We often hear that we are all one and the same. The same blood runs through our veins. Yet, there are so much of discord and disharmony in our society. Human beings have created so many different identities, demarcated boundaries and alienated their kinfolk that it is no different than committing crimes. If there is only one consciousness which pervades the whole universe, then why should there be such a resistance in recognising each other as progenies of the same source? Peoples’ mind have been so corrupted by Maya that they run away from the truth and let themselves trapped by illusion.
God is called by different names; however, the definition of God remains the same. Regardless of the various words used to call God, God is eternal, God is universal consciousness, God is Omnipresent, God is omniscient, God is omnipotent. And we are all emanations of God. We all come from the same source. If we disregard our physical existence for a moment and reflect on that force which keeps us in existence, we will understand that that force is none other than God. Our true nature is that of God. And it is same for all living beings, and even for inanimate things. It is one and the same force which connects us all together. Satguru Kabir Saheb says:
“Dekho Sab Men Raam Hai, Ekahi Ras Bharpoor;
Jaise Eekh Te Sab Banaa, Cheenee Shakkar Goor.”
(see transliteration and pronunciation guide here)
An abundance of the same life-force is present in everyone, although it may appear different. Just like different sweets and cakes look different, but they all contain the same common ingredient, sugar. If we realise this aspect of our existence, then we will see ourselves in every other being. We will extend the love and care we express to our immediate family members to everyone else. Just like Adi Shankaracharya’s quote, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’: The whole world is but one family.
We are all the manifestation of this single Universal Consciousness. And we are therefore all connected. Although people and things may appear distinct (on the physical plane of existence), they are not separate. Our real nature is non-dualistic. It therefore follows that whatever you do to others, you are in fact doing to yourself. This also explains why lots of catastrophes are happening in our world. When we talk of global warming, climate change, is it not our doing? Are we not responsible for all the harmful effects of calamities striking us? If we are good to each other, and if we do good to the environment, to nature, we are in fact doing good to ourselves. Because the benefits of all the good that we do come back to us multiplied. It is only when we understand our spiritual connection with God that we can relate to the divinity within us. The concept of oneness can only be understood when we acknowledge our existence on the spiritual plane. Satguru Kabir Saheb says:
“Main Laagaa Us Ek Se, Ek Bhayaa Sab Maahin;
Sab Meraa Main Saban Kaa, Rahaa Doosaraa Naahin.”
(see transliteration and pronunciation guide here)
Satguru Kabir Saheb teaches us that when you are able to identify yourself with the One Universal Consciousness (God), then you become one with God. At that point, you do not see a difference between yourself and anyone else. Realisation comes to the person who is able to see unity in everything, living and non-living, animate and inanimate, physical and non-physical. To start on the path of realisation, one should remove false identity barriers.
Once there were two brothers who lived side by side. They were both farmers, and had been happily working together for many years. It so happened that one day they had a little discussion. That little discussion grew into a bigger rift. Such was the disagreement between the two that they did not want to see each other’s face. The elder brother dug a trench between their two houses so that his brother could not walk to his property. They lived in disagreement for years. One day, a carpenter was passing by, looking for work. He met with the elder brother and asked him if he had any small jobs on his farm. The elder brother told him how his relationship with his younger brother deteriorated, and that they do not want to see each other’s face any more. He asked the carpenter to build a fence high enough between the two houses so that they could not see each other. He showed him the timber, and he left with his cattle for the market. The carpenter set himself to work. In the evening, when the elder came back home, he was surprised to see the carpenter’s work. The carpenter built a bridge over the creek which the elder brother dug, and his younger brother was mid-way on the bridge waiting to hug his brother. The younger brother called out to his brother: “After all that I have done to you, I was not expecting that you would reach out to me. Forgive me brother, it’s time to forget and let go”. Thus, the carpenter’s bridge connected the two.
We are all taught that we are one, but we often forget our oneness and allow Maya to take over and trap us in unnecessary divisions. Let us all understand our true identity and our real nature; let us all connect with the Universal Consciousness and become one with it.
