Chitrabhanu Man with Vision

Author(s): Clare Rosenfield
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre New York

Page 10

Foreword
This universe in which we find ourselves is a vast home. There are more planets in our galaxy than there are people on the earth, and this galaxy is only one of countless galaxies scattered throughout space. Of what significance can this small span of eighty, ninety, or even one hundred years be in the midst of this vastness? What can be the ultimate purpose and value of even our finest efforts to accomplish or achieve in the material world?
Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu posed these questions to his listeners in a recent talk at the Jain Meditation International Center. He then pointed to the answer in a single word: consciousness. Without consciousness, the magnitude of the universe has no significance. Only consciousness can appreciate the majesty of nature; and in that state of balance and inspiration, it encompasses and goes beyond the limits of the world of atoms and molecules. Consciousness, then, is vaster than the vast. Since it is consciousness that gives value to the world and its objects, whether they are vast entities like our Milky Way or tiny fragments like diamonds, consciousness itself must be the most valuable element, for what could surpass in value that which is the source of all value?
Viewed from this perspective, the ultimate purpose of life is to expand, perfect, and liberate consciousness. This is the quest which can bring lasting satisfaction. It is only by freeing ourselves from the darkness of ignorance, from our petty desires and selfish demands, and from harmful emotions such as anger, greed, pride, and jealousy that we can expand our awareness and experience the peace of mind we truly seek. This message lies at the heart of every teaching that has survived the test of time.
To whom or to what, then, do we turn for guidance and instruction along this path toward liberation? Ultimately we
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