BY: TAMOHARADASA V. (ACBSP)
May 13, 2010 — (PRABHUPADANUGA NEWS) – If we observe the real situation of the world around us, we can gain insight into what is the best direction for people to go; science or spiritual knowledge. A system of thought that correlates or explains more of what we can observe around us would, by Occam’s razor alone, have to be taken as more correct or true. And we also take it as a given that by following our own essential natures and thus a system of thought most akin to that nature, we will be most satisfied and happy.
At a basic physical level, gravity and the other forces of nature have no meaning except in realationship to things other than themselves. The law of Gravity, for example, must have an object, such as a planet, upon which to act. So the basic laws have their existence only in relation to there being an “other” to interact with.
Even at a molecular level, we observe that molecules have a built-in capacity to interact with each other systematically, such as covalence. They come complete with exact laws of such exchange, that we call physical chemistry.
At a higher level of complexity, trees, as soon as there is a little light, spring forth leaves to absorb the required energy to live. They later produce shade and food etc. for other living things. The trees’ essential nature is to seek exchanges of energy, and to give services to others.
Whether gross matter, subtle laws, or living things, all exchange with each other to have their meanings. More complex organized states of matter, called life, especially at human level, tend to enhance the science of exchanges constantly to perfect their services and the pleasure derived therefrom.
If we proceed, we will find that this is a universal law, the “science” or art of exchange; which I we may call “service”, ie a voluntary exchange of energy etc. to the benefit of the exchangers. It is universally and unerringly the case that living things exchange services to survive. The study of biology confirms that, but does not satisfactorily nor in systematic coherent depth explain the motivation nor the varieties and richness of experiences that are generated in the hearts of the living entities as a result of exchanging these devotional services.
Science as a philosophy does not address devotional service exchange as a principle law. Nor does it address devotional service, or the heart and intent of exchanges, such as between the soul principle and the Source principle, whose chacteristics are understood only by one who understands and has fully imbibed the concepts and varieties and reality of Love Divine.
The Sri Isopanisad says that from the complete whole Source, complete individual sub-units emanate. Torah says as above so below. So we can gain knowledge of the sarva karana karanam, the cause of all causes, by observing the universal characteristics of the world around us, as it will necessarily resemble the Source in many ways. The Source, then would seem to incorporate the need for interactions, ie. devotional exchanges, at a fundamental level, as we see such exchange as universal among all things!
We can observe that individuals following the principles given as spiritual, can and do attain to levels of happiness and devotional service unexperienced by those who will not. This is demonstrates that a level of knowledge obtained via devotional services, a higher level of the universally observed phenomenon of exchange, which incorporate notions of love and beauty, can elevate one to a level of happiness otherwise unobtainable.
The literatures of the Rupanuga Vaisnava sect’s Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, such as the Nectar of Devotion, decribe in great detail the eternal and principle realities of the highest manifestations of the universal law of exchanges or service.
Such spiritual systems of life are held dear by several billions of humans, whether we speak of this country or that, suggestive that spiritual knolwedge is natural and indeed essential to life, wheras only a handful understand science ; it is elitist and conditional.
Lord Jesus, for example, demonstrated will to sacrifice for others, so this attainment is life promoting itself even to the extent of self sacrifice, a seeming contradiction, but readily understandable if you take it that spiritual life is of a higher plane. There are countless other examples, some greater, some lesser.
As science does not have knowledge of these universal principles, it is less like to make humans happy, and therefore must be taken as a tool, not as a life-guiding philosophy.
Tamoharadasa v. (ACBSP) / Thomas Garden, MSc.
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