Science And Religiousness – In Gita Verse 3.32 But those who, out of envy, disregard these teachings and do not follow them regularly are to be considered bereft of all knowledge, befooled, and ruined in their endeavours for perfection.
The teachings of Shree Krishna, as articulated in Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.32, are fundamental for achieving eternal well-being. However, the limitations of our material intellect often prevent us from fully grasping the profound wisdom and advantages of his teachings. If we could completely comprehend these teachings, there would be no separation between our finite souls and the Supreme Divine Personality. This gap underscores the necessity of Shraddha in embracing the divine insights offered by Krishna.
In the eighteenth century, scientists believed that within a century, all knowledge would be uncovered. They had faith in science, assuming that all unknowns would eventually be known. However, contemporary scientists acknowledge that the more we learn, the more vast the unknown becomes. For every question answered, countless more arise, leading to the realisation that complete knowledge is unattainable. This acknowledgment parallels the philosophical understanding that some truths lie beyond human thought, planting the seed for Shraddha.
For those who perceive life as an enigma, Shraddha can take root. Unlike believers who possess definitive answers and conceptual maps of heaven, hell, and salvation, individuals who embrace life’s mysteries are more likely to develop Shraddha. Mystery invites Shraddha, while logic and evidence merely lead to belief or faith. When one perceives the mysteries of life, Shraddha has the potential to flourish.
Krishna emphasises the importance of action driven by a sense of contentment and awareness. He suggests that true action should transcend personal ego and align with a deeper sense of religiousness, which is not merely about being active. It is the conscious engagement in actions and speech that leads to profound personal transformation. This heightened awareness infuses actions with a quality that resembles religiousness, a state of completeness and perfection as outlined by Krishna.
Furthermore, it is essential to differentiate between religiousness and religion. Religiousness is an intrinsic quality characterised by love, gratitude, and surrender, whereas religion often manifests as a structured belief system. Krishna’s teachings highlight that religiousness is not confined to rituals or doctrines but is a personal, inner experience. This distinction underscores the transformative power of actions performed with full awareness and contentment, leading to a more profound, authentic expression of one’s spiritual essence.
Religiousness does not necessarily require adherence to a particular religion. It is akin to how scientists approach their discipline – not as a rigid doctrine but as a resource for growth in consciousness. This growth cannot be taught; it requires self-awareness and introspection, leading to experiences that manifest through one’s actions.
The concept of a singular, true religion parallels the nature of science. Just as there is no separate physics for different cultures or religions, the inner science of spirituality should also be unified. Science explores the objective world, while religion delves into the subjective realm. Despite differing directions and dimensions, their fundamental purpose is similar.
In an enlightened society, the dichotomy of religion may dissolve, leaving only two sciences: objective science, which deals with the external world, and subjective science, which explores the inner self. The beauty of science lies in its humility; it does not claim omniscience. Scientists acknowledge the limits of their knowledge and recognise the vastness of the unknown. The most profound scientists, such as Albert Einstein, are aware of the unknowable, an ultimate mystery that cannot be reduced to mere knowledge.
Our existence within the universe presents a unique challenge in understanding the ultimate mystery. We are intrinsically part of existence and cannot entirely detach ourselves to become mere observers. This interconnectedness means that some aspects of existence will always remain unknowable. While they can be felt and experienced, they elude the grasp of intellectual knowledge.
For instance, love is a phenomenon that cannot be fully understood through intellect alone. It is felt deeply, beyond the reach of rational analysis. Similarly, our being, the very source of our life, possesses its own way of knowing. When the mind knows, it is knowledge; when the heart knows, it is love; and when being knows, it is meditation.
Krishna advises Arjuna to cultivate self-awareness, connect with his subjectivity, and act from his being. This integration of knowledge, love, and meditation results in a perfect, whole individual. By embracing this holistic approach, one can navigate the complexities of life with clarity and purpose, embodying the teachings of Krishna in every action.
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