5.5 Science, Religion & State – how they compare vis-à-vis Spirituality

Science, State, Religion and Spirituality monopolise major part of our intellectual thought-process. 

They not only vie for supremacy over one another, but also tie us down with their conflicting-doctrines. 

State and Religion do co-exist, but are always wary of each other’s power and ploy. 

Science and Spirituality cross swords on many counts, though their approach considerably converges while solving complex conundrums of existence.

State always cheers/ champions the cause of Science, whereas Religion always finds comfort and commonality in Spirituality.

State has no axe to grind against Spirituality as the latter is not opposed to their rules or regulations; nor does Spirituality ever find itself at logger-heads with State with regard to its principles or practices.

State and Religion demand followers’ attention to their principles and perspectives, and sometimes command individuals/ groups’ allegiance even against their will.

Science and Spirituality, on the other hand, generally do not impose their tenets or testaments on individuals, nor intrude on their freedom or faith.

What differentiates Spirituality from Science?

               Many people assume that Science and Spirituality cannot co-exist because the former deals with things physical while the latter deals with things meta-physical. 

Science argues meta-physical is not tenable, whereas Spirituality holds that things physical are illusory. However, their systematic approach to unravelling truth has striking similarities.

Being an organized and all-inclusive knowledge, Spirituality is very ‘scientific’. Besides, it is based on understanding (Jnanam) and not beliefs. That means, like Science, it is based on sheer enquiry and not mere speculation.

A scientist (Vijnani) pursues the spirit of Science relentlessly; a Saint (Jnani) ‘pursues’ the science of Spirit religiously.

The spirit of Science is the essence of phenomenal objects; the science of Spirit is the essence of noumenal Subject!

Knowing or acquiring the External Infinite (Cosmos) is called Science (Vijnana); knowing or realizing the Internal Infinite (Self) is called Spirituality (Jnana).

Science deals with infinite ones; Spirituality deals with One Infinite.

Science relies on analysis (based on observation); Spirituality relies on synthesis (based on understanding).

Science is the expression of conquest of matter; Spirituality is the expression of contradiction (negation) of matter.

Scientists try to decode the secret of external world (from Atom to Universe) i.e. decode matter with matter, but never succeed fully; Spiritualists try to decode the internal world, i.e. decode ‘Soul’ with ‘Soul’ and succeed.

There is no Scientist who is a master of all Sciences; there are many Saints who are masters of Soul.

Science never accepts anything which cannot be proved by observation and/ or experiments. Spirituality, on the other hand, states that Truth being one, everything else has (relative) validity.

The basis of Spirituality is (Absolute) One, whereas Science is based on (relative) one and (illusory) zero.

Scientists analyse the elements of existence to discover the constituent-truths; Spiritualists synthesize the elements of existence to re-discover the composite-Truth.

Scientists try to change the standard of Living; 
Spiritualists try to change the standard of Life.

Refining/ re-defining scientific approach to solving riddles of Existence:

               Science in its present form has some glaring flaws in its approach/ understanding of Existence, especially while dealing with infra/meta-physical objects, super/sub-sensory phenomena and past/ future events:

Though Science questions all dogmas (as they do not facilitate enquiry), yet, it has a dogma of its own; that is, until proved (by observation/experimentation) nothing can be accepted as true.

In the bargain, it ignores an elementary fact that our observations can never be 100% correct or the experimentations 100% fool-proof, the reason why every other day we keep rewriting even the break-through discoveries of earlier times! Science, in its present form lacks, amongst others, an ‘open-mindedness’.

Decoding secrets of matter may be possible with matter. But creation is much more than matter – it is also energy of various orders, phenomena of various kinds, existence at different levels, life at different planes, why, even Gods of various faiths – the list is just endless.

Therefore, the age-old method of decoding secrets of the Universe with small or big advances in material science is just useful for scratching the surface, but not more or enough.

Scientific enquiry relies almost exclusively on ‘Analysis’ (of materials, phenomena) to find out what is behind them. Every analysis solves one problem/ riddle; but it also throws up many more.

For e.g. Body, once an unknown, was subsequently known to consist of many tissues. Tissue, once an unknown, was subsequently known to consist of many atoms. An atom, once an unknown, was subsequently known to consist of atomic particles. Thus one unknown body, on analysis throws up many, also unending, unknowns!

