International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 6(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327582ijpr0601_1
Abstract
Applying B. J. Lonergan's (1957, 1972) analysis of human consciousness or spirit, this article presents an interlocking set of distinctions that specifies spirituality as a normative or prescriptive discipline on the boundary between theology and psychology and different from psychology of religion as generally conceived. Central to the argument is an array of analytic viewpoints, within which the human can be studied, and a tripartite model of the human that represents spirit, and so spirituality, as inherent to humanity as such. It is argued that the study of spirituality so conceived meets demanding criteria that qualify it as science, a specialization within psychology.
(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
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Embracing spirituality with a scientific mind
Satish Kumar | 20th November 2018
https://theecologist.org/2018/nov/20/embracing-spirituality-scientific-mind
Science and spirituality are mutually illuminating, and mutually dependent.
We are on a journey: a journey from separation to relationship and from dualism to unity.
One of the dominant dualisms of our time has been the idea of disconnection between science and spirituality. Since the age of pure reason, our educational system has been working hard to establish the conviction that science has to be free of spirituality, and that spirituality should have nothing to do with science.
The latest edition of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine is out now!
For the past hundred years, graduates in their millions have been coming out of universities brainwashed with the belief that either spirituality is a matter of personal and private life, or it is pure ‘mumbo jumbo’. This mainstream view has ignored the scientists of the past and the present who see no dichotomy between science and spirituality.
Holistic science
The outstanding German poet and scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe worked with a profound scientific spirit. In his books The Metamorphosis of Plants and Theory of Colours, he challenged the narrow and linear view of science.
With his phenomenological understanding of Nature, he expounded a more interrelated, cyclical and holistic science. But Goethe’s idealistic and spiritual science was neglected by students of science in most universities. He was appreciated as a great poet, but not as a scientist!
The same is true of Leonardo da Vinci. Everyone thinks of him as a great artist, but hardly anyone recognises him as a scientist.
However, our contemporary science of complexity and systems thinking finds its roots in the work of Leonardo because he was concerned with living forms and therefore embraced the science of quality as well as quantity. The moment we think of a science of quality, the word ‘spirituality’ comes to mind.
Albert Einstein was also a spiritual scientist. He said: “Everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the universe […] one in the face of which we, humans, with our modest powers must feel humble.”
Unmanifest intuition
Einstein respected the religious dimension of human experience. He said: “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” Einstein was not talking about institutionalised and organised religious establishments - he was talking about religious experience, which is beyond measurement.
Bringing spirituality and science together will help to bring meaning and measurement together. These two should not be fragmented or separated.
A sense of unmanifested wonder and curiosity, and a sense of intuition and inspiration exist before there is empirical knowledge through experiments, evidence and proof to create a scientific hypothesis and a theory.
Dismissing that unmanifest intuition or inspiration, as some materialist scientists do, is a grave folly.
The word ‘spirit’ simply means ‘breath’ or ‘wind’. We cannot see the wind, we cannot touch it, or measure it, but we can feel it. As trees are moved by wind, humans are moved by spirit. Breath or wind is the invisible and subtle force that makes life possible. The visible is sustained by the invisible.
Spiritual guidance
The outer and material reality is held together through the power of the inner and spiritual reality. Acknowledging one and denying the other is like wanting a bird to fly with only one wing.
The reality of wholeness is composed of two interrelated aspects. The Chinese called it the harmony of yin and yang. The Indians called it the balance of Shiva and Shakti: positive and negative, dark and light, silence and speech, emptiness and fullness, spirit and matter, unmanifest and manifest are part of one single whole.
Uniting science and spirituality has a very practical purpose. Science without spirituality can easily lose the ethical, moral and values-based perspective.
Scientists without the guidance of spirituality can engage in the invention of nuclear bombs and other weapons of war, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, factory farming where animals are reared in cruel conditions, and technologies that create waste, pollution and the destruction of Nature.
