Nature vs Culture

Devdutt Patnaik's book Myth = Mithya explains this concept which is there in Hindu mythology. Are gods and stories revolves around reaching a perfect state, reach God through one of the ways of nature or culture. 

Nature is our original self, driven by impulses, instincts and lies within. There are no rules, think of early tribes, or hippies  -there were no rules of right conduct, marriage, god, etc

Culture is the society of rules, what  is right or wrong, culture is the conditioning, it is a construct on which society is based. Philosophically there is no right or wrong and one can see the same when we study different societies, each having a distinct culture professed for reaching perfection. Each society believing in its superiority, Marriage itself and rules around it are an example of culture, it is an artificial construct. 

Nature is represented by Shiva, Culture by Vishnu. There is always a conflict between the two, in individuals, in society, all over. 

I see myself impacted by this duel between the two, day in and day out. It reminds me of one my very good friend, he seems to be at peace with both, relatively speaking or perhaps it appears so. When we met last he told me of his meeting nature, I asked what about culture? He seemed at peace, no unnecessary explanation or guilt but of acceptance of both sides as right, and there seemed to be synergy in his mind. I could see the nature active and at the same time his selflessness, love and care much ahead of us cultured ones. I know it is cryptic but that is how I want for now :).

p.s. Hermann Hesse novel  Narcissus and Goldmund captures this aspect beautifully.