Once upon a time, when we were small kids, we were taught that water exists in three states- solid, liquid and gas. We were told that its properties are different in different states. We were also told that heat could transform water from one state to another, and that in its liquid state, water took the shape of the vessel in which it resides.
We sometimes wonder why there are so many Gods and Goddesses in the Hindu religion. And then, to complicate matters, some people also say that there is only one God; that all these Gods and Goddesses are simply different manifestations of that single God. This sometimes confuses us- how can God be one and also be many? If he is one, why does he have so many manifestations? How can he be both निर्गुण and सगुण? Why is it said that it is easier to worship him in his सगुण form? Why all these differences?
And somehow, we never wonder why does water have so many forms? Why can it be solid and liquid and gas? How can ice, water and water-vapor all be water? They are all obviously different- ice is very cold, and it is solid- we can hit and break it with a hammer, and we can see it, but water-vapor is not cold, and we cannot see it, and we can try to hammer it all we like but we will only tire ourselves as a result, and liquid water- it is simply amazing- it takes the shape of any vessel we put it in! And we can also drink it! It is the cure for our thirst. Then how can all these be the same thing? How can all these be water?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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