Who is at the Center of the Universe?

  

 

There are galaxies, black holes, distant stars, the far expanding edge of the cosmos, yet, who or what, is at the center of the universe? 

 

Many theologians answer by saying God is at the center of the universe. I agree. However, I believe we also need to consider that we too are at the center of the vast universe. 

 

There’s a passage from Taoist literature, The Hua Hu Ching, the Lost Teachings of Lao Tzu, that says, 

 

To arrive at the Unshakeable, you must befriend the Tao . . .

Simply see that you are the center of the universe,

And accept all things and beings as part of your infinite body.

 

 

I love this passage. Look at this, “To arrive at the unshakeable, you must befriend the Tao.” 

 

What is Tao? Tao is another name for God, the Ultimate Being, the Cosmic One, the name that cannot be named. It is as vast as the expanding universe. Yet, it is unshakable. Lao Tzu says we must befriend it. We must embrace the Tao; we must become immersed in the Tao. 

 

It reminds me when Jesus says that he no longer calls us disciples, but he calls us friends. Or when the letter of James describes that we are a friend of God. In Taoist terms we are friends of the Tao. It isn’t a hierarchical relationship, it is one to one, it is relational, it is friendship. 

 

Then through this unshakeable friendship we are to accept all things and beings and see that we are at the center of the universe.

 

Another way to understand is through the lends of a fractal. God is at the center of the fractal. But as God expands through the cosmos, we become a product of the divine flow. Through our being itself it places us one with God. We are connected to, and at the center of the universe. 

 

I connect this Taoist teaching with Jesus’s teaching in John 14:20, “On that day you will know that I am in the Father, and you in me, and I in you.” This is my favorite verse in the Bible. I see Jesus saying we are connected to Jesus who is connected to God who is at the center of the Universe. Using the transverse property, we are one with God and we are at the center of the Universe. 

 

This is so significant. What this means is when you’re feeling small, insignificant or when you feel as though your life is broken and you’ve lost your way, you need to remind yourself that you are connected to the vastness of the universe. You are connected to God. If you can wake up to this and treat yourself gently, not attached to your feelings of despair, then you can feel this vast power that will lift you and show you that you are unstoppable. Wherever you are, whatever is happening, the power of God, the power of the universe, can empower you to overcome your challenges. You are an infinite body!

 

Conversely, if your life is fantastic, you’re filled with joy, and everything in your life smells like roses, then open yourself up even further. Spread your arms wide and be one with God and one with the center of the universe. You are tapped into the power of the God and the power of the universe. You are unstoppable. Be at the center of the universe and feel empowered in your life. 

 

What does it feel like to be at the center of the expanding cosmos - it feels gargantuan! It feels like you can’t be stopped. It is to be connected to the depth of wisdom.

 

What does it feel like to be one with Tao and one with God? It feels full of love and full of grace. 

 

Today, remind yourself you are connected to all things. You are a friend of the great Tao. You are a friend with God. Together you are one. You are at the center of the universe. 

 

Steve