Contemplation on the nature of Reality

Following are the observations that are formed after referring to the article on ‘perceptions’ and the subsequent interpretations regarding the phenomena that we perceive on a daily basis:

1.       Our static position and cyclic perception of phenomena: Perhaps one of the dimensions for apparent nature of our perception of phenomena is because we remain static to a situation. We are at the same place, so we tend to perceive the cyclic occurrence of days, nights, months, seasons, temperature fluctuations, wind speeds, sea tides and so on. This cyclic tendency of natural phenomena further has impact of agriculture, production cycles and right upto GDP. Thus , perceiving cyclic nature of events is dependent on our static position.

2.       Above (1) observation gives rise to following ideas:

a.       If we experience ‘day’ at a given position of time and place, then some other position of time and place would experience ‘night’. Thus, our own perceptions based on time and place are relative.

b.      Thus, cyclic nature indicates a change of events and a recurrence of a pattern. Night follows day which itself is followed by night again. Philosophically, we are born, we grow up and we die – (and the pattern is supposed to recur again). In terms of experience, we perceive all kinds of emotions at various phases of our lives and those emotions are not static (they may repeat or they may recur). This realization generates a tolerant attitude to ‘change’. We cannot (and need not) cling to any given idea of static or of bonded nature. We won’t be able to freeze moments of happiness throughout our lives and neither would moments of agony last forever. No matter how much we try to remain static or resist any kind of change, we will nevertheless have to face change in our environments. Over the period of time, we may develop the strength to perceive the good and bad as not opposites, but as a composite phenomena.

c.       In any given instant, there are many cycle of events occurring in our particular life. Someone is dying, whereas other is born. Someone fails, whereas other achieves great amount of success. Some trees are cut or reach the end of their life, but some thousand other saplings grow in other areas. If the Universe (as a whole) seems to expand, then It should contract in a foreseeable future. Thus, is there any point in grieving over what is lost and is there any point on rejoicing on what is accomplished? Because what may be lost, is not permanent and need not be regarded as the end of hope. Similarly, what may be accomplished, may not be treated as our sole right over it. And so, when we talk about ‘hope’, we are referring to create that sense of strength that does not rely on these fluctuating patterns of loss and accomplishment.

d.      A given instant may be regarded as a union of opposites. If there is a day somewhere, there has to be night somewhere else. If there is coldness somewhere, there has to be warmth somewhere else. If there is despair, there has to be hope somewhere else. If there is peace, there has to be violence somewhere else. If some parts of the Universe expand, then others are bound to contract. This also means, that our personal adherence to a particular situation (or a tendency or a thought) simultaneously creates an opposite tendency or a situation somewhere else. Therefore, a richer society creates or is sustained or balanced by an economically weaker society. A leader, thus, must generate followers to validate himself. A man, thus, requires a support or complimentary support of feminine qualities and vice versa. And single men will obviously create more single women too.

Summarily, we can condense above observations into two prominent themes: movement (cyclic, recurring, waxing, waning, changing etc.) and balance (of opposites, divergence, multiplicity)

In ancient Indian literature, this seems to have been mentioned as “The Dance of Shiva” . Numerous poems have been written about the “changing nature of the river”, “taking us from one shore to the other” and many countless poems regarding the futility of grieving for the loss and urging us to understand the Universal truth that generates these phenomena.

In Mahabharat, the Hero Keshava demonstrates these concepts through the discourse of Bhagvad Geeta and represents them through the manifestation of “Vishwarup Darshan” (or Divine Experience).

Continuing with above observations, it may be interesting to note, that the realization of above principles comes by wisdom and an inward journey. Method of taking one inward may be an act of individual discovery/ choice. 

The Idea of Perfection

The idea of perfection is intellectual and intuitive. Let’s consider the idea in both these perspectives:

The intellectual’s idea of what it means to be perfect

1.       Efficiency, productivity, planning, and making optimum use of the available resources (that includes Time as well) is a priority here. Thus, the stress is on creating an ORDER.

