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Reference: The Book of Universe

The general plan followed in this book is to start with the broadest concept possible and define it with scientific precision. This allows us to look at the most widely prevalent misconceptions in the society. Once we have done that, we look at the next broadest concept, and so on.

The broadest concept appears to be the UNIVERSE, which forms the knowable part of the dichotomy “Unknowable-knowable.” This point may be contested, and all questions with respect to it are welcome.

If God is a broader concept than the universe, then one must look at the fact that, in the West, God is part of the dichotomy “Creator-created.” In this universe both creator and created are knowable. If God is knowable, then God is a part of the knowable universe and can be approached scientifically. If God is unknowable, then the dichotomy “Unknowable-knowable” allows much less ambiguity.

We divide the universe into physical and spiritual universes. The physical universe is made of energy and matter. It is, obviously, a part of the known universe. The spiritual universe has a component that is unknowable, but the other component is a knowable “thought universe.” So we start with a knowable universe that is made up of thought, energy and matter, with a background that is unknowable.

The religion was the first effort of the thinking mind to explain the world it experienced. It was beset by unknowns, so it postulated to understand what it encountered. As knowledge has became more sophisticated, it has progressed from religion to philosophy. Philosophy used reasoning to further the knowledge. The curiosity to know then progressed from reasoning of philosophy to the modern systematic approach of science. The purpose has always been to explore the natural phenomena to find answers. The answers most needed today is the understanding of the mind and how to maximize its ability to find correct answers.

As we go through the chapters of this book, we follow with the logical sequence of broader to narrower concepts. When the first chapter addresses as broad a subject as the universe, we can find many logical sequences emerging from it that go in many different directions. This book touches upon only a very small number of the most obvious concepts. Hopefully, more shall be covered if there are subsequent volumes of this book.

Each chapter introduces a key concept, and provides a comprehensive definition constrained by the need for continuity, consistency and harmony. The definition is followed by notes, which expand upon that concept. The next section briefly lays out the key misconceptions related to that concept.

However, the definitions, notes and misconceptions come from the understanding related to my limited experience. So, the last section of each chapter encourages the reader to modify the definitions, notes and misconceptions according to his own experience. Thus, he may generate a version of this book closer to his own understanding.

One of the paths in Hinduism is Jnana Yoga (the union of knowledge). This book may be looked upon as an attempt to offer a modern version of Jnana Yoga. It is based on the dichotomy “Unknowable-knowable.” It proposes that a conscious resolution of one’s misconceptions helps one evolve rapidly.

All misconceptions are anomalies. Anomalies are things like discontinuity (missing data), inconsistency (contradictory data), or disharmony (arbitrary data), which underlie the feeling that something does not make sense. As one handles such anomalies in a systematic manner, not only the mind but the body also starts to heal.

May this book provide you with the understanding and healing that you are looking for.

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