RELEVANCE
OF SCIENCE IN SPIRITUAL CONCEPTS
20th
century’s concept of linkage between efforts and results, infinity,
convertibility of matter into energy and vice-versa, understanding of relative
motion and relativity, electromagnetic radiations, visible and invisible
spectrums of light and sound, agricultural and environmental insights have
expanded the vision of interdependency of man and Nature or gives indication of
Oneness of man with the rest of the Creation; thereby endorsing the
Universality of the Lord.
Psychoanalytical
studies and science have proved that what we think or believe may not be true
either for us or comprehensively. The query
of “who I am” and the necessity to “know thy self” have pertinent relevance
perpetually.
1 RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN “EFFORTS AND RESULTS”
So far as the concept of “efforts and results” is
concerned, SCIENCE AND LIFE has two distinct narratives.
In a technological application, input (effort) must
yield required output (result), subject to certain mechanical or electrical
losses, within a predefined time and space.
In life, efforts may or may not yield any results
or there could be no perceptible outcome, in a desired Time and Space. In simple
words this means that karma performed may not yield results as anticipated.
Moreover Good Karma for me may not be good karma for others, while bad Karma
may be settlement of past karmic debt.
For example
a) Charity may
inflate ego self or charitable disposition may create dependency in others.
b) Likewise seeking
of profitability—which is good -- may incur loss for others— which may then be
exposed to retribution. (Islamic jurisprudence prohibits levy of interest on any loan
contract on the grounds that it provides "unearned profit to the
lender" and imposes "an unfair obligation on the borrower." Though this practice is seldom followed now in
Islam—but it reflects the sensitivity of “haq hallal kee kamye”.)
c) A statement that
I am truthful person-- may inflate ego, thus negating the very seeking of the
Lord that requires elimination of “I”.
Science is logical and can be understood with our
existing level of awareness. Life is a
science but yet largely unexplored and therefore unpredictable. Higher level of
consciousness is needed to comprehend Life.
2 INFINITY
AND EKO (ੴ)
ARE IDENTICAL IN UNDERSTANDING---
The first word that the Guru Nanak Sahib mentioned in Mool mantra was
Eko—the one (ੴ—in Gurmukhi). There is
only one and only one power. Any concept of duality or “Duja”or Dvait or Shirk
is wrong and misleading. All that exists is Him and the Him alone. The
diversity is an illusion. When the Guru spoke about the One –it means absence
of two, three, four, and five and so on. “1” or One is not a numerical
representation of God. Numbers are relative to each other, the One is absolute
without a second.
This “1” or One is symbolic that God is beyond limitations of measurements
and evaluation. Another example—in our day to day living we apply
mathematical logic say for addition of 4+4=8. But in mystical understanding,
that defies logic and we will have to presume 4+4=1. Because each of four
things is born out of the action of one that is infinite- अनन्त. Another
way of understanding infinity in a limited manner is—take sun, giving light—yet
its light is not diminished daily.. The energy in sun is thus an infinite
source of energy.
In a scientific equation the expression would be of “infinite”+ “infinite”=
“infinite” and “infinite-infinite”=
“infinite”. Infinity added with anything, or anything subtracted from
infinity is still infinity because none of them can still be counted and there
is no theoretical end to infinity. Nothing can be added or subtracted from
the One that is infinite. It is absolute Oneness of the Divine with no
religion, race or gender.
Endorsing the notion of EKO—Kabir Sahib says—एक कहे तो है नहीं दो कहों तो गार ,जेसे को तेसा कहे, कहे कबीर विचार // Kabir says he is at loss to
count Him. He is what he is.
Mystics have defined this as a transcendental experience --- जैसे में आवे खसम की बानी तेस्ड़ा करों ज्ञान वे लालू—guru
Nanak; कह कबीर हम धुर के भेदी लाये
हुकम हजूरी –kabir sahib
3 ONE CAN BE MANY—EXPLAINED
SCIENTIFICALLY
Billions of people, creatures, vegetation, hills and oceans—all that is
seen and unseen is a projection of the One that is boundless and infinite. The
illusion of many is also an experience projected by the One. For example, if an
object is seen in a mirror, it replicates itself as an image. If thousands of
mirrors are kept in a room, then one will get reflected as thousands of such
images. Thus a single object is transformed into thousands of image. This is
just an analogy how one can be many at the same time. Five elements of nature—
ether, air, fire, water earth—are made by the One, the EKO. All other things
have their origin in them.
4 IF
GOD IS AN ENERGY THEN ENERGY AND MATTER ARE INTRERCHANGABLE
In 1905, Einstein proved that energy and mass of
the matter are related. He developed the equation, E = mc2, _ where
E stands for the energy , “m” its mass of the matter, and “c” the universal
constant, the velocity of light. This seemingly simple equation changed the
world of physics. It suggests that mass and energy are mutually convertible and
indestructible. Thus all that we see as matter is primal energy undergoing
constant change and manifesting itself as matter without diminishing.
