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14 / JAIN STUDIES AND SCIENCE
perception - an important subject of philosophy which had ceased to exist for a long time, has been revitalised by the science. Aura, conversion of body chemicals, change in secretions of hormones through meditation and effect of finer karmic waves etc. have all become the part of scientific realm. Various scientific apparatuses have been our associates in this philosophical travel. The use of scientific methods has eliminated number of misconceptions, myths and problems associated with various religious and philosophical beliefs.
The practice of the comparative study between religion and science has gained momentum during these years. Question arises that is it essential to test the religious axioms on scientific litmus? The answer lies in the fact that young and present generation accepts the authenticity of religion only if it is scientifically proved. Science is discovering new facts through the researches in subjects like religion, philosophy, health, mathematics, geography, astronomy etc. Thus it will be naive on our part to overlook the usefulness of comparative studies! Those who were initially opposing the idea of confluence of science with religion too have started accepting the scientific views. Today science has promoted the relevance of religion and philosophy by experimentally proving the beliefs embedded in them.
There were many subjects in Jain philosophy which hitherto were difficult to express in common language with in-depth clarity, but the same has become easy with modern discoveries of science. There was a time when youth could be convinced by mere faith, but today the context has changed and with them the depth of faith has deepened.
The personality of Acharya Mahapragya is a brilliant combination of scientific temperament and spiritual character. Though he never studied science in any school or laboratory, yet had been able to give clear scientific explanations to number of profound subjects of Jain philosophy. Books written by him are, therefore, readily accepted and respected by number of scholars. He is a scholar and commentator of Indian and Western philosophies along with being a great interpreter of science and spiritualism. According to him
"A new personality is born when external universe combines with the internal spirit i.e. when physical materialism amalgamates with the spiritual metaphysics. Today India is not only borrowing foreign exchange from the west but also the concepts and thoughts. I want to save India from this humiliating experience. I am benefited by the knowledge of the ancient scriptures, but I don't believe in carrying its burden."
President Dr. Abdul Kalam says, "Acharya Mahapragya has a scientific attitude as he is not adamant on any particular concept." Swami Vivekanand
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