Atoms and Ego: Philosophy behind Tatwamasi

Introduction: Tatwamasi

Tatwamasi – a term that exudes profundity and wisdom, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, had me intrigued and curious. Initially, I Googled for the knowledge of this word and a better understanding. As I dug deeper into a few blogs and texts, I discovered that this Sanskrit term embodies a powerful concept, encapsulating the very heart of Indian philosophy.

To put it simply, Tatwamasi translates to “You are that”. However, the interpretation of the term's latter half, i.e., “that” was extremely unclear and vague to me.

Further reading revealed that this term signifies the fundamental unity that exists within all things in the universe. Tatwamasi implies that the essence of our being is one with the universe and everything that exists within it. This message of interconnectedness goes beyond our physical boundaries, emphasising that we are all part of a greater whole.

Part 1: The Science

Now, let’s first get into the (very limited, surface level) science part of it (that I can understand, for I know there is much more to it than I know, or have written here). Since science relies on empirical evidence, it’s easier to prove what is being said than just saying it.

As I write this, I also realise that I rely on science a lot. Not really science, but scientific temperament. There is a sense of comfort that I get when I know that there is empirical proof of certain things that I’m choosing to believe in. At the end of the day, Science and Philosophy are co-dependents which is very well put in this quote by Albert Einstein,

"Science without philosophy is blind, philosophy without science is empty."

Atoms- the building blocks of the universe, are the foundation of all matter (or so I was taught in school). From the chair we sit on to the phone in our hands, from the Sun that illuminates our world to the microscopic COVID-19 virus, you, me, the laptop screen, everything is made up of these tiny particles.

In essence, atoms are the essence of existence.

Tat-twam-asi.

Part 2: The Butterfly Effect

The butterfly effect- a fascinating concept that highlights the interconnectedness of everything in the universe. According to this theory, even the slightest of actions can set off a chain reaction of events that may have far-reaching and unexpected consequences. For instance, a butterfly flapping its wings in Assam can create tiny air currents that set off a series of events that ultimately lead to a hurricane in Florida. This notion underscores the intricate web of cause and effect that exists throughout the natural world.

Representation of the Butterfly Effect

Tatwamasi.

From the smallest sub-atomic particles to the largest superclusters of galaxies, the universe is a complex and interconnected system that is continuously evolving and changing. The scale of the universe is truly mind-boggling, and it can be difficult for our limited human minds to comprehend the vastness of it all. At the sub-atomic level, particles are so small that they are almost impossible to visualize or imagine.

[Going a bit off-topic now. Imagination, that wondrous faculty of the human mind, is a gift that allows us to transcend the boundaries of reality and explore the realms of the unknown. Yet, it is ironic that our imagination is shaped and constrained by the very experiences we have encountered. Our imagination draws upon this reservoir of memories and impressions to create new scenarios, characters, and landscapes. We can dream of faraway lands, mythical creatures, and futuristic technologies, but each element in our imagination is an amalgamation of the familiar.]

Coming back to where we were, these tiny particles are the building blocks of matter and are inextricably linked to the larger structures of the universe. From atoms to molecules, these building blocks combine to form everything we see and experience in the world around us. On the other end of the spectrum, the largest superclusters of galaxies are equally difficult to comprehend. These vast collections of galaxies, stars, and planets stretch across enormous distances and are bound together by the force of gravity.

Tatwamasi.

Part 3: The Philosophy

Upon first encountering the word "Tatwamasi", one thing becomes immediately clear: this concept has profound implications for how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. At its core, Tatwamasi teaches us that we are not separate from the universe, but rather an integral part of its very fabric. As such, every living creature is a vital component of a larger ecosystem - the Earth itself. Despite this fundamental interconnectedness, however, human beings often place a disproportionate emphasis on the pursuit of individual identity.

Human beings have always been fascinated with the concept of individual identity. We crave to define ourselves in terms of our gender, ethnicity, religion, social status, and other factors. We want to establish a unique identity that sets us apart from the rest of the world. People fail to understand one simple thing- we all are different individuals and hence, will have different thought processes, resulting in unique outcomes.

