Science Discovers Eternal Wisdom

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Science Discovers Eternal Wisdom" by Muni Amarendravijayji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Science Discovers Eternal Wisdom Author: Muni Amarendravijayji Translator: Dr. J. D. Lodaya Editor: Muni Bhuvanchandraji Publisher: Jain Sahitya Academy Copyright: 1993 Gnanjyot Foundation, Bombay

Overall Theme and Purpose:

The book aims to bridge the perceived gap between modern science and ancient spiritual wisdom, particularly within the Jain tradition. It seeks to demonstrate how contemporary scientific discoveries, especially in fields like parapsychology and cosmology, are increasingly validating age-old spiritual truths that were expounded by ancient sages. The author's primary goal is to provide the current generation, especially the youth, with a rational perspective on spirituality, helping them to reconcile their faith with scientific advancements and overcome intellectual skepticism.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

The book is structured around several core themes explored through various chapters:

• The Soul Principle and ESP Research (Chapter 1):

  • Discusses phenomena like instinct and intuition, baffling scientists.
  • Presents instances of Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP) such as premonition and clairvoyance, drawing parallels with yogic attainments.
  • Highlights that ESP capabilities can be developed through spiritual practice and are not confined by space or time.
  • Mentions Jain theological terms like 'Avadhi-Gnan' and 'Manaparyav-Gnan' that describe these powers, noting the rarity of their attainment in contemporary Jain practice.
  • Argues that research in ESP suggests humans are more than just physical elements, challenging materialistic scientific views.
  • Cites Fritjof Capra and Paul Brunton to support the idea that science is beginning to align with ancient wisdom.

• Is Life an End-Product of Chemical Synthesis? (Chapter 2):

  • Examines the biological hypothesis that life is purely a result of chemical synthesis.
  • Details scientific experiments (like Stanley Miller's) attempting to create amino acids and proteins from inorganic matter.
  • Highlights the limitations of science in creating even a single cell, despite advances in genetic engineering.
  • Emphasizes that while science can manipulate existing biological material, it cannot create the "vital spark" of life, suggesting a transcendental element.
  • Compares the physical body to a TV set and consciousness to electromagnetic waves, where the waves (consciousness) are independent of the set (body).
  • Discusses the concept of consciousness as a "cosmic traveler," implying its existence beyond the physical body and planet of origin.
  • Challenges Darwinian evolution, suggesting life may have originated from space or that "souls" transmigrated to Earth.

• Rebirth: Acceptance At the Scientific Level (Chapter 3):

  • Presents compelling evidence for reincarnation through scientific research, particularly parapsychology.
  • Cites numerous case studies from India and the West (e.g., from Jaipur University, Dr. Ian Stevenson) involving children recollecting past lives with striking accuracy.
  • Introduces hypnotic age-regression as a technique used to uncover past-life memories, detailing how it has convinced even staunch materialists like Dr. Alexander Cannon.
  • Explains that these memories transcend physical limitations, suggesting that consciousness (memory base) is independent of the body.
  • Highlights the contributions of figures like Edgar Cayce ("The Miracle Man of Virginia Beach") and his "life-readings" in popularizing the concept of rebirth in the USA.
  • Discusses "Past Life Therapy" and how it's used to understand present-day phobias and behaviors rooted in past incarnations.
  • Asserts that the recollection of past lives substantiates the phenomenon of rebirth and challenges the materialistic belief that memory is solely brain-dependent.
  • Concludes that the body is not the base of knowledge, and an element independent of the body does exist and survives its disintegration.

• A Peep into the Yonder World with the Aid of Modern Cosmology and Parapsychology (Chapter 4):

  • Connects the concept of reincarnation with the spatial relationship of different incarnations.
  • Acknowledges the possibility of a "yonder world" or other realms where souls might transmigrate, supported by scriptural accounts and modern science.
  • Explores the vastness of the universe, as described by modern astronomy (trillions of galaxies, stars), and finds parallels with scriptural descriptions of celestial realms.
  • Discusses the possibility of life on other planets, referencing scientific estimates and projects like SETI.
  • Analyzes the "astral world" through parapsychological research, noting striking resemblances to scriptural descriptions of heavenly abodes (e.g., no diurnal variation, ESP abilities, effortless movement, instant maturity).
  • Questions the limited perception of science regarding physical reality, suggesting that our senses and instruments only perceive a fraction of existence.
  • Uses analogies of radio waves and TV sets to explain how different realities or planes of existence can coexist, perceivable only when one's perceptive capacity is altered.

