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
The progress of philosophy and science shows the role of philosopher, Plato (427-347 BC) and in classical science by Issac Newton (1647-1723 ) and modern science by Renes Descartes( 1596-1650) in substantially advancing knowledge. A firm scientific basis of natural events leading to discoveries of the laws of motion and law of gravitation to explain many of the curiosities of the time. However, thinkers and philosophers were struck by the observed order and precision in planetary motions. The limitations of knowledge occasionally brought in the concept of Creator? Great physicist and mathematician, Newton was believer of super power for the creation of universe. With the discovery of quantum force by Max Planck (1858-1947) and later Richard Feynman's (191819 88) contribution to understand details of universe a new era of science commenced. In 21st century, we have begun to ask if mind and humans obey quantum laws?
Infusing science in spirituality The spirituality has remained enigmatic and unexplored in the past decades and it managed to escape from experimentation and rigor of science. There is a need to open practices and methods of spirituality to scientific experimentation and research using modern tools. Though, spirituality has already benefited society in effective manner for inculcating the human qualities of compassion, love, morality, ethics and propagated universal peace and lasting happiness. Vedantic, Buddhist, Christianity, Jainism and other spiritual traditions have reformed society and guided for higher goals in life brought social awareness but lagged behind in modernization and research. The new trend
especially from younger generation has necessitated refinement and has found no support and lacked initiative. There is an urgent need to plan and execute researches in several fields of spirituality. As a consequence, it is becoming necessary to employ tools and techniques of science in widely accepted established practices of spirituality. Spiritual leaders Ancharya Mahapragya ji sought and welcomed science Jain practices and principles and advocated the need of finding scientific basis of jain doctrines. In recent times, it has been felt that spirituality has to invoke basics of relevant sciences such as physics, chemistry, physiology and neuro sciences for validation of traditions followed in ancient times. Philosophers and thinkers prior to modern era of science enunciated providing and practices that were enthusiastically accepted and followed by the society. However, with the rise in scientific temper and access to vast information pool, change in these practices became inevitable. The questions of existence of life and creation of universe have always been pondered ever by scientists as well as philosophers and spiritual masters.
Harnessing Power of Spirituality Thus, the goal of science and spirituality has been to unravel the secret of nature and understand the purpose of life. Who am I and where I came from and where will I go? Have been repeatedly asked in the ancient time and these questions continue to haven't human mind even today. How to be happy and get rid of miseries, philosophers from West as well as those from East have pondered over these vexing questions. Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and other religions have put forward their understanding and opinions from time to time. For example, Jain Acharyas and Hindus have known atom to be the building block of matter since long. Likewise, values of ethics and morality have been given prime importance in human development.
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