The concept of “Garden of Eden” is quite an intriguing one. When we sit down to comprehend this mystery, we naturally embark on a journey into the past or, as some would say, into another dimension. This idea has captured the universal imagination and is synonymous with our craving for the ideal.
The term “Garden of Eden” might be derived from Christian literature, but in fact it is referred to by different names in other religions. For ex: In Hindu religion it is termed as “Swarga”, in the religion of Islam it is termed as “Jannat.” Similarly, it is called as Shangrila, Shambala, Utopia, Paradise, etc. and the list goes on. The point here is to understand what it exactly means and why there is a certain sanctity associated with it.
According to biblical references “God created man in his own image” and granted him an ideal home to live. This home is termed as the Garden of Eden, now the fact that paradise was lost by falling from grace on account of a sin is known to us. But what was that paradise like? And where did it exist? Are some of the questions which we will try to answer. Also we can recall that Christ kept referring to the lost paradise in his teachings and also told us that the lost paradise would come back again.
Here the question of the place is - Where does this paradise exist? Does it exist in any other dimension or in an alternate parallel world or did it exist here on this earth. The answer we arrive upon contemplation is that the paradise exists here itself.
This is understood when we go back in time, we find that the population decreases proportionally, this would again challenge the theory of evolution, but that is another topic altogether. So here when we look at the world history we find that the recorded history dates to around 500 BC and before that the description of the time was based on assumptions which are not validated in a concrete fashion. So we can infer that paradise existed on this earth before recorded history.
When we take a look at the ancient wonders and structures of magnificence around us, we note that they are not mere findings, but they have more to them than what is perceived about them. The technology used for their construction is far more superior to the technology existing now, so here we understand that they were constructed during the time when paradise existed. Now the questions arises - Who were the people who inhabited the paradise? Were they any advanced beings? or Were they just like us?
The truth is that people living in paradise must have also been special. So here upon pondering we understand that they had higher morality and discipline of life, as compared to us, i.e. they were evolved beings in terms of actions and reactions observed in human behavior paradigms.
Now from our understanding of the cyclic nature of time, we can conclude that the lost paradise is going to be restored at some point in human history, but to account for this, we as individual entities can contribute by marching towards the ideal, by changing our false belief systems and adopting a higher order of morality. We also should understand that we lost this paradise due to our deviation from the norm of morality and values during the course of the world history.
When we ponder on all these concepts, we understand that the predictions of doom and dooms day are not exactly talking about destruction and catastrophes but in fact they are signaling towards a coming time when everything is going to be perfect again and the lost paradise is going to be restored on this earth.
So let us all endeavor to awaken to a higher and evolved lifestyle based on morality and wisdom, this way we would also be contributing to the global cause of peace and harmony amongst all, and eventually we can usher in a new age by restoring the “Garden of Eden” to its lost grandeur and magnificence.
By Rakesh S
