Jain Studies and Science

SR No.: 006923
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mahaveer Raj Gelada
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati
Publication Year: 2007
Total Pages: 272
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 15

PROLOGUE
Philosophy and Science - both seek the truth but with a fundamental difference. Philosophy follows a certain definite base whereas science always starts from zero ground. In their respective quest for truth they cross each others path very often. Many a times, philosophical musings pave the way for scientific research, while at times; philosophers are compelled to take notice of scientific discoveries. Yet, both have one similarity – they have a long way to go before the ultimate truth and purpose of our existence is revealed. Whether or not both will reach the same destination - time only will tell!
Today's youth has more faith in science than in religion or philosophy. Though philosophy is not attached to any particular person and is associated only with the truth, yet its authenticity sometimes comes under severe scrutiny when it gets associated with any great person.
Once Buddha told his disciples, "Tradition is not the yardstick of truth, neither am I. Truth will be established - not because I am propounding it but will be accepted by your heart only when your mind acknowledges it sensibly." Lord Mahavira also emphasised the same fact - "Search for the truth - thyself."
Like philosophy, science too has but one aim - to rid humanity of its sorrows and sufferings. Till date, the basis of all progress of humanity is through materialistic sources even though developed countries had caused destruction in the guise of the peace.
Acharya Mahapragya is an eminent coordinator of philosophy and science. Using science as the touchstone, he lived the essence of religion in his life. According to him, science is not our foe but is a friend. With more and more scientific revelations, the gap between science and philosophy has been bridged. He states that the truth can be described only by realistic approach i.e. Anekant (Non-absolutism). Jain philosophy is completely scientific in its own self and needs no scientific apparatus and research to prove its authenticity. However, some truths which had got buried in the passage of time need to be re-established through science. To that extent the scientific research has helped the philosophy greatly. This is indeed a great work done by science. The contribution of Acharya Mahapragya is that he has presented the philosophy in the language of science - the language of modern era. What is scientifically approved can be universally accepted.
Science progresses from ‘macro' to 'micro' whereas spiritualism moves from tangible to abstract. In totality, both are heading towards a single reality - the infinitely latent world of 'massless'. Transcendental knowledge beyond