Science without the guidance of spiritual values has created many of the problems the world faces today. Science by itself is not benign, value-free or neutral. Therefore, science needs the helping hand of spiritual wisdom in order to maintain its integrity and modify its power. Without spiritual wisdom, science can be dangerous. Spirituality gives meaning, value and purpose to science.
Religious exclusivity
As science needs spirituality, spirituality needs science. Without science, spirituality can easily and quickly turn into blind faith, dogmatism, sectarianism, and fundamentalism.
Unscientifically minded people may claim: “My god is the only true god and I have the truth. Everybody must be converted to my truth.”
Such narrow religious exclusivity has led to wars, conflicts, terrorism and divisions. Science helps to keep our minds open so we can seek truth and act for the benefit of the whole of humanity and for the good of all living beings, human, and other-than-human.
Do we want to live in a fragmented way, either as materialists discarding the subjective dimension of spiritual wisdom or as spiritual seekers denigrating the objective world of scientific discovery?
The choice is ours. I choose to embrace spirituality with a scientific mind. For me, science and spirituality are complementary parts of the whole.
This Author
Satish Kumar is editor emeritus of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine. He was interviewed by Richard Dawkins on the subject of science and spirituality. The interview is available to watch here. The latest edition of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine is out now!
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Science & Spirituality
Meenakshi
MAR 30, 2020
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/eyescream/science-spirituality-11274/
The road to science& spirituality are opposite, but we should trend both.
India launched its most awaited scheduled of Chandrayaan 2, not that long ago.The chairman of ISRO K.Sivan was at Tirupati Temple to offer puja for the success of the moon mission. It apparently leads us to question ;
Why a super efficient scientist organisation , renowned and globally appreciated needs blessings from God , for its success?
Isn’t it very contrasting, and isn’t the continuousendeavour and pursuit to scientific knowledge enough?, Why does support of something to back science required? specifically, which science deniesof in particular?
In this essay we’ll analyse, what science and spirituality stand for ?? Despite being opposite, why is it necessary to keep a balance of both ?? Their differences and similarities will be decoded and also, what humanity needs to choose in present scenario ?
Most of us tend to confuse spirituality with religion, Religion is based on scriptures certain teachings, has limits, has rules and laws prescribed.
It guides us to the way of life and their is a boundary, a course of rigidity which a religion provides
Whereas, spirituality is an experience. Like Swami Vivekananda said “ you have to grow from inside out, None can teach you, make you spiritual, there are no teachers but your own soul “
Adhyatm consists of two words ‘Adhi’ and ‘Atman’ which simply means pertaining to soul. Spirituality deals with the nature of soul and information related to the soul. A soul that is absolute and the ultimate truth. It is a process of leading the total energy in the body to the soul.
spirituality is about integrity. It helps us to find meaning in life, provides a foundation of our values to guide us in the way we behave with self, others and the world around us. Spirituality is the science of human growth for self transformation & also for world transformation through Peace & Purity. Albert Einstein said once: “No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world a new “
• Spirituality is an attitude that is positive and looking at the best in everyone and everything
• Spirituality is an inner journey to discover inner peace & is all about expanding our capability to live love and learn.
• Spirituality is the process of balance between Dharma & Karma.
• Spirituality is the “process of Self-Transformation from impure consciousness to pure consciousness to achieve inner peace, happiness & prosperity.
Therefore, spirituality is pious, it provides stabilityto oneself, and keep us moving in positive direction, being our own teacher and guide in the process of life.
Whereas, when we talk about science, it not only brings true knowledge, factual knowledge with logic and evidences. In pursuit of rational knowledge people started questioning religious beliefs. More the scientific discoveries, more the question on belief system. Science has a more rational approach it is a work of logic and proofs.
From the cosmos to the shape of the Earth , time , light , sound, as well as life . Which once was believed to exist because of various superstitions, and religious centuries back, All this is more of a scientific discovery with proven facts.
The shift from religion to science, the Industrial revolution, millennial lifestyle, rise of individual living, aloofness , emotionally weak . Mentally unhealthy.
