Compassionate Tears: How an Ant Opened My Heart
The microscope is a powerful tool for spiritual understanding
Ant and natural moss — Bresser DST-0745 equipped with a Bresser MikroCam II Microscope Camera 12MP — Photo by Author.
I had promised myself to discuss the concept of svadharma in Vedanta today, talking about following one's nature, using the extraordinary industriousness of ants as an example. I had planned to produce microscopic images of an ant to illustrate the concept. And I did, as you can see. But after observing it closely, touching it and disturbing it in every way, especially with the lights that insects are particularly sensitive to, I changed my mind. I cannot help but associate my experience with a strong sense of union with this creature, a gift of Creation like all of us.
I "imagined" its discomfort under the microscope lens, even though I did it not for pure whim or curiosity, but to, as you know, produce articles that connect Vedanta philosophy and microscopy. Yet, a sense of guilt arose in me shortly after observing my first images produced with a living being. A sense of guilt stemming from the awareness that that ant, like every other creature in this wonderful universe, is part of myself.
It is enough for you to reflect on how relative the very concept of dimension is, which according to the way of thinking of us "evolved" humans characterizes the meaning of "importance" for things, gestures, events, animals and more. Who tells you that the ant is small? It is only our vision. Why not say that we are not gigantic compared to it? The word creates dualisms: in this case the duality big-small. Dualisms that are the fruit of our limited mind, incapable of grasping the unity underlying the apparent multiplicity of forms.
"Not this, not this, because the Absolute is not something that can be described by language or grasped by the senses or the mind. It is beyond all categories of empirical existence. It is what remains when all dualities are transcended."
(Chapter 1 of the Mandukya Upanishad - Verse 7)
So then the use of the microscope becomes an elevator that transports my consciousness as a human being lost in maya, in the illusion of reality generated by identification with this through our senses, from low to high. We are the most evolved creatures on Earth, but we are not the measure of everything. The dimensions, and the observation of them, is nothing more than a useful geometric observation, if nothing else, to orient oneself in the world, but not to give it meaning according to that parameter.
Ant, sugar crystal, and natural moss — Bresser DST-0745 equipped with a Bresser MikroCam II Microscope Camera 12MP — Photo by Author.
Once we have understood what forms are, what is the use of remembering them, especially to discriminate, and create dualisms and separateness? "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to "The World is One Family".
This concept, enshrined in Hindu texts such as the Maha Upanishad, embodies the profound idea that all of humanity, and indeed every living being, is interconnected and should be treated as one great family. It is a philosophical principle that promotes unity, peace and understanding across all cultural diversities and every apparent separation.
"One is a relative, the other stranger, says the small-minded. The entire world is a family, live the magnanimous. Be detached, be magnanimous, lift your mind, enjoy the fruit of Brahmanic freedom."
(Chapter 6 of the Maha Upanishad -VI.71-73)
This truth is what I continually rediscover in the depths of my heart, even more so after admiring that ant under the magnifying lens. Behind the tiny little legs, the primordial instincts, the form so alien to us, there is the same divine spark that animates every breath of Creation. That ant is none other than myself, just as you, dear brothers and sisters, are but the echo of a single universal voice.
Ant — Bresser DST-0745, equipped with a Bresser MikroCam II Microscope Camera 12MP — Photo by Author.
What madness to persevere in discriminating, judging, and preserving artificial barriers between beings who are, in essence, one? Let us abandon the dualisms of the mind and open our hearts to the embrace that encompasses and welcomes all. The whole world is our family and in this family, love, and love alone, is the way.
The Bhagavad Gita comes to meet me like a balm to soothe the melancholy experienced in observing the ant under the microscope:
"It is better to engage in one's occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly than to accept another's occupation and perform it perfectly. Duties prescribed according to one's nature are never affected by sinful reactions."
Ant, sugar crystal, and natural moss — Bresser DST-0745 equipped with a Bresser MikroCam II Microscope Camera 12MP — Photo by Author.
This verse emphasizes the importance of following one's path and nature, rather than imitating others, which is a central theme in the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on duty and righteousness.
I believe I am on the right path. I believe I am doing it.
Let us live according to our most authentic nature, gracefully performing our dharma, and we will find the liberation and fulfilment we seek. Like the ants, we are part of a greater design and contribute our part to the harmonious flow of life itself.
The occasion to scrutinize the minuscule realm was granted to me. thanks to the Bresser DST-0745 microscope and Bresser MikroCam II 12MP. These advanced tools from Bresser allowed me to explore with strong magnification around 180 times larger. Thank you to Bresser for providing me with this modern equipment.
Peace for all. All is One.
What do you think about my article?
Have you ever used a microscope?
Here is a short video about the ant that you can download.
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