2.       Since the stress is on order, if it is predictable – all the more better! Thus, a perfectionist is likely to hate deviations or spontaneity in a given sequence of work.

3.       Legal – The given work can be rational dissected and legally bounded. If there’s anything that seems to be outside the rational or the legal, then that’s either non existent or it has to be framed in the legal scheme of things.

4.       Emphasis is on the ‘individual’ alone. ‘I’ becomes very prominent. Negotiations, trouble shooting, arguments, become the norm of the day. Stress increases.

5.       Perfection was either in the Past or is in the future – That is, perfection is conditional. I had a great childhood experience, so past was great and I was happy back then! Or, unless I have a great spouse, perfect home, perfect job, perfect kid, perfect weather, I can’t be happy or perfect. This thought can keep us dissatisfied throughout our lives. The idea of perfection in this case, is “illusionary” since, we are assuming that the Present moment is NOT perfect for us! Because, we think that we are NOT perfect. Why should such a habit of thought arise, is difficult to state, but it is born out of the way in which we get trained to perceive things around us.

6.       Based on above, “change” of any kind is a huge stress factor for people driven by the intellectual idea of perfection. What doesn’t change? We change, our thoughts change, our bodies, mind, people, working styles, environments, societies – everything is bound to change. Therefore, one needs to be critical regarding excessive demand for perfection, because it can cause a lot of pain in the long term perspective. For me, being too perfect is equal to being too predictable and that can happen only if one is dead!

The idea of perfection based on intuition:

1.       Change is a part of Nature. Thus, observe the patterns of change and respond to it. It constitutes the reality of life.

2.       People behave with different frequencies. They have different perceptions, attitudes, and respond to situations in different ways based on their own tendencies. Thus, perfection deals with embracing this variety. No one is right or wrong – they are just people, like you and me, trying to reach somewhere which itself is subjective, as an idea.

3.       Let people be as they are. The emotions, fears, thoughts, experiences are valid, in themselves. They will discover their own way of understanding things. They should be given their own time to do so.

4.       With this, comes the understanding that it is not required to ‘race’ just like others are doing. For what are we racing for? And where are we going? Do we even know the destination? Or shouldn’t it be a journey of discovery?

5.       Discovery of ‘us’ leads to enjoyment perhaps. What discovery are we referring to here? Discovery of our innate nature as a life form. Discovery of our own thoughts, tendencies, emotions, feelings and so on. Discovery that others too have all these dimensions and they are affected by them. Discovery that we may control some aspects of our lives, since majority of the things would just continue to happen – regardless of whatever we might do or think. Discovery of letting go and generating ‘faith’.

6.       Discovery that – we are already perfect! This is NOT a snobbish conclusion. The idea of perfection in this case – is related to the feeling of stability of the mind despite the changing circumstances surrounding it. This raises a question – what is stability then? Thus, understanding of the term of inherent/ intrinsic stability will offer us the clue of feeling ‘perfect’ at any instant.

Architecture

In trying to go to the origins of mankind, one may conclude that the tendency of human response is rooted to geographical condition of a given place (which Architects call it -“climate”) . Generations of trying to stay alive in given geographical constraints have led to what we call as ‘history’ (improvisations, optimizations, beliefs, culture and so on) and the collective memories of repeated events in human existence has led our thoughts to what we call as ‘philosophy’ (the connection of a particular situation to the universal or perhaps the idea of timelessness from the perception of time). 

At best, the understanding and application of the idea of ‘Architecture’ (as said by eminent Architect Aashish Ganju from New Delhi, India) lies at the intersection of vectors formed by geography, history and philosophy. That is the potential of architecture – not just bricks and stones, but the ability to create experience, feelings, moods, hope, aspirations from a simple and profound arrangement of spaces. Thus, Architecture can be equated to Music, and whatever magic music distills in our minds, so can architecture! What we, as Architects, try to understand is the potential of “space”. If we just take a pause and think – all of our lives happen in space – private or public or residence or streets or wherever you go (born or dead) you are in space. Thus, we think and live through space. It is so fundamental a thing, that we take it for granted and don’t seem to be conscious regarding the same (are we aware that we take oxygen?!)….

