The teaching "Humans do not see end or beginning, only a little bit in between" resonates deeply with Hindu philosophy, encapsulating several core concepts about the nature of existence, perception, and the universe. This notion can be expanded upon through various Hindu scriptures and teachings, revealing a profound understanding of life and the cosmos.
1. The Infinite Nature of Existence
In Hinduism, existence is seen as cyclical and infinite,
with no absolute beginning or end. This is embodied in the concept of Samsara,
the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The Bhagavad Gita, a central
text in Hinduism, discusses this idea extensively. It teaches that the soul
(Atman) is eternal and transcends the temporary physical body:
Bhagavad Gita 2.20: "For the soul there is neither
birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into
being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing,
undying and primeval."
2. Limited Human Perception
Humans, according to Hindu teachings, have limited
perception and are often confined to the immediate experiences of their current
life. The Maya concept explains this limitation, where Maya refers to the
illusion that veils the true nature of reality from human eyes. Because of
Maya, people perceive only a fragment of the whole:
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.8: "In the golden city of the
heart dwells the Lord of Love, without parts, without stain. Know him as the
radiant light of lights. There shines not the sun, neither moon nor star, nor
flash of lightning nor fire lit on earth. The Lord is the light reflected by
all. He shining, everything shines after him."
3. Temporal vs. Eternal Reality
The distinction between temporal reality (which humans
perceive) and eternal reality (the ultimate truth) is another critical aspect.
The Upanishads emphasize that what we experience in our daily lives is just a
small part of a much larger, timeless truth:
Katha Upanishad 2.2.15: "There is that which is beyond
our mind, that which is beyond the senses. That which is beyond the senses, the
intellect cannot grasp. By knowing the knower of all things, we become free
from all kinds of bondage."
4. The Role of Dharma and Karma
The concepts of Dharma (righteous duty) and Karma (action
and its consequences) play a crucial role in shaping the "little bit in
between" that humans experience. Our actions in this life and previous
lives determine our present circumstances and our future rebirths. This law of
cause and effect binds individuals to the cycle of Samsara, making the present
life a significant, though limited, segment of an ongoing journey:
Bhagavad Gita 3.35: "It is better to live your own
destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with
perfection."
5. Seeking Liberation (Moksha)
Hinduism teaches that through self-realization and spiritual
practice, one can transcend the limitations of human perception and achieve Moksha
(liberation). Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of Samsara and the
realization of one's unity with Brahman, the ultimate reality:
Bhagavad Gita 2.51: "The wise, engaged in the pure
action, abandoning the fruits born of action, freed from the bondage of birth,
go to the state which is beyond all evil."
In conclusion, the teaching "Humans do not see end or beginning, only a little bit in between" encapsulates the essence of Hindu philosophy. It underscores the eternal, cyclical nature of existence, the limitations of human perception, and the ultimate goal of realizing one's true, timeless self beyond the confines of physical life. Through understanding and transcending these limitations, individuals can achieve spiritual liberation and unity with the infinite.