Natural Laws
Tue, 01/22/2008 - 17:23 — admin
Let's begin with an observation of nature that we've not discussed as yet. When we examine the cosmos, or the world around us as well, we can see that natural laws are at work. Many of these laws have been observed and described by scientists. For example, we can read in practically any elementary science book about Newton's law of gravity. The story goes that one day Sir Isaac Newton was sitting underneath an apple tree when an apple felt on his head. This inspired him to wonder why objects always felt downward instead of diagonally, horizontally, or in a zig-zag pattern. He concluded that there was a law of nature governing free-falling objects which forced them to fall in a straight line directly to the earth (barring outside influences such as wind velocity, interference by other objects, etc.). Experiments were conducted by him which confirmed this and other aspects of his theory, and thus Newton's law of gravity was formulated. Newton did not invent the law of gravity or introduce legislation to have it passed by some governmental body, nor did Newton oversee its enforcement; he merely observed or discovered it. The law of gravity existed before the apple fell on Newton's head and was strictly enforced prior to that occasion as well.
Further observation tells us that nature follows numerous other natural laws. They are called “natural laws” since nature conforms to them and is governed by them.
The fact that nature operates under the jurisdiction of observable laws indicates that nature is controlled and dominated by some larger power. The question, then, is: Who or what is controlling nature?
Now, it is also a fact that each of us is governed in our daily activities by certain laws. Our lives are controlled by tax laws, penal codes, employment regulations, business codes, zoning ordinances, etc.
Now when we speak of these laws, we can also understand that someone made them. There is no question, for example, that the law stating that a pedestrian or motor vehicle must stop at a red light just manifested itself, or popped into existence of its own accord. No, someone made that law. Somewhere along the line a person conceived of the idea for that law, and then either personally legislated it (as a dictator or emperor can make laws or rules unilaterally) or he introduced it to a governmental body like parliament, congress, or a city or county council, which in turn passed the law and saw to its enforcement.
We have no experience, in other words, of laws without lawmakers. This is a universal principal. Whether we speak of international laws, state laws, local laws, natural laws, or even the rules for a kiddie club, we cannot speak of those laws or regulations without considering the authority who made them.
Thus, the existence of natural laws points conclusively to the existence of a natural lawmaker.
Masochism can never lead to spiritual perfection. The body is actually a most precious property of the self; it enables the self to engage in various devotional activities that can bring about a change in consciousness. A person's external activities affect his consciousness, and his consciousness affects his external activities. Knowing this, a bhakti yogi consciously chooses to engage in particular external activities in order to bring about the desired spiritual happiness and wisdom.Natural Laws
Science of Identity Foundation – Siddhaswarupananda
Let's begin with an observation of nature that we've not discussed as yet. When we examine the cosmos, or the world around us as well, we can see that natural laws are at work. Many of these laws have been observed and described by scientists. For example, we can read in practically any elementary science book about Newton's law of gravity. The story goes that one day Sir Isaac Newton was sitting underneath an apple tree when an apple felt on his head. This inspired him to wonder why objects always felt downward instead of diagonally, horizontally, or in a zig-zag pattern. He concluded that there was a law of nature governing free-falling objects which forced them to fall in a straight line directly to the earth (barring outside influences such as wind velocity, interference by other objects, etc.). Experiments were conducted by him which confirmed this and other aspects of his theory, and thus Newton's law of gravity was formulated. Newton did not invent the law of gravity or introduce legislation to have it passed by some governmental body, nor did Newton oversee its enforcement; he merely observed or discovered it. The law of gravity existed before the apple fell on Newton's head and was strictly enforced prior to that occasion as well.
Further observation tells us that nature follows numerous other natural laws. They are called “natural laws” since nature conforms to them and is governed by them.
The fact that nature operates under the jurisdiction of observable laws indicates that nature is controlled and dominated by some larger power. The question, then, is: Who or what is controlling nature?
Now, it is also a fact that each of us is governed in our daily activities by certain laws. Our lives are controlled by tax laws, penal codes, employment regulations, business codes, zoning ordinances, etc.
Now when we speak of these laws, we can also understand that someone made them. There is no question, for example, that the law stating that a pedestrian or motor vehicle must stop at a red light just manifested itself, or popped into existence of its own accord. No, someone made that law. Somewhere along the line a person conceived of the idea for that law, and then either personally legislated it (as a dictator or emperor can make laws or rules unilaterally) or he introduced it to a governmental body like parliament, congress, or a city or county council, which in turn passed the law and saw to its enforcement.
We have no experience, in other words, of laws without lawmakers. This is a universal principal. Whether we speak of international laws, state laws, local laws, natural laws, or even the rules for a kiddie club, we cannot speak of those laws or regulations without considering the authority who made them.
Thus, the existence of natural laws points conclusively to the existence of a natural lawmaker.