Hindu philosophy has not only ancient wisdom but also deep and profound cosmic visions that intriguingly coincide with the modern concept of space exploration. This fascinating connection between concepts millennia old in metaphysics and the drama that is unfolding between humanity and the stars adds dimension to a study of Hinduism for the seeker.
 

The Infinite Cosmos as Thought by Hindus

Hindu cosmology has always maintained a rather large and even mind-boggling view of the universe. The Vedas, the oldest texts of Hinduism, describe a cosmos of huge proportions and complexity. The Nasadiya Sukta (Hymn of Creation) in the Rig Veda (10.129), for instance, questions existence itself: "Who really knows? Who can declare it? Whence was it born? Whence this creation?'' This question corresponds with the scientific inquiry into origins in the cosmos.

The ancient Hindu concept of "Brahmanda" (cosmic egg) pictures the universe vast and cyclical, multidimensional. Krishna states in the Bhagavad Gita (8.17): "One day of Brahma equals a thousand cycles of the four yugas, and his night is also of the same duration." This refers to duration running into billions of years, again in line with modern cosmology.

The Cosmos and Consciousness 

The Upanishads present the sublime thought that consciousness and the universe are interrelated. The word Chandogya, as in Chandogya Upanishad], declares "Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma" – "All this is indeed Brahman." This principle means that the same awareness is within each and everything from the smallest particle to the vastness of space.

Proclaims the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.4.10) "Aham Brahmasmi" -"I am Brahman", indicating that our consciousness is linked to that of the cosmos. This view transforms physical travel into a vast movement of consciousness expanding throughout the cosmos. 

Maya and the Multiverse 

Somehow, the nuclear question and the multi-haven theory of modern physics find comfort around the Hindu term Maya and the idea of multiple realities. Bubbles in the infinite ocean described by the Brahma Vaivarta Purana devote enormous space to multitudes of universes. In Bhagavata Purana (11.12.20), Krishna reveals: "Every universe has seven folds covering it- earth, water, fire, air, sky, total energy and false ego, each more than ten times bigger than the previous one."

This ancient intuition regarding many universes resonates with cutting-edge theoretical physics, suggesting that some cosmic visions were glimpsed or attained by Hindu sages, and that science is merely beginning its exploration.

## Divine Play and Cosmic Exploration

Creation in the Hindu philosophy of "lila" ("divine play") is expressed as -divine creative act. The Brahma Sutra (2.1.33) says: "Lokavat tu lila kaivalyam"-thus he makes for his enjoyment, like an artist or child, engaged in his play.

Through this lens then, space exploration can be viewed as joining in this divine play – expression of human creativity possibly extending into the cosmos. Exploration thus turns into something sacred, one that is aligned with cosmic principles rather than mere conquest. 

Modern Implications 

This last thought is the one most often absorbed by the contemporary Hindu thinker and scientist-astronaut. Popularly remembered in this connection were the late brilliant Indian President and space scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who use to quote from the Vedic canon: "Universal Knowledge" in support for his arguments for space programs. This cultural inheritance carried the Indian Space Research Organization's Mars Orbiter Mission. 

To those who live by Hinduism, space exploration can be as much outer journey as physical space as it is inner journey of expanding consciousness. The Katha Upanishad (2.1.1) reminds us: Of the self-developed lord who created outwardly looking the senses, therefore, the such looks out and not within.

In its doing within the knowledge of our connectedness with cosmos, space exploring becomes a spiritual expedition. The Isavasya Upanishad (1) thus teaches: "The Divine permeated the universe; whatever moves in this moving world." 

In Hinduism, therefore, there is not a rejection of scientific exploration, but rather a framework so profound that humanity's spacefaring ambitions are given cosmic significance. Such ancient rishis - connoisseurs of infinite space and time - would possibly not see today's marvels in rockets as only technological achievements but as cosmically releasing vehicles for expanding consciousness within the vast cosmos which they so eloquently described millennia ago.