Cyclical nature of Time in Sanatan Dharma

Source

Today, many of us see time as linear. As something that goes in a straight line and always moves forward. However, Sanatan Dharma, the oldest belief system in the world, has a different concept of time.

The Dharmic mindset sees Time as a representation of divinity. One that is cyclical with endless cycles of destruction and creation. This idea of Time is backed by modern science, as scientists have found evidence that after the Big Bang the universe began expanding, and after a certain point it will start contracting and will be reduced to a small speck. Following this, yet another Big Bang will occur and the cycle of creation will begin all over again.

We see examples of the cyclical nature of Time and creation all around us. The way a tree grows from a seed, produces new seeds and those seeds in turn produce more trees. The water cycle, the nitrogen cycle, the changing seasons,
the revolution of the Earth ...... they all work in the same pattern.

In Sanatan Dharma, it is believed that creation begins when Brahman (divinity) activate their energies and ends when they withdraw those energies. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv represent the processes of creation, preservation and destruction of the universe respectively. The Trinity's dance, with creation, preservation and destruction going in a circle one after another, is what causes the births and deaths of countless universes.

Some of us may see destruction as having a negative connotation, but destruction is necessary. Sometimes, the old must be done away with to make room for the new. Nothing is forever.

The Bhagavad-Gita teaches us that we must not allow either good or bad times to derail our focus. As neither is eternal, and as one ends the other will begine. On and on they will go in a circle bringing joy and sorrow, both of which enrich our lives in their own way.

Hopefully, we can remember this valuable lesson when overwhelmed by happiness or by dismay during our good and bad time. After all, it all goes in a circle.