The rise of the era of modern sciences, as we say, begins from Copernicus and Galileo. Later, the age of modern cosmology began with British scientist Isaac Newton. Subsequently, many revolutionary inventions and discoveries were made in modern sciences until Elbert Einstein. Many hidden mysteries of the universe were discovered and deciphered.

            During this period, modern science developed very high and advanced techniques which helped it to uncover the mysteries of this universe. After Einstein till today, many technologies have been developed. All the engineers and the scientists are working together to understand this universe. In the last 200-300 years, the modern science has much delved on the universe. Scientists across the globe together are working hard day and night. Even then, any universally acceptable theory could not be established; instead many opposing beliefs are famed as theories and it is quite surprising that while those scientists confront other theories, they provide experimental results mathematical calculations, and evidences to prove their respective theories.

            While much of effort and money has been invested, scientists have not been able to discover the secrets of the origin of the universe and the mysteries; and the knowledge our Ṛṣi-s (Vaidika Scientists) knew disappeared and is lost now. Today we have the Vaidika texts, but no one to explain. In the subsequent chapters, we will try to learn about some of these mysteries through Vaidika Physics.

2.6 Why understand Cosmos?

            Now we should learn why is is important to know cosmos? Can’t humans be happy without knowing it? The answer is yes, we will definitely not be able to live happily without knowing it. The more we know the cosmos, the happier we become and this will not be external happiness but can make our mind, body and soul happy and with that can ensure wellbeing of others too.

      Let us try to understand with an example. Assume we buy a car and start driving without knowing it, then what will happen? We may meet with an accident and damage the car and our body. Can anyone doubt about it? The one who knows more about the car and the rules of the traffic and also follows them, his journey will be more relaxing and convenient. This example is enough to indicate the importance of the knowledge of the cosmos. The more we know about our body, plants, earth, air, water, sun, moon, electricity, magnetism, heat, energy etc. the more we can take benefit from them.

            Remember, we are destroying our health and the environment due to inventions from half-baked knowledge of above. Like a driver with half information can cause an accident, similarly the technology based on partial knowledge is bound to harm in some way. Today’s world, which is considered to be hi-tech, has no technology that harmless. There is no allopathic medicine which has no side-effect, on the contrary, the techniques developed on the basis of Theoretical Physics in Vaidika age had no harmful effects. Shouldn’t we deliberate why was that it so?

          It is because, we in want of ease and convenience, do not focus on in-depth knowledge of the material science, instead focus on the technical innovation. Secondly, we have considered nature as a self-made entity from the interaction of material particles. We have forgotten that one conscious entity who creates and controls all these and other conscious entity which resides in our bodies and enjoys the entire cosmos; This implies that of the three, the scientists focused only on the non-living material and are trying to bring fortunes for the humans and so the harm was bound to happen.

            Just imagine, how a person would behave if he forgets his family members mother, father, brother, sister, wife and children and considers himself as supreme and claims entire property? Can he remain happy by troubling others? The situation of man is same today.

            Man, today considers himself to be supreme consumer of cosmos and wants to use the entire world, hence, struggle has increased, many animals are becoming extinct. Feelings of love, compassion, kindness are absent. Therefore, knowing the universe in entirety and conducting accordingly will make humans and also other creatures happy.