The Universal Purpose for Human Existence: Love and Meaning in the Cosmos
Is there a universal purpose for human existence? This question has puzzled philosophers, theologians, and everyday individuals for centuries. Often, the plethora of meanings proposed for life's purpose can lead to confusion. In this article, we delve into the concepts of cosmic consciousness, the existence of the universe, and the longing humans have for love and meaning.
The Emergence of Human Consciousness
At the time of our birth, the human mind with consciousness actually emerges from the cosmic consciousness or Brahman. The human consciousness coexists with the phenomenal universe, making its existence possible. Brahman, on the other hand, transcends the individual consciousness and remains beyond its comprehension. However, it is not the mindful ego, but the greater cosmic consciousness we are discussing here—practically the root cause of our existence and all life.
Thought Experiment: A Lonely Universe
Let's consider a thought experiment. Suppose you are the only person in the universe. You know this and are incredibly lonely. You have never seen, heard, or even smelled another creature. Although you may doubt ever finding a companion, you have an all-consuming craving for such an experience. You instinctively understand that you have the capacity to love and be loved but lament that you will never truly experience it without a companion. This leads to a simple question: does love exist in such a universe? Can love exist without being bestowed upon another being?
The Existence of Love and Meaning
From my perspective, love and meaning are similar in nature. We may have a sense that they are there but we are not entirely sure what they are. We long for them with everything we are. We invent imaginary gods, pursue a multitude of practices, and philosophies hoping to reveal them or allow us to commune with them. Many of us never feel that we have found life's true meaning.
However, meaning, like love in our thought experiment, lies within us. In our very ability to long for it, we know the meaning of life. This knowledge—that there is such a thing as meaning, our capacity to conceive of and long for it—is proof that such meaning exists. Moreover, the search for it, our ability to comprehend that it exists, and our quest for it are themselves manifestations of life's meaning. Perhaps the full and complete embodiment of life's meaning is our very search for it.
The Ultimate Meaning of Life
If only one person exists in the universe that conceives of and longs for life's meaning, it is a magnificent miracle. This person's existence alone is a proof of life's ultimate meaning, needing no further evidence or validation. This is why the preservation of humanity is so crucial and meaningful. If we were not here, would we even hear the sound of a tree falling in the forest?
Our purpose is to be thankful for the meaning that the universe has and that we bring to it. We must value and appreciate this meaning. We should strive to be the custodians of our universe, ensuring that the survival of our species secures this meaning within it. Without us here to hear it, the universe falls silent.
In conclusion, the universal purpose for human existence lies in the simple act of being thankful for the meaning our existence brings to the cosmos. May we all strive to cherish and preserve this gift.