Science And Jain Philosophy

Author(s): Raksha J Shah, Abhijit Muni, Pooja Banthia
Publisher: International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy

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International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy 2016
Here is a quote from Albert Einstein's book, "Out of My Later Years" which speaks of his approach towards humanity and I find it relevant to be mentioned here to substantiate the fact that pursuit of both science and philosophy was mainly to address and improve the quality of life on this universe. The quote is "A human being is part of a whole, called by us "universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our tasks must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
In 1998, two teams of astronomers studying distant supernovae made the remarkable discovery that the expansion of the universe is speeding up. Yet, according to Einstein's theory of General Relativity, gravity should lead to a slowing of the expansion. To explain cosmic acceleration, cosmologists are faced with two possibilities: Either 75% of the universe exists in an exotic form, now called dark energy, that exhibits a gravitational force opposite to the attractive gravity of ordinary matter, or General Relativity must be replaced by a new theory of gravity on cosmic scales. Big Bang model describes current understanding of the universe. New discoveries, such as dark matter and dark energy lead us to refine our model. Science is an ongoing process - forcing us to test our model through prediction and observation. The more tests it passes, the greater is our confidence in it.
All these efforts of both scientists and philosophers are for a better society and better tomorrow, which is healthy both physically and mentally. A path to achieve this can be through Yoga and Meditation.
Yoga and meditation is a way to develop wisdom and compassion. Meditation helps in acquiring steadiness of the mind and the ability to see deeply into the truth of our experience; meditation is a component of the practice that enables us to open our heart to others, and ourselves and to recognize our connection to all of life.
If we train our mind to meditate, we will gradually become more and more peaceful and we will experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Ultimately this will bring stability to mind and to face and handle difficult situation. By training in meditation, we create an inner space and clarity that enables us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances. Gradually we develop mental equilibrium and experience permanent inner peace known as 'liberation' or 'nirvana, ultimate truth of Jain philosophy.
Finally, I conclude with a passage from one of the well known Kannada literary works by Dr DV Gundappa in Mankuthimmana Kagga (translated to English) which high lights the blending role of Science and Sages in uplifting the society at large.
"New Leaves and old roots what makes a tree magnificent. New Knowledge and old principles meld to become dharma
If wisdom of the sages can blend with the new sciences, It would be for the benefit of the humanity." --Mankuthimma
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