Metaphysics, a profound branch of philosophy, explores the ultimate reality that sustains the world of flux—the interplay of life and matter within the space-time continuum. It asks not just what exists, but why existence itself unfolds the way it does.
Life and matter are co-sharers in this cosmic process. While matter provides the structure, life infuses motion, consciousness, and meaning. Together, they create the dynamic fabric of the universe.
Bergson’s Philosophy: Life vs. Matter
French philosopher Henri Bergson, in his classic Creative Evolution, described the universe as a clash between two opposing forces:
- Life (élan vital) – a vital impulse that strives upward, seeking freedom and creativity.
- Matter – inert resistance, pulling downward and restricting movement.
For Bergson, the history of the cosmos is the struggle of life breaking through matter, gradually learning to adapt, overcome obstacles, and expand into higher forms of existence.
From Chemical Evolution to Living Beings
Modern theories of chemical evolution complement this metaphysical perspective. Life is believed to have emerged from simple compounds—carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen—combining to form water, ammonia, methane, and eventually more complex molecules like glucose and fatty acids.
The appearance of the virus, composed of nucleic acids and proteins, marked the first step toward life. From here, evolution advanced from:
- Appetitive life – simple reproduction-driven organisms.
- Vegetative life – plants capable of harnessing solar energy through chlorophyll.
- Animal life – instinct-driven beings seeking survival and satisfaction.
- Meditative life – humans, capable of reflection, values, and higher consciousness.
The Role of the Sun and Vedic Symbolism
In this evolutionary journey, the Sun became the sustainer of life, providing energy for growth and consciousness.
Vedic philosophy equates this sustaining principle with Vishnu, the preserver of life. The Upanishads beautifully describe evolution as a continuum of sap (essence):
- Earth → Water → Vegetation → Human → Meditation → Speech → Recitation → Harmony → Udgitha (Supreme Oneness).
This sequence reflects the movement of life from the material to the spiritual culmination—a stage of unity with the cosmic spirit.
Meditative Life and Metaphysical Evolution
While biological evolution culminates in Homo sapiens, metaphysical evolution begins with meditation and reflection.
- The appetitive phase gave value to reproduction.
- The vegetative phase sustained life through production.
- The animal phase added instinct and satisfaction.
- The human meditative phase brought self-awareness, values, and the pursuit of bliss.
This stage seeks to transcend dualities and merge with the infinite principle, dissolving distinctions between life and matter.
Law, Values, and the Cosmic Order
According to the metaphysics of law, life is not random but guided by an underlying cosmic order.
- Law is the process by which life evolves toward higher values.
- Each evolutionary stage integrates conflicts into harmony.
- Humanity progresses by generating, contesting, and refining values.
The ultimate aim of law is the unity of existence with universal spirit, where freedom and necessity, will and purpose, become indistinguishable.
Being and Becoming
Philosophically, existence is both being and becoming:
- Being – the eternal substratum, the principle of existence.
- Becoming – the experience of change, growth, and transformation.
The self experiences becoming in its own journey—from childhood to youth to old age—and also in the world of flux. Ultimately, the goal is to realize that being and becoming are one, and that true reality transcends both.
Conclusion: Toward Cosmic Oneness
The metaphysics of law reveals that life is not merely biological—it is spiritual evolution in motion.
From the brute appetites of early life to the meditative depth of human existence, the journey of consciousness aims for oneness with the cosmic principle. The Upanishadic vision of udgitha—upliftment, movement, and sanctum—represents the ultimate stage where life merges with infinite reality.
In this state of plenary existence, dualities dissolve, conflicts end, and life attains its highest purpose: union with the universal order.
