International Journal of Yoga - Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology

EDITORIAL
Year
: 2016  |  Volume : 4  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 1--2

It is to spiritualize the science


Ramachandra G Bhat 
 Vice Chancellor - SVYASA Yoga University, Bangalore, India

Correspondence Address:
Ramachandra G Bhat
Vice Chancellor - SVYASA Yoga University, Bangalore
India




How to cite this article:
Bhat RG. It is to spiritualize the science.Int J Yoga - Philosop Psychol Parapsychol 2016;4:1-2


How to cite this URL:
Bhat RG. It is to spiritualize the science. Int J Yoga - Philosop Psychol Parapsychol [serial online] 2016 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];4:1-2
Available from: https://www.ijoyppp.org/text.asp?2016/4/1/1/213075


Full Text

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In the whole gamut of the Vedic text, there are several statements projecting richness of the Earth and healthy mind. If we study etymologically, a very word Rashtra stands for richness of earth which feeds all living creatures with two legs and many legs – “Shanno astu dvipade sham chatushpade - Yajurvedṃ”

In the Vedic text, the word “Vasu” denotes abundance of wealth, which is cogently shared among all four types of living creatures: Andaja (born out of eggs), Svedaja (born out of moisture), Udbhijja (born by breaking the earth such as trees and plants), and Jarayuja (born out of womb). The human being, belonging to the category of Jarayuja (mammals) among creatures, has very limited access to natural wealth and recourses of the nature. In fact, utilitarianism is vehemently criticized by vedic seers when it causes damage to eco balance – “Kevalagho bhavati kevaladi” – this very statement from Taittiriya Aranyaka emphatically denounces cooking for mere oneself. If one cooks for other cotravelers, one has every privilege to enjoy the natural wealth.

The recent research in the domain of Indian ecology substantiates our apprehensions that Bharat is very much gifted by the grace of Sun God, so it accommodates very rich medicinal plants, herbs, and creepers, which facilitate very balanced growth of all kinds of creatures, especially humankind which is considered to be the highly elevated living species. This fact is very well narrated in Saraswati Suktam of Rigveda – Chodayitri Sunrtanam Chetanti Sumatinam The catchment area of Saraswati river was so fertile that indwellers of that area were excellent in their brain capacity and oral communication. The societal condition of that area and psychological capacities of those people are often portrayed in many hymns of Rik, Yajus, and Sama According to Mahabharata, from very inception of humankind, human brain was of the highest quality. As the human started the journey in the prehistoric period, there were no physically handicapped or mentally retarded progeny. All Sapta Rishis and Prajapatis were so strong that they could lead life very happily for the whole span of 100 years, ever growing and ever charming – Śatam jīva śarado vardhamānaḥ ∣ In fact, Indian ecology is basically opposed to Darwin theory of evolution. According to Indian cosmology, the first man in the creation is the best man. He never broke the natural law pertaining to his biopsychic sphere and biocosmic sphere. This type of life journey is called DHARMA which denotes the eco-friendly life style of humankind. Adya Shankara uses two words such as VIVEKA and VIJNANA (psychic balance and science) which formulate Dharma in real sense, in an introductory Bhashya of Gita. As Viveka and Vijnana go down in the process of wheeling of time, world starts losing its ground socially, morally, and spiritually. As and when highly consumerist and corrupt people dominated the social fabrics, humankind faced very horrible atrocities and natural calamities. In the regime of many demons starting from Satya Yuga, we come across these kinds of declines and corrections after corruptions and vice versa Hence, Hiranyakashipu disturbs echo-balance, his own sun Prahlada reestablishes the supremacy of Viveka and Vijnana Hiranyaksha snatches the wisdom of great Rishis, the four Vedas and takes it to Patala for misinterpretations, but Shrimannarayana brings it back and hands it over to the great Rishis for proper recitation and interpretations. Ravana damages the Gurukulas on the bank of Sarayu and Godavari rivers; Shrirama in his exile, visiting all hermitages, rejuvenates and reestablishes Gurukulas.

The human cycle on a move

After severe winter season, there will be beautiful upsurge of spring. Even the spring may pave the way for highly thundering rainy season. This natural law must be understood by all eco-analysts. In the 18th century, when man unearthed new technology for utilization of natural wealth, all welcomed it considering that this is the panacea for human revolution and evolution. When great philosophers like Bertrand Russell and great poet like T. S. Eliot warned all technocrats and scientists not to go for overexploitation of natural wealth in the name of science and technology. Such realistic thinkers were vehemently criticized and cornered. Even some so-called rationalists banned them as opponents for progression, Bertrand Russell's magnum opus, “Impact of science on society” clearly warns all types of research which are nuclear power centered. However, all such warnings were taken as mere hue and cry by the so-called progressive scientists. Recently, the great humanist, E. F. Schumacher, guided all scientists to adopt eco-friendly technology in his book, “Small is beautiful.”

Now, we have to think afresh about science and technology which created a road map for development of modern society. SWASTHYA (health) + SAMRIDDHI (prosperity) + SHANTI (peace) are the main mantras for the development for future global harmony. Harnessing human health is universal phenomenon emerging as a panacea for the integral health of humankind. In this background, Science and Spirituality work hand in hand for human health. Yoga in its new incarnation must address all these emerging necessities. It must not be imprisoned in the domains of departments, apartments, and compartments.

Indian philosophies, both Veda and NonVeda based, are the real sources of pure science. When we take up Vaisheshika school of philosophy, it gives an insight about nuclear study and researches; likewise, if we take up Jaina philosophy, it makes an inroad to the theory of uncertainty which is called as Saptabhṅgénaya and Syädvädṃ Recently, there are many new publications dealing with this scientific study of different Indian schools of philosophies.

The recent research conducted at Virginia University and case studies conducted by Ivan Stevenson and his team, have unraveled many realities about life-after-death. The recent thesis submitted by the researchers from Advaita School of philosophy with special reference to the third and fourth chapters of Brahma Sutras also made an insightful inroad for further studies and researches in this subject areṃ

Psychology, as a school of science, is in a crossroad. It cannot blindly follow the same old orthodox theories of Freudian psychoanalysis. Veda-based psychology is more psychosynthesis than logically based psychoanalysis. Debased logical analysis always leads to negativity and rejectionism at human attitude. Veda-based health science never approves any kind of divisive understanding of human personality. It is based on Panchakosha personality parameters. As we proceed further, in Panchakosha journey, it paves the way for awareness of consciousness. ATMAVADA is the guiding principle for modern psychology. Hence, the recent search is strengthening our commitment to the original Indian wisdom which is none other than the Vedas and Upanishads, Sutras and Smritis.