However, it is the role of the Architect, to remain aware of this fact and to make good use of the same. For us, space can have multiple meanings – equal to the number of people on earth. How does an architect, therefore, hope to design something for a given set of people in a given framework of ‘time’ (read perception) and for a given climate and within the constraints of climate + budget? I feel this wisdom of designing comes from observing nature and the tendencies of people. 

Questions like - how do people choose to bond or interact, why do people hover around trees and sit in the vicinity of some shrubs or a river belt or observe the setting of the melancholy sun or pause to hear the chirping of the birds or bask in moonlight or the dawn of the sun or feel intimidated by deserted spaces – all these are of fundamental concern to a sensitive architect. 

What is so obnoxious of the traffic or why is street food so popular and needs to be encouraged? Why should a monument be built and how does a society choose to remember a historical event (or even choose to ignore other events?) Why are people so concerned about burying the Dead in some cultures and why other cultures choose to dispose the Dead on the burning pyre? Why do we need structures to conceptualize the idea of Eternity?....all these are also important for architects. 

Space is about environment. A simple decision of razing a mango tree (which seems quite ordinary for a layman) should ring warning bells for a sensitive architect – since that spells doom for the ecosystem (birds, nests, squirrels, soil, oxygen, wood, leaves, fodder, fruits, shade for us). Therefore, a sensitive architect is concerned about the environment and will try to see that the manifestation of his ideas constitutes a minimum carbon footprint on the environment. For him, the entire Nature is the stakeholder in the creation of architecture, not just humans. 

Space is also about creation of ‘possibilities’ for human activity. I design a courtyard, so that people gather, chat, perform, sing, dance, run, or sit quiet. I ensure that people customize or appropriate spaces as they like it. It becomes their space, and I only create a ‘stage’, as a designer. I only hint at an opportunity. Thus, greatest of architecture is only gestural.  The remaining meaning is left upto the user to complete it.

Space is also about ‘experience’. Most of us hate corridors and run as fast as possible so the corridors will end soon enough. Ever wondered why that happens? Some of us may take a pause as we climb down some steps and sit on one of them and a chat generates. Some of us, while passing through an open passage, may catch a glimpse of the sun beating the walls of plaster and that can be a delightful sight triggering some fond memories. Why does this happen? Architects are concerned about all these things and try to understand how an experience of delight (or the required mood) is created in a given space.

Space is also about equality. How do definitions of social or hierarchical order play out in public spaces? What is the politics inherent in a human mind? Why are certain sections of people looked down upon and whereas others get a shot at fame on the first attempt itself? Should all spaces in the city be privatized or there has to be a democratic space where ALL citizens have the right to come, interact, share and reach their natural potential? This is also a question that architects dwell upon.

Space is also about empathy. How does a blind person move? How does he feel, smell, touch and makes sense of navigation? How do differently abled children adapt and learn? What can be done (in spatial terms) to assist such differently abled people? What should be done about old age homes and how should the character of such homes be? What should be done about refugee camps and can an encouraging environment be generated for them? An architect is required to exercise empathy to design appropriate spaces for such situations. 

I need to go into the world of a small kid, if I have to design a school. I need to understand the politics of street to design a food outlet unit near the main street. I need to empathize with the older generation, if I am commissioned to design an old age home. I need to know the history, culture and the contemporary situation of Israel, if I am commissioned to undertake a project on their soil.

The obvious question that the Reader will be tempted to ask – how does one therefore learn architecture? It is learnt by doing and self critiquing. And it is learnt by loving people, despite the innumerable challenges life will throw on us.

