Thoughts on the intersection of science and spirituality.
Spirituality is the ultimate frontier. It has long advanced into domains science has not even touched. For example, Yoga and Meditation are areas that modern science and modern medicine are only now starting to appreciate, let alone understand. This section will dwell on themes that bring together these fields (Science and Spirituality) or that lay out spiritual principles (like we have the laws of Science).
Scientific Spirituality: A scientific, experiment-based approach towards spiritualism and ancient Indian texts could serve us well.
The Copernicus Logic: Just as Copernicus’s revolutionary heliocentric theory was difficult to appreciate due to the enormity of its scope, Indian epics are not easy to fathom in one step. It’s probably better if one starts small and focuses on whether the practical guidelines on meditation and yoga are personally beneficial and bring happiness.
What does it mean to be spiritual “Spiritual” and “spiritual advance” are words used frequently in my writing. In this article, I try to lay out a simple description of a “spiritual person” and what I mean by “spiritual advance”.
Use Meditation to counter depression and stress: Modern approaches towards depression and stress are not working as they do not understand the mind that creates them. It’s time to rethink our approach.
TAME Meditation can block out pain: In my personal experience, TAME meditation technique can reduce and even block out pain. This works best for pain that is constant and predictable. And, Medical Science needs to pay attention.
Matter, mind, and senses: Bhagwad Gita says that matter and senses have been co-designed in a specific manner so as to enable matter to engender specific reactions from the mind. Modern science confirms that matter, surprisingly, behaves differently when it is interacting with our senses.
What about God: Everyone appears to have a personal relationship with God. Even atheists appear to ignore or disbelieve Him with a passion. Does He have a role to play in a personal spiritual journey?
Desire is the root-cause of all suffering: There is a toxic tendency within us to reflexively never be satisfied and always want something more. This prevents us from being happy. Spiritual techniques weaken this tendency and make us happier regardless of what is happening around us.
Mental health risks may arise when desire and anger run amok: Desire and anger rage within most normal people but are kept in some level of check. When these checks are particularly ineffective, mental health issues may arise. Exploring how bad (mental) actors can be controlled might help.