Blending boundaries

[Vinodh Valluri]

Can a synthesis of scientific temper and spiritual wisdom generate global ethics and solve the socio-environmental (and consequently, the economic) problems of our generations?

While the degree-holders of modern day academia might hurry to obviate the necessity for a discussion that brings both science and spirituality to the table, the world will lose much if we ignore the possibility for a cohesive intellectual endeavor that amalgamates the subtle and the gross sciences. After all, it is ignorant to presume that the ages past have not seen a smarter mind, a sharper wit than our own, who was willing to explore the boundaries between these dimensions. Newton, Da Vinci, Aristotle, Galileo, and Tesla never received a doctoral degree before they created their polymath-ic legacies. Modern education makes it impossible for such genius to shine through the ignorance of compartmentalized 'knowledge’, beyond which only a few outlaws dare pursue their chaste passions.

A sagacious synthesis of these science and spirituality is necessary if we are to preserve the best of the past, and combine it with the ever-refreshing flavors of the future in the tiny cauldron pot called - the present. Does such a synthesis call for suit-and-tied bankers to follow in the footsteps of saffron-robed monks? Possibly. The Bhagavad Gita, for instance, is already applied as a textbook in premier Indian Institutes of Management. Does it incite the equalization of tightly corseted, supposedly conservative, tea-drinkers with rebellious, and rarely raucous, Rastafarians? Not necessarily, their individual existence and personal contributions are important for their co-existence in the world, and the evolution of a better tomorrow – too idealistic?

The gist of my conjecture is that there is a dire necessity to observe perspicuously, and draw conclusions about the types of knowledge that are beneficial and meaningful, and have to be imparted/ imbibed in order to overcome not only ignorance, but also illusion. Several anecdotes illustrate the striking contrast between holistic and mechanistic approaches to knowledge. For instance, while Ayurveda (the ancient system of medicine from India) used turmeric since time immemorial, Western medicine has only recently discovered its miraculous applications. The practitioners of Ayurveda, with help from the Indian government then proved that the idea of extracting of "Curcumin" from turmeric and patenting turmeric is stupid. Why? Would you want to sip a teaspoon each of Theobromine and Caffeine, or eat two ounces of dark chocolate laced with orange zest? It does not take a genius to figure that one!

Spiritual wisdom is needed to decide what essential purpose the products of all mechanical calculations should fulfill, and why. Turmeric could be used to cure cancer, and treat infections, or as these scientists tried, to prevent the continuation of a cultural tradition and livelihood that transcends the pseudo-sophisticated mindsets of material science. Obtaining the extracts of ‘know-how’ from education, while discarding the core and shell structure of ethics and behavior is an incomplete intellectual endeavor, even more imbecile than it is to extract Curcumin from turmeric. This juncture is key to why modern education fails to solve the problems that matter as much as (and often more than just) life and death.

It is in the making of daily decisions - mundane arrangements for meeting the needs of the body and mind - eating lunch, reading a book, or voting for your next president, that the boundaries of science and spirituality merge. By sidestepping religion as a yellowed book from the past, we have made the decision making process merely animalistic, only a matter of finding food, shelter, clothing and safety. Leaders, intellectuals, and administrators of our times will regret if they fail to realize that without shouldering this responsibility, they are driving society towards an impossible future, all the time haunted by the ghosts of an immutable past. We might just dare venture to explore the images that would be conjured at this horizon, and look upon the sun rising to another possible future..

[Chandra Kishore]

Aesthetics, beauty, spiritualism, religion, culture, friendship and community and even this network, they all arise from the eternal yearning of the living species to live in an eco-system that is in balance. You cannot extract one from another. Scientific pursuit is one big quest to understand this eco-system. It cannot study anything in isolation.

[BIJAYA NANDA DAS]

The only motive for an industrial enterprise a little earlier was only profit but after 1987 U N's Burtland report on sutainable development the three bottom line approach came into existence.It is called 3Ps i e PEOPLE, PLANET, PROFIT.The focus shifted to society and environment the stake holders neglected so far.

The paradigms of eonomic development hitherto was based on PCS model ie profit competition and self interest.But it should be economic sustainable and holistic.

Holistic development and management means that it must encomass ethical and spiritual dimensions of life.In this domain 3Es ie efficency equity and ethics are integrated to gether.Efficency comes from capitalistic model equity is taken out of socialistic vision and ethics from holistic view which must be basic value of life.

If this model is followed the basic dicotomy as mentioned by you can be erased from societyand aspiritual dimension can be brought in which along with IQ EQ ,ie SQ.This will make eonomic development and progress more humane and people friendly.
Dr B N Das

[GOPI KANTA GHOSH]

Can you blend myth and truth? Think...........