"Why We Are What We Are?"

  The real state of existence is 'Sat', the 'brahmn'. This 'brahmn' is a state of both sada (Existence) and 'asada' (Non-existence), a state of 'Is' and 'Is Not'. In fact the latter is literally incorrect. There cannot be is and is not. But, this is brahmn, the 'Absolute Abstract' It is significant that everything manifests from a state of 'nothing' or 'non-existence'. This is true of everything that exists here on earth and that include the humans!. Hence, from gross to subtler and most subtle, everything becomes almost non-existent!

 It is common knowledge that 'there is a decline in our levels of consciousness' over the centuries. That means the people were of higher level of consciousness during the last eons of kruta yuga, treta yuga and dva para yuga as compared to kali yuga, now. But, it should be clearly understood that people of all different levels of consciousness exist all the time. Any person can rise to the highest level of consciousness with the help of yogabhyasa to 'sahasrar They rarely understand the values of art and culture. At higher and higher levels of consciousness, persons ability to understand and appreciate these will increase and, may be, they lose interest in the mundane daily routines of life. There are great artists, musicians and the like amongst us.At much higher and higher levels, many turn their interest to spiritual attainment. They seek the help of an attained person, take to yogabhyasa, and reach the transcendental state leading to samadhi. Ultimately, some reach the highest level, the 'param pada'. These are the refined persons who are devoid of all the acquired qualities (guna) and become pure and divine. Such persons are known as 'mahatma', the divine souls (mahan atma), This stage of mahatma comes after a long long cycle of rebirths and refinement! These persons realize the 'self' and rest in peace with themselves.

  In fact, the very purpose of life of a jiva in human form is to reach this highest state. Even the animals and birds attain to this highest divine state and become worthy of reverence and worship. Thus, there is no other goal than this in life!