Spirituality vs Science in discovering the truth
Modern science and spirituality, two different approaches to unraveling the truth, point to a single direction; nothing is as it seems. The phenomenal world we experience can be broadly categorized into matter and energy. We either experience any phenomenon in the form of matter or we experience it in the form of energy. The gross manifestation of the universe in matter is easier to perceive than the latter but we can perceive both. Also under our normal ability, there is no overlap in the perception. Matter is always experienced as matter all the time and energy as energy. The traditional science based on these assumptions continued to satisfy our logical persona and develop our understanding of the phenomena as it is experienced superficially.
However, as modern science evolves and theories like quantum mechanics and string theory emerge, all our notions about the phenomena are put under a big question mark. They suggest that what we perceive as matter and energy may not be true and the entire truth might be completely different from our perception. Science although at the nascence of these revelations doesn’t have a solid answer yet which could boldly prove if the perceptions aren’t true then what is? Under such circumstances, many strictly logical personas after hitting a roadblock are turning towards spirituality to find the missing part that hasn’t been figured out by science yet.
The onset of spirituality and meditation
Does that mean spirituality has all the answers? Well, it couldn’t be completely inferred for anyone else apart from the one who has reached the truth. It is revealed to the one who is the practitioner and unlike science it can’t be proved to a non-practitioner with phenomenal experimentations. Therefore a non-practitioner’s mind, which is still operating under the faculties of phenomenon wouldn’t be able to find any answers. Whereas, a practitioner’s mind who has developed the Noumenal faculty may find the answers depending upon the intensity of the practice and other conditions which would be found out once embarked upon this journey. So whether spirituality has all the answers or not is something that can be intellectualized but rather only experienced.
With the intention of seeking the truth, seeking the answers to our misery, seeking a solution to our sufferings, etc. we often embark on our journey of spirituality. We are then presented with different types of meditation. At first, our mind encounters all the skepticism and hopelessness that turning our attention inside would give us any respite from our problems. But the first experience of unprecedented calmness lets us keep practicing. Slowly the calmness deepens our responses to our phenomenal world and sets us on a journey of further discovery and seeking. Many of us give up on this initial journey and continue to be the subject of torment in our minds. At this point, sincere practice, an open mind, and some guidance would be recommended for us to keep going.
Who Am I meditation
There are multiple paths to proceed toward our final goal of self realization and self actualization. Different paths exist because different personalities exist. Depending upon the combination of the qualities i.e. sattvic, rajasic, or tamasic, a particular path might be suitable and alluring to each of us. Whatever might be the path, it often presents to us itself. One of the paths is called Jnana yoga, which utilizes a one-pointed self inquiry meditation. Ramana Maharishi (1879–1950) was the most notable jnana yogi of our conceivable times. His teachings and methodologies are simple and don’t require constant supervision or advice to perfect your practice. Ramana Maharishi philosophy is based on Advaita Vedanta.
The self inquiry meditation is a set of self inquiry questions that often start with Who am I, if the mind is already calm. If the opposing forces of mind are active, whereby one force wants it to be in the direction of the thought and the other part doesn’t, or we are feeling some strong emotions, then start with the question who is feeling this? This enables the dissipative and outgoing mind to concentrate on itself. The session with the mind continues where it asks a question and then navigates for an answer leading to a trail of inward thoughts about its nature.
The usual question after this is Am I the body? Who is experiencing all this, is it the body? Let’s try to understand this as a dialogue between the mind and itself.
Mind is asking a question to itself who is experiencing this breathing?
Mind: Who is experiencing the feeling of this breathing? Is it the body?
Mind: Thinks! If the body is feeling this then where is it being felt? Is it in the brain?
Mind: Thinks again! If it is in the brain, then who in the brain is having this feeling that I am breathing?
Mind: Thinks! The body and brain are a congregation of cells, they perform an action based on inputs. Just like computer programs/ robots that perform an action based on an input, the body takes input from senses or thoughts and gives an action in the form of physical and mental reactions, then who is there to feel that I am breathing?
Mind: Thinks! The body has sensors throughout the body and as the air goes in and out, it can register that and then have this feeling that it is breathing.
Mind: Thinks! That’s true sensors are registering this change and so a robot with a sophisticated mechanical body can also register these changes. A robot registers changes and gives an output depending upon the program. It doesn’t need to feel that oh! I am feeling these changes. On a broader level, my body is also the same, it should register these changes and then if required take some actions. Who is this then inside this body which is feeling that I am breathing?
Mind: Thinks! So if I am not the body then who am I?
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