Sikhism and science
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Sikhs do not disagree with science, as it does not conflict with Sikh Scriptures or beliefs. In fact scientists are just now discovering the concepts that were written in Sikh scriptures centuries ago. Sikh Gurus told Sikhs not to smoke, do drugs or drink alcohol centuries ago. Scientists confirm that drinking alcohol, smoking and consuming drugs have harmful effects on the body.
Sikhism beliefs have not been disproven by science. Global perspectives in science find its echo in the philosophy of Sikh religion, founded by Guru Nanak during the fifteenth century in India. It has some parallelism with Renaissance and reformation movements in Europe. Scientific facts support the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Granth Sahib states that, “There are planets, solar systems and galaxies. If one speaks of them, there is no limit, no end. There are worlds upon worlds of His Creation. As He commands, so they exist. He watches over all, and contemplating the creation, He rejoices. Nanak says, to describe this is as hard as steel!” (Guru Granth Sahi, 8). Furthermore, it is stated that God created the whole universe including the earth. “You Yourself created the earth, and the two lamps of the sun and the moon” (Guru Granth Sahi,83). And, “Many millions are the moons, suns and stars” (Guru Granth Sahi, 275). Some one asked the late noble laureate Rabindera Nath Tagor: “you have written national anthem for India. Can you write international anthem for the whole world?” “It’s already written not only for international but for the entire universe in 15th century by Nanak,” replied Tagor. He rightfully referred to Aarti (ceremony of light). What can be more universal than the Aarti authored by Guru Nanak. Beyond boundaries of any religion or any country. He is recognizing: “God created humanity; God created universe including earth. (gagan mai thaal rav chand deepak banay taarikaa mandal janak moti; Upon that cosmic plate of the sky, the sun and the moon are the lamps. The stars and their orbs are the studded pearls. dhoop mal-aanlo pavan chavro karay sagal banraa-ay foolant joti; The fragrance of sandalwood in the air is the temple incense (dhoop), and the wind is the fan. All the plants of the world are the altar flowers in offering to You, O Luminous Lord. kaisee aarti ho-ay; bhav khandnaa tayree aarti; What a beautiful Aarti, lamp-lit worship service this is! O Destroyer of Fear, this is Your Ceremony of Light. SGGS, Page: 13, Lines:1- 3).
Scientists have found that there are billions of galaxies, each galaxy containing billions of starts and millions of planets revolving around those stars with millions of moons revolving around those planets. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, has approximately 200 billions stars and millions of planets from which few are known. There are billions of galaxies like ours in the universe and this is just now being realized by modern science, where as Sikh Scripture mentioned it long before its discovery.
"Na kichh aibo na jaibo, Ram ki dohai re" - law of indestructibility of matter and energy in our modern science.
"Jo brahmande soi pinde" "Whatever is in the universe, is in the matter."
Sikh religion is compatible with modern science in its approach to cosmology, nature of reality, relation of microcosm to macrocosm and consciousness. Sikh religion believes in transcendental nature of reality: "In this realm, one sees but without the eyes; one listens but without the ears, one walks but without the feet; one works but without the hands; one speaks but without the tongue; thus attaining life in death. O Nanak, one meets the God after realisation of the divine law." Sikh philosophy as expounded in Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book of the Sikhs, is unique in its epistemology. It rejects myths, rituals and dogma, and as a consequence it has a universal appeal for humankind irrespective of its religious and cultural affiliations. In the holistic vision of Sikh philosophy, God, nature and man are integrally bound to each other. According to Rev. H L Bradshaw, "Sikh religion is a universal world faith, a message for all men. The religion preached by Guru Nanak is the faith of the New Age. The other religions contain the truth but the Sikh religion contains the fullness of truth."
"Science must be based on religion and religion must include scientific rationality. I think that the words of Albert Einstein. 'Science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind', are of even greater importance now than when he uttered them".
Scientists study the creation of God and try to comprehend the mysteries of His creation. The more they learn, the more they are amazed. Some spend their entire life studying God’s creation and yet they are unable to find His limits. However, when one meditates on God, God Himself unfolds the mysteries and shows the galaxies, the stars, the deep ocean world and all of his creation.
Sikhism is basically a religion of action and human freedom.
