The Concept of Time

Everything in this universe comes within the grip of Time. Time is an illusion since it varies from situation and space to different situations and space. In fact, Time only creates space since the space is the hidden aspect of time. There exists nothing when time and space are united. When time moves it creates space and objects occupy the space! Time begins with the radiation of electromagnetic waves. Since ‘light travels at 186000 mps, space, time and intelligence are inherent in the Light. If anything moves at the speed of light it ceases to exist in time! Even if one travel at the speed of light that person are reduced to ‘nothing’! This ‘nothingness’, unity in time and space, is brahmn. In fact, that which is measurable, or that which comes within the grip of limitation (niyati) of time and space is ‘Ma-ya’. Hence, everything, including ‘maya’ is the manifest form of brahmn. 

   Time and space are created by the radiation of Sun in the form of electromagnetic waves. The sun rays inheres within the electromagnetic waves a number of other qualities such as light, heat, life-force (actinic rays) and qualities dictated by colours (violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red, as well as, infra-red and ultra-violet, alpha, beta, gamma, x rays. The three prominent ones that represent the qualities of tamas (dark), rajas (red), and sattva (white). All life-forms are supported by subtler waves of life-force (actinic rays), and energy (like Vitamin D), sound and syllables (alphabets), words and their meaning producing the phenomenal gross objects are all hidden in the electro-magnetic waves of solar radiation. Thus, the factor of ‘Time’ (kaal) holds everything within itself! Both electricity and magnetism are involved in Time. Time is energy. Time creates and destroys objects. Thus, the ‘time-space continuum’ is the basic tenet of science. Time is indeed illusory since it does not exist outside the forces of rotation of the earth! Hence, time is illusory, and, so also, the space that is created by it! If both time and space are illusory, the physical objects that occupy the space and endure in time are also illusory! This is the concept of maya. Thus, everything in this universe is governed by this maya- the limiting factor (time, space and causality).

     Einstein and many other scientists tried to give some explanation regarding the universe in many different ways, such as, algebraic equations, mathematical formulae, and theories and hypotheses. They include ‘Theory of Relativity’, a ‘Probability theory’, a ‘Quantum Mechanics theory’, ‘Gravitational theory’, and many others. So far, one single ‘unified general theory’ that can explain everything is evading! In fact, now it is learnt that such a ‘Unified Theory’, that could explain all, is not possible at all! Some intervening powerful extraneous force is always there affecting the structural changes that take place in the transformation of matter! Mere combination of two ions of Hydrogen (H2) and an Oxygen ion (O) may not immediately or instantly produce water unless there is a catalyst that brings about change! If mere Hydrogen and Oxygen could get us water, may be, there would be no dearth for water on earth?

     But, in Vedanta, the entire universe is visualized as a continuum- one of ‘unitary existence’! Everything is intimately connected to the other. Till now, there was no point of contact between the Scientists and the Vedantins and each one viewed things in their own perspective and there was no common platform for them to exchange their views. Besides, their language of expression was different. The pundits considered it a taboo even to think of Vedanta and Science together and talk about the two in the same breath, as if, it was not advisable to talk while eating’! Hence, there was no attempt to synthesize our knowledge and present a holistic view of our existence in this transient, ‘make-believe’ world. Now, times have changed. The scientists have taken to serious study of ancient Hindu scriptures and have found answers to all that they wanted to know!