WHEN SCIENCE MEETS SPIRIT: INDIA TO TAKE ITS WISDOM SERIOUSLY

 Abstract:

This article explores the emerging convergence between science and spirituality, two realms long perceived as opposites. Using the experience of Federico Faggin—the microchip pioneer who later championed consciousness as the basis of reality—it highlights how modern scientific inquiry is beginning to engage with ancient spiritual insights, particularly those rooted in Indian traditions like the Upanishads. As rigid scientific materialism faces growing scrutiny, and faith-based claims are held to higher standards of evidence, this shift invites both disciplines to rethink their core assumptions. Drawing inspiration from early 20th-century dialogues between Indian sages and pioneering scientists, the piece calls for India to rekindle its legacy of thoughtful inquiry. It advocates for renewed investment in philosophical and interdisciplinary research, urging a balanced dialogue that transcends cultural pride and fosters a shared quest to understand consciousness, reality, and the human experience.

Introduction:  "Science and Spirit combined: to Rediscover India’s Forgotten Dialogue."

True, science opposed spirituality for too long, differentiating between facts and faith. But now, things are changing. There is now an interest for the scientists to find a link between spiritual traditions and observed and tried physical and factual findings. Raag Yadava, in his column in The Telegraph, (Kolkata 21.06.25) titled “Complementary union” says that as the cutting edge of science in Western academic institutions is now beginning to take spiritual ideals embodied in Indian traditions seriously, it is time that we Indians take our own ideas seriously. He writes explaining that in an age where science and spirituality often seem at odds, modern scientists and seekers of deeper truths—remind us that the boundaries between the material and the mystical are not as fixed as we once believed. The transformative experience and spiritual reflections on material sciences echo ancient Indian philosophies, reviving timeless insights like Aham Brahmasmi within a modern scientific framework. This emerging convergence of consciousness studies, quantum theory, and spiritual wisdom signals a broader paradigm shift, one India has historically pioneered through figures like Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and many others. Yet, according to the author, in our present rush to reclaim past glories, we risk diluting this rich intellectual legacy with superficial claims. What we need now is not nostalgia, but a renewed spirit of inquiry—one that values both skepticism and wonder in the quest for truth.

1. Science and Spirituality: From Opposition to Dialogue

For centuries, science and spirituality have been seen as opposites—science relying on evidence and reason, spirituality on faith and inner experience. But this rigid divide is slowly dissolving. A growing number of leading scientists are now exploring ideas long held in spiritual traditions, especially those from India. This signals an important cultural and intellectual turning point: a serious engagement between two worldviews that once seemed irreconcilable.

There is a shift in thinking. The old scientific view—that all our thoughts and feelings come only from the brain’s chemistry—is now being questioned. At the same time, some religious claims are also being challenged for lacking evidence, and often superstitious. There is a move – both in science and religion– towards rethinking of their assumptions.

2. A Modern Mystical Experience: Federico Faggin’s Story

One striking example, according to Raag Yadava, is Federico Faggin, the inventor of the microchip. Despite achieving immense professional success, Faggin once felt spiritually empty. During a family vacation in the 1990s, he had a profound mystical experience—a sudden and overwhelming sense of joy, love, and unity with everything around him. This event changed the course of his thinking. Years later, in his 2024 book Irreducible: Consciousness, Life, Computers, and Human Nature, Faggin challenged the dominant scientific view that consciousness is just a by-product of brain activity. Instead, he argued that consciousness is the very foundation of reality—not matter. His conclusions echo the ancient Indian insights of the Upanishads, where statements like “Aham Brahmasmi” ("I am that") point to a deeper, unified spiritual reality behind all appearances.

3. Toward a Paradigm Shift

This growing interest in consciousness is part of a broader intellectual shift. The old assumption in science—that everything can be explained through physical and chemical processes—is being questioned. At the same time, religion is also under pressure to offer logical, evidence-based explanations rather than depend on dogma. Yadava writes that the Philosopher Thomas Kuhn described such transitions as paradigm shifts—periods when established systems of thought undergo radical rethinking. We seem to be living through such a time, where scientists, philosophers, and spiritual seekers alike are looking for deeper, unified answers that neither side can offer alone to the fundamental questions on life.

