A leap into the Divine

From Pratiksha Apurv's desk

Take a quantum jump from a total chaotic mind to a state of bliss and godliness, for it is our very nature, writes Pratiksha Apurv. Published in Speaking Tree on 25 January 2020.

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Painting by Pratiksha Apurv
‘A Leap into the Divine’ by Pratiksha Apurv, 48×36″, Oil on canvas, 2020

For ages, science and spirituality have been debating on the transition of matter from one state to another. Talks and discussions by physicists like Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg gave birth to the quantum theory; whereas in India, sages simply turned towards their inner consciousness to take this big leap – from one state of awareness to another, from chaos to peace. However, both scientific and spiritual theories are based on the same definition that a quantum leap is that sudden transition brought about through an exemplary shift in one’s life, by moving from one state to the other.

Since this transition depends on the amount of energy applied, we call it a big move forward in one’s life. Just like a child who can jump from the first to the fourth or fifth stair, a seeker can move from a total chaotic mind to a state of absolute peace. This leap, as both scientists and sages have observed, is directly proportionate to the energy involved.

Nobel laureate Heisenberg, in a lecture in 1933, observed that each stationary state of an atom corresponds to a whole complexity of parameters that specify the probability of this transition from one state to another, and that this atomic system is also capable of assuming discrete states and, therefore, discrete energy values. Heisenberg’s statement equally applies on us as conscious beings.

A notion that we exist independently like an island, to drop the constantly chattering and judgemental mind and assuming that we are separate from the whole, is a fallacy. In reality, deep down, we are one. And when this false notion of separateness disappears, our consciousness, which was wrongly identified with our ego, moves from the ego or the state of ignorance and hallucinations to egolessness – a sudden quantum leap into the Divine happens, which can only be described as a state of total bliss.

Like the theory of quantum mechanics, I see the same eternal law in Gautama Buddha’s words: Aes Dhammo Sanantano – ‘Blissfulness is our very nature’. But in the journey of life, we have separated ourselves by creating and believing that we each are separate like an island. The quantum leap, therefore, is nothing but a sudden jump from this false notion of an isolated island to the vast and infinite zone of bliss or godliness. Danish physicist Niels Bohr had observed that the process of transition from one state to another is accompanied by the emission of electromagnetic radiation. Similarly in our consciousness too, this leap from mind to no-mind carries the energy of awakening that transforms our total inner being.

Meditation is this single quantum leap that takes us from a chattering mind full of queries, towards a state of pure consciousness. In this state, there is no need for mind or language to experience and feel the deep silence that engulfs us. Just be yourself and all that one needs to know will be known. Kenopanishad says: Yasyamatah Tasya Matah, Yasya naa veda Sah, Avigyat Vijanatah Vigyatam Vijanatam – ‘Soul, Brahmn can only be experienced by the one who knows it as incomprehensible.’ It cannot be known if we feel that it can easily be surmised in words. According to Kenopanishad, Brahmn remains unknown to those who intellectually think that they know it, and it becomes known to those who are innocent and open without any preconceived notions.

In the painting A Leap Into The Divine, I have tried to depict this innermost core of life, which can be reached only through such a courageous leap. Those who hesitate from jumping into meditation, thinking that it might turn out to be unfamiliar territory, would be missing the essence of life. Most often, our mind prevents us from gathering the required courage to move into this great adventure because even the greatest of hazards in life appear to be familiar and manageable to us. Osho says that in a single step, the whole journey is contained. “It is not a gradual phenomenon. It is not that slowly, slowly, gradually you come to the divine. It is a quantum leap. One moment you were in darkness and the next moment, all is light. All that is needed is to put the ego aside,” he says.

Essentially, man’s nature is to be blissful. Therefore, misery is an unnatural state, a state of living in an unconscious state. The moment one gathers courage to take this leap, misery disappears like a bad dream and we are able to discover the pure joy of bliss and benediction. We then awaken to the kingdom of godliness within us. Only courage and trust is needed for this blissful state to happen. The Bhagwad Gita says: Ajnaash chashraddadhanash cha sanshayatma vinashyati, nayam lokosti naa paro naa sukhas sanshayatmanah – ‘Those who possess neither trust nor knowledge, and doubt existence itself, such sceptical people will not be able to enjoy happiness in this world.’ Explaining in simple terms, Kabir says: Jin khoja tin paaiya, gehre paani paith, mai baapura budan dara, raha kinaare baith – ‘Sitting on the edge of the river due to the fear of drowning will not yield us anything; instead we can find much by diving deep into the river.’

We need to stop seeking outside because we will never be able to enjoy the dance of life happening within us. If we don’t take this leap, we will be missing the true essence of life and the great opportunity that was presented to us. All we need to do is to hear the voice of existence within, inviting us to explore the real treasures and mysteries of life. For this to happen, there is only one miracle and that is this single step – the quantum leap to arrive home.

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Quote by Osho from Guida Spirituale, Ch 14, Q 1

Pratiksha Apurv

Pratiksha Apurv is a painter and writer. She lives and works in Pune. www.pratikshaart.com

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