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| (Photo from U.S. Geological Survey) |
Now, all these centuries later, astronomers have detected a Platonian twinkle about 4,000 light-years from Earth. According to Sky & Telescope, this star-turned-planet formed when a fast-spinning neutron star (“pulsar”) “in a binary system stripped its companion white dwarf of its exterior, leaving behind its carbon core.” Since carbon under extreme pressure can miraculously turn from grime to shine.. Voila! The dead dwarf is now a diamond planet.
Wikipedia reports that the word “diamond” comes from the ancient Greek term adamas (meaning “unbreakable” or “untamed”). However, Vedic scholars were aware of the diamond’s shimmering attributes long before Plato was even a speck in Socrates’ eye. In India, diamonds have been treasured for at least 3,000 years (and some say for 6,000 years). Diamonds have been used as religious icons there since ancient times (in particular, as the eyes of Hindu statues).
The Hindu deity, Indra, has also long been associated with diamonds. Wikipedia describes him as “King of the Devas,” “Lord of Heaven,” and “God of War, Storms, and Rainfall.” His primary weapon is called the Vajrayudham (“thunderbolt”), a term which derives from the Sanskrit words Vajra (“diamond”) and ayudham (“weapon”). Altogether, there are 14 traditional Hindu terms for “diamond” – including Agira (“fire” or “sun”).
The Chinese Buddhist Diamond Sutra dates from 868 AD, and is considered to be “the oldest dated printed book in the world.” The word “Diamond” in its title refers to “a diamond blade that will cut through worldly illusion to illuminate what is real and everlasting.”
Resources
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/newsblog/128402533.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_(gemstone)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra
Copyright September 9, 2011 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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