Life is a delicate, interconnected process, not a single entity.
Tamil philosophy contrasts ‘Uruvam’ (உருவம் - form, sensory) and ‘Aruvam’ (அருவம் - formlessness, abstract).
Form :
- Physical objects (chair, body)
- Measurable things (temperature, weight)
- Concrete actions (walking, eating)
Formlessness :
- Abstract ideas (love, time, gravity)
- Emotions (happiness, fear)
- Thoughts, consciousness
Life manifests as form, yet its essence is elusive, suggesting formlessness. How do you personally see life?
Is it primarily form, a sensory-perceivable process defined by biological functions? Or is it more akin to formlessness, an abstract concept, a set of principles beyond physical form?
Is life, in your understanding, simultaneously ‘form and formlessness’?
Can you elaborate? I’m I scientist so I can go on all day about life systems and how everything works but I have no idea what form and formless means. Life is definitely physical, measurable and concrete, I’m not sure theres much more to it than that. Everything else just seems like ideas that help us relate to observed behaviours.