So, people sought refuge to spirituality for solace .
No matter what amount of scientific knowledge we may possess, it’ll be very little compared to the vast mysteries of the world , and this void will be filled by spirituality. Which has been unanswered by science time and again . Spirituality fills those gaps and curiosity positively.
Spirituality itself is extremely scientific because it wants to examine the world and its nature, just like the scientist. t wants to look at the world; it wants to observe the world and see –
· What the world really is?
· Where does it come from?
· What happens to it?
· How does one perceive it?
· How does it change?
· How does it end?
It observes all its processes, its dissolution, its making, everything.
Spirituality is very scientific. And then spirituality goes beyond science.
How?
Science stops at the world.
Spirituality looks at the world, then looks at the self, then sees the direct relation between the world and the self and hence, sees the two as one.
So, there are the two aspects of spirituality.
1. The first is a very-very scientific observation of the world.
If the mind is not scientific enough, it cannot be spiritual. If the mind does not know the world, it cannot move to something beyond the world. Knowing the world, its movements, its games, its suffering and its cunningness is very important. The spiritual mind must deeply understand the world. That is one aspect of Spirituality.
2. The second aspect is Faith.
I understand the world. I see that I am made of worldly influences but I also have faith that there has to be something beyond these influences; influences which give me nothing but suffering.
This is Spirituality; attention and faith.
And both are just helping you to go towards something that is of the beyond; something that is not merely a mental apparition.
Social Context
Science will help the industries in growing of wealth , which might lead to in equality but spirituality promotes brotherhood, social cohesion and equality.
In contrast, science encourages people to think rationally devoid of superstitions.
Hence, conditions of two will definitely enhance the standards of living& well-being.
Environment
Coordination of science & principle holds importance . Science and technology facilitating, mining, felling of trees etc.
But remember, Chipko movement, or Appiko movement, which were geared by the spirituality that saved the trees.
In contrast, blind faith spirituality comes in the way of growth & Development in modern world.
Technology
Science led to evolution of artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning.
Becoming nuclear power countries, creating differences among other states. Being war ready . In contrast, spiritual diplomacy needs to be promoted, technology with science plus spirituality.
For e.g. : India’s “ no first use “ policy for nuclear weapons for the prosperity of humanity as a whole. This is because India’s nuclear policy is not to harm others but for the purpose of self defence from thehostile neighbour’s.
For science that which cannot be detected, does not exist. If something can just not be detected, absolutely undetectable it is, then science will say, “It does not exist”.
Spirituality says, “My instruments for detection are very limited. I detect using my senses and my intellect which are quite limited. Something that cannot be thus detected may also exist; in fact it may be more real than what the senses announce as real.” Spirituality thus lacks the arrogance of science.
Science says if my eyes can see, look at it, only then it exist.
Spirituality says but first of all am I sure that my eyes are an instrument capable enough to tell me the truth?
Spirituality is an honest, brutally honest search for the truth.
Spirituality is deeply scientific and so very scientific that it transcends science.
Science without spirituality is not only incomplete but also vulnerable.
Such science is more likely to be misused and exploited by vested interest.
It works for only those who can pay for it. It aims to satisfy one’s greed rather than need.
In a nutshell, to meet the crisis of humanity, the coordination of science and spirituality is inevitable.
M.K Gandhi said “ that if both science and spirituality go hand in hand then one can create heaven on the holy earth “
Sustainable development is the need of the hour and this is possible only with the coordination of science and spirituality.
Let’s believe in building a better tomorrow and take steps towards it .
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#spirituality #science #consciousness
Scientific Spirituality - Donald Hoffman
19,081 viewsPremiered Apr 22, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUv333Decms
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The Science of Spirituality: Integrating Science, Psychology, Philosophy, Spirituality & Religion Paperback – August 1, 2007
by Lee Bladon (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
https://www.amazon.com/Science-Spirituality-Integrating-Psychology-Philosophy/dp/1847998933
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Making connections between science and spirituality
A workshop followed by a public conversation helped scientists find new ways to talk about their scientific research to audiences they do not often communicate with. Religion and spirituality can be agents for scientific learning.
