Science
and mysticism
Both
science and mysticism aim to reveal the nature of reality or truth, however
this is where there similarity ends. Science tries to do this by observing the
external world, say, empirical method. On the other hand mysticism looks inside
to tell us that the reality of world inside.
Science
does not believe in anything that cannot be proved by observable physical evidence,
tested empirically and have explanations related to laws of nature. Mysticism
talks of extra sensory perception which is beyond the physical world.Since time
immemorial, humans have tried to understand the world and they have adopted
different methods like meditation, tapasya etc.In the context of Indian
civilization this quest is recorded in the Vedas and Upanishads. Pinnacle of
Indian mystic thought reached with the Updeshas of Vedanta and Buddha. The
spirituality for which Indian mystic thought, highly acclaimed and respected worldwide,
reached at zenith in this era.
Recent
times advances in sciences have changed our paradigm of understanding of the
world especially advances in quantum physics. Objectivity of the world proved
to be a fiction by quantum physics many times and again. Latest advances in
physics and research shows that path of science is converging with the path of
mystics and transcendental thoughts. It seems that this difference only lies in
humans conceptions only.
Mysticism
is the gist of all religion. Religion is symbolic expression of mystic experiences
and experiments.Science is limited by its adherence to logical consistency,
evidences to prove physical phenomenon and related laws and principles.
Mysticism supported us to go beyond thoughts and concepts given by science.
Thus mysticism is bridge between human capacity and incapacity to realize the world.
However if we scrape the surface we realise the deep similarities between the
two.
If scientists are constantly
trying to make new discoveries or to develop new concepts and theories, then
the body of knowledge produced by science should undergo constant change. Such
change is progress toward a better understanding of nature.
Every realm of answers lies in the desire to improve people’s life and Economic
development. Societies support science because of
simple curiosity and because of the satisfaction and enlightenment that come
from knowledge of the world around us.
In
the similar way, mysticism quench the thirst of human curiosity and pursuit of
spiritual life by finding satisfying explanation
of unexplainable (by any other faculties).Mysticism is science or art of
spiritual life. It is the expression of the innate tendency of the human spirit
towards complete harmony with the transcendental order.
But
ultimately every pursuit of humans whether science or mysticism are all having
utilitarian order that is to serve human society in finding its goal of
happiness and prosperity. Any aspect of human life is means to an end which is
a Human itself.
With
the advancement of basic science research we are able to observe the smallest
particle which is all present in universe. Mysticism says the same thing my
intuition and spiritual experience. Both are in pursuit of truth and exploring
the true nature of universe. The differentiation created by human thought of
universe seems to merge at a certain point where our civilization is heading.
Science and mysticism are all compatible as they evolved differentially from
experience of humans and merge with the same faculty. Ultimately the knowledge
is just a agency of enriching human life which encompass both science and
mysticism.
