Moses, the Middle East, and the Law (14th Century BC)
Ode to Sri Ramakrishna: God Manifests in Moses
In this chapter of the , we witness a monumental shift in the spiritual governance of humanity. Emerging from the Middle East in the 14th century BC, the figure of Moses represents the divine impulse to liberate the oppressed. Through him, God did not only provide freedom but also the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), establishing a concrete ethical framework that has guided Western civilization for millennia.
Chorus & Yoga Ballet
OM, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,
Ahimsa. Shalom, Shalom, Shalom.
Black Eve (mother of humanity)
To free the Hebrew people,
He became incarnate in Moses,
and the Pentateuch transmitted to us.
Anonymous Prophet
The Lord said to Moses:
“Honor your parents,
Do not kill, do not steal,
Do not covet anything from your neighbor.”
Chorus & Yoga Ballet
OM, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,
Ahimsa. Shalom, Shalom, Shalom.
Philosophical-Spiritual Explanation
The presence of Moses in an ode dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna reinforces the concept of Yuga Dharma—the idea that God incarnates or manifests through messengers to provide the specific wisdom needed for a particular time and people.
Philosophically, the "Commandments" provided to Moses—"Honor your parents, Do not kill, do not steal"—represent the universal moral code known in the East as Yama (restraints). By including "Shalom" alongside "Shanti" and "Ahimsa" in the chorus, Pedro Nonell highlights the convergence of these paths. Whether through the Hebrew quest for peace or the Indian pursuit of non-violence, the destination remains the same: a life aligned with the will of God.
FAQs
What is the Pentateuch?
It refers to the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), traditionally attributed to Moses.
How does Moses relate to Ahimsa?
While Moses gave laws regarding justice, the underlying spirit of "Do not kill" aligns with the Sanskrit principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).
Why start the scene with Eve?
In the Ode, Eve represents the "Mother of Humanity," bridging the gap between our African origins and the historical prophets.
Conclusion
Moses stands as the great lawgiver whose message of righteousness helped transition humanity from tribal chaos to a society based on ethical responsibility. This chapter reminds us that God's voice speaks through every language and tradition to elevate the human condition. From the peaks of Mount Sinai, the Ode now travels back to Egypt to explore the monotheistic vision of the "heretic" Pharaoh, Akhenaten.
Ode to Sri Ramakrishna by
Previous: Vedas. Next: Akhenaten
Abraham, Vedas, Moses, Akhenaten, Violence, Zarathustra, Krishna
Buddha, Mahavira, Confucius, Laozi, Philosophy
Jesus, Roma, Muhammad, Guru Nanak, Catholicism, Darkness
Goddess Reason, Divergence, , Vivekananda
Barbarism, He always comes back, Conclusions, My Religion
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
