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
Life, Consciousness and Technology The role of mind, body and consciousness in living and life has been explained in many of these philosophical and religious teachings and discourses. The existence of soul in body has been put forward by philosophers, seers and sages since ancient-times. It is unclear whether body needs soul or soul needs body. It is suggested that body without soul is dead matter, soul is said to be eternal but acceptance of such statements need experimental verification. Likewise, it is unclear what the fate of soul is after death (loss of consciousness). It is widely accepted that soul leaves a body and seeks sojourn in another body. Science needs to devise experiments to demonstrate such events. In spiritual domain, technology of practices has to be developed for the welfare of society. I find it exciting that spiritual technology has to emerge and branded for its benefit. Is there birth after death? Jains strongly believe in re-birth. But again in modern era of science, experiments have to be designed to verify. Skepticism continues till proved otherwise. Generally, spiritual leaders claim realization of super-soul where from soul is believed to be originated. However, Jain seers do not support this view point. It is widely accepted that universe existed in the past and will exist in future and it is eternal. No one created or put celestial bodies in place and order. Seers have frequently mulled over these questions and have explained the natural phenomenon in considerable details.
Enhancing Human Potential Human mind is complex and our understanding is inadequate. In modern age, a happy meeting has begun between spiritualists and scientists with a clear indication of open mind to accept the mythology and practices of the other. For example, meditation and yoga have been recognized to affect human mind. The study of human mind is highly warranted to unfold human potential for positive contributions in social progress in the globe.Man is in search of and desires to acquire peace and happiness. Spiritual practices point to promotion of these virtues in human behavior (ethics, compassion, love, feelings etc). Due to scientific and technological advancements prosperity has increased but, at the same time, tension has increased in human mind leading to disturbed life. As a result, happiness is reduced. It is clear that prosperity achieved by science and technology may not necessarily give peace and happiness. It is intuitively thought that thinking of an individual can produce physical effects on another person located far or near but research is needed to substantiate this postulate. Likewise, it is a puzzle how soul of a person leaves one body and enters another as commonly stated. I felt tempted to suggest the possibility of invisible entity of matter of soul that may hop from object to object. There are examples due to microwave that an object may not be visible to our eyes but it exists. Experiments may be designed to verify some of these intriguing problems.
Research Prospect in Spirituality (Jain spiritual context) Nature is replenished with mysteries. We do not have answer to many fundamental questions about origin and purpose of life. Why universe is created? Is there a creator? Research is needed to conduct experiments on syad and anekant related topics. It would be interesting to examine if individual's thought process can influence physical traits of another person located near or far. Systematic research on meditation, life style, food regulation, ascetic practices will help reinforce the governing scientific basis and possible improvements.
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