Family and Nation

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya, A P J Abdulkalam
Publisher: Harper Publications India

Page 47

THE EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS AND PAIN
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From the cosmic perspective given by Mahavira, our planet can be seen as a living organism which has many parts that make up the whole. Her waters are like our blood, the land masses and plates are like our muscles, and all of us, including animals and insects, are like cells that move within her body. None of us can sustain life without the allimportant element of oxygen. The systems we have within us that help us sustain our lives are also present within her. The Earth has natural processes to break down nutrients, replenish depleted systems, re-grow injured or failing parts, warm herself when she is cold and cool herself when she is warm. She is able to heal just as we are able to heal. There is a power that lies within her that also lies within each and everyone of us.
Different cultures in the world have myths and legends of a time when all of humanity was united and was one with their source. Somewhere along the way that unity was shattered and the separation began. Whether it was the banishment from the Garden of Eden or some other event of legend and myth, man separated himself from God Almighty. Mankind then proceeded through centuries trying to figure out who God was. Is God the sun, the moon or the elements of the Earth? Think how many centuries were spent in just trying to figure out who God was and how we could make Him happy. How could we make Him love us and shower favour upon us? Should we sacrifice precious lives? So many lifetimes were spent in trying to figure out what would do the trick.
Ironically, the desire to please God began to separate us from one another as people began to take sides about who was right and who was wrong. Greek philosopher Empedocles (490–430 BC) identified the fundamental forces in the Universe with the gods of Love and Strife-Aphrodite