THE POWER OF NUMBERS

IN THE EVOLUTION OF HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS

1)

 

Numbers are not merely arbitrary symbols invented by the mind of man to bring order into the diverse objects of the world. Numbers are archetypal; they exude their own power, energy and influence. They are the outward manifestation of deep, mystical patterns, which are the underlying order of the Universe. Numbers are not simply measures of quantity, but also reflections of inherent qualities. The Hindu mystics, known to the modern world as Yogis, meditated deeply on the mysterious power of numbers and from these meditations, the science of Yantra was born. This great science systematically analyses the manifest world of number, name and form, and explores the relationship amongst them. Numbers have the inherent power not only to reflect inner cosmic patterns, but also are a means of harnessing primordial forces and energies. These principles of Yantra may be applied in a practical sense in one’s spiritual Sadhana, as well as in one’s mundane pursuits in daily life.

This Yantric knowledge is deeply embedded in Hindu cultural patterns, even at the village level. For example, common villagers know that any effective governing body must be composed of five members. Hence, traditional village leadership was called “Panchayat” or “a governing body composed of five members.”

 

In certain ceremonies, a particular number of participants are required, or a certain number of materials. When chanting Mantras, particular numbers such as 108 are held to be more powerful than others – Rudraksha beads used for counting Mantras are always strung in groups of 54 or 108 in number. The different power inherent in “odd” and “even” numbers is also well recognized, and many so – called “superstitions” surround “odd” and “even”

Timings of the day, or days of the month. One could say that traditional Hindu life was very much ordered by the realization of the power that various numbers possessed.

 

Numbers also serve as a means of structuring memory and storing facts. All Yogic and spiritual lore is “made orderly” through this device of enumeration. But, this enumeration is not at all arbitrary. The “number” of “facts” or “concepts” associated under a central principle will always have an inherent “real relationship” to the essence of the concept. For example, the number “four” is associated with “stability” in Yantra. Any object, such as a table, an ideal human life into “four phases” – Brahmacharya (studentship); Grahasta (householder); Vanaprastha (withdrawal from worldly life); and Sanyasa (total renunciation of the material world); gives the quality of “stability” to a well-ordered society. Thus, the “number” Of elements or characteristics in each “pattern” reflects the inherent quality of that pattern.

 

Our days are divided numerically our days are divided numerically into seconds, minutes, and hours. Our years are divided into months. Our heart beats ascertain number of times each minute (usually assigned 70 – 72 beats per minute). Our breath moves in and out about 16 times per minute. Our bodily functions are governed by numbers and their regular repetition and rhythm. Disease, and disorders are diagnosed when these “numbers” become erratic. The life spans of various creatures are measured in numerical units and human

History is analysed in “periods of time”.

 

Compiled from various sources

Vikas P Deshpande

M. E. Civil, Structural Consultant

Vastu Consultant,

0434681647, deshpandevikas@gmail.com