There is no mortification of matter and
energy—though it may appear to be so. The concept of indestructibility
enunciated in physics has a parallel in ancient Indian philosophy. Each
particle or matter has a soul, the spark of Divinity-- with varying degree of
consciousness-- that cannot be destroyed –it can simply change to a new level
of awareness in different forms. For example--कण कण में
भगवान है
For example -- Bhagwad Gita says that the soul is indestructible as energy.
Divine energy as a soul and then soul working in tandem with mind, matter and five elements at various planes signifies the One Lord whose expanse is both perceptible and imperceptible. THUS MAYA is the experience of witnessing the changing matter into energy and vice versa. What we deem lifeless or beings of lesser consciousness is a living matter because of its intimate connectivity with the Supreme being. A stone is not lifeless—it has spark of fire embedded into it. Likewise water is not lifeless as it is the very basis of all life forms. Air is provides life to all being; thus has life impregnated into it. Sun, Moon and other planets are forces of Nature that sustain life. Conclusively there is nothing that is lifeless as everything has its origin in the Primal Life—that is God or the Primal energy.
For example -- Bhagwad Gita says that the soul is indestructible as energy.
Divine energy as a soul and then soul working in tandem with mind, matter and five elements at various planes signifies the One Lord whose expanse is both perceptible and imperceptible. THUS MAYA is the experience of witnessing the changing matter into energy and vice versa. What we deem lifeless or beings of lesser consciousness is a living matter because of its intimate connectivity with the Supreme being. A stone is not lifeless—it has spark of fire embedded into it. Likewise water is not lifeless as it is the very basis of all life forms. Air is provides life to all being; thus has life impregnated into it. Sun, Moon and other planets are forces of Nature that sustain life. Conclusively there is nothing that is lifeless as everything has its origin in the Primal Life—that is God or the Primal energy.
Scientific relationship between ENERGY AND MATTER ELABORATED.
The energy generated equivalent to one atom bomb called “Little
Boy” dropped in Hiroshima in 1945 was (64x1016 Joules).
Thus about 0.70 kg of mass of matter (uranium in this case), is required to
carry out explosive destruction which is said to come out of 15500 tons of TNT
(tri nitro toluene—an explosive). This illustrates how much energy is stored in
the matter, if converted atomically.
It is therefore mind boggling that how much power is made available by the
Lord for sustaining this creation. Lord is Omnipotent in all respects. He has
done all that is to be done. He need not act in phases or parts because He is
always empowered for doing and the done. That is why He is an effortless doer.
The movie is already made and we are watching it in the conundrum of time and
space.
(Even if theoretically Einstein equation of e=mc2 is
applied for the energy (e) generated where (m) is the mass say of 1 kg and (c)
is the speed of light of 300,000,000 m/sec (300 million meter per second) (or 3
lakh km/second) then energy generated is 90,000,000,000,000,000(90x1016)) Joules/second,
or 90000 trillion joules /second or 90000 lakh crore Joules/second. Since 1
Joule/second= one watt, it equals 90000 trillion watts or 90000 lakh crores
watts.) For greater simplified
understanding a 100 watt electric lamp can stay lighted for 28.5 million
years—though the process of converting mass into energy with 100% efficiency is
not that simple—but it gives an idea of energy packed by the Creator in one kg.
of matter. Conversely a lot of energy is
required to produce a small amount of matter m= e/c2)
Soami ji mentions the infinite energy God as सिंध देश— the Oceanic expanse; and this
creation as boond बूँद देश or a
drop—that is responsible for the origin of mind, maya, five elements and three
Gunas (sato, Rajo, Tamo)- as the basis of this creation constituting ब्रहमंड, अंड, पिंड regions. A drop of the Divinity is
incomprehensible. To quote Sarbachan --
मुफरद बूँद हमारी आयी , तिस में
माया आन मिलायी
पांच तत्व और तिन गुण रले, यह
सब दस आपस में मिले
रल मिल कर इन रचना ठानी , तीन
लोक और चारो खानी
5 EXPERIENCE
OF RELATIVITY
SCIENCE HAS
led us to conclude that we are imperfect observers. Human awareness is limited
to the extent it is structured to function in this creation. Unless there is
primary God gifted “Elevated Awareness” we will not be able to capture anything
despite our senses. The senses are vital
for transmission of signals to the cerebral consciousness, but it is the human
awareness that leads these signals to certain conclusion and understanding. The
soul or the inner consciousness is thus crucial for understanding the Self than
the outer frame of physical body and senses. Science evidences this fact. As an
illustration consider following examples--
1
Sitting at home or anywhere we feel that we are stationary. Logically we are rotating with
earth and also circling around the Sun. This movement is relative to others
objects. This can be observed from the fact that day is changing into night and
night is progressing towards the day.
2
We see sky as
blue but at night it is black. The incidence of type light changes the color.
Likewise sea appears to be blue, dark blue,
black depending upon the time of the day. The same is true with appearances on
earth. What we see is relative to surrounding circumstances.
