Beyond the lab: Has modern science made us forget Spirituality?

Let us explore the philosophical and broader discourse surrounding science through this article.

1. The etymology and meaning of ‘Vijnan’ (Science)

The term Vijnan encompasses a spectrum of meanings, including specific knowledge, scientific insight, philosophy, aparokṣajñāna (direct self-realisation), and brahmajñāna (knowledge of the Supreme Reality). In everyday language, however, it refers to the systematic body of knowledge we get through our senses by observing and testing physical things and natural events – a discipline we call ‘science’.

2. The methodology of science

Prof. K.V. Belsare explains that the main job of science is to understand the properties of physical objects and how they relate to each other. It finds the universal laws behind them and organises them logically. Science moves forward in four clear steps:

• Close observation
• Classification
• Making laws, and
• Drawing conclusions

Once we understand the laws governing how matter behaves, we can control it. By mastering forces like electricity, heat, light, sound, water, and air, humans have overcome the limits of space, time, speed, and disease. Out of all the rules governing the universe, the law of cause and effect is the most widespread. Because of this, science focuses heavily on proving these causal relationships. From a scientific point of view, everything in the universe follows strict laws; there are no actual mysteries or miracles in nature. Things that seem baffling at first lose their mystery the moment we understand their cause and effect. By using this knowledge, humans have built incredible things, like trains, aeroplanes, electric lights, radio, and telephones, completely changing our daily lives.

3. Science and Indian society

A. Looking inward and the stagnation of practical progress

Ancient Indian scholars wanted society to enjoy both inner peace and material comfort equally, because worldly comfort means nothing without inner happiness. However, after the 10th century AD, a shift happened. We began to focus only on internal sadhana (spiritual practice). While deep discussions thrived around bhakti (devotion) and Dharma, scientific work was neglected. We even forgot the vast knowledge gathered by the ancient Rishis. This imbalance eventually caused the country’s material and practical decline.

B. Material decline and the loss of moral values

As practical progress stopped, people became lazy, poor, sick, and weak, while unemployment shot up across the country. Extreme poverty left no room for higher thought, as starving people can hardly think about spirituality. As a result, moral values collapsed completely, leading to corruption, bribery, and lawlessness.

C. The draw of western culture and the turn to science

Against this grim background, it was natural for India’s younger generation to feel drawn to Western culture. The West looked outward and had successfully explored the physical world through science. Wanting to match this material success, Indians began to embrace science too.

D. The material trap: How pleasures made people forget Spirituality

While science brought newfound prosperity to India, it also introduced a new challenge. Becoming deeply entangled in the material comforts and pleasures afforded by modern science, the people gradually lost touch with their spiritual heritage, a shift that led to a profound decline in the truest sense.