ANCIENT WISDOM IN A MODERN UNIVERSE:
We’re living in an era of new inventions, quick technology, and advanced science. We have a new thing every day to hear about—smartphones, space travel, artificial intelligence, and so on. Yet, even in today’s modern age, we still have old ideas that assist us in understanding life. One of those ideas is the old saying: “As above, so within.”
It is a very short sentence but loaded with meaning. It is from ancient wisdom that thought everything in the world was linked. What occurs in the heavens (above) also occurs within us (within). That is, the world and the human spirit are not different. They are mirrors of each other.
CLASSICAL UNDERSTANDING:
Thousands of years ago, humans gazed up at the stars and the sky and sensed a strong link with nature. They supposed that the universe was not only out there, but within them as well. They observed patterns in the moon, sun, and stars, and they saw that those patterns also manipulate human life. This concept exists in most ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Hindus, and Chinese.
Although they did not possess modern science, they knew one very key thing. They thought that harmony and balance in the universe translated into harmony and balance in life. If the stars were in harmony, then our thoughts and actions should also be.
THE SOUL IS THE MIRROR OF THE UNIVERSE:
In the modern world, we are usually lost or stressed. We are so busy living that we sometimes neglect our inner world—our thoughts, feelings, and soul. Ancient wisdom calls to mind that we must not just seek outside. We must look within.
When we notice beauty in the stars or peace in nature, it teaches us how to find beauty and peace in our minds. The universe’s order can lead us to develop order in our day-to-day life. Similarly, how the planets move according to a system, we can also develop a system or routine that leads to peace and happiness in our lives.
OLD SOULS, NEW TOOLS:
You might ask—does this old saying apply today? Can science agree with ancient wisdom? Surprisingly, yes. Modern science, such as quantum physics and psychology, also demonstrates that everything is connected. For instance, our thoughts and emotions can influence our well-being. Stress and sorrow can ill us, while calmness and happiness can make us healthy.
Also, we have learned from science that we are composed of the same stuff that stars are made of. Carbon, oxygen, and other elements found in our bodies originated from the stars. Which means that we are not different from the universe we’re part of it.
So when people long ago stated, “As above, so within,” they were correct. They knew something that science is just beginning to demonstrate.
Read more: Universal Stillness and Motion’s Dance
TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY:
You do not have to be a monk or scientist to apply this wisdom. Here are some easy ways to live with it:
1. Observe the sky: Take a few minutes a day to watch the sunrise, sunset, or stars. Nature can remind you of the peace and beauty that surrounds you, and inside you as well.
2. Meditate or sit still: Take time to touch base with your mind and heart. Hear what your inner reality is communicating.
3. balanced: Work on keeping balance in work, rest, and relationships. Just as the planets stick to a path, we too can stick to a good path in life.
4. compassionate and mindful: Be kind to other people and live mindfully. When we establish peace within, we also establish peace without.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The words “As above, so within” remind us of a fundamental yet strong truth: the world outside and the world inside are intertwined. In our noisy, changing universe today, this ancient saying reminds us to keep our speed slow, to look inside, and to find Harmony. The stars above and the spirit within are both shining. We only need to pay attention.
Even in the fast life of today, ancient knowledge can make us live better, calmer, and more purposeful lives. So the next time you gaze up at the night sky, don’t forget you are not different from it. You are part of the universe, and the universe is part of you.