Also, the details/ objects being infinite in the Material Universe, one can never reach bottom/end of it. Also, Existence is an organic whole. Therefore, enquiring into ‘divisions/ multiplicity’ and ignoring the ‘integration/ unity’ aspect will not decode its secrets.

              

How do we overcome the shortcoming in the scientific route? 

We need to throw away the dogma that only that which is supported by observation and experimentation is true. Accept everything as valid until proved to be wrong! An open mind is a prerequisite of this enquiry.

Normally, Science relies solely on the instrument of Intellect to discover truth. This works well in the world of matter. Beyond the realm of matter, Intellect is ‘ineffective/ inappropriate’. 

Just like, to appreciate the fragrance of a flower, we need a sharp nose but not eyes, similarly to understand the causes and the cause of causes, we have to but rely on a faculty (Intuition) which is appropriate for the purpose.

Also, Science relies on analysis as an essential element of enquiry; however, analysis may be useful in the initial stages as it is the only way of knowledge-gathering for our conditioned mind. 

To conceptualize cosmic-causation, ‘synthesis’ of gathered-knowledge is required. Therefore, at later stages, we need to 'uncondition' our mind and synthesize our understanding to comprehend the organic-whole. 

What differentiates Spirituality from Religion?

Many people, including some well-informed ones, place Religion on the same pedestal as Spirituality. The (mis)understanding is primarily due to the premise that both are essentially a search for God, though the common thread starts and ends with the semantics. 

Religion has followers, Spirituality has seekers. 

Followers liberally use Yantram (Idols, etc.), Tantram (Rituals, etc.) and Mantram to search for God in any or every media in the external world. Seekers, on the other hand, search for Truth internally, as they hold that what is in oneself is everywhere and what is not in oneself is not anywhere.  

The followers’ search for God is mostly collective (hence the need for religious groups/ organizations), whereas the seekers’ search for Truth is essentially individualistic (hence the need for solitude/ silence).

In Religion, God-Heads are eulogized as a supreme/ supernatural person, whereas in Spirituality, God is a principle, not a person, force or phenomenon.

Religions, therefore, advocate reincarnations (Avataras) of these supreme personalities, whereas spirituality never talks of special avatars, as it considers every being a veritable avatara.

In Religion, questioning is not encouraged especially the set of rules called gospels. In Spirituality, questioning is the basic premise of finding the Truth. In fact, the fountain-head of Indian Spirituality, the Upanishads, is a veritable store-house of earnest enquiry by a seeker and authoritative answers by a Knower.

In Religion, doctrines are imposed which are not to be deplored by followers. In Spirituality, Truth is not enforced, but is to be explored by seekers.

In religion, ritualism plays a dominant/ prominent role – it is meant to keep the followers identified with the cult ideology to facilitate their indoctrination. In Spirituality, ritualism plays a notional/ subsidiary role – it is meant to convey certain universal truths to seekers in symbolic form so as to facilitate their understanding.

For a spiritual practitioner, understanding (Jnanam) matters more than beliefs, austerities (Tapas) matter more than appeals (prayers) and practice (Sadhana) matters more than preaching.

What are the hallmarks of a Religion?

An ideology/ theme/ tenet/ faith/ belief: The ideologies are the truths as seen by a founder.

They are mostly ‘dry’ truths and may go overboard for vast majority. To make them more appealing or easier to digest, they are interpreted and commented upon by the founder/ founder’s disciples.

These ideologies are codified in a literary work which forms the gospel of truth. However, being gospel, they are unassailable/ unquestionable.

A series of rituals to keep the followers interested and ‘enmeshed’: The individuals are ‘encouraged’ or forced to follow certain rituals at every stage of life (frequently and periodically).

It is the rituals which appeals to the individual as he becomes a participant and not a mere puppet to the truths being preached.

An organization to administer both: The (religious) organization has an array of administrators, a pool of resources and a set of systems with which they profess/ propagate the faith to the believers/ followers. The resources are provided by the follower-individuals, and the systems by the administrator-individuals.