Perceptions / Tendencies

Perceptions/ Tendencies:

I have begun to feel, since a few months, that ‘perception’ is what the definition of life is all about. Since perception is relative for you and me, so is our individual outlook towards life. Thus is there anything ‘absolute’ beyond our relative perceptions – something that is universal (as a phenomenon) and exists despite our existence? Maybe yes. The idea of absolute is realized through the idea of relative. How does perception help one to understand life? A few examples that I wish to share through my life:

Students: The younger generation is full of aspirations – hopes, urges, instincts, naïve, confidence (to the extent of being detrimental), fashion conscious, brand conscious, experimental, and putting ‘I’ above everything else. Their mind seems scattered in a thousand places at the same time and they treat ‘time’ as if it was unlimited and unchanging. This ‘tendency’ of the young minds doesn’t dampen at all. No matter what we expect them to do and for the values that we wish to install in them, they will continue to do things by their natural tendency. This should be understood by successive elder generations. These young minds will take things their own way, interpret things their own way and will not ‘follow’ things because it is laid out for generations. They will ask a thousand questions and probably what they require is a direction to explore the bewildering possibilities that the world is creating for them. Are you ready to be their guide??

My generation: I witness/ perceive a ‘transformation’  - a change of Order from the traditional to the contemporary order. It is a volatile world to be a part of – possibilities and awareness of the pitfalls….one voice pulling in the temptation of newness and the second voice calling for stability of the established practices. Both voices are valid in their own right. We were brought up in the foundational values of our parents (joint family) when things were too simple, less choices (or no choices at all) and more intimacy of relationships could be accomplished. These values have made their mark on us. However, we deal with younger generations that have a different take on these values and what we may have considered valid or proper, is not necessarily valid for them. We have reached an age and by the kitty of experiences we have achieved, we realize that there are hues of grey in life. Good and bad exist around us. It is our choice as to what we need to do. The pace of life bewilders us and we don’t quite get it when there is a hyper activity around us. We are focused, but we need to keep our guard against false temptations. 

My parents and older generations: They have lived their lives in those times when things were simple and straight and predictable. The slowness of life has given them immense intimate stability of the heart. They were brought up in scarcity and no choice – so they have developed unlimited compassion and acceptance. They feel things rather think about them. They only ask for our time. They only ask that their concerns are heard and acknowledged. They have done their bit. Now they retrospect and bask in the memory of their own trials and achievements. They have immense faith in God and have immense patience to see things happening around them. Their energy might not be at optimum level, but their spirit in unwavering.

I feel, every generation exhibits a tendency towards living life. This tendency has to be felt, not repelled or denied. The tendency is a part of us – it will wax and wane and probably transform into something else. Feel this subtle force inherent in all of us – there is no stopping it or curbing it. It is there and it will express itself despite whatever happens to the world. 

Thus, understand the tendency of Existence.

Sustenance, Wastage and Time

‘Time’ is a crucial element that leads to either sustenance or wasteful use of resources. More importantly, the connection is between Time, Thought and subsequent action that leads to resourcefulness or wastage. I intend to state broad parameters that reflect the two contrasting phenomena:

A)     On sustenance: There is a simultaneous consideration of following concerns that results in cautious consumption of available resources:

1.       Survival of a large quantum of population on limited means necessitates extensive sharing of common resources for prolonged duration. One can’t afford to use resources for one’s own/ individual benefit and one has to negotiate multiple and conflicting requirements of self, family, community, society for utilizing the available resources for generating food, shelter and clothing.

2.       The onus is therefore, on reducing costs, and stretching the utility of a resource to its maximum limits.

3.       The same resource, after its utility, may be converted into something else (recycle) and the same intention of (2) will continue. This necessity of recycling will continue till nothing is left to reuse again. Subsequently, minimum waste remains.

4.       The principle of (3) is seen in ecosystems, traditionally high density societies, cycles of food, traditional architecture, building techniques, cycles of clothing and so on. Almost everything becomes interconnected – from agriculture, to raw materials, to use of hand techniques, to finished products to utilization of these goods, to recycling and again generation of new chain of interconnections. What it does to the society is nothing short of creating a unique socio-cultural and religious fabric. The perception of life itself changes.

