For us humans, shape is three-dimensional (length, width and depth). Animals like lions and cats also have three-dimensional vision, but due to the protruding angle of their eyes, their peripheral vision is better than that of humans, but three-dimensional vision is not as good as that of humans. Compared to dogs, binocular vision of humans is better but the field of vision of dogs is 2400 whereas the field of vision of humans is 2000. Ant's vision is only two-dimensional, for him even a curved surface is like a flat land.
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Spaces are many, their number is as many as the planes of existence. Guru Nanak Dev Ji writes that 'there are innumerable names and innumerable places'. Just as ‘place’ means ‘time-place’ or ‘space-time’, similarly ‘name’ means ‘name-form’.
Every living being has a form and that form has a name. There is a creature with two legs and it is called a human being. The second creature has four legs and is called an animal. Anything with more than four legs is called a worm. The form without arms and legs is called a tree. Guru Sahib is underlining the relationship between diversity of name and form and diversity of space.
Science believes that form or shape originates from space. Space provides material for construction of a figure. But the expansion of space is uniform all around. If space provides material for the construction of a shape, then that material will be the same for all forms.
On the other hand, the aspect of time associated with space would determine the lifespan of that form. It is clear that diversity of space means diversity of time, which ensures diversity of lifespans of the forms created from space.
In such a situation, what is the relationship between the diversity of space and the diversity of life forms arising from it? It seems that there is some close but inexplicable relationship between these two.
What we know is that each living form perceives space and time in a different way. For example, for us humans, shape is three-dimensional (length, width and depth). Animals like lions and cats also have three-dimensional vision, but due to the protruding angle of their eyes, their peripheral vision is better than that of humans, but three-dimensional vision is not as good as that of humans. Compared to dogs, binocular vision of humans is better but the field of vision of dogs is 2400 whereas the field of vision of humans is 2000. Ant's vision is only two-dimensional, for him even a curved surface is like a flat land.
If we accept that there is some mysterious relationship between the sense of space and time of these living beings and the specificity of their form, that is, the sense of space of a living being plays a special role in determining its form, then Guru Nanak’s rationale for the formula - 'There are innumerable spaces and innumerable names and forms' - is understandable. Quote from ‘Nirbhay, Nirvair, Akalmurti’ 9.
The text explores the connection between the diversity of spaces and the diversity of life forms arising from them. It draws on both Guru Nanak's spiritual perspective and scientific concepts to argue that:
Space has many dimensions, each with its unique time aspect. These variations give rise to distinct lifespans and experiences for different beings.
Each creature perceives space and time differently. This perception, influenced by senses and physical limitations, shapes their form and existence.
The uniqueness of a being's space-time perception plays a crucial role in determining its form. This aligns with Guru Nanak's notion of countless spaces and countless names-forms.
Ultimately, the text suggests that our individual experience of space-time defines our being, while acknowledging the existence of diverse realities coexisting around us.
How it can help the reader:
Expand their understanding of reality: by considering the possibility of multi-dimensional spaces and how they influence life.
Appreciate the diversity of life: recognizing that each being's perception creates a unique reality and existence.
Reflect on their own perception: contemplating how their senses and experience of space-time shape their worldview and life.
Gain a deeper understanding of Guru Nanak's teaching: seeing how scientific concepts can shed light on his spiritual message about countless spaces and names-forms.
This text encourages an open mind to explore the vastness of reality, fostering acceptance of diverse experiences and perspectives.
beautiful.