Jainism & Science
By Mr. Chandraprakash Shah, UK
Jainism is a magnificent treasure temple of Philosophy, Mathematics, Astronomy, Geography, History and Science it self. There cannot be a need to equate it with Science. Science is making steppingstone in the fields of several mysteries the world is keeping secret However Jainism have probably all the answers to them.
Jainism and other Indian religions do prominently figure in discussions nowadays. The discussion normally ends with a remark that what is written in the Sacred Books or holy books are imaginatory and they have no scientific backing. It may be true that they have no scientific backing but what Science and Scientists or the advocates for these Science and Scientists have to say about every moment changing Scientific Principles. While in the case of Religious Holy Books, which are written thousands and thousands of years ago, the principles mentioned there are not contradictory even today. Particularly what a Jain Tirthankar had said some unaccounted " Chouvishi" before, the same has been told by Last Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir Swami, in the present Chouvishi. (Chouvishi is a measurement of time cycle according to the Jain Religion. Just like Dwaper, Treta, Satya yug mentioned in Hindu religion).
Even the science and scientists themselves ascertain with boldness that they are imperfect. But advocacy by several so-called forward people make hue and cry to what is mentioned in Religious books. They do not want to observe some restrictions imposed by the religions to make lives of the people purer and even purest. Have they read thoroughly any religious book or they simply say that nothing can withstand scientific analysis.
We the Indians are like Sheep. That one follows the predecessors without applying own mind. We only feel something is right when it is certified by either Science or Western Scholars. It may be worthwhile to mention here what Dr. Christian Bernard an eminent Heart Transplant Doctor, said in the Doctors' conference in India about Transplant Discovery, " India was the first country in the whole world which had made first Transplant Theory. He then went on to say and added that your God Ganesh is nothing but a product of Transplant mechanism." Then everyone present realised that it was Indian Origin because world's best and first Heart Transplant Doctor certified it. Hats off to Dr. Christian Bernard who accepted and revealed the facts, who could see our achievements but we cannot research back into the ages behind us and realize what our Saints and Omniscient people had mentioned in our holy books. This is nothing but a pity on our side.
There are so many points mentioned in our religious volumes are beyond the reach of Science and Scientists. Science and Religions can never go to gather because Science wants proofs for all the events and happenings. However so many things Science has produced which can be helpful to mankind and human beings but at what costs? At the costs of other species who die for our benefits and welfare. These species may be either visible with our naked eyes or invisible. Invisible species (NIGOD and ANANTKAY according to Jainism) can only be visible to person possesses soul knowledge and not sensual knowledge. As such Jainism has more to offer to science and infect many discoveries Science made during 19th, 20th century are very well mentioned in Jain Scriptures. Such as embryo transfer, water and plants have living species, Flying Objects such as Aeroplane, Rockets, several mantrik and tantrik materials.
What Science Has yet to Prove : Black Hole, Aura behind our neck, Shape of the Earth, and Mechanism of birth of certain species without ovary. These are very few examples I have quoted here but so many others are mentioned in Jaina Scriptures. The answers to these theories are given in Jaina religious books.
What we know about our Universe through science is very negligible, while Jaina, Brihat Kshetra Samas and Brihat Sangrahani give far better idea of our Universe along with structures and figures. They also provide us the description of our Celestial gods and Hellish beings which science is yet to provide.
Since we cannot see something with our naked eyes and unless until science proves them, we do not accept their existence it is a false excuse. There are so many things available in the world which we cannot see with our naked eyes, say for example when we are sitting in a room, we can't see beyond the boundary of that room, that does not mean that several other things do not exists beyond that room and for that we require a proof. We have to believe that certain things do exist in this world without and beyond our knowledge.
I am not quoting here an example of Man landing on the Moon. The incident was questioned by their own people, who claimed, "Man had landed on The Moon." Half a million of websites are published and several books are published to disagree with the theory of the man landing on the Moon.
Some time before Science was quite ignorant about certain theories and did not accept the theories of
Existence of Atoms
Molecules
Micro organisms and lives
Flying of heavier objects than air
If we believe Gravitational force, heavier materials should fall down but that does not happen. Even smoke goes in upward directions and does not come down.
Lord Mahavira himself had said once to his disciples, " Do not accept the principles because I have said and taught you, accept them when you test and find them best suitable for your spiritual life and for enlightenment." We should have that boldness and courage to accept them once we are convinced though not by practice but may be as Right Faith.
A person can be scientific when his approach to know and justify with his own application of mind, towards anything happening in this world. They have various facets and eagerness to accept them. He can be Scientific when he is open minded, draws conclusions based on the sound reasoning, respect for knowledge and have curiosity to learn more and some intelligence.
Please bear in mind that I am not an expert in Jainism. But whatever I have learnt through reading and listening to discourses by learned and pious Saints I have mentioned here. More details may be obtained from Saints. They and I do not challenge Science and its principles.
The purpose behind writing this article to bring awareness about religions and not to defame Science as well as Scientists. But one thing must be noted and keep in our mind that "all that glitters are not gold."
Let me conclude my thoughts with the narration of one Italian Scholar Mr. Tessitorry. He said about Jainism, "The progress of Modern Science justifies the theories mentioned in Jaina Scriptures and religious books."
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Author : Mr. Chandraprakash Shah, 49, High Field Avenue, Golders Green, London NW11 9EU
Tele : 020 8632 0544 (R), 077 9567 5025 (M), E-Mail : chandraprakash_shah@yahoo.co.uk
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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
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