That which IS, came to BE;
That which came to BE, BECAME;
That which BECAME, sought TO BE;
That which sought TO BE, IS;
Thus the cycle began and thus it ended.
When Love is the basis for this cycle, without a reason, it is the eternal Dharma (Avatarana) else the driver is Karma.
The concept of an eternal cycle is woven into the very fabric of existence, transcending religious, philosophical, and scientific perspectives. It encapsulates the journey of everything that is manifest in our universe—from the intangible to the tangible and back again. At its core, this cycle reveals profound insights about the nature of existence, identity, and purpose.
The Nature of Existence
The phrase “That which IS, came to BE” suggests that all that exists in the universe arises from a fundamental reality, often referred to as pure consciousness or the unmanifest. This reality is a formless state, characterized by infinite potential. It is the space in which ideas, forms, and phenomena emerge. Everything that we see, touch, and experience originated from this formless essence. This is the first step in our understanding of the cycle: the transition from formlessness to form.
As this formless essence begins to express its infinite potential, “That which came to BE, BECAME.” This reflects the process of creation in which abstract ideas and pure potential assume specific identities and characteristics. Whether it be the formation of a star, the birth of a tree, or the emergence of human consciousness, the journey from being a possibility to becoming a definitive reality signifies a key transformation in the eternal cycle.
The Search for Meaning and Existence
The next stage—”That which BECAME, sought TO BE“—highlights an inherent drive within all forms. Here, once entities attain existence, they begin to seek purpose and meaning. This quest is often motivated by instinctual desires for survival, connection, and fulfillment. For living beings, this search manifests through relationships, creativity, and experiences. The longing to “be” is intertwined with an exploration of one’s identity, values, and place within the broader ecosystem of life.
Lastly, the phrase “That which sought TO BE, IS” brings us back to the essence of existence. By acknowledging their own being and purpose, entities re-align themselves with the original state of consciousness, transcending the limitations of individual identity. This cyclical movement from formlessness to form and back again embodies a continual process of awakening, where each layer of existence unfolds more profound dimensions of truth.
Love as the Eternal Dharma
In this complex interplay of existence, an essential question arises: what directs this cycle? When love serves as the foundation for existence—”When Love is the basis for this cycle, without a reason”—the cycle becomes an expression of dharma, or a cosmic order and purpose.
Love, as a unifying force, harmonizes diverse aspects of existence, guiding everything toward a greater good.
This perspective suggests that when conscious beings act out of love—be it through compassion, creativity, or selfless service—they contribute to a higher purpose. Love encourages cooperation and connection, propelling the cycle towards harmony and fulfillment. In this light, the eternal cycle becomes an ongoing dance of creation, completion, and renewal, governed by principles inherent to the universe itself.
The Role of Karma
Conversely, when love is absent as a guiding force, the cycle shifts to be driven by karma. Karma, the law of cause and effect, reflects the dynamics of actions and consequences, including those driven by fear, desire, or ignorance. In the absence of love, beings may become entangled in cycles of suffering and discord, perpetually seeking fulfillment through external means rather than inner truth.
The cycle continues, but without the overarching harmony that love provides, leading to a disjointed existence where entities may struggle to find true purpose.
Karma serves both as a teacher and a reminder of boundary conditions within which existence operates. Understanding karma invites us to reflect on our actions, reinforce ethical living, and cultivate awareness of the impact our choices have on ourselves and others. This is crucial in shaping our personal experience of the cycle of existence.
Thus, the eternal cycle of formless-to-form-to-formless illustrates a profound understanding of existence’s dynamic nature. By recognizing the interplay between systems of love and karma within this cycle, we can strive for a deeper awareness of our place in the cosmos. Ultimately, embracing love as the foundation of our actions can elevate the cycle into an eternal Dharma, serving as a guiding principle for individuals and societies alike.
Whether we find ourselves lost in the confusion of existence or illuminated by the light of love, the journey through this cycle persists. It is an invitation for self-exploration and collective awakening, urging us to remember that we are part of an interconnected web of existence—a journey from formlessness to form, and back again, limitless and eternal.
 M Muruganant | About the Author Professor M. Muruganant is a distinguished academic and innovator who earned his Doctorate from the University of Cambridge, UK, through prestigious Commonwealth and DAAD fellowships. |
| Professor Muruganant, with extensive experience in academia and management, formerly served as the Director of Higher Education at Adani Group, where he established Adani University and served as its inaugural Provost. He founded the Global Education Forum, focusing on educational transformation and sustainability. Recognized as an institutional leader, he has initiated several centers to empower faculty and enhance student experiences. His contributions to materials science are notable, and he advocates for STEAM education while emphasizing value education and Bharatiya culture. As the youngest Ministry of Steel Chair Professor, he promotes academic initiatives and engages in significant policy discussions on India’s National Education Policy – 2020. | |
If you would like to get connected to Dr M Muruganant write to editor@acadnews.com.