3
We may feel air touching our skin—but do not feel the moisture
in the air. But air and moisture are co-existent in any normal
environment—though we may not be conscious of this phenomenon.
4
We may claim that that we walk. Unless earth and gravity are there, it is impossible
to walk. We cannot walk on water.
5
We feel we are growing
daily. Infact we are dying every moment.
6
We feel that we see because of our eyes or hear because of ears or speak because of mouth/ tongue. A deeper
understanding will reveal that it is basic consciousness gifted to us that
sensual currents are transmitted to brain and thoughts flow from subtle planes.
Then coagulations of ideas take place which prompt us to act.
7
It is commonly said that 85-90 % of human work
is done by our eyes but consider the inbuilt constraints on our seeing. For both eyes combined (binocular) visual field is 135°
vertical and 200° horizontal. Microscope can see more details. Telescope
increases capacity to watch distant objects.
8
Do we see all colours or not? Many animals can
only see black and white.
9
We do not see because of light falling on the
object but what is reflected from the object. We do
not and cannot see X-rays that are not reflected by the human body. We are
unable to appreciate the electro- magnetic waves –like radio waves etc. that
are the basis of TV and mobile telephony.
Our
eyes receive a 2D image. Our brain uses a combination of the parallax between
the eyes and other visual cues to interpret the 3D scene. It also does a fair
bit of combining images across time to build up a more complete stereotype
visual picture. The actual image coming in from an eye is a lot worse than one
would think; our consciousness of our vision occurs after brain has processed
it.
Thus all our experiences are relative and not
absolute.
6 PHILOSOPHY
OF SOCRATES OF “KNOWING THYSELF”—
Socrates argued
that people are largely ignorant of what they want. Unless people acquire a life
of good virtues---- wisdom (compassion, love,
Dharma), Justice (fairness for all), Fortitude/Patience (courage to face
pleasure and pain with restraint), and Temperance (moderation or control over
personal greed) they are bound to regret.
For example—all of us
believe in seeking happiness as the prime purpose of life and therefore material
wealth, powerful position, good family and social life are of paramount
importance. In pursuit of these very objectives, there is more pain than
pleasure. The so called Happiness is riddled with fear and worries of all sorts
or with concerns of losing what we have, and therefore is illusory. The developed societies in USA and Europe are also devoid of “ real happiness”.
Poor happiness index in these countries reflects frustration and depression.
But the collective wisdom of society which is in “99% majority” is unable
to grasp this fact. Materialism means everything to the elite class. Thus there
is भेड़ चाल for all. Balance 1% is a
mute spectator. This world shall remain imperfect and full of contradictions.
The best is to reform and understand the Self---Know Thyself—than to shout
slogans to others of change for the better.
Can we “know”
ourselves by our ten Gyan and Karm Indriya or the ten senses of touch, taste,
seeing, hearing, and smelling (gyan) in addition to use of moving, grasping, speaking,
reproducing and eliminating (karm). These inner and outer outlets of mind and
body are very fickle, prone to change and forced by direction of Pralbdh karma.
Also every moment there is a change taking
place within the mind and the outer environment. So long as outer and inner
self are in harmony we feel momentary happiness that gets vitiated as soon as
there is conflict between the outer environment and the physical frame
resulting into sadness or anguish. All these ten senses are integral part of
the mind and body. Unless, says Socrates we
know the soul—which is the eternal self—the eternal happiness or bliss cannot
be experienced.
When we know the soul or the eternal self, then all of us realize that
there is no “you”, “he”, “we”, “they” and “me”. All are a string of One. If
“you” or “he” or “they” are hurt , I too will be hurt. If I am happy, then you
too will be happy.
One cannot build One’s heaven on the hell of others. If each one of us tries to be better human
being from within/inside, only then, the society will be blissful. Otherwise
the sordid story of human misery will continue.
An oracle in Greece declared Socrates the
wisest man. Socrates responded that “I know nothing”. He went to the
wise men in the town and found that what they claimed “to know”, was not the
real knowledge and therefore they knew not. (Meaning they had no concept of the
soul). Atleast Socrates was honest in his admission that “I know
nothing” and Oracle had rightly declared him as the wisest person of honesty and
intellectual integrity.
There could be another tangible answer to his admission
of “I know nothing”. And that is=== only “HE” knows because “I” is the ego self
–separate from the Lord.
Until our Vivek is blessed by a perfect Guru and we
pursue the path outlined by Him, we cannot traverse our journey on the mystical
road.
ज्ञान अंजन गुरु दिया अज्ञान
अंधेर बिनास, हर कृपा ते संत भेटया नानक मन परगास//
कुंबे बधा जल रहे , जल बिन कुम्भ न होए ज्ञान का
बधा मन रहे, गुरु बिन ज्ञान न होए//
Quotes
पड़िए जेते बरस बरस पड़िए जेते मास;;
पड़िए जेते आरजा पड़िए जेते सास
नानक लेखे इक गल होर होअमे झख्न
झाख
इल्मों बस करियूं यार , इको अल्फ तेरे दरकार
