Abhinit Kumar
info@theemergingworld.in
India stands at a unique crossroads where its ancient wisdom meets the relentless march of modern science. This convergence, if embraced fully, promises a bright and prosperous future for the nation. However, the path forward is not without challenges, particularly as the shadow of superstition looms large over society.
Superstition is on the rise in India, a trend that poses a serious threat to the nation’s progress. Despite the advancements in education and technology, many people still fall prey to deceptive practices, such as seeking the blessings of so-called ‘godmen’ for success in exams or other life events. This reliance on unscientific beliefs undermines the development of a rational and scientific mindset, which is crucial for national development. The need of the hour is to foster a scientific temper among the populace, a concept deeply rooted in Indian philosophy.
Scientific temper, at its core, is the application of logic and reason to understand the world around us. In Indian philosophy, the importance of logic and counter-logic is well recognized. Ancient Indian thinkers, like the Rishis (sages), pondered deeply over the mysteries of the universe. Their inquiries were not just spiritual but also deeply scientific. For instance, the Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in human history, poses questions that are remarkably scientific in nature. The sages asked how the winds (Marut) bring rain and from which region they originate. They observed the sun, the most visible celestial body, and wondered, “Where does it go during the night?”
Such questions reflect an inherent curiosity and a quest for knowledge that is the essence of scientific inquiry. The Rigveda contains numerous hymns dedicated to the sun, expressing awe and wonder at its life-sustaining energy. Modern science has expanded on these ancient inquiries, discovering multiple solar systems beyond our own. Yet, the essence of curiosity remains unchanged.
The question posed in the Rigveda about why the sun does not fall from the sky is a precursor to the scientific investigations that led to the understanding of gravity and celestial mechanics. These ancient questions laid the foundation for the birth and growth of science—a process driven by relentless curiosity.
In the ancient Indian context, there is the mention of Vishwakarma, the divine architect, who is credited with the creation of the universe. A sage once asked, “Where was Vishwakarma sitting when the universe did not exist, and where did he procure the materials to create the world?” Such profound questions are not merely philosophical musings but represent the early stages of scientific thought.
Science, by definition, is the study of the physical world, of atoms, molecules, and the phenomena we observe. Ancient Indian texts like the Charaka Samhita, a foundational work in Ayurvedic medicine, describe the soul (Atma) as a substance. This idea was revolutionary, aligning with the Vaisheshika school of philosophy, which classified the soul as a substance (Dravya). The roots of modern science can be traced back to these ancient philosophies, where curiosity about the natural world was encouraged.
Modern science has made remarkable advancements, particularly in the field of medicine. However, exploring the roots of these discoveries in ancient knowledge is not unscientific. For instance, an ancient Rishi of the Atharvaveda is credited with discovering a remedy to turn grey hair black. Should this be classified as science or spirituality? Sometimes, supporters of ancient knowledge make exaggerated claims, attributing modern discoveries to ancient times without adequate evidence. This is a matter that requires careful and thorough research.
In ancient Indian literature, there are references to aerial vehicles and pathways in the sky, which could be considered products of imagination. Yet, even such imagination requires a scientific mindset. Whether or not such vehicles existed in ancient times is a question for historians and archaeologists. Scientific inquiry demands evidence, and without it, any claim remains speculative.
A fascinating figure from ancient Indian epics is Narada, a sage who could travel anywhere in the world, or even to other realms, without the aid of any vehicle. He is depicted holding a musical instrument, and his presence is noted in texts like the Rigveda, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Narada’s character may be mythical or historical, but no other literature in the world features a figure quite like him.
Ancient India was not a land of superstition. The Rigveda speaks of an intrinsic order within nature. As Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a renowned philosopher, once said, “Even God cannot interfere with the natural constitution.” The ancient science of India involved a deep curiosity about the observable universe. The Taittiriya Upanishad, a later Vedic text, conveys the profound understanding that “food is everything.” It states, “From food, life originates,” showcasing a scientific materialism that is strikingly rational.
Further, the Upanishad declares, “Life is everything,” and “the mind is everything,” leading to the conclusion that “science is everything.” According to the text, science (Vijnana) is the ultimate reality, through which life begins, sustains, and eventually merges. This understanding is the pinnacle of scientific thought—science as the inviolable law of nature. However, the Upanishad concludes with a higher truth: “But bliss is everything. Food, mind, life, and science—all seek bliss.”
Science thrives on experimentation and public verification, not merely on individual experience. Heavy machinery or elaborate laboratories do not define science; it is the scientific mentality that does. As Einstein once remarked, “I do not consider anyone who merely learns the tools and methods that seem to be scientific, either by appearance or by implication, to be a scientist. I speak of those individuals in whom the scientific mentality lives.” Thus, it is the scientific mentality that is paramount.
India was once a land free of superstition, eager to explore the earth, sky, and solar systems. To dismiss ancient science as mere myth is to insult the nation’s heritage. Scientific inquiry is an ever-evolving process, with no final stage of knowledge. Neither ancient nor modern science is complete, but together, they offer a rich tapestry of wisdom.
Mathematics, the soul of science, also has deep roots in India. The Encyclopedia Britannica notes, “The invention of zero possibly occurred in India,” and that the symbols for the numbers 1 to 10 likely originated there as well. The decimal system, a critical contribution to global mathematics, originated in India, as did significant advances in algebra and geometry, evident from the Harappan civilization’s architectural remains.
India has every reason to take pride in its ancient knowledge and scientific heritage. Embracing this heritage, along with modern scientific advancements, India’s future is indeed bright. The scientific mindset is our legacy, and by honoring both ancient wisdom and modern science, we secure a prosperous future for the nation.