BY DANIELLE TORRENT TUCKER
February 01, 2019
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How do you communicate science to people who hold different worldviews? While there is no single answer, one crucial element can make the difference between hearing and listening: connection.
Most Americans are supportive of science and also identify as religious or spiritual, but scientists can be uncertain about how to foster dialogue with people who hold worldviews different than their own. At two events hosted by Stanford’s School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences (Stanford Earth) and the Office of Science Outreach on Jan. 25, participants gained insight into how to make scientific connections in new ways.
The events – a workshop for Stanford researchers followed by a public discussion – were sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific society with a mission of advancing science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people.
“We want to encourage more scientists to reach beyond their normal audiences,” said Stanford Earth’s Director of Outreach Education Jennifer Saltzman, who helped bring the AAAS events to Stanford. “Whatever your belief systems, I want everyone to have the opportunity to learn – I don’t want it to be a border.”
The two events were part of the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER), which facilitates communication between scientific and religious communities. The morning workshop, which was open to students, faculty and postdoctoral researchers at Stanford, included discussions and tools for having inclusive dialogues. About 30 participants heard lectures from DoSER facilitators, workshopped their science talks with their peers, and discussed how to approach challenging questions, such as “What if climate change is part of God’s plan?”
“It just hit me what a rarified atmosphere we live in as scientists,” shared one workshop participant. “It’s just not the world around us.”
Alexandra Bausch, a postdoctoral researcher in Earth system science with professor Anne Dekas, echoed the importance of stepping outside academia. As her next step following the workshop, she committed to updating her blog about finding beauty in everyday science.
We scientists feel so sure of ourselves because we have data to back it up…it’s very hard for us to listen.
Workshop facilitator Rob O’Malley, a DoSER senior program associate and primate behavioral ecologist, noted the importance of speaking with empathy, respect, cultural awareness and humility. He encouraged participants to find common ground and reminded them that debates don’t often change minds.
Attendees at the evening public lecture in Encina Hall heard ideas about how religion and spirituality can be agents for scientific learning. Nalini Nadkarni, a professor of biology at the University of Utah, and Willis Jenkins, a professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia, discussed their outreach in a conversation moderated by Stephan Graham, the Chester Naramore Dean of Stanford Earth and a professor of geological sciences.
Willis Jenkins
“Place science within the context of what might be considered holy or important to religious communities,” advised Nadkarni, referencing how different religions celebrate trees and other aspects of the natural world through rituals.
Jenkins discussed how creative experiences with science – such as meditating on nature sounds and creating music based on natural phenomena – can foster connection on a deep level.
“Integrating this spiritual openness is not rivalrous to scientific endeavor – in fact, it might even add to it,” he said.
Nadlini Nadkarni
Through illustrative stories about their work in academia and with local communities, they opened an honest exchange of ideas.
“We scientists feel so sure of ourselves because we have data to back it up…it’s very hard for us to listen,” Nadkarni said.
She emphasized the importance of engaging in conversations whenever possible, such as asking if the person next to you on a flight wants to hear about your research. It’s important to approach the topics with which people are already engaged, she said. For example, what kind of wood is used in baseball bats – and are those species endangered?
“The critical issues that we’re facing today require every tool,” Nadkarni said. “I’m willing to keep my palms open.”
Danielle T. Tucker
SCHOOL OF EARTH, ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
dttucker@stanford.edu, 650-497-9541
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Science and Spirituality: two sides of a coin
Physical and spiritual scientists both aim to find the hidden laws of nature and use their discoveries to better the lives of others
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Published: 09th February 2020
Hidden within human beings is a desire to prove the existence of a force that brought us into creation.Hidden within human beings is a desire to prove the existence of a force that brought us into creation.
