The sprectrum of seven colours

The monogram of Dibya Darshan visibly contains seven petals or segments each representing a particular colour. The play of the Creator takes place through the seven divine qualities and becomes livelier by the spectrum of seven colours. The colours not only add to the beauty of the creation but also carry special significance.

Out of all colours, three colours are primary and therefore very important. They are black, white and orange. From out of these three colours, the seven colours have emerged. Although present in all colours, the black remains unseen.

Brahman is not an object of vision. Although inexpressible, He expresses Himself through white and then through the seven colours. (Just as light expresses itself through seven colours). In and through orange colour, Brahman's greatness manifests.

Although Brahman ever remains in His unique state, the jiva comes to know His manifested forms only when He expresses Himself through His Lila (divine play). This is the self -expression or self-illumination of Brahman, which is spontaneous. Had there been no Lila, there would not have been any creation. The basis of Lila is Prakriti. Prakriti is normally contemplated as feminine. The Purusha (The Consciousness Absolute) and Prakriti (the female energy) are the supra- causal and causal factors responsible for designing this splendid creation festooned with different colours to appear lively and lustrous, renewed and refurbished.

It is relevant to mention here that the three idols namely Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra represent these three fundamental colours i.e. black, white and orange.

While black signifies Brahman, white signifies His self-expression. The orange signifies His Lila, which is the manifestation of female energy. Orange colour is the symbol of love, benediction and blissfulness.

Lila contains and carries the beauty of the Creation. In other words, the existence of Brahman gets its self-expression through Lila or the divine play. In the manifested universe, seven colours are experienced and if the two colours viz. black and white are considered, the total becomes nine. These nine colours are present in this multi-coloured universe. In this context, it can be said that the processes of generation, operation and destruction of this universe incessantly carry the nine colours.

When Sun rises, the sleeping plants and flowers open up. The Sunflower turns to the east. The animal kingdom wakes up from slumber. Through these colours, the visible universe becomes more attractive and gets activated.

The splendour of the spectrum (of seven colours)

The spectrum of seven colours is nothing but the self-expression and manifestation of Brahman, the Almighty. These seven colours are inter-related and mutually dependent. The monogram of Dibya Darshan is characterised by seven colours in a particular order, i.e. (V~I~B~G~Y~O~R).

Renunciation is represented by violet colour. The next segment is restraint represented by indigo. Whereas Spiritual practice is represented by blue, service is represented by green. Likewise, Truth is represented by yellow, love by orange and forgiveness by red. These colours are VIBGYOR. Each colour is linked with the other. Therefore, it is not possible to tell which of the seven colours comes first and what comes next. However, Brahman's place is represented by violet, which may be reckoned as the beginning for the purpose of expounding the subject stage by stage.

In all these seven colours, there is invisible presence of black and white. But still the seven colours maintain their own specialities and distinctness. In the violet segment of the monogram, the black colour is also present. From the black colour, slowly the intensity of darkness diminishes and brightness gets saturated until it is reflected as yellow (Truth) in and through which there is total self-expression. Yellow colour represents truth, which indicates that Brahman eternally reveals Himself as Truth.

This colour completely expresses the manifested state of the Brahman. Further, the radiance of the yellow colour gradually diminishes till it is merged in the violet colour. In other words, Brahman expresses Himself in varieties of colours and thus carries on His Lila in His manifested state.

Before we discuss about the manifestation of Brahman through various colours it is relevant to discuss about the development and effects of different colours.

Violet is the resultant colour when red with indigo is blended. Blue is a derivative colour of indigo and green. Green is derived from blue and yellow, yellow from green and orange, orange from yellow and red, and red from violet and orange. In this process, again violet colour is formed. In other words, each and every colour is inter-related or inter-woven as a result of which the marvellous form of this cosmic creation has been so alluring and enchanting. By the combination of seven colours, the varieties in this creation are expressed, though the three colours, namely, black, white and orange remain as the background colours as well as the causal factors of Lila.

Even though the seven colours appear to have separate entities, when they collectively express themselves, they lose their identities and appear as white just like the sunshine, which appears bright (white) although seven colours exist in it. These seven colours are Brahman's manifested state whereas black is inexpressible.

These seven colours are linked with seven divine virtues such as renunciation, restraint, spiritual practice, service, truth, love and forgiveness.

Violet: Renunciation is placed on the violet segment of the circle. It is as if the entire spectrum of seven colours and all its qualities are infested in this violet colour and the entire universe remains hidden in it. It has been said earlier that it is the place of Brahman and the segment of renunciation. Through and by renunciation, the process of self-expression starts and through the same renunciation, self-realization is also attained. In other words, until and unless one renounces the samsar (samsaric obsessions), one cannot realise Brahman.

