Reading Notes: 7 Secrets of Vishnu, Matsya's Secret, Part B
Matsya's Secret: Only humans can empathize, and exploit
Part 1
Manas give humans the ability to imagine, and therefore humans are called Manavas.
Manu, the first man, was engaged by Vishnu in fish form. This is a reference to jungle law (the big fish eating smaller fish eating smaller fish mentality). The entire natural world lives by this creed, save humanity. Might is not always right, so we judge.
Manu saves a small fish from a larger predator, and in doing so transforms nature. The pot he keeps the fish in represents culture, that which we have changed and created from what would have been only nature.
Dharma represents the thought that creates the secure world, and is an artificial construct.
Adherence to jungle law brands us or animals as pashu, while rising above, and living beyond the "might is right" mentality brands us purusha, or humans. Pashu could be a potent insult.
The pot the fish is stored within brings the concept of property, namely Manu's property. While many species are territorial, Manu's notion of property is entirely different. Property of humans is based on compassion or greed, and has roots in imagination. Adharma is the notion that property can be exclusive (Ravana example used), while dharma is the inclusive notion, and Rama yielding the throne gracefully to his brother is the example used.
As the fish grows, newer and larger pots are necessary to house the fish Manu rescued. Are the things we own territory or property? Do we wield them or care for them?
Part 2
King Shibi and the hawk - sparing the life of a dove, the hawk's natural prey, at the expense of the life of a rat or a snake yields no gain ultimately. Should the rat or snake or dove live, at the expense of the hawk's life? This story challenges the human construct of society, and underlines the fact that our notions are not always correct, applicable, or universal. Culture is always imperfect, but a dynamic thing that changes to seek answers over time.
The Pandavas forest burning argues that culture is built on the destruction of the natural ecosystem, as all things must eventually be destroyed. However, there is a difference between utilization and exploitation. Manu's rescue and propagation of the single fish in the pot excludes the well-being of all other fishes, and he does not believe the fish can survive on its own. The potted fish eventually becomes dependent on Manu and cannot survive on its own.
Death of the world occurs when the fish grows so large (culture expanding at the cost of all else) that the rest of nature is exploited to feed, care for, and house and cloth this enormous fish. The great calamity of the world's end is traced directly to Manu's choice to save a fish and care for it. Compassion becomes exploitation, and a horn appears on the fish symbolizing the vertical mark of Vishnu. A serpent is used to tie Manu's boat to the fish, and he takes them to the center of the world, where existence resets.
Nature moves cyclically, and balance prevails. Man possesses the ability to change this wheel into a spiral, moving ever closer to doom or salvation.
Part 1
Manas give humans the ability to imagine, and therefore humans are called Manavas.
Manu, the first man, was engaged by Vishnu in fish form. This is a reference to jungle law (the big fish eating smaller fish eating smaller fish mentality). The entire natural world lives by this creed, save humanity. Might is not always right, so we judge.
Manu saves a small fish from a larger predator, and in doing so transforms nature. The pot he keeps the fish in represents culture, that which we have changed and created from what would have been only nature.
Dharma represents the thought that creates the secure world, and is an artificial construct.
Adherence to jungle law brands us or animals as pashu, while rising above, and living beyond the "might is right" mentality brands us purusha, or humans. Pashu could be a potent insult.
The pot the fish is stored within brings the concept of property, namely Manu's property. While many species are territorial, Manu's notion of property is entirely different. Property of humans is based on compassion or greed, and has roots in imagination. Adharma is the notion that property can be exclusive (Ravana example used), while dharma is the inclusive notion, and Rama yielding the throne gracefully to his brother is the example used.
As the fish grows, newer and larger pots are necessary to house the fish Manu rescued. Are the things we own territory or property? Do we wield them or care for them?
Part 2
King Shibi and the hawk - sparing the life of a dove, the hawk's natural prey, at the expense of the life of a rat or a snake yields no gain ultimately. Should the rat or snake or dove live, at the expense of the hawk's life? This story challenges the human construct of society, and underlines the fact that our notions are not always correct, applicable, or universal. Culture is always imperfect, but a dynamic thing that changes to seek answers over time.
The Pandavas forest burning argues that culture is built on the destruction of the natural ecosystem, as all things must eventually be destroyed. However, there is a difference between utilization and exploitation. Manu's rescue and propagation of the single fish in the pot excludes the well-being of all other fishes, and he does not believe the fish can survive on its own. The potted fish eventually becomes dependent on Manu and cannot survive on its own.
Death of the world occurs when the fish grows so large (culture expanding at the cost of all else) that the rest of nature is exploited to feed, care for, and house and cloth this enormous fish. The great calamity of the world's end is traced directly to Manu's choice to save a fish and care for it. Compassion becomes exploitation, and a horn appears on the fish symbolizing the vertical mark of Vishnu. A serpent is used to tie Manu's boat to the fish, and he takes them to the center of the world, where existence resets.
Horned fish towing Manu to safety
Image source: India Divine
Nature moves cyclically, and balance prevails. Man possesses the ability to change this wheel into a spiral, moving ever closer to doom or salvation.
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