Life comes from Life

The present scientific understanding of life as a chemical phenomenon or a mechanical transformation of inanimate matter is inadequate. Not only has this not be been scientifically proven, but this worldview also infers that life is meaninglessness. Rather, life is beyond atoms and molecules. As suggested in the ancient Sanskrit text the Bhagavad-gita, life is a superior, conscious energy of the Supreme. Life consists of innumerable fundamental units, which may be referred to as spiriton, a quantized part of the absolute living being possessing the irreducible property of consciousness.

Matter comes from Life

Matter is the inferior unconscious energy of the Supreme absolute truth. It is essentially an insentient substrate from which temporary forms can be constructed by atomic combinations. It derives its properties from the absolute truth, and its transformations are governed by laws emanating from this source.

The absolute truth is a supremely conscious being

The modern scientific view that the absolute truth is nothing but some pushes and pulls of interacting atomic particles is reductionistic and cannot meaningfully explain many observed phenomena pertaining to both life and matter. This includes one’s likes and dislikes and feelings like love. Rather, the absolute truth is a supremely conscious being possessing unique features or qualities for generating both matter and life. Therefore, the foundation of matter and life lies in a supreme conscious being.

Empirical research is inadequate for understanding transcendental subjects

There are four main defects in relying on empirical research involving sense perception and inferential logic in acquiring knowledge. They are:
1) potential for the observer to become delusioned because his/her senses and mind may malfunction under certain circumstances
2) the tendency to make mistakes because of inattention or having incomplete perspectives
3) the tendency to deceive due to dishonesty or holding onto a biases, and
4) functional limitation of the senses.
If the methodologies of sense perception and inferential logic are limited in the acquiring of knowledge on material subjects, then they are certainly inadequate for understanding transcendental subjects such as the supreme absolute truth.

The synthesis of science and spirituality resolves individual and social problems

Science deals with external or material knowledge — knowledge of matter and its particles, like atoms and quarks whereas true religion deals with internal or spiritual knowledge — knowledge of the spirit, or seer. The first one deals with the changing, temporary, and external reality whereas the later deals with the changeless, eternal, and transcendental reality. Both these categories of knowledge are important, complementary, and extremely useful in resolving with several complex problems of life.

The essence of all genuine religions is to develop the eternal function of the soul

Due to ignorance, we misidentify the self with our body and mind, and construct mentalities such as “this is mine’, “my religion,” and “my country.” However, we are all eternal spiritual beings in temporary material bodies and the ultimate goal of human life is to transcend the bodily concept of life and achieve love of the supreme absolute person or God. God is called by different names in different religious communities. Understanding this, we should respect one another and cultivate unity while allowing for diversity. Through this consciousness, one sees all living beings as spiritual children of God and respects all genuine religious traditions that teach us to love God. This would bring about a true culture of peace and harmony among all religions of the world. Further, there is an important need to generate ethical guidelines in our scientific research based on spiritual wisdom. A complementary approach to science and spirituality is a key to lasting world peace.

The connection between the living entity and God is established through bhakti-yoga. By practicing bhakti-yoga a sincere person becomes purified from all material contaminations and is able to reach the ultimate perfection of life.