Normally the religious administration revolves around a charismatic leader to carry on the mantle of affairs. Longer the chain of leader-disciples (Guru Parambara) more is the number of followers.

Over a period of time, the original faith may be vastly diluted or modified to suit the needs of the time or even get eclipsed. Yet the organization ensures that the followers are kept interested/ indoctrinated in the old/ changed ideals/ ideologies. The organization tries every means to retain its stranglehold over its followers.

Why do individuals seek a Religion to follow?

World and life have many objects and phenomena which are beyond the comprehension and control of humans. Also, despite abilities and enterprise, we are presented with numerous hurdles and hardships in life.

Overcoming the limitations in understanding/ abilities is not possible in one’s lifetime. We, therefore, start looking for a supernatural being/ phenomenon called God to unravel/ control self and world.

Religion appeals more to the believers because it promises succor to followers despite their handicaps. It does make life easier for the believer-followers.  

For most individuals, God remains a belief, whereas for some it is a faith and for rare few, it blossoms as understanding.

When a religion (read organizations!) becomes too rigid, the followers adopt a faith which is more amenable to their wishes or in tune with reality.

It is the cult leaders, due to their penchant for pelf and power, bring disrepute to a religion. A legion of reformers, on the other hand, ensures that Religion is rid of detestable traditions which violate human dignity.

A live religion is the one which caters to the ‘tastes’ of every succeeding generation. An eternal religion, on the other hand, is the one which does not lose its essence and relevance even in changing times but has a Philosophia Perennis which lasts forever.

What differentiates Spirituality from State?

Why do individuals seek a State to govern them: Humans are part of the World. And world is a creation. Everything in the Creation has a Rhythm and Order (R’tam/ Niyati), hence it is a Cosmos. Even the so-called accidents are only incidents in the cosmic order, each happening with a purpose and part of a grand design.

Individual, being part of the creation, has an inherent need and intrinsic liking for order in oneself, society and the world around. This basic nature of the individual is given expression (and exploitation) by States.

In the days of yore, Royalties used to channel/ exploit this (man’s) urge/ sentiment for order. During the medieval period, the religious groups continued the legacy. In the modern times, it is the turn of the States to take on the mantle.

In the guise of regulating/ organizing the individuals, they start demanding and exploiting them. Instead of harnessing the individuals’ potencies and potentials, the States start manipulating and harassing them until an upheaval uproots/revamps the entire system.

Thus an individual becomes both the seeker of order as well as the victim of the order that he seeks in a state set-up. An individual seeks the order with virtuous intention, however, he falls victim to vicious inclinations of insensitive states (read leaders).

What are the hall-marks of the State?

A (democratic) state is ruled by majority. Theoretically then the voice of the majority should hold sway over the administration.

But in practice, a vociferous few or a dominating minority (with vested interest) or a capable-few (with administrative/political acumen) manage to wring and wield control of the system.

Once in the saddle of power, they try to perpetuate their hegemony through policies or politics. Rest is history.

Since groups are by definition bigger than individuals, it is easier for them to dominate over the individuals, albeit in the short run. The leaders who forget/ neglect individuals eventually fall because ultimately groups are nothing but individuals joined together for a cause; hence, over a period of time they assert their primacy and supremacy.

The political leaders also keep the multitudes indoctrinated with sops and slogans. Their refrain is that only if there is order, the society, hence, the individual, will progress. It may confound the individuals for a short while but not control them for long.

However, unlike Religion which does not allow individual to have independent views and visions, a state does allow freedom of expression and enjoyment.

What are the hallmarks of Spirituality?

Spirituality is a search for the true identity of self. As a complement or a corollary, the individual also tries to understand the validity of World and the reality of God (the other two elements of the World-I-God triumvirate).

Spirituality thus helps the individual to decide and define the relevance of God and his relationship with It. God is the author of the Creation and thereby the Order governing it.

Hence, once the individual relates to God, he has no more need for order or an organization to ensure that! Hence, there are no evangelists among spiritualists.

Thus,

Science promotes a culture of enquiry and evaluation;

Spirituality promotes a culture of enquiry and evolution.

State promises a glorious life here!

Religion promises a glorious life here and hereafter!!

Spirituality promises a glorious life here, hereafter and ever thereafter!!!