range of observation and prove the infinite nature of the Cosmos. All these heavenly
bodies which appear to be scattered in the sky in a haphazard manner have been found
by astronomers to be grouped in different ways, these groups being related to one an-
other in a definite manner. Thus the satellites are grouped and move round a planet,
the planets are grouped and move round a central sun, the suns which we see as stars
form part of a much larger group called a galaxy and the galaxies are grouped together
in a universe. The distances and times involved in these groupings and movements of
stars are so stupendous as compared with the periods during which the observations
have been made that no clear and over-all picture of the whole Cosmos can be obtained
by purely physical methods, though anyone who has studied the subject with an open
mind cannot fail to see that there is a Grand Design at the basis of the astronomical
phenomena.
How can the Yogi obtain knowledge of this design? By performing Samyama on
an astronomical phenomenon which is typical of the different groupings and move-
ments. The movement of the moon round the earth is such a phenomenon on the small-
est scale. It embodies the essential characteristics of all the groupings and movements
and it is easy to see how Samyama on it will unfold in the mind of the Yogi the essen-
tial nature of the Cosmic Design.
- (By performing Samyama) on the pole-star knowledge of their move-
ments.
What has been said above with regard to the general law which regulates the
spatial relationships of the heavenly bodies applies equally to the law which regulates
their relative movements. It is well known that motion is a purely relative thing and it
is not possible to define or determine absolute motion. We can measure motion only in
relation to another object which is fixed. This is the law upon which all other laws of
motion are based. Now, there is only one star in the sky whose position is relatively