Volume 2
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Volume 2, December 2003
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About the cover
What is the origin of the universe? How did structures like galaxies and planets come into existence? Is there any purpose behind the manifestation of the universe? What is the unseen cause behind the manifestation of the perceivable universe? These questions have confronted great thinkers of the world over the ages. Many scientists, philosophers, theologians and spiritualists have been trying to find answers to these questions in order to decipher the structure, purpose and origin of the universe since the dawn of civilization. Einstein also expressed, “I want to know how God created this world.”
Did an event like the Big Bang cause the manifestation of the universe? Or did a Supremely Intelligent Being create the universe? These two possibilities have been depicted on the cover. The cover shows some of the concepts in scientific cosmology such as singularity, space-time, etc. It also shows a light image of the transcendental form of Maha-Vishnu, the Supreme Lord. According to Vedantic tradition, Maha-Vishnu is the cause of the manifestation of all universes including ours.
The images of these two possibilities are faintly depicted on the cover. It is suggested that an interdisciplinary approach of science and spirituality could provide a deeper understanding into study of the vast field of cosmology which is a potential meeting point of the two disciplines.
Science and Spiritual Exploration
A discussion between Professor Charles H. Townes, Nobel Laureate in Physics, Professor J. N. Srivastava and Dr. T. D. Singh
Savijnanam, Volume 2, pp.1-18
Abstract:
The discussion focuses on the fact that science and scientists can play a significant role in helping solve many problems by incorporating spiritual knowledge and values in science and scientific research works. Although, most of today's science is oriented towards materialism, an honest and sincere scientist will agree that there are many areas, which are beyond present scientific knowledge. The good news is that there is an increasing interaction between science and spirituality. Professor Townes says that our universe is very special in which the electrical, nuclear and gravitational forces must have a very special relation in order for our universe to come out anything like the way it has. A careful examination of the physical universe reveals that in many ways, a very narrow and special combination made the existence of the earth and a universe like ours possible. And there are eighteen different universal constants that define this universe and make the existence of life forms possible, suggesting a divine plan in creation of the universe. He also says that consciousness and free will exist. However, modern science is not able to comprehend them at this point. On the other hand, Vedanta specifically deals with the existence of consciousness, free will and the spiritual nature of life implying that there are two distinct entities, matter and spirit. The discussion moves on saying that objectivity in science can help religionists to be more open-minded and discourage fanaticism. Finally, the role of inspiration and God in scientific discoveries is briefly discussed.
Life Comes From Life, Part II: Consciousness, Life, and the Validity of the Bhagawadgita Ontology
Jagadish N. Srivastava, CNS Research Professor, Colorado State University
Savijnanam, Volume 2, pp.19-42
Abstract:
This article is the second in a series of articles on this topic by the author, to appear in this journal. These articles come under the author's general theory (denoted by TK) of the Foundations of Reality, encompassing both Science and Spirituality. In part I, a summary of TK was presented. The author believes that TK is probably the most comprehensive theory available yet concerning Reality, and Science and Spirituality. In this article, we provide a definition of “Consciousness” in the logical-mathematical (log-mat) setup. We define an entity E to have ‘life’ if it has the capability of ‘being conscious’ (or, in a sense, of being ‘self-cognizant’). We heuristically show that the presence of consciousness is related to the involvement of the (totally) ‘Empty Set’ V occurring in TK, and introduced in Part I. From this, we heuristically derive the abstract mathematical form of a living entity. We then examine connections with Spirituality. It is seen that the concept of ‘Intelligent Design’ is well supported by TK. To further prepare for the main topic of this series of articles, a brief digression is presented on the Bhagavadgita ontology.
I am thankful to the Editors of Savijnanam for the very detailed comments on an earlier version of the paper, which led me to clarify the presentation. I particularly thank Dr. T.D. Singh, the Editor-in-Chief of Savijnanam, and the other editors for very stimulating questions concerning the individual soul, which resulted in the research by me contained in section 5.12. I also thank Professor Lothar Schafer for many remarks that led to some clarifications.
Science and Spirituality from a Vedantic Perspective
A Dialogue between Dr. T.D. Singh and Prof. S.K. Mukherjee
Savijnanam, Volume 2, pp.43-64
Abstract:
Consciousness is the most important symptom of life. However, modern scientific knowledge is unable to describe it. Therefore, we require a ‘new science’ by which we can comprehend life/consciousness in more realistic terms. According to this dialogue, the ‘new science’ must include knowledge of both matter and spirit in order to describe reality. In the Eastern tradition of Vedanta, life is described as a fundamental entity distinct from matter. If we could scientifically study this Vedantic paradigm it could result in some crucial breakthroughs in the study of life and its various qualities&8212;physical, mental and spiritual. Even the subject of cloning could be understood better by this approach. According to this new science, the body made up of matter could be cloned, yet, the personality cannot be cloned, as it is spiritual in nature. We also require this new science of life for the development of proper moral and ethical standards and for understanding the responsibility of human actions.
Vedanta and Science - II: A Glimpse of the Origin of the Universe
T.D. Singh (Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami), Director, Bhaktivedanta Institute, President, Vedanta and Science Educational Research Foundation
Savijnanam, Volume 2, pp.65-108
Abstract:
This article is a continuation of a humble effort towards a scientific understanding of Vedantasutra that was started in the previous issue of this journal. The first aphorism presented in the previous issue appeals to its readers for inquiry into the subject matter of Brahman, the Absolute Truth or God. The present article deals with the second aphorism of Vedantasutra and it relates the Absolute Truth (God) to cosmological events of creation, sustenance, and dissolution. Cosmology is a very important field for both science and spirituality. Every sincere person, whether a scientist or a theologian, wants to ask why the universe exists and how it was created. In fact, cosmology can be regarded as one of the meeting points between science and spirituality. Our concept of the universe shapes our worldview, meaning and purpose of life. The field of cosmology is so vast that it would be useful for the researcher to have an open-minded approach to examine both the scientific and spiritual worldviews regarding the nature and origin of the universe. In this article, the author reviews some of the difficulties faced by the Big Bang model of scientific cosmology in explaining the origin of the universe. Subsequently, he presents the theistic model of Vedantic cosmology, which he terms as the Big Vision model. According to this model, the creation of the universe is carried out by God, the Supreme Being. The Big Vision model of Vedantic cosmology could lay the foundation for the development of a new cosmology.