Spirituality: The complete science

1. Spirituality

Most people intimately experience a profound truth. Happiness is as tiny as a grain of sand. Unhappiness, however, is as massive as a mountain. Indeed, modern life in Kaliyuga brings a steep imbalance. An average life consists of roughly 25% happiness and 75% unhappiness. Because of this, all living creatures constantly struggle to secure maximum happiness.

To achieve this goal, individuals routinely chase worldly pleasures. They use their five senses, the mind, and the intellect in this pursuit. However, people quickly find that material pleasures are temporary. They are always of an inferior quality. In stark contrast, the true happiness of the Soul is eternal. This sacred state is known as Anand (Bliss). It represents the absolute highest order of happiness. Ultimately, only the unique path of Spirituality enables us to attain this supreme spiritual Bliss.

Etymology and Meaning of the word ‘Spirituality’

The term Spirituality (Adhyātma) derives from two distinct words: adhi and ātman (ātmanaḥ adhi). Adhi means ‘pertaining to’. Therefore, Adhyātma literally translates to ‘pertaining to the Soul’. This term represents profound knowledge concerning our true nature. It directly addresses core questions: Who am I really? Where did I come from? Where will I go? This is precisely why the sages left us a vital message. True happiness cannot be obtained without practicing Dharma. Therefore, you should always follow the path of Righteousness.

Furthermore, a seeker unlocks wonderful secondary rewards by fully embracing Spirituality. This requires performing Sadhana (spiritual practice) to awaken the Soul. These rewards include a happier worldly life. They also ensure profound well-being in the afterlife.

Hindu Dharma gave Spirituality as an invaluable gift to all of mankind. Yet, most people today do not even understand what the word means. This truly is a great pity. Consequently, only a tiny minority ever explore this subject. Yet, it can bestow both supreme Bliss and omniscience.

Divine Bliss is infinitely more fulfilling than fleeting worldly pleasures. If people only realised this, everyone would naturally strive for Anand instead.

2. Science and Spirituality

Science as a Branch of Spirituality

When people speak of ‘Science’, they generally envision ‘modern science’. Rationalists and the common man often view Science and Spirituality as two entirely distinct entities.

However, Spirituality holds the comprehensive knowledge of the infinite. It encompasses all subjects. Therefore, we must raise a simple question: how could Science not be included within it? Ultimately, we can state that Science is but a branch of Spirituality.

3. Spirituality: Importance

A. Spirituality: The subject by which eternal and supreme bliss is bestowed

Every living thing desires to experience supreme happiness constantly. This includes everything from microscopic organisms to advanced human beings. For this purpose, they spend every single moment in a struggle.

Only the science of Spirituality teaches us the exact method to attain this eternal Bliss.

Sant Bhaktaraj Maharaj (Baba, the source of inspiration for Sanatan), once explained the importance of Spirituality to a foreign clergyman. He gave this profound answer:

Clergyman: “Do you have a special message for the American people?”

Baba: “I have only one message for all the people of the world. Man must stop searching for happiness, peace, and contentment in the external world; these things are not found elsewhere but are within his own self. No matter how much pleasure we acquire or enjoy during the day, we are left only with exhaustion at day’s end. We do not feel a sense of fulfilment. To remove this fatigue, we renounce all our daily earnings and seek refuge in sleep. This human necessity for sleep proves that man gains far more peace and contentment by turning inward than by struggling for external objects. By turning inward through Dhyan (meditation/spiritual practice), man discovers the light of the Soul and the Divine power residing directly within his heart.”

In this context, a famous proverb from the Srimadbhagavad Gita states:

adhyātmavidyā vidyānām | – Srimadbhagavad Gita (Chapter 10, Verse 32)

Meaning: Among all sciences (branches of knowledge), the science of Spirituality is supreme.

B. Spirituality: The subject by which omniscience is granted

Infinite subjects exist within the universe. Therefore, no one can master every single field. This holds true even if they study over many lifetimes.

A seeker may pursue the goal of becoming one with the omniscient God. To do this, they must possess omniscience themselves. For this reason, God has provided the subject of Spirituality. This is a truly unique subject.

Once a seeker attains omniscience here, they become completely all-knowing. They gain mastery in every other field. This is true because every single subject originates directly from Spirituality.

C. Spirituality: Utility for everyone

Worldly life offers no certainty. Rather, we encounter calamities at every single step. Conversely, the spiritual pursuit (paramārthāta) guarantees the attainment of Bliss.

Shri Brahmachaitanya Gondavalekar Maharaj gives a powerful warning: “If your entire spiritual pursuit is maintained only for the body because you want it happy and free from disease. That is like selling a wish-fulfilling cow (Kamadhenu) to purchase a donkey.”

Through Sakām Sadhana (spiritual practice performed with expectations of a particular reward), a person obtains temporary happiness and also reduces their sorrow. However, they reach a permanent state of Bliss only through Nishkām Sadhana (selfless practice). Thus, the subject of Spirituality is incredibly useful for everyone. This includes those interested in both worldly and spiritual matters.

Based on this explanation, everyone should embrace this complete science. You should commence Sadhana immediately. Do not wait for tomorrow. Begin today; indeed, begin from this very moment. The spiritual experiences and the Bliss resulting from Sadhana go beyond words. They defy simple descriptions.

Everyone can experience this truth for themselves. Dedicated practice will soon cause your inner spring of Bliss to emerge!

The Incompleteness of Science and the Completeness of Spirituality

Within the Great Illusion (Maya), new discoveries continue to be made indefinitely because Maya is infinite and science is inherently incomplete. In stark contrast, no new discoveries are ever made in Spirituality. This is because God is One, and since all paths to God-realisation are entirely complete and perfect, there is absolutely nothing left to discover.

— (Paratpar Guru) Dr Athavale (14.01.2015)