07.06 - From the reality of nature to the nature of reality

The reality of nature: In trying to understand this,science equates the natural with the material. All the great theories of science are essentially attempts to understand what nature really is. These theories have led to enormous technological advancement, but a coherent conceptual framework about nature has remained elusive. For example, quantum physics and relativity are violently contradictory in their conceptions of the reality of nature: the first says waves; the second, particles. And no reconciliation seems anywhere near the horizon; in fact, even the location of the horizon is unknown.

The nature of reality: Gita wisdom focuses on this. Reality, the Bhagavad-gita (07.06) indicates, is an integral whole centered on the Supreme Absolute Truth, Krishna. Nature is Krishnas energy, emanating from his wisdom and working under his will. Gita wisdom deems the current scientific approach misdirected, for it agonizes over the reality of nature without apprehending the nature of reality. Studying nature as if it were an independent reality without considering its connection with the whole is an intrinsically fragmented approach. Such an approach can yield at best disjointed islands of comprehension amidst an ocean of incomprehension. More consequentially, it cant show us the end of the ocean because the ocean alone is the object of study. The exclusivist study of matter cant illuminate the principles or purposes for living because both these are non-material concepts. The resulting darkness sentences millions to meaningless existence.

Gita wisdom releases us from this sentence by informing us that lifes purpose is loving harmonization with Krishna. It offers the key principle of devotionally utilizing everything, including nature, for that purpose. By, using nature as a tool for transforming our hearts from disharmony to harmony, each one of us can realize the nature of reality.