Cosmic man

The Cosmic Man, also known as Vishvarupa in Sanskrit, is a concept that originated in Hinduism and has been adopted and adapted by various esoteric and spiritual traditions. It represents the idea of a universal form or a perfected being that encompasses all the universe and all beings within it, symbolizing the unity and interconnectedness of all things. The Cosmic Man is considered to be the ultimate and complete form of the deity Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver of the universe in Hinduism. The concept of the Cosmic Man challenges individuals to recognize the divine in all things and to see the interconnectedness of the universe, inspiring a sense of unity and wholeness.  It feels like one of those symbols that are universal if by a different name, that concept of all encompassing divine deity, the universe as a conscious being if you will.

Origin:

Vishvarupa is a Sanskrit term that refers to the "Universal Form" or "Cosmic Man." This concept is mentioned in Hindu scriptures, particularly in the Bhagavad Gita, as a form of the deity Lord Vishnu, who is considered to be the preserver of the universe in Hinduism. In this scripture, Lord Vishnu reveals his cosmic form to the warrior prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This form is described as having multiple heads, arms, legs, and eyes, and is said to contain all of the universe within it.

Appearance in Hinduism:

Vishvarupa is said to contain all the universe and all beings within it, symbolizing the unity and interconnectedness of all things. The concept of Vishvarupa represents the idea that the divine is present in all things and that everything is a part of a greater cosmic whole. This is a concept that resonates with hippies and physicists alike.

Influence on other cultures:

The idea of Vishvarupa has been adopted and adapted by various cultures, including Buddhism and Jainism. In Buddhism, the concept of the cosmic man is represented by the deity Vairocana, who is considered to be the embodiment of the Buddhist doctrine of emptiness. In Jainism, the cosmic man is represented by the deity Arihant, who is considered to be the embodiment of the ultimate truth.

Esoteric Sciences:

The idea of a cosmic man or universal form has been a central concept in various esoteric traditions, including alchemy and Hermeticism. In alchemy, the cosmic man symbolizes the idea of a perfected being, who has achieved unity and wholeness through the alchemical process. In Hermeticism, the cosmic man represents the idea of the universe as a living being, with all things being connected and interdependent.

Wicca: The idea of the Cosmic Man might not seem to be directly linked to Wicca, a modern pagan, witchcraft religion. However, the concept of interconnectedness and the idea of a divine universal form are similar to Wiccan beliefs in the interconnectedness of all things and the divine nature of the universe. Wiccans believe in the interconnectedness of all things, and view the universe as being alive and imbued with a divine energy. One can see the similarities between Gaia, the infinite universe and the cosmic man.

Symbolism:

The Vishvarupa represents the entire universe and has been interpreted as a symbol of the unity of all things and the interconnectedness of the universe. It represents the idea that everything is connected and that all beings are a part of a greater cosmic whole. The multiple heads, arms, legs, and eyes of the cosmic man symbolize the idea that the divine is present in all things, and that everything is connected and interdependent.

Interpretations:

The Vishvarupa or infinite form has been interpreted in different ways over time, with some viewing it as a symbol of divine power, while others see it as a symbol of the ultimate unity of all things. Some interpret it as a symbol of the divine presence in all things, while others see it as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things and the universe. Think of the Tao or the Ying yang but as a self-aware sentient being that really is the entire cosmos, that's a good way of thinking of it in my opinion.

Significance:

The idea of the Cosmic Man remains an important concept in Hinduism, as well as in various esoteric and spiritual traditions. It continues to inspire individuals to seek unity and interconnectedness with all things, both in the material and spiritual realms. The concept of the cosmic man challenges individuals to see the divine in all things and to recognize the interconnectedness of the universe. It encourages individuals to seek the whole.

In modern times

There is a link that is rarely seen, the relationship between the Cosmic Man and psychedelics is not a widely recognized or documented one in Hinduism or the esoteric traditions that have adopted the concept. However, some modern esoteric and spiritual communities have drawn connections between the Cosmic Man and the use of psychedelics. It would be hard not to really.

In these communities, the use of psychedelics is seen among other things as a means to experience the interconnectedness of all things and to gain a greater understanding of the cosmic whole. Some individuals believe that the use of psychedelics can allow them to experience a state of unity with the universe, similar to the state described in the concept of the Cosmic Man.

This connection between psychedelics and the Cosmic Man might not be widely accepted or recognized, but it is an obvious one. One of the recurring themes psychedelics users report is that of meeting the cosmic man or the supreme form, sure it may go by many different names but alas, it seems clear enough that the archetype is one that is omnipresent throughout the human condition.

In conclusion, as many symbols used in esoteric circles, this is really another archetype that is shared by countless civilizations, it is something you understand as you achieve enlightenment (yeah I know how that sounds but when you realize you *are* one with the universe, or rather you are the universe...well there you go)