The pursuit of individual identity is can be associated with a self-centered approach to life, where our own needs and desires take precedence over those of the larger community or group of people. Such a narrow-minded approach perpetuates a sense of isolation and disconnection from the world around us, undermining the fundamental interdependence that exists between all living beings. When we become overly preoccupied with our individual identity, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture and failing to recognize our place in the larger scheme of things.

Part 3.01: Individuality

Let's be real and speak about individuality now. It's like we're running a race to be the most unique and special snowflake in the blizzard or the most unique grain of sand in a desert. Plus, it perpetuates a sense of isolation and disconnection from the world around us, which is definitely not the energy we want to put out there. Individual identity and ego are closely related concepts. Ego can be defined as an individual's sense of self-esteem or self-importance. It is the part of us that seeks recognition, validation, and attention from others. Similarly, individual identity is the sense of self that we derive from various factors such as our personal experiences, beliefs, values, and cultural background. It is the way we see ourselves and how we present ourselves to the world.

While having a strong sense of individual identity is important, when it becomes too closely tied to our ego, it can lead to negative consequences. The problem with ego starts with the need to stand out from the crowd and actively trying to do so. Ego is a bit like a two-faced coin. On one side, it can give us the drive and motivation to achieve our goals and dreams. But on the other side, it can be a real troublemaker. When we let our ego run wild, it can lead to feelings of superiority, entitlement, and even arrogance. This can make us clash with others, ruin relationships, and drive people away. Plus, it can make us materialistic and shallow, always chasing after external validation and status symbols. Even drive and motivation don't have to come from the ego. In fact, some of the most successful and fulfilled people in the world are those who operate from a place of humility and inner drive rather than an overblown ego. So, one could say that the good news is, we don't have to let our ego rule our lives.

Part 4: Letting Go

By adopting the concept of Tatwamasi, we can liberate ourselves from the confines of individual ego and strive towards something bigger than ourselves. It is about joining forces to create a better world and working towards a common goal that benefits everyone. When we recognize our interconnectedness with the universe, we can adopt a more selfless approach to life and contribute to positive change in the world. It's like realizing that we're all in this crazy journey of life together, so why not make it a fun and fulfilling ride for everyone? Working for the greater good means acknowledging that our actions have consequences on the world around us and taking responsibility for making that impact a positive one. This doesn't mean that we should neglect our own needs, but rather, it means that our needs should not come at the cost of others. We should strive to do our work in a way that benefits others as well as ourselves, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved. Tatwamasi.

In this way of working for the greater good, it achieves a lot of things. Not only does it allow individuals to break free from the constraints of their ego and embrace a more selfless nature, but it also provides the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. By dedicating oneself to selfless work and contributing to the greater good, individuals can attain a unique status of individuality that is not self-proclaimed but rather earned through their actions. This is what sets a "status of individuality" apart from a mere "sense of individuality". The latter is often self-assigned and focused on personal accomplishments, whereas the former is bestowed by others and acknowledges one's contributions to society as a whole. Furthermore, by leaving a positive impact on the world around them, their work becomes immortalized, and they in turn become immortalized by their contributions to society. So not only does working for the greater good allow individuals to achieve a sense of fulfillment, but it also allows them to leave a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit future generations. Tatwamasi.

Part 5: Conclusion

As we reflect on the concept of Tatwamasi and our interconnectedness with the universe, it's fascinating to consider the similarities between ourselves and an atom. Just like an atom, we are made up of smaller particles that are constantly interacting with each other. All of us are connected in some way, whether we realize it or not. We are part of a larger whole, just like how atoms make up everything around us. It's a beautiful and humbling thought, that we are not separate entities but rather integral parts of the fabric of the universe. We ourselves are nothing but just a collection of atoms. Just as the ecosystem is a collection of us. Professor Richard Feynman stated it correctly,

"I, a universe of atoms, is an atom in the universe."

By embracing this interconnectedness, we can break free from the limitations of individual identity, ego and self-interest and work towards a greater good that benefits you as well as others. It's a reminder that we are not so alone, and that we have the power to create positive change in the world around us. So let us embrace the concept of Tatwamasi and live our lives with a sense of connection and purpose, knowing that we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Tatwamasi.

AI image of Man Meditating