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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INTEGRATION OF SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT DR. K.P. MISHRA mishra_kaushala@rediffmail.com
Dr. K. P. Mishra Ph.D, M.Sc., is a former Senior Scientist and Head of Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. He is Ex-Vice Chancellor of NGB University, Allahabad. He is President of Foundation of Education and Research, India and Founder President of Society of Radiation Research, India. He is Fellow of National Academy of Science, India.
Discoveries in modern Science have deeply impacted human society. There has been revolution in communication, transport, energy, medicine, agriculture with the use of science and technology. Intensive research and spirit of inquiry have transformed human life, expanded the horizon of knowledge on universe, altered the concept of time and space, and stimulated us to know the unknown in the course of time. We have witnessed generation of enormous new resources, boost in economy and rise in standards and style of life of people. Consequently, the trust of society in science and technology hastremendouslyincreasedovertheyears. Itishearteningtonotethatthequestfor unraveling the secrets of nature continues though much remains to be explored.
Classical Science Both European and Eastern philosophers showed keen interest in understanding the phenomenon and events around them. The observation of order and regularities of planetary events have been engaging the attention of philosophers and scientists for centuries. It is intriguing that scriptures refer to knowledge of various subjects which is yet beyond the grasp of science. It is indeed puzzling to think if ancient seekers had methods and approaches to acquire knowledge about cosmos and governing principles. Many of the concepts and perceptions of scriptures are unverified but intense efforts continue in this direction. The questions about why universe was born, why life exists what is the purpose of life continue to in exploring minds. It however remains to be examined by methods, tools and techniques of modern science. In general, methods and approaches of science have received greater acceptability in society. The mindset of public has changed from usual believing in faiths blindly to examining them on reasons. The entire new culture of scientific approach to inquire and, tendency to reason out before accepting a viewpoint is rapidly growing in society. A rational examination of has taken over blind acceptance which to me looks promising for understanding nature and acquiring new knowledge.
It is mistakenly viewed that science and spirituality are not compatible. Science is considered reliable and repeatable, while spirituality often regarded as a sentimental relic of our past we can't quite let go of. So to say it is necessary for the two to work together may seem unrealistic. For centuries, science has led our progress; spirituality, as indicated through participation in orthodox religion has been in steady decline. But the unorganized, personal aspect of spirituality is the subjective pursuit of value, reality, and understanding through individual experience or consciousness. This aspect of spirituality has not declined. Instead, the drive to find external solutions to global problems that have value to our interior world is more powerful than ever.
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