Today we see that
man with the help of science has acquired much external prosperity. Yet, internally
he does not experience contentment. Eventually, without internal happiness, external
happiness becomes meaningless. Schools and universities do not teach us how to
achieve supreme, everlasting happiness. The only science which teaches us to
attain Bliss or this everlasting, supreme happiness is the science of Spirituality.
Given here is a continuation (from the previous Issue
269) of a point wise comparison
of physical sciences with the science of Spirituality.
| |
Physical Science |
Science of Spirituality |
| In which state is the information/knowledge achieved? |
The waking state |
A. The superconscious state (Samadhi)
B. The natural state ofcommunion with
God (sahajavatha)
C. Liberation when still embodied (Sadeha Mukti) |
| Duration of experience |
Short |
A. Depends upon the duration of the superconscious state
B. Continuous in
the natural state of communion with God
C. Eternal in Liberation |
| Retention of Knowledge |
Whatever is learned through experience in this birth has to be learned again
in the next. For example, reading, writing, etc. This is because the information
is stored in the physical body (in brain cells), which die with physical death. |
Whatever is learned through spiritual experiences in this birth is carried
forward to the next. This is because the knowledge is acquired at the soul level
and stored in the subtle body, which continues even after physical death. This
explains why so many spiritually evolved beings and Saints are so young. For
example, Jesus, Shankaracharya, Saint
Dnyaneshwar, Swami Vivekananda, Buddha,
etc |
| Quality of experience |
Inferior |
Vastly superior |
| Boredom |
May occur |
Does not occur |
| Completeness and Truth |
As physical science and technology advance, old concepts are disproved and
new ones are brought forth. Even school textbooks require revised editions, as
improvements are made. Since the 'truth' in physical science constantly undergoes
change, physical science is termed as untrue and incomplete. |
The knowledge regarding God or the soul, that is, who we really are, has
always remained the same. The truth found in Spirituality is eternal and beyond
time. Hence, Holy texts like the Vedas, Gita, Bible, Koran have reprints, but
no revised editions. |
| Contentment |
Temporary. After understanding one aspect one feels like knowing the next.
Since the knowledge is infinite, the yearning to know more does not end; hence
one never feels content. |
Lasting. After one acquires the ultimate spiritual experience of Self-realization,
nothing more is left to be experienced. Hence, one experiences the Bliss of contentment. |
Reference: The Sanatan
organization's publication, Volume
1B: Spirituality,
Compiled by His Holiness Dr. Jayant
Athavale and Her Holiness Dr. (Mrs.) Kunda Athavale.
|
