The Rules Are Set
Better We Fall in Line!
The ‘Faulty’ Appliance
Many years ago I recall discussing an issue with a washing machine engineer whom we had called out shortly after purchasing our new appliance. We had observed an unusual behaviour, prompting us to seek clarification on what we perceived as a 'fault'. Despite being a brand new machine, it had displayed a certain ‘erratic behaviour’ from the very start.
When I detailed the condition to the engineer, I was surprised when he calmly responded, "It is meant to be like that." Initially thinking there was a misunderstanding, I reiterated my concerns, only to receive the same response: "Yes, I understand, and I still maintain, it is meant to be like that."
The reason for reiterating my description of the perceived fault stemmed from our prior experience with washing machines, where we had never encountered such behaviour. It later became clear that this was a result of new technology introduced to enhance the machine's functionality. What we had initially deemed a 'fault' turned out to be a surprising and beneficial feature for the machine, ultimately proving advantageous for us as well.
Limitations of Human Capacities
As humans, our knowledge and comprehension of various matters, even those crafted by fellow humans, remains incomplete. Our perceptions, moulded by this inherent deficiency are consequently flawed. This deficiency echoes through our final conclusions and judgements as well. While such limitations or attitudes may not pose significant risks insofar as they relate to the material aspects of this world (such as my washing machine), adopting a similar attitude towards the products of the ultimate Creator may be less forgivable.
And this is why it is imperative to adopt humility and appreciate the perfection dispersed across the universe. As what may seem flawed or unjust to us may be just as perfect. Only that we may not know it to be so due to our incomplete knowledge and flawed understanding.
It seems like the unquestioning compliance and silent obedience of the entities within the universe are crying out to us: ‘It is meant to be like that’.
“What may seem flawed or unjust to us may be just as perfect.”
‘Falling in Line’
It is this unwavering behaviour of the universe that the title of this article alludes to.
When a person joins an organisation, or a similar establishment, they are required to align themselves with its rules and regulations and adhere to the expected standards of behaviour. Likewise, when someone enrols in an educational institution, or begins working at a new job, or visits a foreign country, they encounter a similar phenomenon - rules that govern that specific environment. To remain there, compliance with those rules becomes imperative, and there would be little room for disagreement and deviation. In case of violation of the laws in operation, those in breach of the laws will face the inevitable consequences, regardless of whether they agree or disagree with the instituted rules.
What is most important to understand is that the terms followed are always those of the establishment and not of those who join it. And that is the standard behaviour across the board.
“The terms followed are always those of the establishment and not of those who join it.”
Approaching the Divine Laws
By the same token, as we enter this universe, we find that there are laws and regulations already in existence.
It is only natural and logical that we respect these governing principles, just as we would in any educational institution, workplace, or a country we visit or desire to live in. This requirement of compliance holds true irrespective of whether we agree or disagree with these principles, and whether they are perceived as flawless or flawed.
These principles form the foundation of the 'universal society' (in the context of the universe). And just as with any institution, what truly matters is the perspective of the one who created the system, and not the opinions of those wishing to reside within it or benefit from it.
In the case of human beings presiding over countries and organisations, due to their inherent tendency to err and falter, there is a possibility, rather a certainty, of error and deficiency in the operation of their controlled establishments; however with respect to a perfect Creator there isn’t the least possibility of such an error creeping in.
The Neutral Lens
The rules and regulations in operation within the universe are as perfect as they can be. However this can only be acknowledged if seen with a neutral lens. That is, a lens that is strictly free of any paradigms.
Once we put on such a lens we begin to truly appreciate the universe and its Creator. We also start to realise that any judgement we form regarding the universe, is simply a projection of our own minds and the associated paradigms.
We begin to realise that all perception of good and evil is purely the construct of our own perspective and understanding of things - a tool that definitely serves us well for the purpose of our existence - but is something that should not be projected onto the neutral canvas of the universe.
In this regard it is certainly helpful to take a leaf from the attitudes of the existing inhabitants of the universe. The ‘universal society’ (minus human beings) never disagrees with any principles in operation here, nor does it ever question them. Entities here simply submit.
“The ‘universal society’ never disagrees with any principles in operation here, nor does it ever question them.”
Perfection vis-à-vis Imperfection
In light of the above, the cause of questioning or objection does not arise. As when an entity is deficient by its very nature and design, it can only object to and attempt to correct that which is equal to it or lower than it. To do so otherwise would be highly unreasonable; that is to object to or question something that is beyond one’s own level; especially when the superiority of that is far above one’s own.
Take the example of proficiency in a science or language. If you have a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in a discipline, you can only correct someone to the extent of your knowledge and level of understanding in that particular field of expertise. It would be unreasonable for someone to judge and correct one who is far above their level.
If such is the case with a fallible human being, who could certainly be wrong in any given discipline, what would you say of the Almighty whose knowledge and wisdom far surpasses that of any sentient being and extends beyond all limits of knowledge and wisdom?
Perfection in its truest sense demands that it is not questioned and never attempted to be corrected. Imperfection on the other hand cries out for both. It is another matter that hubris and arrogance or poor perception of one's own intellectual capacity may prevent one from doing so.
In a factory where there are seasoned workers operating intricate machinery, envision a novice seeking a tour there, who raises objections and offers suggestions. One can only wonder about the experts' reactions to such impertinence and presumptuous behaviour. And this is a very crude comparison as there can be no comparison between the Creator and the Creation.
“Perfection in its truest sense demands that it is not questioned and never attempted to be corrected. Imperfection on the other hand cries out for both.”
Who Needs to Change?
The Creator is absolutely perfect and so are His workings in the universe. Everything that stems from Him is as perfect as can be. Deficiency exists only in the perception of the observers. Reality is a drawing of this Perfect Artist and is absolutely free from all flaws. The flaws that we see are the result of the lens that we put on. People with inner purity learn to see without this lens and that is where the perfection of the Art begins to manifest.
Reality will not change for you; you would need to change for it. Your perceptions may be true or false and you ultimately pay the price of it if they are false. When you enter this world you need to gain knowledge of the laws in operation here (some from experience but majority from those you trust) in order to avoid the pitfalls.
Consider a person aboard a high-speed train, who is fully convinced that leaping from the fast-moving carriage won't cause him any harm. While reality may not be so harsh for his misguided beliefs, when the moment of truth arrives however, there is no doubt that reality will strike, and strike hard, debunking any flawed beliefs, as the tangible incident is bound to prevail over subjective convictions.
Just as there are laws that relate to this world, there are also laws that pertain to the Afterlife. And the consequences of these laws will play out in the Afterlife just as those of this world invariably play out in this world. It is only that the moment of truth is yet to arrive.
“Reality is a drawing of a perfect Artist and is absolutely free from all flaws”
“Surely, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs for people of understanding. Those who remember God while standing, sitting or (reclining) on their backs, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): 'Our Lord! You have not created (all) this in vain.” [Quran - 3:190-191]
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