The word “Kashi” literally means “tower of light”. It is a device, a powerfully distinguished instrument designed to connect the microcosm and the macrocosm, or the individual and the universal. It is a giant human form created to connect with the cosmic form. It had 72,000 shrines at one time, as there are 72,000 nadis in the human body.
People went there for realization and transcendence because there is an energetic process. If you become available to it, it elevates you to dimensions that are beyond ordinary human experience.
Everyone may not be immersed in the spiritual process, but there is no human being in the world who does not have the urge to touch the aspects of life which are not in their life now. Some people can consciously invest their time and energy to do this. Others wish it from time to time. So how do they find the expression of their longing?
In this culture, we have created tools through which even ordinary people, who are not immersed in spiritual practice, can have the opportunity to transcend and change their way of being. So, it was said that every ordinary human being, no matter how he lived, must visit Kashi at least at the end of his life, as transit is available free of charge to every human being. This is the significance of Kashi.
Recently, I was talking to some of the top scientists in neuroscience, physics, and other disciplines who are part of our center at Harvard Medical School. I was telling them that the latter part of the 19th century and much of the entire 20th century has gone into studying the physical aspects of existence.
The 21st century and the future should be devoted to the subjectivity of man, the subjectivity of life. A life of science would have no meaning without addressing the subjectivity of life. So much technology has come but unfortunately, most of the technology is being used against life, not for the good of life. Not out of intention, but because of a lack of inclusive approach, a lack of awareness of the importance of subjectivity.
Kashi has addressed that subjectivity a few thousand years ago. It is only by addressing subjectivity that man will experience the fullness and richness of life. Otherwise we will have everything but we will have nothing. The time has come for scientific attention also to shift to subjective investigations. This is what Kashi and this culture shows.
For the first time, we have a younger generation that wants everything to be logically correct. They are unwilling to accept dogmatic teachings and philosophies that have no relevance. They want to be well here, they don’t want to go to heaven. It is becoming a strong movement everywhere in the world.
I am traveling around the world, and I see that everywhere, every university I go to, they are fascinated by what Indian culture has to offer because nowhere else has anyone seen the human system and the possibilities of being human. Is. There is so much depth and detail in the look of this culture. This is the future of the world if we present it properly. And that is exactly what is being done in Kashi now.
I went there for the first time in 2012, some journalists asked me, “Sadhguru, what is your opinion about Kashi?” I said, “It’s fabulous and filthy at the same time. But if you don’t remove the mess, the splendid can turn into filth.” Here we are, at last! At least one of Kashi, if not the whole system. The part is being revived. For many people who wished to be there but could not, just the way it was operated is a big step in making it accessible to them.
It is time to move away from divisive dogmas, philosophies and ideologies in the world. India is on the cusp where if we do some right things in the next few years, we can bring about a cultural renaissance for the whole world.