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TULSI-PRAJNA
the direction of the stellar macrocosm and the nuclear microcosm.
Scientific Spirituality :
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Self-knowledge (Atma-Jyana) knowledge of God (Brahma Vidyā) and Spirituality (Adhyātma) are synonymous terms.15 Self-knowledge, however, is different from Spiritism, Spiritualism and Psychical Research, 16 Selfknowledge is also distinct from mysticism,17 Mysticism is subjective and tells about abnormal experiences but in Self-knowledge one is aware of all-pervading and illimitable and infinite reality. In other words, the entire creation is reflected in the self and vice-versa. Although, it is very difficult to define or characterise spirituality but Vinoba underlines the five basic features of spirituality as follows:
1. Faith in the Absolute Moral Values.18
2. Faith in the continuity of life after death,19
3. Faith in the Unity and sanctity of life.20
4. Faith in Eternal order of the Universe.21
5. Faith in the possibility of perfection of human life.22
These values are matters of faith as they can neither be proved truen or false on the basis of intellectual reasoning. But if we put faith into them, it leads to practical service. For example, if we believe in the absolute moral values like non-violence or truth, it pays us in life. Similarly, our faith in continuity of life after death, this gives us optimism as well as sense of added responsibility. When we talk of unity of life, one feels rapport with the entire creation. The sanctity follows from it, mere unity of life is not enough, if we do not add the word sanctity. We wont have the guidance which is needed. Similarly, faith in the order of the universe is essential to escape from natural anarchy. The creation is not a chaos but a Last but not the least, spirituality assures us that perfection of human life called Mokşa, Mukti, Nirvāņa etc. is possible. This is opti mismpar excellence.
cosmos.
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