In an earlier post comparing the thoughts and writings of Adi Sankara and C. S. Lewis, I referred to laws of physical nature and laws of human nature. C S Lewis points out that we all know that we cannot choose to disobey laws of physical nature. If we do, the results will be definite and disastrous. But we can choose to disobey laws of human nature, which deals with human behavior in relation to others, other lives. These laws relate to whether we behave decently towards others.
Later I was amazed, but not surprised to learn that Vishnu
Sahasranamam, a famous Hindu prayer, has mentioned the same two laws of
Nature, one of Physical Nature and one of Human Nature, in Slokas (stanzas) 151
and 153. It goes on to say that both Laws are held together by Lord Vishnu. It
is interesting to learn that the name Achyuta is used to refer to Vishnu,
who controls both. The word Achyuta in Sanskrit means “steady”.
Just as there are physical laws of nature, there are laws of
human Nature. The word Dharma can be applied to both. The Primordial Force behind
both, bringing them together in harmony, is the same for all of humanity. But the names happen to be different.
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