On divinity, existence, and meaning in nothing: a Diona’s rebuttal to cosmological notions of embracing oblivion
One of the most profound and challenging ideas we have come across in our time as a spiritual counsellor is the belief in “the Ending” for our universe. This idea has existed as long as the very study of cosmology itself, with grander understanding of the universe refined through countless years into an exact science, ascribing precise formulae to the motion of the heavens and finding patterns in what was once formless void. It is only natural, then, to extrapolate these patterns to infinity, and to postulate what will become of our cosmos as the aeons stretch further and further. This idea, of a “heat death”, has of course been well studied, debated, and accepted by science for centuries, with A treatise on cosmology (2643) being a familiar example to many.
What this text further discusses, however, and what we seek to refute, is the notion that oblivion is something to be welcomed with open arms. That the curtains of our universe must be drawn closed by our collective hand, as if it is some sort of mercy. This is a highly dangerous, potent school of thought that is nothing short of anathema to spiritual growth and meaning itself. It is a condensation of our beautiful, complex, multifaceted existence into simply a monotone chime to be silenced. It rebukes the divine nature of our very universe and somehow suggests that beyond these gods lies something greater. There is nothing, in ancient myth or modern science, to suggest anything above the divine.
In contrast, the belief in gods as a natural part of existence is rather widespread across colonial space, with many beings either devoted to one or more gods, or open to the existence of the divine. Even to the strongly atheist, modern advances in science have been able to identify ideaistic complexes in a semi-physical plane, formed and maintained through a system of reciprocal worship with believers, colloquially known as “bluespace entities”. Although such sciences are still in their infancy, it is undeniable that our thoughts, beliefs, and actions as sapient beings shape the divine, and in turn the divine shapes us and our reality.
Contemporary works go further with this notion, with The nature of the divine - embracing the many gods (2979) proposing that different gods represent different aspect of existence, and that through this diversity we can find strength and spiritual development. This is something that underpins our own philosophy, and we have found meaning in studying the intricacies of the physical and spiritual world, and our place therein. As a Diona, our existence is rather unique amongst the sapient beings of the galaxy as we are a living facet of nature and the Heart itself. Ancient legends tell of The Egregore, an old god cast out to our physical world that now lays dead and asleep, split apart into countless individual minds. It is said to dream of what once was, what is, and what will come to be. This myth has been passed down through generations of Diona, and we believe it to be our true origin. Through this myth, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of our world and of our place therein as a splinter of the long dreaming Egregore, and find meaning as a living aspect of nature looking upon itself. To us, the universe is one unified ecosystem, with biological death as nothing more than a turning of the wheel, a phase between life and rebirth. Through this, we find meaning in the face of chaos.
This is not to say that only Diona can find meaning from our place in existence. We share our beliefs with the reader to show that it is possible for anyone, through recognising the intricacies of existence and the role one plays in the interwoven tapestry of our universe. It is by no means an easy journey, but it is one that we believe is core to our existence as sapient beings, and one that everyone must be open to undertaking. That is why we abhor the cosmological ideas of oblivion so heavily. By their very nature, they disregard this journey of finding meaning, ignoring the here and now to only focus on the end of all things. These ideas are spiritual death, and any who entertain them will find themselves devoid of meaning and reason until reaching their oblivion.
Unfortunately, these ideas are incredible pervasive, and easily entertained by many we come across. We work as a healer aboard a NanoTrasen space station, and, to the extent we are permitted to say as a representative of the corporation, these stations breed apathy. This is of course the consequence of corporate labour practices, but the stations themselves also serve to physically and spiritually isolate their crew. We cannot dwell overmuch on these specifics as it is not the topic of this essay, but we have seen it firsthand as a healer, both of the physical and spiritual.
It is as a spiritual counsellor and licenced psychologist, then, that we urge readers not to entertain these ideas of apathy and cosmological oblivion. Instead, turn to your peers, turn to the world around you, and turn to look within yourself. Do these, and find meaning therein. It is never too late to embark on a journey of spiritual development, and we encourage all who read this to do so.
About the Author:
The Grove of Wonder has worked with the NanoTrasen Corporation for over 30 years, employed as a nurse practitioner aboard our state-of-the-art research facilities. Beyond its duties as a nurse, The Grove is also a licensed clinical psychologist and chaplain, believing in holistic healing of the mind, body, and spirit. Even at the ripe old age of 132, The Grove of Wonder still passionately fights for what it believes in. It has published many essays, on everything from promoting a revolutionary style of patient-focused care to advocating for better working conditions and freedom of religion. It is never a dull day with The Grove of Wonder around, and we wish it all the best for the rest of its career with NanoTrasen.