Jain Journal 2008 01 No 03

Author(s): Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 48

Communication:
SPIRITUAL CHALLENGES OF THE DAY
Sadhvi Dr. Yogakshem Prabha
Now-a-days, man is living in the age of science. The chariot of era is coming with the higher achievements of science. Science of today has become the part and parcel of the life. It is, indeed, the need of the day. Nobody can deny its importance in this modern age. The world as it stands today is unconceivable without science. It has made a man giant in knowledge, but poor, dwarf in essential human feelings and internal efficiences. Spiritually deals with human feelings and internal upliftment with the help of inner resources. So it is the need of time to coordinate science with spirituality. Mere materialistic progress is not sufficient. It is true that man does not live by bread alone, he needs the food of spirit also. The materialistic progress and the mechanical development cannot reach the real aim of life that is why Eins Hen, the great scientist of the past century said, "I have searched till the matter only. I desire that if there is a re-birth, I will wish to know about myself, the knower". The great scientist also felt the need to synchronize science with spirituality. Science is necessary, but not only the necessity because without peace and tranquility all is in vain.
There are two basic factors that sustain human life: spirituality and morality. Spirituality has an eternal value. Morality is the reality related to time and place. Spiritualism has its influence on all the time, it can never be avoid of morality. At present even social beliefs tend to encourage immorality. The people occupying positions of power also indulge in such acts to protect that power. Thus, corruption and immorality are pervading top to bottom from teachers to layman, all have sunk in it deeply. The uncontrolled desires and selfishness are giving birth to the burning problems.
After a period of fifty years, the spiritual challenges are