Restoring the Rhythm of the Universe
In this universe, everything has its rhythm. The wind and the rain, the sea and its waves, our own breath and the beating of our hearts — each keeps its own measure
A king once went hunting in the forest in disguise. In the course of the hunt, he was separated from his companions and lost his way, and at last, worn out and hungry, he came upon a small hut. The forest-dwellers who lived there did not know him, and they gave him some fruits to eat.
He bit into one and said, “But this is bitter.” They sighed. “What can be done? The king who rules this land is utterly selfish, given to pleasure, and cruel. He wrings heavy taxes from the poor, and those who cannot pay he puts to death. It is because of his unrighteous ways that even fruits that are sweet by nature have turned bitter.”
Back in his palace, the king could not forget what he had seen in the forest. “It is because of me that my people suffer so,” he thought, and was filled with remorse. He resolved to give the rest of his life to their good. He cut the taxes deeply, and began to give in charity and to help his people in their need.
After some time, he again went hunting in disguise, and visited that same hut. The family gladly gave him fruits. When he tasted them, each and every one was sweet.
When he asked the reason for the change, they said, “Our king has wholly changed. He rules now with great goodness, and all his subjects are happy and content. Because of his good deeds, a positive change has come over nature as well, and that is why these fruits are sweet.”
What is the heart of this story? In this universe, everything has its rhythm. The wind and the rain, the sea and its waves, our own breath and the beating of our hearts — each keeps its own measure.
There is an undeniable relationship between all of creation and every being in it, both living and non-living. This cosmos is like a vast interconnected orchestra. Suppose one instrument is out of tune. Even just one phrase from it is heard and felt by all the musicians.
Similarly, whether we are aware of it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation, whether performed as an individual or as a group. We are not individual islands but links of a common chain.
For the health and long life of body and mind, that harmony must be preserved. It is our thoughts and deeds that become the music of our lives. When the rhythm of our minds goes offbeat, it echoes in our actions. The result is discordant noise that affects everything around us.
Mother Earth then responds to the behaviour of Her children. When our deeds are out of alignment with the music of the universe, Her cadence is thrown into disorder; when we tune in, She answers in kind, and our lives become beautiful music for others.
Today, we exploit the environment beyond all measure, and the balance of our world has been thrown awry; the selfish deeds of humankind rebound upon all that surrounds us. Behind disasters such as tsunamis, landslides and earthquakes resounds, above all, nature’s broken rhythm.
So each of us must take care to mend our ways. When the greater part of humanity turns to good deeds, our collective rhythm will be restored. Peace and prosperity will prevail upon the Earth, and the music of love and compassion will bring joy to the very heart of creation.
Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known simply as Amma, is a spiritual master and humanitarian who has given her darshan in the form of a motherly embrace to more than 4 crore people. Listening to the cries of the suffering, Amma leads an NGO that reaches across more than 50 countries, working in the areas of healthcare, disaster relief, education, gender equality, and environmental restoration; Views presented are personal.
