Present has multiple meanings.
The depth of what Present means,
is found in our traditional wisdom or resources of ancient reservoirs of
memory. Present is seen as a continuum of the Past and leading to the Future.
By continuum, we mean changing, evolving, adapting nature of a ‘pattern’ of
phenomena – like a spiral. Pattern appears cyclic/ some tendencies repeating in
newer forms. The idea is to understand this pattern of phenomena, so that we
realize that our perceptions and conceptions also are wedded to this pattern of
things. By realizing this, we make an ‘appropriate’ decision/ or choose a
course of action that makes a better future. Hence, a decision, is instrumental
in modifying a pattern. Pattern encompasses the ecology, ecosystem, cosmos,
environment – we are a part of all this. Pattern means a system of changing
relationships and of acknowledging the idea of dependence. Pattern, therefore,
takes us beyond our own limited idea of self/ identity. The Indian way of
expressing this is by using the word – Itihaas
– which is NOT historical facts, but recurring tendencies or patterns that were
present before, are present now and will recur in the future. The meaning of
the Present, is therefore informed by enlarging our understanding of pattern.
Hence, Present should not be a
rupture from the Past, although I feel that rupture or continuum are our states
of consciousness. If we choose to completely delink relationships and their
tendencies and choose to see Present for what it is, then we might be creating
a rupture of our perceptions and conceptions. The response subsequently
expresses this rupture. If we choose to consider the impressions of the Past
and the values that hold relevant even today, we attempt to relate and adapt
values in contemporary situations. Subsequent expressions display a long
lasting relevance of utility for generations.
At the core, is the idea of
values – which contain cosmology. Can we give time to develop this state of
mind?
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