Blog@GraceJunction

Learning never stops in a lifetime. A few days back I was teaching an engineering student basics of engineering drawing. While teaching concepts on three-dimensional drawings and designs, both of us observed a concept repeated time and again - “draw the reference lines first”.

We noted that it was very important, to first draw the reference lines before we commence drawing any other lines of the drawing, no matter how much important they seemingly appear. Every other line in the drawing had to be drawn keeping the reference line in perspective. If the reference lines were skewed, you would never be able to get the results right.

We also found a very intriguing fact, guess what ? Normally, every one draws the reference lines first, as if this is something common inscribed in everyone’s heart. A true reflection of something more solidly drawn on the heart of every human – Our Conscience.

The other thing I observed was, the student trying to grasp the technique of deciphering complex 3D engineering drawings would only draw one of the reference lines but not draw all the required reference lines before commencing to drawing the objects. Due to this, I observed that the student was unable to conceptualize the designs and had problems in trying to visualize the objects.

Well, this applies not only to engineering drawing but also to every day life. Everything in life has to be measured or built up on a reference line. Else, it is all a building hanging in the air with nothing to support it and easily prey to a small breath.

Greater problems occur when man begins to become the reference for himself. When this happens, we are left in a situation that exactly reflects today’s world – Ultimately left with no absolute right and wrong and man becoming the measure of all things. When we begin to build our lives, our careers, corporations or what ever, the first thing to be laid out has to be the reference line, and mind you – it can never be one.

We can never do away with reference lines, whether you like it or not. Reference lines cannot be altered based on your feelings, religion or philosophy or life. Denial neither can move it out or wipe it off.

No one debates on how the reference lines ought to be. It’s never considered passé or old fashioned to draw the same old reference lines each time you begin a drawing, even with the passing of ages, advancements in science and modern day thinking. It’s never considered as narrow thinking or too short sighted or too traditional when you comply to the reference lines.

More interesting is the fact that newer designs philosophies, a la mode concepts have not come up with the newer styles, types or versions of reference lines! With all this post modern thinking its surprising why no one has felt bound within its limits or the deep need to change it as well!? I once heard – “ there are a millions angles in which you can fall but only one way to stand”

Reference lines help you keep a track and trueness of every other line in the drawing. If the reference line is not drawn properly the entire drawing could result skewed. The reference lines brings together all the other lines and connects each of them, resulting in truly meaningful, rational and sensible reflection of reality.

Reference lines hence have to be imperatively very true. But what about the references we build our lives on or the ones we regulate our lives with? Have we ever checked them? How can references be so varied, as to believe that every one can have their own designer reference lines and still every one can be true ?

Can references be just an illusion (maya) or are they absolutes? If its an illusion or maya then the person believing becomes an illusion along with the concept maya on which he/she believes, thereby defeating itself – as how could maya say it is an absolute, as maya itself, based on its claim is illusionary (self defeating you see). The only rational is an absolute. If there is an absolute then how do you verify it, with whom do you check with – popular beliefs ? major religions ? people in vogue ?….or to Truth even when it is contrary to populist beliefs…Think on…!!

Well if truth is so important and undeniable then, what efforts are we taking to reach to it? If consequences of not complying with the reference, can never be anything but skewed results and a skewed life – what is the cost and the priority you are willing to commit to its search and to build your lives on it.

While millions like to frolic with it till this point but then choose this suicidal plunge of blindly moving ahead, without drawing their lines, ultimately to find their lives skewed…will you draw yours today?

Tags: Absolutes, CAD, draw, drawing, engineering, God, learning, lines, reference, student

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 at 1:44 pm and is filed under Art, Articles, Blesson, New Findings, Purpose of Life, Quotes, Science & Religion, Thoughts, Youth Issues. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.