________________
The Nature of the Universe 119 In this tenth reflection, the aspirant understands the nature of loka- this universe in which we all move. In this universe we all are permanent as well as transient. There are two standpoints. From the standpoint of essence, we are permanent. From the standpoint of form, we are transient.
As we grow, we see with double awareness two qualities: dravya, or substance, and paryaya, or modification. Dravya is essence and is by nature permanent. Paryaya is form, that which revolves or alters around the essence, and is by nature transient. We see in the same moment both the essence and form. We experience both the flower in bloom and its changing elements.
This deep awareness which comes from meditation makes you live in this moment of the present, not in the worry of tomorrow. What is to be gained by running to a palmist or astrologer and asking her to tell you how long you will live? If someone tells you you are going to live eighty years, what do you do? Perhaps you say, “Well, I have a long time to live," but are you happy? What do you do with the eighty years if they go in sickness, in the hospital, in distorted thinking, in bed? What if someone told you you have only one year to live? You would become anxious and say, “After one year, I am gone. What shall I do?"
You may know how long you will live, but do you know how to live? What are we to do with the few years we have? Are we here to vegetate? If we know how to live, one year can surpass one hundred years. It is not how many years we live which brings us happiness. Joy is not counted with years, it is counted with moments.
Can we learn the art of living in the present moment and get in touch with our dravya, our essence? We are always thinking of the future. We worry about the future. We don't live in the present. That is our problem.
