Once we conquer vices such as lust, ego, anger and greed, we regain our divine nature, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj Ji

Many of our scriptures are known to have described the golden age, heaven, the garden of Eden, paradise, in detail as a period of peace, prosperity, and happiness, which is said to have existed thousands of years ago. However, if this is true, then a practical question that comes to mind is that if the golden age was such a good period, then why and how did it come to an end? Why do we now find ourselves in a world full of misery? Well, to begin with, there are several opinions as to whether there ever existed something called paradise, is it a mere figment of wishful imagination or reality, is it an abstract blissful experience, or a concrete world of human and material perfection.

There are people who believe that paradise is nothing but a utopian dream, a mere fantasy that tired humans take refuge in. In reality, such a place is unachievable as grief and suffering are a part and parcel of life. Then there are those who believe that both heaven and hell co-exist at the same time. According to them, a person is in heaven when all is fine and can be in hell the very next moment. Secondly, when one is basking in heavenly pleasures, others could simultaneously be bearing the wrath of hellish suffering. Then there is a third category, the rich and the accomplished, who feel that heaven is right here, right now because there is no comfort beyond their reach.

Religions describe heaven as a world of unrivaled bliss created by God, where humans were in their most powerful state and were completely oblivious of unrighteousness and lived in perfect harmony with other living beings and nature. So, the above three opinions about the existence of paradise become contrary to its defining characteristics. As, in the first case, if heaven were a mere utopia, and sin and suffering were there right from the beginning, the internal urge of humans to regain that world of peace and happiness cannot be explained. Another question that arises here is that — did God in the first place create an imperfect world order? If we are in heaven at one moment and in hell at the other, then heaven is reduced to a transient state. The rich arrive at their conclusion after comparing their quality of life with the other needy and distressed lot. Again, here heaven is reduced to a relative term when it is actually a place where everyone exists simultaneously in a state of perennial bliss, a place where suffering is known to none and not where it is known to some. Secondly, even the rich are not free from the fear of untimely death that looms large on everyone’s face.

Now let us look at the world today and find out if we are living in heaven or have been banished to hell. With the number of mounting global problems, irresolvable national issues, and uncountable emotional upheavals, the present times in no way qualify to be called heaven. Since this world is certainly not heaven, it must be the veritable hell. Isn’t it? So if this is hell, where is heaven? It must exist somewhere or must have been there once upon a time. It is only God, who can reveal the truth about the world ‘he’ first created. God tells us that Earth was first a paradise where humans with sixteen celestial qualities lived and enjoyed the riches of the most bountiful nature. After several rebirths, these souls lost their original sheen and power and ate the forbidden fruit of body — consciousness. This opened  Pandora’s box and human weaknesses in the form of lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego became a part of the originally virtuous human nature, which further gave rise to sinful actions. It caused suffering in return and with the passage of time, suffering became so unbearable that souls started to long for salvation. It is, at this time, that the Almighty makes this revelation that ‘he’ is once again here to re-create the perfect world order — the paradise.

That day is not far when we would see a world of purity and values, where every being would be divine and would co-exist in harmony with nature. There will be no form of violence, be it physical, mental or emotional. Every person will be an embodiment of truth and divine virtues. People will enjoy perfect health, natural beauty, and a long lifespan and there will no sign of sickness or untimely death. Everybody will be happy and contented.

One would question: Is this all a myth? No, not really! We need to understand that the golden age or the new world is the harvesting period for the fruits of pure actions that are performed by us in the present age. It is actually now that we get an opportunity to create our best destiny. Once we conquer the vices such as lust, ego, and attachment, we regain our divine nature and it helps transform the entire society into a new divine world. So, do not ever think that heaven is a myth. It’s, indeed, a reality that’s as close as tomorrow.