Most of us ordinary folks find the subjects of God, spirituality and metaphysics esoteric and hard to understand. This is because human beings—even though they possess the highest grade of intellect among all sentient beings—have grossly limited knowledge and understanding. In Vedic terminology, we call the human soul—or any soul for that matter—alpagya. The soul is innately and inherently deficient in knowledge, unlike God (Ishwar), who is omniscient (sarvagya).
Starting with the above logical presumption and understanding, spiritual topics lend themselves to easy comprehension. They no longer remain enigmatic or enveloped in a cloud of mystery. While the eternal trinity of God, souls and matter (material nature) forms the foundation for comprehending the secrets of the vast universe, understanding the concepts of Sat and Rit makes an individual ready to grasp the facts that the curious human mind is ever keen to demystify and learn.
Nothing is created without an intelligent creator, and no material entity comes into existence without a basic material substance. There are two more things involved in the creation process—tools and tackles used for creation, and strands of knowledge applied to the creative process. Once you understand these, you are equipped to fathom all facts and unveil the multitudinous mysteries of this vast universe.
Sat is the set of rules called dharma. These rules are enunciated by the creator and master of the universe, Ishwar. They are for compliance by human souls wherever they may be dispersed throughout the universe. They are intended to promote and maintain peace, progress and prosperity in human lives. In other words, Sat is the code of conduct for human beings. It comprises observing and adhering to patience, forgiveness, control of the mind, control of the sensory faculties, thoughtful action, cleanliness, truthfulness, correct knowledge, avoidance of anger and honesty. These ten cardinal codes of human conduct encompass all actions that are conducive to peace, harmonious coexistence, stability and progress among all sentient beings. They cover all actions that promote human happiness and fulfilment.
Rit is the cosmic order that operates throughout and regulates the material universe. It is the set of laws promulgated by Ishwar to create, regulate and dissolve the universe, and thereafter to endlessly repeat this sequential, cyclic phenomenon. It is the system of rules that governs the creation of stars, constellations, galaxies, the Milky Way, planets and their moons, and keeps these celestial bodies in dynamic equilibrium.
It is the order that governs the flow of time, bringing with precise regularity and duration moments, minutes, hours, days, months, years, decades, centuries, millennia and eons, as well as seasons, eclipses and other astronomical events. It is the order that binds protons and neutrons within the nucleus of every atom and keeps electrons bound to it. It embodies the laws of gravitation, planetary motion, nuclear fusion and fission. It is the set of laws underlying physics, chemistry and mathematics, which contain no knowledge gaps whatsoever and can explain all phenomena of the expansive universe perfectly. It is the system that enables imperfect human beings to understand the perfect Creator.
When Sat and Rit have been understood, the basic metaphysical entities are also understood well. The purpose of creation and life is also understood. Correct comprehension of these fundamental things facilitates right action that uplifts human beings and provides fulfilment in life. Simply stated, knowledge is the vehicle for human fulfilment and salvation. Sat is the knowledge base for meaningful living, while Rit is the system established by the supreme spiritual power that forms the macro and micro-level framework within which human beings live.
The human soul derives its direction as well as its power from the Supersoul, Ishwar. Hymns from the ancient scripture, the Yajur Veda, are replete with injunctions to human beings on ways to tap the infinite power of the supreme spiritual reality called Ishwar. Sat and Rit constitute the twin elements that both guide and galvanise human beings towards peaceful, productive and progressive existence. The Rig Veda contains mantras that define and describe both Sat and Rit. These are the basic elements of metaphysical knowledge that must be crystal clear in the mind of every individual living on this planet and in other celestial abodes. One can tap the beneficent power of Ishwar only if one knows Him and knows Him well.
Based on Sat and Rit, let us all derive the best from our precious lives through right knowledge and right action, as provided for our deliverance in the divine scriptures, the Vedas, by our Creator and benefactor, Ishwar.