Indigo:
The second segment is indigo coloured. It is the manifestation of Brahman. By His Omnipotence, He becomes many and reveals Himself as many. This is the place of OM. From here He manifests Himself first as Triguna (tri-qualities) which is also known as primordial energy. From here Para Shakti expresses itself as Apara Shakti. The quality of this colour i.e. indigo is to create divine thoughts, inspire, encourage and do good.

In this segment, there is restraint because for the blossoming of all the divine qualities, restraint is a precursor. The manifested universe is created from here and by the quality of restraint, everything is controlled and regulated. He, who possesses the power of restraint, can get the blessings of Shakti. In other words, to awaken the dormant energy in everything and also to make everything blossom fully, power of restraint is essential.

It is relevant to mention that when Brahman created this well-coordinated and integrated universe by inter-linking and balancing one with the other, the quality of restraint was indispensable. Therefore each and everything contains the divine gift of restraint.

All the great incarnates show lot of self-restraints.

(It is pertinent to mention that Brahman has no beginning, no end too. He remains everywhere uniformly and homogeneously. His Lila operates everywhere. In other words, creation, preservation and destruction are continuously carried on by way of His Lila. The realizer having realised Him indicates about Him by various methods and this is one such method.)

Blue:
The third segment is blue-coloured. It is sky colour. The quality of this colour is affection, courtesy, purity and peace etc. This is the place of the personal Godheads (devas). Within the ambit of Apara Shakti, the personal Godheads remain and regulate everything to execute the Lila of Brahman. In other words, whatever is required for the processes of creation, preservation and destruction, everything is regulated by the personal Godheads. It is the segment of spiritual practice.

From spiritual point of view, the different powers of Brahman are named as personal Gods. By this power only His Lila is carried on. Through Lila He expresses Himself. By spiritual practices, the latent divine power is awakened. Wherever there is spiritual practice, there rule love and affection, peace and purity. There is no room for any narrowness here.

Green:

The fourth segment represents service, which is green coloured. This colour stands for liveliness, freshness, inspiration, promptness and softness. This segment is the gross universe, the place for Lila. This is also the place of actions of the jiva. Because of the above qualities, man generally remains active. As a result of his spiritual practice, he also possesses the qualities of courage, inspiration, love for peace etc. Each and every living being has got the instinct of service. Man from his birth till his death has been getting services from mother, father, brother, sister, friends, relatives and even from strangers. That is how he has been surviving. It is God's design that man by means of service and spiritual practices should regain his lost paradise i.e. attainment of True Self. Service is linked with green.

Yellow:

This colour remains at the fifth segment of the monogram. The qualities of this colour are- restraint, idealism virtues and helpfulness. The yellow colour possesses all these qualities and radiates brightness. This colour is brighter than all other colours. The splendour of the visible universe of invisible Brahman is fully expressed here. This segment represents complete manifestation of Brahman as Truth. Yellow colour stands for benediction, peace and goodness.

This is the place of Truth. That means, Truth manifests through yellow colour. The play of Brahman culminates here. When jiva possesses the sattvic qualities, he realises the greatness of Truth and the importance of yellow colour. He comes to know about the personal Godheads. Here he gets supra-sensual knowledge. His spirit of inquisitiveness is boosted up. He develops a strong urge for insight and introspection. As he realises truth, his jiva feelings fade away and consequently he attains divine state, becomes truth-personified and experiences truth everywhere. He transcends apara and attains para knowledge.

Orange:

The sixth segment of the monogram is of orange colour. The characteristics of this colour are simplicity, faith, devotion and sattvic qualities.

This is the place of 'OM'. This colour is dear to everybody. Love is the ruling virtue of this segment. He, who understands the significance of this orange colour and love, can love each and all. He will not discriminate. This is the place of the tri- qualities. He who is aware of the equilibrium state (equalities of the three qualities) Viz. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, he becomes indifferent to the worldly affairs. He can realise the para jnana. It may be added here that when the quality of love takes full possession of some one, the quality of renunciation also appears in him spontaneously. That is why, the sages and yogis normally wear saffron robes (orange colour).

Red:

This colour is present in the seventh segment of the monogram. The main characteristics of this colour are- irritation, excitement and fury.

