The concept of vishwarupa is a philosophical manifestation. In the Hindu mythology we get to see its mention a couple of times. Krishna once showed it to Yashoda in his childhood and finally to Arjuna in the ‘battlefield of principle and its violation’ that we encounter in our day-to-day life.
Besides, Durga, the consciousness -- winning over Mahishasura, the meanness -- emerges as the collective force, representing all-inclusiveness. Later when Shumbh, anger and passion personified, challenges her, her reply is “ekaibaham, dwitiya ka mamapara” -- I am the only one, where is a second entity?
One and many
The same concept of oneness entered Buddhism as well. One huge form of Buddha holds multiple forms of tiny Buddhas on multiple hands. Within the timelessness we have the manifestation of time, represented by each Buddha.
The tantric goddess Kali who is beyond kala or time, wears the garland of severed heads, each representing time.
From the eyes of an artist these images are portrayals of timelessness encompassing several phases of time, nothingness comprising material manifestations of temporary nature, endlessness in which fit in millions of phases with endpoints.
Within what is known to be beyond time are portrayed innumerable manifestations of time, each of which has a past, present and future; each of which emerges, blooms and ends. Because vishwarupa is beyond time it can contain a number of manifestations of time simultaneously. It is immaterial to identify the first or second in a sequential manner because timelessness is the benchmark, and this is represented in the form of a garland or circular structure.
Beyond time
The journey of life is from a state that represents time to a state beyond time. Unless we enter time, we cannot realise timelessness. Be it joyous or adverse, life, which is a moment in the path of eternity, has to be encountered if the ultimate has to be known.
While living through that moment suddenly the window will open wide and the realisation of timelessness can be attained! If not in this life, then in the next life. Even that realisation is momentary. Interestingly, what is transient can also uphold eternity.
Time and timelessness are interwoven and in their game of hide-and-seek we are lost unless we remain mentally alert. Remaining conscious is what is called as spiritualism. While pursuing what we are doing in our day-to-day life, that alertness has to be retained.
Sound and solitude
Moments of sound and moments of solitude co-exist and life is a constant movement between the two. They help us realise the unique experiences of timelessness. When we get tired of sound or silence, restlessness arises and that itself creates a conducive atmosphere for potential realisation. The boredom with one state gives rise to action but action itself holds the potential to make one action-less.
The state of solitude intermingles with sound and produces such a state that we are able to carry out our daily activities while mental tranquility is still retained. Eternity awaits every moment to offer us the realisation of timelessness when we are still alive. The description of vishwarupa in text or in the form of a statue is an expression of eternity - all is included in one that is nothingness
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