BOOK SAVIJÑÄ N A M ( Vol-3-4 )
Vedanta & Science Education for Global Citizenship
According to Vedanta , there are two categories of knowledge . In Sanskrit , one is called parä vidyä and the other is called aparä vidyä . Aparä vidyä literally means lower knowledge based on sense perception and it is also known as material knowledge . It includes physical knowledge such as physics , chemistry and technology . Aparä vidyä does not have the capacity to explain the higher meaning of life and consciousness . What is the purpose of life ? Why am I born in this world ? Where will I go after death ? These questions cannot be answered with aparä vidyä or material knowledge . On the other hand , parä vidyä is the spiritual or transcendental category of knowledge that discusses God , life , consciousness , free will and other higher knowledge beyond sense perception . Since the present system of education is focused on aparä vidyä , material knowledge , when students leave the school after completing their he has to his dear students . This process is recommended by Lord Sri Krishna Himself in the Bhagavad-gita ( text 4.34 ).
tad viddhi praëipätena paripraçnena sevayä upadekñyanti te jïänaà jïäninas tattva-darçinaù
“ Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master . Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him . The self realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth .”
The genuine relationship between the teacher and the student is extremely important in receiving knowledge . When both the teacher and the student are situated properly , the transmission of knowledge takes place . To such a sincere student , the Lord gives the power to recollect what the teacher has taught to the student . The famous Nobel Laureate in Chemistry , Professor Alan MacDiarmid in a conversation , remarked that the secret of his success was hard work , and good luck . In addition to our hard work , we need the mercy of the Lord and blessings of the teachers for receiving good luck . Inspiration from the Lord within the heart is vital in creative works such as art , music ,
" In addition to our hard work we need the mercy of the Lord and blessings of the teachers for receiving good luck ."
studies , they do not get the opportunity to learn such as ethics , spiritual meaning of life , character building , etc . We need to introduce a balanced education which includes both material and spiritual knowledge so that every student will be able to prepare how to face the challenges of life with strength and wisdom .
Transcendental knowledge or spiritual knowledge is the most valuable and wonderful asset which will benefit both the teachers and the students . In fact , it is the essence of all true knowledge . The relationship between the teacher and student is paramount in this process . When the students are sincere and submissive , the teacher heartily pours all the knowledge mathematics , and scientific discoveries . For example , the famous mathematician Gauss exclaimed , after having blessed with a scientific discovery , “ Finally two days ago , I succeeded , . . . like a sudden flash of lightning , the riddle happened to be solved . I myself cannot say what the conducting thread was which connected what I previously knew with what made my success possible .”
By such culture , students prosper both materially and spiritually . It will help preparing enlightened leaders with lasting vision and quality citizens in the world .
[ Excerpt from the book , The Science of Interreligious Dialogue , Bhaktivedanta Institute , Kolkata ]
BOOK SAVIJÑÄ N A M ( Vol-3-4 )
Online Store : http :// www . binstitute . org / bookstore /
Scientific Exploration for a Spiritual Paradigm
J o u r n a l o f t h e Bh a k t i v e d a n t a In s t i t u t e
Articles Inside :
► Science , spirituality and the nature of reality – A dialogue with Sir Roger Penrose , Mathematical Physicist
► Quantum physics , consciousness , and a new science of healing Amit Goswami , Quantum Physicist
► Life comes from life IIIa : A preliminary discussion on theory of quantum reality and consciousness – J . N . Srivastava , Statistician
► Vedanta and Science — Reality of God ' s Existence Dr . T . D . Singh , Physical Organic Chemist
Softbound ; Rs . 160 / US $ 14 ; Bhaktivedanta Institute , Kolkata