Beyond the Void: Liberation from the Tyranny of "Atmosphere" through the Lens of Sacred Texts

2025年1月3日 21:25

The Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament proclaims, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

When did it begin, this societal trend where the “atmosphere” so often dictates human relationships and actions? In workplaces, schools, and even in homes, “reading the atmosphere” is expected. Those who fail to do so are criticized as “lacking awareness” and are often ostracized. But what is this “atmosphere” that wields such power? Its roots lie in personal emotions such as jealousy or love. When these emotions converge, they can swell into an invisible collective force, a pressure that can manifest as psychological or social oppression. Once lonely crowds now find themselves entangled in social media, whose algorithms amplify this “atmosphere,” transforming it into localized storm clouds or massive systems spanning continents, stagnating over time. From these clouds, endless torrents of words fall like hailstones: insults, slander, envy, resentment. These “words of the atmosphere” pelt hearts with emptiness and, at times, destruction.

Ecclesiastes offers another insight: “Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you” (7:21). This serves as a crucial reminder that curses not only harm others but also rebound on the speaker. When we are consumed by the “atmosphere” and take every word at face value, we end up tormented by the very curses we have created.

The Freedom of the “Sky” in Sacred Texts

The “sky” is a recurring motif in divine revelation, often invoked by the Creator to deliver profound truths. For instance, the Creator speaks of performing new acts of creation under the “sky.” Once, someone argued, “Don’t read the atmosphere; read the Scriptures.” Yet, even in the Quran, there are verses of curse, such as: “May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, and he himself perish” (Sūrah al-Masad 1), and “Woe to every scorner and mocker” (Sūrah al-Humazah 1). These curses were revealed within specific historical contexts against persistent oppressors of the time. The universality lies instead in the admonition. Humans, however, often bind the divine Word with their own “atmosphere,” turning it into curses of their own making. Yet, the divine Word’s purpose is to liberate humanity from “atmospheric” pressures and guide us to the boundless freedom of the “sky,” the realm of the Creator who shaped the universe itself.

The divine Word remains directly connected to the Creator’s continuous signs of renewal—the ayāt. These are not “words of the atmosphere,” inflated by human emotions or interests. Thus, we are called to cultivate a perspective that resists the pull of the “atmosphere” and instead derives meaning directly from the sacred texts or from the signs of creation scattered across the heavens and earth.

As Humans, We Must Keep Reading

However, both sacred texts and the signs of creation are interpreted by humans, who are often unaware of how their own biases, shaped by love, hate, or moral convictions, influence their readings. Consequently, they frequently project their own “atmosphere” onto the Scriptures to justify their sense of justice.

This is precisely why we must not abandon the effort to read. Mistakes are part of being human. The true test of humanity lies in whether we can recognize our errors, accept them, and seek new ways of understanding. Through persistent engagement with sacred texts, signs of the Creator, and human hearts, we can foster new creation within ourselves—a form of personal rebirth.

Look to the Sky

If you ever feel crushed by the weight of the “atmosphere,” pause for a moment and look to the “sky” to refresh your spirit. Mindfulness practices often emphasize how the blue expanse of the sky can help restore inner peace. A deep breath and an upward gaze can transform the “sky” into a portal to liberation. Even on the gloomiest of days, direct your gaze beyond the clouds and offer a greeting of peace to the Creator: “As-salāmu ‘alaykum (Peace be upon you).”

“Vanity” is inherently devoid of substance. The “atmosphere” that oppresses the soul is but a hollow shell. Precisely because of this, we should envision the expansive potential of the “sky,” brimming with freedom and infinite possibilities. The Creator invokes the vastness of the heavens, adorned with shining stars, the moon, the sun, and the light of dawn, as a stage for divine creativity. The Creator’s boundless creativity and enduring patience offer humanity the courage to live freely and renew their lives. Standing on a hilltop by the sea, gazing at the distant horizon, one experiences a profound sense of liberation. This moment, too, is a reflection of the Creator’s ever-unfolding creation under the “sky.” When we attune ourselves to this reality, we can transcend the emptiness of this world, break free from the tyranny of the “atmosphere,” and move toward peace and liberation.

Unravel the “atmosphere,” look to the “sky,” and take a deep breath. Let hope for tomorrow fill your spirit.