Science , Dharma and Superstition

The learning process of humans starts from the cradle itself and ends at the graveyard. Over time, human learns, analyzes and knows many things. Remember how disappointed we were with our mother for the very first time when our science teacher in school told us that the moon is a satellite that revolves around the earth, not the God who is keeping eye on us if we don't drink that milk before bed. Or that 13 years old naive us, arguing with Grandparents how our Metal-songs are so good than their religious chants, mantras, and Bhajan? However again realizing that the grand Hindu Dharma foundation acclaiming to be of greater intensity than we realize today and the excerpts from Vedic legends to Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the entire foundation of infinite Gods have all struck a chord with modern-day beliefs and even scientific findings blowing our mind and exacerbating our thoughts. Here the effort is not to make science dharmic but to make Dharma scientific.

Often people confuse the word “Dharma” with Religion. Dharma, in fact, means the law. Dharma is the systemization of wisdom just like the Science is the systemization of discoveries and learning. Dharma teaches us the purpose of our existence, whereby science helps in enhancing a better existence. Both Dharma and Science enhance the law of Nature with a common objective of well being of entire species. Only the  Scientific progress made by standing on the platform of Dharma can uplift us on the horizon of both materialistic or spiritual well-being. Dharma has become resistant to any logical inspection of religious beliefs. The few examples of the scientific approach to Dharma might shut the mouth of some wannabe cool-atheists, or an ignorant fool living in a world of his own fancies.

Tulsi: A herb for all Reasons

    The different parts of the Tulsi are believed to be the abode of various deities and sacred texts of Sanatana Dharma. The medicinal properties of tulsi have been studied in hundreds of scientific studies including in vitro, animal, and human experiments. These studies reveal that tulsi has a unique combination of actions that include: Antimicrobial, mosquito repellent,  anti-oxidant, anti-cataract, anti-inflammatory,  radioprotective,, cardio-protective analgesic and many more. Cleaning the surroundings, lighting a lamp, watering it, and praying in the early morning are somehow related more to modern-day good hygiene habits which are stated more precisely in the holy book Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

 

An analogy of Modern-day Weapons and Technology on Dharma Grantha

  Either it is the Sun-earth distance on Hanuman Chalisa or Discovery of Gravitation in the book by Bhaskaracharya. Or it is a  set of various Scientific methodologies for quality life on Chanakya Niti, Dharma Granthas has never failed to surprise us. Rishi Munis, who used to treat the disease by spraying a special type of water signifies the concept of Doctors, who use the same special type of water, pronounced as an antidote and instead of spraying injects on our body. On top of these all, the concept of the Internet and Projector can be seen, as stated on Mahabharata which Sanjaya used to explain Dhritarashtra, on a widescreen that was broadcasted live from a large distance where actual war was taking place. Rudrastra, a weapon that could penetrate the building and kill an enemy, doesn't it clear the concept of a modern laser gun? Or the Brahmastra, The reign but a weapon that could destroy the multidimensional physical region at once, could land on a specifically targeted position and could infertile Men and women, isn't that exactly what scientists explain nuclear weapons to be? Brahmadanda, a technology that could nullify the effect of all weapons or attack by absorbing and swallowing it inside, Modern day Analogy-Dark matter, black holes.

Yoga and Physical fitness

 It's quite surprising how cool-gym-guys insult Dharma and perform slightly updated forms of Kundalini yoga, Ashtanga yoga, and Bikram yoga with a changed modern-day name. The acts of yoga are the path to reveal and perceive Dharma. The objective of Dharma is to try to hold us together and Yoga is the cosmic guidance to it. Yoga is the training of body and mind, flexibility, and strength. The scientific evidence is growing that yoga practice is relatively less risk and demonstrates the equivalency of Physical and Mental well-being.

Love for Nature

 Modern-day Climate Protectors or Animal rights activists might have a shocking experience once they realize how our Dharma has taught us to Love and Worship Nature and Animals. Considering God to Plants, Rivers, Animals was the basic idea of Dharma to make people treat it more effectively, preserve and promote it. These things which were started centuries ago are drawing scientific attention now.

 

Brahmacharya: A modern science of male celibacy

 Brahmacharya, one of the four stages of life of a person was indeed a great practice. People thought that it was their Dharma to practice Brahmacharya in their student life which in fact seems so logical. Brahmacharya was not just abstinence from any sort of sexual activity, it was a way to teach self-control to students which would prevent distraction. Let's have a glimpse at present days, all these increasing rates of the practice of Dopamine Detoxation or challenges like No Nut November among youths with the sole purpose of increasing attention span, building self-confidence, or mutual respect among genders. Isn’t it the same how we laughed at such a precious Dharmic regulation quoting it as a Superstition and now practicing the same as a scientific challenge?

Spirituality: A mental health approach

 Of course, we never failed to criticize the idea behind summoning the spirits but never got time to analyze the intriguing psychology behind it.’ Spirituality’ is suspiciously conflated with religion in many terms. Road to Spirituality and Science are different, but isn’t there a bridge to fulfill the gap? Spirituality provides us with peace, and understanding, the way for forgiveness. It makes us self-aware about the situation and conscious regarding the upcoming decisions.

Adham consists of two words ‘Adhi’ and ‘Atman’ which simply means a concern to the soul. It helps us take a moment and be conscious, drive our energy to the inner us, be self-aware and answer all those questions of emotion, faith, and beliefs that science never succeeds to make an equation and solve.

Failing a piece of physical evidence is a common accusation of Dharma to be unrealistic. Indeed it is not surprising. You know what's surprising? It's the same people blaming those who accepted The Great Sphinx of Giza, a statue with a Lion's face and Human body, or the stupid theories of some ancient Kings or Leaders with no archaeological evidence to prove their existence. The other half are not willing to accept Dharma, because of their unsolved Misunderstanding between Dharma and Religion. Religion might have limits, Dharma doesn’t. Why a super-efficient scientist organization, renowned and globally appreciated need blessings from an imaginary spiritual faith in God, for its success? Why would people pray? Science without Dharma is not only incomplete but also vulnerable. Such science is more likely to be misused and exploited by vested interests. It works for only those who can pay for it. It aims to satisfy one’s greed rather than need. Thus, awareness to the people regarding such scientific dharma has become a must in the present day.