4. India’s Forgotten Legacy of Integration

Interestingly, India once played a central role in this very conversation. India has a rich history of engaging in these questions seriously. In the early 20th century, spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo engaged deeply with scientific thinkers like Nikola Tesla, Lord Kelvin, and J.C. Bose. These figures rejected both religious superstition and scientific arrogance, and instead sought a more balanced, thoughtful inquiry into the nature of reality. They criticized both blind faith and overconfident science, instead seeking a deeper understanding of reality that united both— a unified understanding of reality that embraced both reason and faith.

Their dialogue wasn’t about proving who was right—it was about learning from one another, and bringing the rigor of science and the depth of spirituality into a single framework. Sadly, this legacy of exploration has weakened in recent decades.

5. The Crisis of Shallow Debates

Today, much of the public debate around India’s spiritual traditions has been reduced to culture wars and sensational claims with a Hindutva nationalist’s mindset. Discussions about whether Ganesha had plastic surgery or Karna was a product of genetic engineering trivialize the profound insights of Indian philosophy. These kinds of arguments harm genuine scholarship and turn ancient wisdom into easy tools for pride or political agendas.

As a result, in the higher educational settings, real research into India’s spiritual and philosophical heritage often gets sidelined or politicized —focused more on proving ancient myths than on doing real research. The public debates are often reduced to cultural pride or pseudo-scientific claims —like arguing that ancient Indian epics prove the existence of plastic surgery or genetic engineering. These arguments do more harm than good. They distract from serious, thoughtful research and turn our rich traditions into easy soundbites. The deeper question—how science and spirituality can meaningfully support each other—is being forgotten.

6. A Call to Take Our Own Heritage Seriously

Ironically, writes Yadava, while Western academia is now showing serious interest in Indian spiritual ideas—like yoga, consciousness studies, Ayurveda, and Vedantic philosophy—India itself seems hesitant to invest in its own traditions with intellectual seriousness. It’s time for us to change that. It’s time India takes its own heritage seriously too. We need to value our own intellectual and spiritual heritage. India has immense potential to lead the global conversation on the mind, consciousness, healing, and human purpose—but it needs consistent investment in education, research, and academic freedom. Universities must invest in philosophy of faith (Religion, Spirituality) and fundamental science. Research into consciousness, brain-mind interactions, quantum physics, and traditional healing systems like yoga and Ayurveda needs funding, freedom, and encouragement. We need stronger philosophy departments, better funding for fundamental science, and open, critical dialogue between disciplines.

In short, we need to move beyond culture wars and ego battles, and instead, create a shared space where both spiritual insight and scientific method can help us better understand what it means to be human.

7. Small Steps, Bigger Vision

Encouragingly, steps are being taken. Government initiatives like the Indian Knowledge Systems Division and the National Education Policy (NEP) hint at a renewed interest. There are promising signs. But, both call for a revival of India’s ancient knowledge traditions. These are just the beginning. What’s needed, says Raag Yadava, is a collaborative effort—among government, academia, and private donors—to nurture a culture where science and spirit can grow together, not in competition, but in complementary union. This would not only honour India’s past but shape a more integrated and humane future.

 But much more needs to be done to nurture an atmosphere where science and spirit can grow together—not as enemies, but as partners in understanding what it means to be human.

Conclusion: The Opportunity Before Us

We stand at a rare and powerful moment. Now, as Western academia starts to explore Indian spiritual ideas seriously, we must ask ourselves—are we doing the same? Are we valuing our own intellectual and spiritual heritage enough? If not, it’s time to change that. As the world grows more open to insights from Indian traditions, India itself must rise to the occasion—not with pride or nostalgia, but with seriousness, curiosity, and vision.

India has the potential to be a leader in this space—but it needs support. Our universities must invest in philosophy and fundamental science. Research into consciousness, brain-mind interactions, quantum physics, and traditional healing systems like yoga and Ayurveda needs funding, freedom, and encouragement.

Let’s not miss this opportunity. The world is ready to listen. It’s time we took our own ideas seriously too. It’s time to reclaim the best of our past and boldly carry it into the future. The world is ready to listen. The real question is: are we ready to speak with wisdom, depth, and integrity?