5.       Considering above points, it may be clear that a lot of simultaneous and diverse thinking goes into perceiving and conception of any resource + product. This involves time and a personal reading of place and people. The entire phenomena is time intensive. Every change needs critical inspection before it gets accepted by the society.

6.       The fundamental qualities of society that get developed is collective memory, history, culture, community bonding and general reverence to Nature.

B)      On wastage: My take on this phenomena is that wastage is linked to abundance. Abundance of what?

1.       Abundance of resources as compared to population – In scenarios where resource availability is virtually unlimited, there is no need to consider how much an individual should limit his/ her consumption foot print. By resource, I mean land, water, forests, and anything above + below the ground.

2.       Abundance of resource can lead to abundance of supply of products (for profits)

3.       Abundance of products may lead to abundance of choice

4.       Now here is the catch – if we are faced with abundance of choice of consumption in a limited amount of time (we have a limited life), then we cannot spend sufficient time to think regarding effective utilization of a given product for longer sustenance of the same. Why should we care? If a product is replaced by something new (in the next instant), then why should we bother regarding the product’s afterlife, or its longevity or its reuse or whatever happens after we have consumed and “disposed” the product? It’s not ‘my’ problem!

5.       Abundance of availability of resources, faster generation of cycles of consumption is leading to what I call – time crunch to think critically regarding concerns of sustenance. Simply put, it generates a tendency that says:”I do not have the time to think about sustenance and reuse. It is much easier to buy and consume things”.

6.       Above point also means more choice to the individual, more privacy and rise of individuality (as against a collective decision making process). It also raises costs of living.

7.       This has repercussions on nature of memory, community and society.

Thus, critical criteria for evaluating sustenance factor of any society is what is the nature and the quantum of waste that an individual generates? More waste implies more abundance of resources and that also implies less time to consider sensitive aspects of sustainability.

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement involves a sense of gratitude. Gratitude comes from knowing that the benefits of the ‘Present’ are the result of the turmoil undertaken by the people of the ‘Past’. Gratitude is in knowing that we are still unharmed, despite most of the things not being in our control at the ‘Present’. Gratitude is in knowing that everything has a relation to our own lives and that we exist in a web of relationships all the time. 

Where does one begin the chain of thoughts? Should we express gratitude to the sparrow that comes at our door step signaling the arrival of the morning? Should the sparrow express gratitude to the tree which offers it a branch to make a nest? Should the tree be grateful to the seed that gave its current form? Should the seed be grateful to the earth for taking care of it and giving it all the nutrients? Should the earth be grateful to the monsoon for supplying the nutrients? Should the monsoon be grateful to the wind for carrying it from one place to another? Should the wind be grateful to the Sun to cause pressure differences? Should the Sun be grateful to events in the universe that cause it to boom and bust at regular intervals?....

Take any example, and one will notice that the event does not exist in isolation. Not existing in isolation means that there is a cause and effect. There is a cycle of actions. And one is a part of that cycle which represents the Past, Present and the Future.

Thus, an oppressive environment maybe a precursor to a liberalized environment. 

In understanding the continuity and transformation of above events, what we are dealing with, is the aspect of ‘memory’. What is memory? How does one learn from memory? And what constitutes a collective memory? Thinking about these questions, one may realize, that memory constitutes an experience of place, people and time. Generally, when one appeals us to consider the effects of our actions, one is principally referring to this cycle of transformation. The question to be considered by us is – what is the cycle of actions that you wish to create? And will the cycle of actions be of significant benefit to the entire ecosystem (and not just humans)? Issues regarding heritage, history, conservation, sustainability come under this domain. And so does evolution, transformation, recycle and rejuvenation. 

From above perspective, it is probably a mistake to consider the definition of “new” as something that is completely unrelated and unconcerned to the Past. Adherence to this definition constitutes being foolish and arrogant as well. What we are trying to understand is the aspect of “relevance” or “appropriateness” of one’s thought and action. Relevance and appropriateness is therefore, place, people and time specific. And if one doesn’t consider the influence of place, people and time, one is assuming to be just plain arrogant.