The world we have lost and the one we can create

Many of our scriptures are known to have described the Golden Age, heaven, swarg, in detail as a period of peace, prosperity and happiness that is said to have existed thousands of years ago. However, if this is true, then a practical question that comes to mind is: if the Golden Age was such a good period, why and how did it come to an end?

Well, to begin with, there are several opinions on whether there ever existed something called paradise. Is it a mere figment of wishful imagination or a reality? There are people who believe that paradise is nothing but a utopian dream. In reality, such a place is unachievable, as grief and suffering are 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. So, the above three opinions about the existence of paradise run contrary to its defining characteristics.

Now let us look at the world today and find out whether we are living in heaven or have been banished to hell. With the mounting global problems, irresolvable national issues and countless 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 is only the Creator who can reveal the truth about the world He first created. He tells us that Earth was first a paradise where humans, perfect 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.  This further gave rise to sinful actions that caused suffering in return. With the passage of time, suffering became so unbearable that souls started to long for salvation. It is at this time that the Creator is once again here to re-create the perfect world order.

Remember that the day is not far when we will see a world where every being will be divine and will co-exist in harmony with nature. There will be no form of violence. People will enjoy perfect health, natural beauty and a long lifespan, and there will be no sign of sickness or untimely death. After hearing all this, one would say, “Is this all a myth?” Not really! We need to understand that the new world is the harvesting period for the fruits of the 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. So, do not ever think that heaven is a myth. It is indeed a reality that is as close as tomorrow.

The writer is a spiritual teacher and a popular columnist; Views presented are personal.