Composition of the World
The universe we inhabit is a wonderfully diverse and intricate composition of various elements. At the most fundamental level, we can classify the world into four principal kingdoms: mineral, vegetable, animal, and human.
The mineral kingdom consists of inert, lifeless matter. These are the raw, crude materials that lack any conscious awareness or expression. While they do undergo physical and chemical changes, their motion and activity are negligible and practically imperceptible.
The vegetable kingdom, on the other hand, exhibits a higher degree of consciousness and manifestation of energy. Plants can grow, their branches reach different directions, and their roots delve deep into the soil. However, their movement and expression remain confined to a single location.
The animal kingdom represents an even greater level of consciousness and mobility. Animals are capable of traveling long distances and exhibiting a wide range of expressions, far exceeding the limited movements of plants.
Lastly, the human kingdom stands supreme among all living beings. Humans possess the highest level of consciousness, energy, and control over the forces of time, space, and causation. Unlike other creatures, only humans can conceive the existence of the divine.
The philosopher Leibnitz eloquently described this hierarchy of life: "Life sleeps in plants, dreams in animals, and wakes in man."
The universe exhibits an orderly and analogous system, where the forces and patterns observed at the cosmic level find their miniature reflections within the individual. Just as the four seasons of the year are mirrored in the daily cycle of morning, noon, evening, and night, the four kingdoms of the world are also faithfully reflected within the human being.
Humanity can be further categorized into five distinct types, based on the degree of selfishness and spiritual evolution:
- Mineral-person: Grossly self-centered, lethargic, and indifferent to the world.
- Vegetable-person: Primarily concerned with their immediate family and domestic circle.
- Animal-person: Identifies with and cares for their own caste, community, or group, but is antagonistic towards those outside their fold.
- Human-person: Possesses a broader concern for their nation or all of humanity, but still maintains distinctions and biases.
- God-person: Fully realized, with a universal love and identification with the entire existence, free from all divisions and demarcations.
This classification highlights the gradual evolution of human consciousness from the most self-centered to the most selfless and divine state of being.
By understanding the composition of the world and the corresponding gradation of human personality, we can gain valuable insights into the nature of our own existence and the path of spiritual growth.