• The Vital Question (Chapter 5):

  • Asserts that 20th-century science is increasingly moving towards spiritualist ideas, shedding its naive materialism.
  • Highlights that scientific discoveries are confirming ancient mystical truths.
  • Uses the example of Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose's work on plant sentience, which was already known to Jain sages like Lord Mahavir.
  • Emphasizes the need for openness from both scientists and religious followers to reconcile differing viewpoints and seek truth.
  • Discusses the changeability of scientific concepts (e.g., electricity/magnetism, light as waves/particles, atomic structure) to show that science is not static and should be open to new ideas.
  • Notes that scientists like Einstein, Planck, and Eddington acknowledge the role of the mystical in scientific research.
  • Calls for religious leaders to rationally address the inquiries of the modern generation to sustain faith.
  • Points out the fragmentation and potential inaccuracies in existing religious texts, urging critical interpretation.
  • Identifies common ground between science and spirituality: the existence of an eternal soul, reincarnation, and life on other planets.
  • Poses the crucial question of the purpose of our existence and how to navigate the spiritual journey for peace and prosperity.

• Invisible Shadows Cast Over Many Lives (Chapter 6):

  • Introduces the concept of Karma and its link to reincarnation, suggesting that qualities and achievements from past lives manifest in subsequent births (citing examples of child prodigies).
  • Explains Karma as the law of cause and effect, where actions and thoughts inevitably lead to rewards or retributions.
  • Presents the Jain concept of 'Karmana Vargana' – subtle material particles that attach to the soul based on emotions and actions, carrying the karmic effect.
  • Argues that Karma explains present circumstances and guides future development.
  • Cites research (e.g., Dr. Alexander Cannon's) suggesting that Karma is a scientific law and that our present life is shaped by past actions and attitudes.
  • Suggests that the West is poised to accept Karmic law, recognizing its importance for ethical self-responsibility.
  • Describes human limitations ("shackles") as self-imposed through passions, cravings, and prejudices, and suggests Karma offers the key to freedom.
  • Identifies generosity, cooperation, sympathy, and compassion as sources of peace, prosperity, and spiritual progress, aligning with scientific observations in psychology.

• Spirituality - Triumph Over Inner Nature (Chapter 7):

  • Explores how to transcend the cycle of Karma and achieve liberation.
  • Draws an analogy from physics where matter loses resistance near absolute zero, similar to how an egoless state in spirituality transcends karmic reactions.
  • Emphasizes that true mastery is over inner nature (emotions, ego) rather than external nature.
  • Highlights that science focuses on controlling external elements, while spirituality aims for self-realization by transcending mind and ego.
  • Quotes scientists like Fritjof Capra and Planck who acknowledge the fundamental nature of life and the importance of spiritual guidance for science.
  • Discusses the dual potential of science (Buddha or Bomb) and the need for spirituality to guide its use.
  • Points out that while science provides power and comfort, it lacks the wisdom of discretion, which spirituality offers.

• World as Seen by Saints and Scientists (Chapter 8):

  • Compares the spiritual adept's experience of the world as an illusion with modern science's view of reality as composed of atomic and subatomic particles, with much empty space.
  • Explains that objects appear solid due to force-fields and the limitations of our senses, which cannot perceive the subatomic realm.
  • Cites scientists who state that if we could see atoms, the solidity of objects would disappear, revealing energetic particles and empty space.
  • Explains that attachment arises from a perceived sense of permanence, and understanding the ephemeral nature of things leads to detachment.
  • Discusses how Vipasyana meditation leads to experiencing the body as changing particles, fostering detachment from worldly things and the ego.
  • Highlights that our perception of reality is subjective and distorted by our senses, mind, and language.
  • Uses analogies like movies and water samples under a microscope to illustrate how different levels of perception reveal different realities.
  • Explains that our knowledge is filtered by our senses and mind, and "stunted knowledge" limits our perception of reality.
  • Concludes that the world we experience is a "creation of our own consciousness," an illusion or dream, echoing the wisdom of ancient saints.
  • Discusses how false identification of the soul with the body, based on limited sensory input and mental constructs, leads to suffering.
  • States that self-awakening, through personal spiritual experience, leads to the realization that the world is an illusion and that true reality lies within.

Author's Background and Intent:

Muni Amarendravijayji, born in 1925 and initiated into the Jain holy order in 1951, was a profound spiritual seeker and scholar. He blended ancient Jain wisdom with modern scientific understanding. His writings are characterized by sincerity, reasoned arguments, and a broad perspective, aiming to make spiritual truths accessible and rational for the contemporary audience. He passed away in 1992, leaving behind a legacy of work that sought to reconcile faith with reason.

Publisher's Note and Translator's/Editor's Notes:

The Jain Sahitya Academy, established to promote quality Jain literature, chose this book as its first publication, recognizing its unique ability to connect scripture with science. The translator and editor highlight the author's deep insight, the book's popularity in its original Gujarati and Hindi versions, and the challenges in translating such profound work. The editor notes that while the author intended to revise the book with the latest scientific findings, his passing meant the current edition is based on his notes, with efforts made to incorporate his vision.

In essence, "Science Discovers Eternal Wisdom" is a compelling exploration of how the scientific advancements of the 20th century are increasingly corroborating the profound spiritual insights found in ancient Jain scriptures, offering a path for individuals to rationally understand and embrace their spiritual heritage.