Because of the above-mentioned temperament, the qualities like violence and anger are normally found in a person. But because of the predominance of sattvic qualities in this segment, the qualities like violence and anger go away. Rather the opposite qualities such as forgiveness, kindness, helpfulness and service are seen. Because red colour is a combination of orange and violet, the qualities of both the colours such as love and renunciation are also present in the red colour along with forgiveness. Violet colour encourages self-knowledge. Because violet is present in the red colour, red colour makes one inclined towards self-knowledge and helps him proceed ahead.

Normally the infants are simple and truthful. They like red colour. The quality of forgiveness is present in red colour, the seventh segment of the monogram. Man after transcending various stages/ various colours like yellow and orange (Truth and love) reaches the seventh segment (Red). At that time forgiveness becomes his predominant quality. This is a crucial state. Many spiritual aspirants fail to attain this state. He, who realises truth, will be bound to love each and every one. As a result of love he will become nirvikar. And forgiveness will be the ruling quality. Only such spiritual aspirants can be merged in the Brahman. In other words, he attains his heavenly abode from where he had come.

It should be remembered that after red, comes violet. Violet is also present in the red. In the monogram, the violet colour (renunciation) is the place of Brahman. Before coming to violet (Brahman's place) one has to be nirvikar. That is why, red colour is marked by forgiveness.

Quality of forgiveness is not easily acquired. He who is free from all qualities or he who has transcended all qualities can only forgive. Without attaining this state, no one can attain Brahman.

Inter-relationship among all seven colours.

Violet is marked by renunciation. Opposite to violet are green and yellow which stand for service and truth respectively. This is the manifested state of Brahman (gross state). Matters men, devas, and demons are all here. All their powers are seen here.

It should be noted that a person who possesses renunciation also possesses the qualities like truth and service. Conversely, he who possesses truth and service also possesses quality of renunciation. In other words, these three qualities such as renunciation, service and truth are complementary to each other.

Similarly let us take the case of restraint. Opposite to restraint are the two qualities, namely, truth and love. He, who has restrained himself, possesses the qualities of truth and love. Conversely, he who possesses truth and love also possesses the quality of self-restraint.

Spiritual efforts: It is present in blue colour. Opposite to this colour are orange and red. A person who is engaged in spiritual practices will gradually acquire love and forgiveness. A spiritual mendicant is a lover of truth. As he acquires strength by dint of spiritual practices, he will be strong enough to be in a position to forgive. The weak cannot forgive others. A person who is a lover of truth and possesses the quality of forgiveness is undoubtedly on a right spiritual track.

Service: It is shown in the green segment. Opposite to it remain forgiveness and renunciation. A man who possesses the quality of service also possesses the twin qualities such as renunciation and forgiveness. He who can renounce can also forgive. Conversely, he who has possessed the qualities of renunciation and forgiveness also possesses the temperament of serving others.

The foregoing paragraphs indicate the interrelationship among the seven colours and interrelationship among the seven divine virtues. If we realise the significance of each and every colour, we are bound to get surprised. It will be experienced as if all and sundry forms in this universe, by being activated by the colours and qualities, are actively serving a divine purpose and playing a divine game in a subtle and silent manner. A deeper analysis can only unravel this mystery going on. A penetrative insight can reveal that colours and qualities influence and mould the entire universe by some one's well thought out directions and most intelligent guidance. Astrology lays great stress on the colour science. Different stars and planets emit different rays with different colours and with different effects. This is what astrology emphasises on. Like astrology, Tantra Sastra also lays much importance on rays and colours to produce the desired effects. One will be surprised to know the effects of various rays, which are the fourth states of matter. During yogic practice the yogi meditates on various chakras in the body and gets the desired results from various colours emitted by the chakras. Ayurveda also makes use of different colours to control various diseases. Even glass containers of different colours are used to put liquid so as to have different effects to counteract diseases.

Colours produce various effects by which we are influenced. Without colours, creation would not have been possible. The creation being colourful, we are attracted towards the same and derive pleasure. The golden beam of the rising sun captivates every one. The reddish hue of the setting sun with its aesthetic beauty entices everybody. Colourful plants, flowers fruits mountainous ranges, birds and animals all contribute to the beauty and bliss. All these are for our sake. What a marvellous creation God has made for our peace and happiness!

These colours are not just colours only. Colours contain different divine qualities in them so as to enrich this creation and give happiness to each and all. It matters little whether they are permanent or transitory. In fact, but for divine qualities, we would not have existed with our various forms and colours.

Dibya Darshan expounds the significance of various divine virtues and presents the same before the mankind so that they can acquire the same, live with peace and happiness and attain True Self ultimately.

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