The long run attitude is the reality of our existence in this most amazing Universe that we are a part and parcel of, a universe that has, and is continually expanding since the beginning of creation.
Or we can even say, the Universe has been moving forward and expanding with the long run attitude, which means, there is no end to it. The reality of the expanding Universe was first stated in the Indian Vedas that are over 5000 years old and considered to be one of the oldest existing scriptures of knowledge. The sages of that era made this discovery due to their enlightened state of being.
They also analyzed the working of the human body, examining how the cells and organs were in a constant state of change and creation, and drew parallels with the Universe. They considered the human body to be a mini-universe containing everything that the actual universe had. Today, many scientists have reaffirmed through their scientific research the same truth of the ever expanding Universe. They have found evidence that it is in a constant state of change and creation and has been expanding since its inception.
In fact, there are three possible theories of expansion that exist, and each of them predict a different fate for the Universe in the long run. The three types of expanding universe are called open, flat, and closed. If the Universe was open, then it would expand forever. If it was flat, it would also expand, but the expansion would slow down to zero after a certain amount of time. In the third scenario, if the Universe was closed, it would stop expanding and eventually re-collapse on itself.
The theory of the three types of universe is analogous to us human beings. If our mind is open, and we are ready to learn from every single event or opportunity that comes our way, then we would expand much like the Universe and progress forever. If our mind is flat, that is, we take little or no action to learn from those events or opportunities, then we would still expand, but the expansion would slow down to zero after a certain amount of time. Lastly, if our mind is closed, and we are not ready to accept or learn anything from the unfolding scenarios, then the expansion would stop and eventually re-collapse on itself. In other words, we will stay as we are without any improvement in any segment of our lives.
Knowing your Self is to know who you are in reality.
Some people consider or believe they are basically the human body itself-one day they’ll die and that would be the end of their existence. These are the Type 3 with closed minds, not ready to accept or learn anything from whatever happens in their life. They don’t make any effort to explore the mysteries surrounding their existence on Earth, nor realize the wondrous nature of the amazing Universe. So when they eventually die, it is a situation of re-collapsing and remaining in the same form as they originally came in.
Then, we have a second group of people who feel there is an unseen element attached to the human body, a soul or spirit, and upon physical death they may go to a place called heaven or hell based upon their deeds, but they’re not certain about it. These are the Type 2 with flat minds, who take little or no action to find out the truth about themselves or learn from the unfolding events or endeavor to discover the mysteries of life. Accordingly, their expansion slows down to zero after a certain amount of time, and they spend their lives on Earth filled with doubts and fears of every kind.
They hardly achieve any major success, and often feel that people or some unknown forces are responsible for their misfortunes and misery. This group greatly depends on prayer and asking for favors from God all the time.
Type 1 with open minds are extremely rare to find, but it’s through them that the world has progressed so far. These are the folks responsible for the wonderful inventions and great discoveries that has led to all the progress since the Stone Age. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to learn from their mistakes is the key to their ever-expanding knowledge and success. This group understands the importance of
‘Knowing your Self’, and once they realize who they are and discover their inner powers, they use them fearlessly for their own advancement and also of their fellow beings.
Knowing your Self is one of the greatest teachings contained in every scripture of every religion, but it’s only people with open minds who are able to understand and make practical application to get acquainted with their true Self. To keep an open mind is the key to the ultimate discovery of who you are and the powers of creation that are an integral part of you.
A great number of years ago, the seven sages of ancient Greece who laid the foundation for western culture, gathered in Delphi to inscribe the sacred words— ‘Know Thyself’ at the entry to their Temple. These words opened the way for many people to seek their true identity and discover the reality of their existence in the Universe. Before the Greeks, the Hindus in India had developed their own philosophy on knowledge of the Self. In one of their ancient scriptures known as ‘Upanishads’, it is clearly outlined— “Enquiry into the truth of the Self is real knowledge.” Over the years countless authors, poets, and philosophers have repeatedly written and spoken about the importance of this inner journey.
In every religion, culture, ethnicity, and age, this has been talked about by several sages and eminent personalities.
Around 400 BC, Plato, the great Greek philosopher and mathematician expressed this knowing and the issues related to it in these beautiful words: “The soul is a helpless prisoner, chained hand and foot in the body, compelled to view reality not directly, but only through its prison bars, and wallowing in utter ignorance. Philosophy takes over the soul in this condition and encourages it to collect and concentrate itself by itself, trusting nothing but its own independent judgment. Philosophy is, therefore, the art and science of dissecting soul from body. It is a task available to all yet pursued by few.”
