Spirituality: The Futurists’ Torch Light

When NASA sent Voyager 1 and 2 to deep outer space, they had hoped that we might discover life on other planets. Despite discovering several exo-planets which have similar conditions as the planet earth with the dedicated help of Kepler Telescope, we have yet not found any signs of organic life in any other place in the observable universe. That only shows the rarity of the human life in this known creation. We, humans, must understand that it is a great fortune to be born as a human being, and we have an opportunity to build a civilization that brings out our highest potentials.

The study of futures is about developing foresight, far-sight and insight. Knowledge is the pursuit of seeing and knowing the Truth in order to discover what lies beyond our limited understanding—within and without. Knowledge can be understood as the extro-internal projections i.e., subjectivization of external objectivities and to realize what lies hidden within our existential I-feeling, a purely internal experience of the transcendental. Thus, knowledge is of two kinds—apara’-jinana (worldly knowledge) and para’-jinana (self-knowledge). Apara’-jinana enriches our understanding of the relative truths concerning the manifested creation, and Para’-jinana provides us insights about the absolute truth (Satya). Truths, however, are revealed only to those who are genuine seekers, sincere and devoted aspirants. As per the cosmic dictum: “What the cosmic mind has been doing until today will continue to be done by human structures in slow and gradual steps.” As microcosms expand their mental arena, unknown truths are revealed to them.

Different domains of knowledge seek new paradigms to address the gaps and lacunas in our understandings. First of all, we still do not absolutely know the links between matter, mind and consciousness. What unites them or separates them? The mapping of colorful imagery produced in the human brain/mind still eludes the scientific community. What is the raison d’etre of consciousness? Is the pineal gland indeed the seat of consciousness, as yogis proclaim? The herbal properties of tens of thousands of species of plants are still awaiting to be fully understood. Furthermore, in the area of medical science, we still do not have a comprehensive model of the human body which will show the limits and efficacy of different healing modalities. Perhaps a quantum or microvita (a sub-atomic unit of vital force proposed by Shrii P R Sarkar) understanding of the human body may show the pathway.

In the field of social sciences and political economy also, we have not worked out a balanced model that will ensure minimum economic disparities and ensure effective models of governance. The path of peace is still not universally accepted despite seeing the horrors of world wars. Every academic discipline seeks knowledge that will bring blessedness to all creatures. Neohumanism and PROUT—a progressive utilization theory proposed by Shri P R Sarkar – again may show a pathway to future humanity.

Pollution of the oceans and extinction of many rare species still haunt us. How big is this observable universe, and is there developed organic life on other stars in this universe? Furthermore, how can we

transform humans’ self-centered nature? These and many such queries in diverse disciplines humble our limited understanding of this vast creation.

Spiritual or intuitional knowledge is about discovering the secrets that help to establish connection with the source of Truth. It is also known as Satya—that which does not undergo any metamorphosis and enlightens and brings peace to this world. It can be safely said that there is nothing older than the Truth and nothing newer than the Truth.

“Truth is the song of eternity that speaks to us through every passing moment. It is the splendor of creation that reveals its beauty in every here and now. Truth is the wisdom-flower of the Creator that bestows its intelligence in every bud. It is the ineffable bliss of the Supreme Love that manifests itself as pleasure in every delight of the senses. Truth is ever present and all encompassing, hidden in both light and shade, invisible to the novice, but always visible to the adept.” [Mystic Verses by Shambhushivananda, 2016]

The practice of spirituality is about lifting our mind above all our emotions and getting connected with this Truth— the source and fountain head of all existence. Spirituality is transcendental, transformative, transdisciplinary, thought-provoking, tender, trustworthy and truth-inspired. Meditation serves as the key to link the subtlest mind with this Effulgent Truth. Spirituality affirms cosmic kinship, intuitive wisdom and rational-outlook. It fosters ideation of the Great, universal love, omniscient grace, and magnanimous outlook. It nurtures self-discipline, empathy, compassion, and realization of the cosmic self. It opens the door to omniscience. Spirituality as the “cult of pinnacled order with cosmic consciousness as the apex “is an authentic way to bring meaning to life and impart bliss to us – the eternal quest of all living beings.

The ultimate Truth permeates the entire creation—visible and the invisible. It is élan vital, all-witnessing, the proof of all identities and the summum-bonum of all existence. It is the beginning and the end; the origin and the terminus of all expressions. It is both absolute and the relative. It manifests as the essence of appropriateness. It is the ever-creative cosmic subjectivity. It is the embodiment of inseparable cognition and energy — also known as Supreme Consciousness. Intuition and intellect are also the dual manifestations or metamorphosed forms of this self-effulgent universal consciousness.

Finally, spirituality unites and enlivens us through deeper revelations, sensitivity to cardinal values, innovations, and benevolent leadership. It is imbued with selflessness, inclusive and service spirit, coordinated cooperation, and optimism. Spirituality goads us towards prosperity and abundance, preservation of nature, and leads to freedom through an all-round fight against depraving tendencies. Spirituality brings us in touch with innocence, spontaneity, enthusiasm, sense of humor, imagination, creativity, and zest for life. Education based on spirituality brings permanent liberation from all bondages. That is why Maha’rs’i Parashar said: “Sa’ vidya’ ya’ vimuktaye.” Only that is true knowledge which brings self-realization and leads to emancipation i.e., liberation of permanent nature. Thus, knowledge and the study of futures devoid of spirituality can easily turn into an intellectual-extravaganza—leading unto a dreary desert of isolation and desolation.