Impersonal essence that Einstein sensed was universal consciousness
Re: “Einstein rediscovered ancient middle path between god and godlessness”, Have Your Say, May 8.
Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist, highly regarded in this capacity and rightly so. But he was not by any measure a sage or spiritual realiser. His expression of veneration for something “subtle, intangible and inexplicable” is the verbal equivalent of the wondrous joy often seen in the eyes of an infant; the sheer happiness felt in mere existence itself. Such wonder is a sign or characteristic of the truth, not the equivalent of its abiding realisation.
Ye Olde Theologian, in consulting his library, has found a reference from the Upanishads, promptly misunderstood it, and unfortunately pasted it on Einstein’s forehead.
The metaphor of salt dissolving in water was chosen to illustrate the conscious principle of existence. (Consciousness might have been consistent with the technical term “field”, as used by Einstein). Everywhere present, consciousness is that which feels and that which we are. This is the truth which must be realised. It is not realised as a result of thinking about it, reading about it, writing about it or talking about it. No academic exercise is the equivalent of understanding it. It is inherent in existence itself and given by inexplicable grace. It does not require a smart man for its revelation. Rather it is the free gift of freedom itself given to all beings.
Therefore, once again, I urge everyone choose to enjoy the practice of meditation and the discipline of self-transcendence above all else.
Michael Setter
