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, yoga, and work are personally beneficial and bring happiness.
Nicolaus Copernicus was a mathematician and astronomer who formulated a model of the universe quite different from the conventional wisdom of his time. Copernican Heliocentrism, as this model was known, was published in his book “ De revolutionibus orbium coelestium” in the year 1543 A.D. The model appeared to contradict common sense and made a number of ideas that seemed ground-breaking for the time – such that the Earth was not at the center of the Universe and that it and other planets revolve around the Sun. When published, the book included a preface by Andreas Osiander, a friend of Copernicus. In this preface, Andreas presented this heliocentric model as merely a hypothesis, and not the truth or even a probable reality. This preface appeared to be calculated to avoid a confrontation with the more orthodox followers of the Church and ensure that the book attracts wide consideration by the scholars of the time. The aim may also have been to start small. See if this model provides a simple solution to the seemingly convoluted movements of the planets. If we adopt the model then the whole system appears to work in a an elegant and predictable manner. We then don’t need to come up with complicated ways to explain how the planets move.
The postulates of ancient Indian epics might seem as outlandish to a modern world today as heliocentricity did to people who grew up convinced they walked on the stationary center of the universe. Like the compendium in the 16th century, the writings of the ancient books would be difficult for most people to evaluate. It was difficult for people in the 16th century to conceive of how the apparently solid ground under them was in fact a small sphere rotating and revolving around a distant body. How could one possibly get used to such a far-fetched idea, let alone thinking about proving it? Sweeping statements in Indian epics about the universe and the underlying truths that govern it are similarly difficult for people to validate or disprove. And this is not even getting into how the afterlife works. They can be as alienating as heliocentricity was in 16th century. A more pragmatic way to approach Indian epics could be on considerations such as, “Does what Indian epics suggest practically work for me?”. For example, does practicing meditation, based on Gita’s lessons, improve the quality of my life? If I am able to still my mind, like Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutra suggests and follow its guidelines, does that make me more mindful? If I practice working as a matter of service, as Gita suggests, rather than for myself, does that bring abiding peace to my mind? Do my days go better as a result? Do I become more effective? Does this make me more happy?
This is a practical, middle-path to learning and benefiting from the Indian epics. A lot of what they say remains beyond science’s capability to prove. Besides, their edicts should not be blindly taken at face value or as absolute truths. Their statements relate to the complex dynamics that plays out deep within our minds. And, they come with several layers of meanings that unfold as we advance and understand them better. Their interpretations are, thus, better evaluated as hypotheses that we can experiment with, validate, and adapt personally to work for ourselves. I call this approach the “Copernicus Logic”. At its core, it suspends judgement and the effort to prove or disprove the cosmic statements in the ancient Indian epics. Instead, start small and focus on the practical and doable things they suggest and see if this is personally beneficial. The larger truths will take longer to come to us. In the meantime, we have an opportunity to appreciate the simple elegance with which these epics can bring happiness to our minds.
Recommended Reading
Scientific Spirituality: A scientific, experiment-based approach towards spiritualism and ancient Indian texts could serve us well.
The Advanced Meditation Exercise (TAME): This meditation technique is an incredibly powerful way to keep the mind peaceful. It is prescribed in Bhagwad Gita, the primary book of Indian spiritual heritage. It derives its power by activating three key things in us: detachment, stillness, and transformation.
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.
