Acharya Mahaprajna
International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy
Blessings
The World needs both - Spirituality as well as Science. There are some similarities as well as some differences among them. As far as the quest of truth is concerned, both of them, in my view, resemble each other. However, they differ in their objectives; whereas the former aims at self-realization, the latter, probably, concerns mainly for the physical World. In other words, the ultimate object of spirituality is liberation, i.e., emancipation from all kinds of sufferings, whereas that of Science is to discover the truths of the physical World and to provide more and more comforts to humans. According to my view, the reconciliation of both- Spirituality and Science can pave the way for the holistic development of humankind.
Some of the Jain doctrines are acceptable to Science, whereas there are some, which transcend the domain of science till the present time. In the modern age, if the Jain doctrines are comprehended and explained through the scientific views, it would become easier.
I hope that the International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy organized by Bhagawan Mahavir International Research Center, Jain Vishva Bharati Institute would be fruitful in drawing concrete conclusions. My best wishes for its grand success.
Biratnagar (Nepal)
Acharya Mahashraman