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
Most people think that science and spirituality are totally opposite fields of studies, but I can speak from my experience in both areas that they are two sides of the same coin. To me, the aim of science is to uncover the deepest spiritual truths, and the aim of spirituality is the search for the cause behind scientific fact. Physical scientists who have chosen science as their field are not much different from spiritual scientists who spend time engaged in the spiritual search.
They are both seeking the answers to the same question, but in different ways. They are both here to find the hidden laws of nature, the higher power that created everything, and use their discoveries to better the lives of others.
The physical scientists are trying to prove God to themselves through the outer eyes and ears, while the spiritual scientists are trying to prove God to themselves through their inner eyes and ears. While physical scientists gaze at the stars through powerful telescopes and listen to radio waves from distant stars through instrumentation, spiritual scientists gaze at the inner stars and listen to the inner music of the spheres through meditation. They both sit in silence, watching and waiting.
The Search for Answers
If we look at science today, we find that one of the goals scientists have is to discover how creation came into being, and how human beings came into being. By picking up signals from light-years away, we can get a glimpse of activity from the distant past whose light is only just reaching us now, billions of years later. Scientists are vying to see who can be the first to discover what happened at the moment of creation.
Why?
Hidden within human beings is a desire to prove the existence of a force that brought us into creation. Few are satisfied with the theory that creation was a mere accident, combustion of cosmic dust. Secretly, in every heart lies the desire to have proof that there is God and we are soul, a part of God.
Science exists to uncover these deepest spiritual truths. On the other hand, those engaged in spirituality are trying to find the hidden cause behind what is scientific fact. They are interested in the scientific laws of nature, but wish to go behind the laws to find the divine law that brought everything into being. While scientists search through outer instrumentation, spiritual scientists search through the technique of meditation, using the instrumentation of their attention.
The Scientific Method to Find God
In the scientific method, we test a hypothesis and carefully make observations. This scientific approach can help prove the validity of spiritual experiences. Meditation helps us come in touch with a level of intuition and revelation that gives us the inspiration to uncover scientific truths. As most scientists report, their discoveries came as inspiration. What is inspiration but tapping into the spiritual laws? Some of the greatest scientists, when questioned about their discoveries, point to spiritual inspiration or a divine power as the force behind their findings. Albert Einstein, who revealed the theory of relativity and made this nuclear age possible, once said, “I assert that the cosmic religious experience is the strongest and the noblest driving force behind scientific research.”
How Science and Spirituality Work Together
Science and spirituality make a great partnership. If those engaged in science spend some time in the silence of their own selves, inspiration will come and lead them to the answers for which they seek. Similarly, if those interested in spirituality apply the scientific law of testing hypotheses in the laboratory of their own body and soul, they will find the results.
Meditation to Reduce Stress
If we look at modern medicine, we find a whole new approach to healing. In the past we thought healing occurred by the administration of certain drugs. Those in a new field of medicine talk about the mind-body connection. They speak of healing the body by healing the mind and using the power of the soul. In some of the greatest medical institutions in the world, doctors are advocating meditation as a way to reduce stress and eliminate stress-related illnesses. Studies reveal that people who spend time in meditation recover sooner from surgery than those who do not. We are living in a wondrous age in which the lines between science and spirituality are being blurred.
Testing the Power of Meditation
As scientists, we can test the power of meditation for ourselves and see where it leads us. To meditate we only need to sit in silence. We can sit in any pose most convenient, close our eyes, and look into the middle of darkness lying in front of us. We need to still our mind from thoughts that can distract us and take our attention away from the inner gaze.
Just as we stay focused in looking through a microscope or telescope, we need to stay focused in looking into a still point lying in front of us. Just as scientists see outer stars, we may be able to catch glimpses of inner lights of any colour, inner stars, moons, and suns.
Scientific pursuits can lead both to the discovery of ways to help make the world a better place as well as to the answers to the questions burning within us to uncover the greatest truths of all time—God, our soul, and the purpose of our life here on earth. The writer is a spiritual leader with a scientific approach to spirituality
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