BY: TAMOHARADASA V. (acbsp), MSc.
If we observe the real situation of the world around us, we can gain insight into what is the best direction for people to go; science or spiritual knowledge. A system of thought that correlates or explains more of what we can observe around us would, by Occam’s razor alone, have to be taken as more correct or true. And we also take it as a given that by following our own essential natures and thus a system of thought most akin to that nature, we will be most satisfied and happy.
At a basic physical level, gravity and the other forces of nature have no meaning except in realationship to things other than themselves. The law of Gravity, for example, must have an object, such as a planet, upon which to act. So the basic laws have their existence only in relation to there being an “other” to interact with.
Even at a molecular level, we observe that molecules have a built-in capacity to interact with each other systematically, such as covalence. They come complete with exact laws of such exchange, that we call physical chemistry.
At a higher level of complexity, trees, as soon as there is a little light, spring forth leaves to absorb the required energy to live. They later produce shade and food etc. for other living things. The trees’ essential nature is to seek exchanges of energy, and to give services to others.
Whether gross matter, subtle laws, or living things, all exchange with each other to have their meanings. More complex organized states of matter, called life, especially at human level, tend to enhance the science of exchanges constantly to perfect their services and the pleasure derived therefrom.
If we proceed, we will find that this is a universal law, the “science” or art of exchange; which we may call “service”, ie a voluntary exchange of energy etc. to the benefit of the exchangers. It is universally and unerringly the case that living things exchange services to survive. The study of biology confirms that, but does not satisfactorily nor in systematic coherent depth explain the motivation nor the varieties and richness of experiences that are generated in the hearts of the living entities as a result of exchanging these devotional services.
Science as a philosophy does not address devotional service exchange as a principle law. Nor does it address devotional service, or the heart and intent of exchanges, such as between the soul principle and the Source principle, whose chacteristics are understood only by one who understands and has fully imbibed the concepts and varieties and reality of Love Divine.
The Sri Isopanisad says that from the complete whole Source, complete individual sub-units emanate. Torah says as above so below. So we can gain knowledge of the sarva karana karanam, the cause of all causes, by observing the universal characteristics of the world around us, as it will necessarily resemble the Source in many ways. The Source, then would seem to incorporate the need for interactions, ie. devotional exchanges, at a fundamental level, as we see such exchange as universal among all things!
We can observe that individuals following the principles given as spiritual, can and do attain to levels of happiness and devotional service unexperienced by those who will not. This demonstrates that a level of knowledge obtained via devotional services, a higher level of the universally observed phenomenon of exchange, which incorporate notions of love and beauty, can elevate one to a level of happiness otherwise unobtainable.
The literatures of the Rupanuga Vaisnava sect’s Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, such as the Nectar of Devotion, decribe in great detail the eternal and principle realities of the highest manifestations of the universal law of exchanges or service.
Such spiritual systems of life are held dear by several billions of humans, whether we speak of this country or that, suggestive that spiritual knowledge is natural and indeed essential to life, wheras only a handful understand science ; it is elitist and conditional.
Lord Jesus, for example, demonstrated will to sacrifice for others, so this attainment is life promoting itself even to the extent of self sacrifice, a seeming contradiction, but readily understandable if you take it that spiritual life is of a higher plane. There are countless other examples, some greater, some lesser.
As science does not have knowledge of these universal principles, it is less likely to make humans happy, and therefore must be taken as a tool, not as a life-guiding philosophy.
Tamoharadasa v. (ACBSP) / Thomas Garden, MSc. aka LS-K
Comment by Rāsa Manjāri devi dasi on December 25, 2010 at 10:40pm
Serious questions, and thoughts ... the spiritual knowledge may not be between test tubes in a laboratory to want, and to reach! And may not be in higher educational institutions!
The science experiments continuously, and his point of view changes often. As many results makes, so much loss ...
Think of the animal tests, onto the genetic manipulations, the biological and other experiments, the harmful side effects of all work artefacts ...
The living world created by the God, nature are able to maintain the harmony. The man enriches the chaos. He intervenes in the divine harmony of the nature rudely by way of this!
Veda ancient knowledge knowledge with eternal validity: God proclaimed it! The representatives of the science are feeble and man aiming for perfectness. Not want to be noticed: Their deficiency their human nature. Laboratory, and truth without scholars: According to Veda not the body evolves, the soul gets clean compared to the cleanness of the material body. Since without a body totally conscious. The body the exterior shell, and in one to the condition constraint gets it.
The divine truth resides in the affection. The divine wisdom says this: affection, understanding, moderation, humility the milestone of the harmony!
Please accept my humble obediences! I thank having been to read your valuable thoughts!
Edit . Comment by Editor on December 26, 2010 at 6:04pm
You have very nicely captured the true purport, Rasa Manjari dd. Your English is also looking very scholarly these days, and thus easier to follow. You have nicely cut through to the essence of the matter!
Thank you for reading my understanding of Srila Prabhupada! I simply put his ideas into my own imperfect words. Thank you for your devotional insight , which inspires me greatly. HK!
Comments
I really enjoyed reading this LS-K, summarized beautifully the place of Science within our human sphere of existence. Man can/should not live by Science alone. Viewing Science as a tool, albeit an ever-changing tool puts it into proper perspective I believe. I am reminded of a little saying, the author of which I do not know:
"SCIENCE IS NOT A RELIGIOUS BELIEF, RELIGION IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS"
It would also, I think be appropriate to substitute the word 'Spiritual' for 'Religion' without affecting intent.
Thanks for sharing. Peace.
Intelligence involves discrimination. Without a clear understanding of self-identity, the intelligence is very limited ; illusion-interpreted inputs leads to a bad output. Therefore, we cannot help but make errors and be under the spells of illusion and karma so long we identiy with nonessential temporary things and identities.
By hearing words of true wisdom, one 's path is immediately cleared, like with a fog lamp through the night. The Lord and His pure servants give us instructions and set an example how we can try to also follow. When one then acts upon this true knowledge of self, by graceful kindness, one realizes an identity as eternal servant of Godhead, then one becomes fully liberated. All this by the process of hearing and reading, repeating and chanting, understanding deeply and realizing fully, in due course.
Anand, Prabhu; we can just imagine how much good could be done if the world used its God-given intelligence rightly and with respectful affection for all the parts and parcels of Sri Krsna! pamho.