Saying

 In life, there are rulers and the ruled. 

The Nature of Time Over Time

 

The Nature of Time over time

What happens to fixed properties when time overrides itself? Let’s analyze the question. Time as we all know is infinite- thousands and thousands of years and perhaps, millennia. We don’t know the beginning or the end. So does time age? Are the cosmos different from the first day than they are today? What happens to time as it ages and how does it relate to the fixed properties. Since we all know that time is fixed, we must approach the questions through the lens of the eternal flame. Time when it begins may be young and irrational and over time, just like a human being, grows and ages, becomes gray and more feeble. Does this happen to time also and how does the value of fixed properties extend over its lifespan. By studying various points in history we can look and perceive time as changing- for example, the 1800’s are quite different from the 1900’s and the 1900’s are quite different from the 2000’s and so on. When we look back at these different eras, we perceive time to be old at a certain point or developing- carts and wagons are overtaken by cars and trains. So what might exist today hath not existed sixty years ago and through technological advances, time has evolved and the old clunky TV set pales in comparison to the LED version. Does this mean that the concept of the old TV is extant and is no longer relevant- and its infinite value is compromised? We know that fixed properties are fixed and cannot be changed due to the soul. The soul never ages and hence, humans who have existed thousands of years ago may not have had the same resources as today’s, but essentially and inherently are the same. The soul’s needs and wants are the same albeit the means of attaining them might be different. I might have walked ten miles to get a gallon of milk whereas today it might be easier to reach. Let’s look at it another way- colors such as gray, black, red and blue have existed for an eternal period (we cannot conceive a time when color may have been different)- so is our perception of color different now than It was in yesteryear- no, because color has an infinite and fixed quality or are eyes would betray us. White is always white and black is always black and white. However, color such as in the use of dyes might be used differently today to give a variation of our view of color or a stylistic taste. A modern raincoat may look different due to its utilization of color, hence, altering slightly our perception of the color yellow through shapes, forms or patterns. But if we analyze shapes, forms and patterns, we understand that patterns such as crisscrosses, and squares and rectangles and triangles are always the same. They have a fixed quality. A right angle is always a right angle no matter the way it is structured in an orthodox or unorthodox form. Thus, fixed properties remain fixed in the inherent nature of time- albeit, the razor cuts the grain differently from different perspectives. Does this matter to time itself? Watching an old black and white movie might seem different today from watching a film full of CGI. It might look awkward, faded and opaque. However, by altering its image, do we impact its essence? I believe not. The enjoyment of a black and white movie might still be the same, albeit it might force us to adjust our perceptions, biases and beliefs to truly understand it- and accept it- despite our prevailing prejudices or personal biases that have accrued over time. Hence, the morality principle is very evident in the human race when thinking of time, to offer moral accountability to our advances in technological matters such as warfare, scientific advancement, modern technology and beyond. Are we preserving our moral equilibrium as we embark on human progress and achievement? Consider humans living on the moon thousands of years from now? Will they be different from humans living on Earth? Obviously, the context might have changed and the setting and atmosphere may warrant a change in lifestyle or behavior- however, the underlying principle of life will have remained and beg for the immortal coil to preserve itself through proper innovation and causal links. We would have to fight for the name of humanity- thus, overcoming the lure of progress for human sake; to justify the root of human progress, and the intertwining of such forces is the basis of the fixed properties. We are thus bound by the fixed properties despite the longevity of time since time points at the immortal passage of life and death and the behavior of one over the other is inextricably fixed. We look toward the future for a clear horizon- and happiness and the pursuit of happiness- however, we must not forget the past – and do everything to reflect and pay homage to our antecedents. Their immortal structure becomes incumbent upon us to less hoard the spoils of time, but rather to bestow equal rights to its primogeniture. Hath man descended from mammoths, it would not belie him to review his mammalian origins to pursue greater freedoms lest his fur be shed on the altar of disbelief or hypocrisy- undermining his own existence as composed with nature. We must look at this question more deeper and understand while human progress however, far-reaching and untouchable or inconceivable for those before us, may only be a spawn of its own making and its immortal structure is thereby preserved by attainment.

