Abstract subjects of vedanta and Modern science
Vedanta and modern science converge on their ultimate quest for
truth, with Vedanta examining the subjective, inner universe and science
exploring the objective, physical world. Both seek unified principles of
existence, with modern theoretical physics occasionally mirroring ancient
Vedantic cosmology and metaphysics. Physics (specifically quantum mechanics
and relativity) reveals that beneath the solid appearance of the material
world lies a sea of fluctuating energy and interconnected fields. Proposes
that the ultimate reality is Brahman—a singular, infinite, and indivisible
consciousness. The material world we experience is viewed as Maya
(transitory and illusory). Often approaches consciousness as an emergent
property of complex brain activity and physical processes. However, the
"Hard Problem" of consciousness remains a major focal point in modern
research. Treats consciousness as the primary, fundamental reality rather
than a byproduct of matter. The individual soul (Atman) is considered
identical to the universal consciousness. Uses theories like the
Big Bang, cosmic inflation, and the continuous expansion and transformation
of matter and energy to describe the universe's origin and dynamics.
Envisions a cyclic universe operating on vast spans of time (Kalpas). It
postulates the principle of a "self-evolving cause," asserting that the
universe oscillates between states of unmanifested potential and manifested
diversity. Operates on an objective methodology. It relies on sensory
observation, mathematical modeling, experimentation, and reproducibility.
Operates on an inner, subjective methodology. It relies on deep
contemplation, intense concentration, and direct, transcendental
realization. Visionaries and physicists—including luminaries like Erwin
Schrödinger and Albert Einstein—have frequently noted that the
philosophical implications of quantum entanglement and non-locality
strongly parallel non-dualistic Vedantic thought. Both disciplines
essentially attempt to reduce multiplicity to unity. While science aims to
understand the mechanics of the cosmos, Vedanta aims to master the observer
and the knower.
Vedanta- Universal religion is becoming scientific in its
approach. Of all the scripture of the world, it is one scripture the
teaching of which is in entire harmony with the results that have been
attained by the modern scientific investigations of external nature. In
recent times, many scholars studied Vedanta from scientific purpose and
drew some parallels. Today, many great scientists and thinkers- Albert
Einstein, Swami Vivekananda etc have recognized and asserted this truth.
Satyamev Jayate, the motto of the Indian republic is taken from the ancient
Indian scriptures, Mundaka Upanishad. As the primary source of Vedanta is
Upanishads, it is the proof of relation between Vedanta and Science. Their
aim is at studying what is experienced by man and the universe of man‘s
experiences. Ranganathanada, a representative of the scientific era, tries
to find out the similarities between the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and
the postulates of the different branches of modern science like physics,
psychology and neurology. Vivekananda recognized the tie between Vedanta
and science many years ago. He realized that truth and thought that the
relation between Vedanta and science should be made known to the world,
especially to India.
Vedanta can be defined as the study of the gross and subtle
aspects of the universe in which we live to understand our purpose in it
and our relationship with it. The theory of the universe as propounded in
Vedanta has striking similarities with scientific theories. It is true that
Vedic literature lacks technical details in several aspects, yet these
theories project a generalized perspective of the perpetual process of
creation, sustenance and dissolution of the universe in a cyclic order.
Today such cyclic cosmological theories have become a subject of great
interest to cosmologists and astrophysicists. Moreover, predictions made by
Swami Vivekananda on the basis of Vedanta and his own experiences are being
confirmed. The conversion of mass to energy and energy to mass, which
happens to be a significant contribution of Albert Einstein, had been
proposed by Swami ji a few years before by scientists. Moreover, the
inseparability of space and time in Einstein‘s special theory of relativity
had also been predicted by the great Swami Ji before the scientific theory
was published. Swami ji said: ‗The one peculiar attribute we find in time,
space and causation is that they cannot exist separate from other things.
Tesla was fascinated by how the teachings of an ancient religion seemed to
fit so well with the discoveries of modern science and even met with Swami
Vivekananda in order to discuss his findings, ―that force and matter are
reducible to potential energy.‖ When comparing the Samkhya theory from the
Vedas, which implies that matter is made up of energy, to science, Prana
translates to energy and Akasha translates to matter, terms which Tesla
used frequently after he studied Vedic science. Swami Vivekananda also was
hoping that Tesla would be able to prove the Samkhya theory, as this would
bring the Vedas and Hinduism into the world of spotlight.
Time is relative to the world in which it functions. The Vedas
confirm it. We also know from science that the universe has numerous
aspects and dimensions, which are mathematically or rationally
indescribable and incomprehensible to the human mind. Just as the Vedas
affirm that there are gods and demons in the world above and below, science
suggests that the universe is filled with numerous worlds of light and
darkness and positive and negative energies. If there is matter in some
parts of the universe, there is antimatter in some parts. We also know now
that existence is not possible and creation would not have happened without
such dualities. Just as the Vedas state that the body and soul are
different, science confirms that the body is the seat of consciousness,
which can hypothetically be separated from the body and eternally stored in
a suitable environment. As in Vedanta, science also recognizes that Nature
is a dependent reality of the universe and subject to numerous
modifications, movements and transformations. From the Vedas we learn that
creation began billions of years ago. It is now corroborated by modern
science. Both Science and Vedanta should go hand in hand to understand the
universe. Albert Einstein in his book ‗Science and Religion‘ – ‗Science can
denature plutonium but it cannot denature evil in the heart of man.‘
The postulate behind both Science and Vedanta is a self
evolving cause. Vedanta calls this cause Brahman. Science also states about
this cause but has not named it. The truth found out in the Upanishads is
impersonal, so also in science. This is because they are universal and give
an insight into the nature of the world.
Science is a vast subject and Vedanta too. Vivekananda recognized
the tie between Vedanta and science many years ago. He realized that truth
and thought that the relation between Vedanta and science should be made
known to the world, especially to India. According to him, the system of
education should be founded on the basis of Vedanta and science.
Ranganathananda explains Vivekananda‘s suggestion in these words- ―In all
educational training, we need to grasp the fundamentals of science and
Vedanta. This will make the student modern and progressive in the true
sense of term, and through it, he will enter a stream of thought which is
destined to fertilize every section of Indian life in the course of time.
The people in the Indian villages, who are educated youths, will be called
upon to serve in some field or other, and need to teach the essentials and
the utility of both science and Vedanta. If, in the course of their
education, these youths are able to get a clear understanding of this vital
subject, it will make them more efficient in life and work and will enrich
their personalities. Thus, they will be a source of strength to all whom
they may come into contact with in the course of their life and career.‖
India‘s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, too accepted this idea and
said that first of all our country needs a system of education based on
both science and spirituality. Nehru‘s successors also appreciated this and
have tried to follow his views even to this day. Man must have knowledge
about his existence as well as the environment in which he lives. In short,
external and internal knowledge is a must for a human being. So, science
and Vedanta must go hand in hand. If science and the Vedas were studied
together more frequently, it is possible that an increasing number of
scientific and theological ideas could be created. In the modern time too,
Vedanta stands as a relevant philosophy by directing humanity to their
welfare.
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K RAJARAM IRS 26526
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