Limitations of Modern Science: Difference between revisions
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=== Gross vs. Subtle Technology === | === Gross vs. Subtle Technology === | ||
While modern technology is impressive, it operates primarily on the gross material platform. Śrīla Prabhupāda contrasts this with the subtle science of the Vedas. For example, modern nuclear weapons use gross chemicals to cause destruction, whereas the Vedic ''brahmāstra'' was deployed through the subtle science of mantra (sound vibration), offering far greater precision and power. Similarly, while moderns use machines to fly or communicate, Vedic yogis could travel through space or hear distant sounds through the cultivation of subtle energies, without the need for cumbersome external machinery. | While modern technology is impressive, it operates primarily on the gross material platform. Śrīla Prabhupāda contrasts this with the subtle science of the ''Vedas''. For example, modern nuclear weapons use gross chemicals to cause destruction, whereas the Vedic ''brahmāstra'' was deployed through the subtle science of ''mantra'' (sound vibration), offering far greater precision and power. Similarly, while moderns use machines to fly or communicate, Vedic ''yogis'' could travel through space or hear distant sounds through the cultivation of subtle energies, without the need for cumbersome external machinery. | ||
* [[Vaniquotes:We have discussed about brahmastra. It is almost similar to the modern nuclear weapon or bomb, but it is made with chemicals, but this brahmastra is made of mantra. That is the subtle way. Modern science has not reached to that point of subtle existence|We have discussed about brahmastra. It is almost similar to the modern nuclear weapon or bomb, but it is made with chemicals, but this brahmastra is made of mantra. That is the subtle way. Modern science has not reached to that point of subtle existence.]] | * [[Vaniquotes:We have discussed about brahmastra. It is almost similar to the modern nuclear weapon or bomb, but it is made with chemicals, but this brahmastra is made of mantra. That is the subtle way. Modern science has not reached to that point of subtle existence|We have discussed about brahmastra. It is almost similar to the modern nuclear weapon or bomb, but it is made with chemicals, but this brahmastra is made of mantra. That is the subtle way. Modern science has not reached to that point of subtle existence.]] | ||
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* [[Vaniquotes:In modern science they are trying to combat all the material obstacles, but here is the main obstacle. That nobody wants to die but there is death|In modern science they are trying to combat all the material obstacles, but here is the main obstacle. That nobody wants to die but there is death.]] | * [[Vaniquotes:In modern science they are trying to combat all the material obstacles, but here is the main obstacle. That nobody wants to die but there is death|In modern science they are trying to combat all the material obstacles, but here is the main obstacle. That nobody wants to die but there is death.]] | ||
* [[Vaniquotes:Modern medical science has not yet discovered how to bring a dead body back to life or bring youthful energy to an old body|Modern medical science has not yet discovered how to bring a dead body back to life or bring youthful energy to an old body.]] | * [[Vaniquotes:Modern medical science has not yet discovered how to bring a dead body back to life or bring youthful energy to an old body, but from here we can understand that such treatment is possible if one is able to take knowledge from the Vedic information|Modern medical science has not yet discovered how to bring a dead body back to life or bring youthful energy to an old body, but from here we can understand that such treatment is possible if one is able to take knowledge from the Vedic information.]] | ||
=== Conclusion === | === Conclusion === | ||
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(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]]) | (See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]]) | ||
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]] | |||
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Revision as of 07:09, 20 January 2026
Modern science is often hailed as the supreme authority on reality, yet from the Vedic perspective, it is fraught with severe limitations. Śrīla Prabhupāda critiques modern science not for its observations of matter, but for its profound ignorance of the spirit. By focusing exclusively on the gross material elements, scientists have created an "imperfect, godless civilization" that can describe the mechanics of the universe but not its purpose or its origin. While acknowledging parallels between atomic theory and Vedic physics, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that without understanding the soul and the Supreme Lord, scientific knowledge remains incomplete and ultimately unable to solve the real problems of life: birth, death, old age, and disease.
Illusion of Creating Life
A central point of contention is the origin of life. Modern science posits that life arose from a combination of chemicals, a theory Śrīla Prabhupāda dismisses as "nonsense." He challenges scientists to produce even a simple living being, like an ant or a mosquito, in their laboratories if life is indeed merely chemical. Because they cannot do so, their claim to control the laws of nature is baseless. Life comes from life, not matter.
- In the embryo, the living entity is present in an undeveloped stage. The modern scientific theory that life is a combination of chemicals is nonsense; scientists cannot manufacture living beings, even like those born from eggs.
- Source is abhijna, cognizant. Matter is not cognizant; therefore the theory of modern science that life comes from matter is incorrect.
Gross vs. Subtle Technology
While modern technology is impressive, it operates primarily on the gross material platform. Śrīla Prabhupāda contrasts this with the subtle science of the Vedas. For example, modern nuclear weapons use gross chemicals to cause destruction, whereas the Vedic brahmāstra was deployed through the subtle science of mantra (sound vibration), offering far greater precision and power. Similarly, while moderns use machines to fly or communicate, Vedic yogis could travel through space or hear distant sounds through the cultivation of subtle energies, without the need for cumbersome external machinery.
- We have discussed about brahmastra. It is almost similar to the modern nuclear weapon or bomb, but it is made with chemicals, but this brahmastra is made of mantra. That is the subtle way. Modern science has not reached to that point of subtle existence.
- Modern science can communicate using material discoveries such as radio, television and computers, but the science invoked by the austerities of Sri Brahma, the original father of mankind, was still more subtle.
Uncertainty and Changing Theories
Scientific truths are often transient; what is accepted today is discarded tomorrow. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that modern scientific calculations—such as the distance to the sun or the mechanics of space travel—are subject to constant revision. In contrast, Vedic knowledge is received from perfect authority and remains consistent. He questions the validity of scientific claims about the moon and other planets, noting that without the ability to verify these claims personally, the common man is simply accepting the scientists' word on "blind faith."
- Since the moon is so distant, how space vehicles could go there is a doubtful mystery. Modern scientific calculations are subject to one change after another, and therefore they are uncertain. We have to accept the calculations of the Vedic literature.
- The modern science admits that everything is relative. Relative world - according to the body, according to the time. Relative world, not absolute.
Inability to Stop Death
The ultimate failure of modern science is its inability to counteract the fundamental miseries of existence. Scientists may invent medicines or machines, but they cannot stop death. They cannot rejuvenate an old body or bring a dead one back to life. By ignoring the soul, they focus only on the temporary covering, which is destined to perish. Thus, despite all advancements, the death rate remains 100%, and the problem of reincarnation remains unsolved by material methods.
- In modern science they are trying to combat all the material obstacles, but here is the main obstacle. That nobody wants to die but there is death.
- Modern medical science has not yet discovered how to bring a dead body back to life or bring youthful energy to an old body, but from here we can understand that such treatment is possible if one is able to take knowledge from the Vedic information.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda does not reject science entirely but calls for its spiritualization. He asserts that the "topmost science" is Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which includes the knowledge of both matter and spirit. When modern scientific understanding is synthesized with Vedic wisdom, it can help humanity realize that the true purpose of life is not the exploitation of matter, but the realization of the eternal self and its relationship with the Supreme Lord.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Modern Science. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.