Mah (Poetry from our Urdu Collection)

Mah (Mother)

 

Mah, tu kitni pyari sunder tu (Mother, how loving, beautiful you are)

Sabseh badkar achi tu (Better than anyone else)

Saab kah kyal rakti tu (You care for everyone)

Sabseh rehmat karti tu (You are merciful to everyone)

Mah, kitni pyari sunder tu (Mother, how loving beautiful you are)

Key jeeh kareh keh Judah nahi hu (that I should never separate)

aseh hi raheh tu dil meh mereh (Stay like this in my heart as always)

aslah dehti hai tu subkho (Help you give to everyone)

aserah bhi dehti tu subko (support you give to everyone)

pyar khi nazerehoh meh hamesha rai (In loving eyes may you remain)

Mah, Kitni pyari sundur tu ((Mother how, loving beautiful you are) 

Life and the Nature of Time

 

Life and the Nature of Time

Today, let us examine life and the nature of time. By life, I mean the rebirth of life in the natural world. What is it when we experience such a rebirth? What is its significance and how does it relate to natural time. First let’s examine the characteristics of such a rebirth and renewal. When nature awakens after a long winter, we see leaves sprouting, grass growing and insects buzzing. Such is the renewal that is evident to our eyes and seems quite extraordinary. How does this relate to the nature of time? Firstly, we notice grass growing where it wasn’t before, and leaves sprouting on a barren trees. Also, insects appearing from out of nowhere. How does this occur and what is its impetus. In the winter plants die and insects perish because it is too cold and life becomes unsustainable. Plants need warm weather to flourish just as small insects need sunshine and warmth. Similarly, this can be likened to the concept of death since people perish when they are no longer able to subsist or the clock runs out. But alas, after a sustained period of winter we see a rebirth and life renew itself miraculously. Out of the ashes, comes new life. How does this occur? Well, this is an example of fixed properties of time and the eternal flame. Consider the fact that if we cease to exist, we no longer perceive being reborn, just as the insects and plants but alas, they are re-awakened after a long period of hibernation. So can this be true also of humans? Can we be rise after a long period of hibernation or sleep. According to nature, this might seem true. Why is it that nature can die and be reborn and not man? Thus, fixed properties of time helps us to know that the leaves and grass and insects that rise after every winter are just as immortal in their essence and seem to have infinite rebirth and life. So why not humans who can easily experience the same joy and contentment as do natural things. Thus, the fixed properties of time is a perfect context to study such a phenomenon in nature. We realize that the natural world is a dichotomy of the spiritual world and shares its likenesses. As does the spirit and life is awakened in bees and insects so is the same eschatology in humans. So does the cycle repeat itself? Is rebirth and renewal endless? It certainly seems so every time we gaze upon a pretty flower or butterfly. Just as bees live out their functions so does human life experience the transcendence of immortal life? This is an important concept not to overlook. Does death and renewal occur endlessly and is it infinite. It seems that in its essence, it is infinite and everlasting thus proving the rationale of fixed properties. Since all is uniform, all is immortal. Let us look at the opposite coin. When grass grows, and flowers bloom, their existence is far from perfect. Insects and animals often desecrate trees and flowers, grass can be wild and full of weeds, mosquitoes and fleas can cause havoc. Even locusts can destroy crop. Why does this annihilation occur simultaneously and battle for survival ensue. Does this negate the immortality factor or is it one and the same? Well, firstly, if we examine this closely, we notice that bugs and insects can be quite unique, but due to their irrational nature, such as competition and rivalry, they are pitted in a cycle of rebirth and destruction. If you venture too close to a spider, it might eat you. Thus, nature must be wary just as humans are wary, in order for their survival to continue but the persistence of their natural selves which inherently implies immortality must be understood. We look upon nature and natural selection as a foothold of common understanding that nature is good. Thus, man must be good since nature is good. If nature is good, then nature must be endless and everlasting. Thus man is immortal and everlasting. This constitutes the basic principles inherent in the fixed time principles. We are immortal by way of character just as nature is beckoned time and again due to its character. Heavy rain or floods might sweep away natural habitat but that doesn’t mean it does not revive itself. When fixed properties of time are considered, we notice an inordinate rebirth and renewal in the face of deterioration and decay, much similar to mankind’s state, that helps us come to terms with our immortal and eternal life.

Life

 Life is like broken glass. It's hard to put the shards back together. 

Highways

 You ever wonder what highways might look like on other planets.

Sheikh Hamza Yusuf

 I believe Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, the great spiritual leader and Zaytuna founder, should win a Nobel Prize.