Scientists must be Yogis

Q. You have said that there are principles in science that do not fully reflect reality. What approach should one take that will fully reflect reality?

A. The problem with scientific method is that it relies on so-called objective data that accumulate through observation of the material world. Behind this approach is the basic assumption that the material world is the most real, the most objective point of view. It is true that in the minds of human beings there are variations of perception so that science has made its attempt to nullify the variations in perceptions and understanding by using this so-called objectivity of the material world as a standard. Quantum theory has now found that the perception of this so-called objective universe, the material universe, is influenced and changed according to the perceiver. Now even scientific observation is not expected to be objective. From the yogic point of view, it is subjective.

It is a subjective universe, even the material universe, for the material universe is only the outer expression or layer of mind. To develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of the universe, scientists must be yogis and develop internal methodologies of research in which the subject, the Self, is known.

By analyzing and comparing the experience of many people across many cultures, universal truths can be understood even though their presentations vary according to time, place and person.

There is knowledge one cannot find by studying the physical universe because of its limitations. That in which the gunas are configured in a more subtle way cannot be perceived and yet the material universe reflects only the outer layers of their operations. Understanding the gunas and the causative operative principles around which the material universe forms is possible to some extent by studying the material universe because these operative principles repeat in all areas of expression. They constitute what we call natural laws. For the deeper understanding of their causative operations, one must use intuitional science.

Science has rejected intuitional science because of its subjectivity. However, as quantum theories are discovering, one must go through the subjective to find universal truth in the human experience. This is because at the very base of all intuitional understandings lies the one truth, the only truth, the universal truth. Knowing this oneness of all that is, the yogis are able to understand the many operations, practical workings and natural laws of Prakrti.