So, I was standing on the balcony, watching the blue sky above me and contemplating what lies beyond this place. Even though I knew the answers – that we are part of a galaxy called the Milky Way, within a section known as the solar system, with our planet revolving around a sun (which is essentially a star) – the stars above are nothing but different kinds of suns located light-years away.
At that moment, I understood that my understanding of the universe comes from science and facts, not faith. Sadly, not everyone can think scientifically, even with years of education. I personally question things, but I also deeply respect my country’s culture and dharma. The good thing is that these beliefs of mine haven’t stopped me from thinking scientifically and rationally.
Exploring Parallels: Rig Veda’s Creation Hymn and Scientific Inquiry
Science, through rigorous evidence and logic, seeks to illuminate the world around us. While its theories evolve as new information emerges, it offers the most accurate understanding of reality we currently possess. Its core values lie in factual observations, measurable data, and a healthy dose of skepticism, constantly questioning and refining its findings.
The skeptical spirit that drives scientific inquiry isn’t just a recent invention; it’s woven into the very fabric of our being. Evolution shaped our minds to question, explore, and push beyond the known. This innate curiosity helped us survive and thrive in unpredictable environments, where those who didn’t doubt or didn’t explore new options wouldn’t last. Remarkably, even in one of humanity’s earliest written works, the Rig Veda, we see glimpses of this skeptical spirit. Its hymns whisper of cosmic mysteries, questioning their origins and nature, showcasing a curiosity about the unknown that still drives us today.
नासदासीन्नो सदासीत्तदानीं नासीद्रजो नो व्योमा परो यत् | किमावरीवः कुह कस्य शर्मन्नम्भः किमासीद्गहनं गभीरम् ॥ १॥
Then even non-existence was not there, nor existence,
There was no air then, nor the space beyond it.
What covered it? Where was it? In whose keeping?
Was there then cosmic fluid, in depths unfathomed?
न मृत्युरासीदमृतं न तर्हि न रात्र्या अह्न आसीत्प्रकेतः | आनीदवातं स्वधया तदेकं तस्माद्धान्यन्न परः किञ्चनास ॥२॥
Then there was neither death nor immortality
nor was there then the torch of night and day.
The One breathed windlessly and self-sustaining.
There was that One then, and there was no other.
तम आसीत्तमसा गूहळमग्रे प्रकेतं सलिलं सर्वाऽइदम् | तुच्छ्येनाभ्वपिहितं यदासीत्तपसस्तन्महिनाजायतैकम् ॥३॥
At first, there was only darkness wrapped in darkness.
All this was only unillumined cosmic water.
That One which came to be, enclosed in nothing,
arose at last, born of the power of knowledge.
कामस्तदग्रे समवर्तताधि मनसो रेतः प्रथमं यदासीत् | सतो बन्धुमसति निरविन्दन्हृदि प्रतीष्या कवयो मनीषा ॥४॥
In the beginning, desire descended on it -
that was the primal seed, born of the mind.
The sages who have searched their hearts with wisdom
know that which is, is kin to that which is not.
तिरश्चीनो विततो रश्मिरेषामधः स्विदासीदुपरि स्विदासीत् |
रेतोधा आसन्महिमान आसन्त्स्वधा अवस्तात्प्रयतिः परस्तात् ॥५॥
And they have stretched their cord across the void,
and know what was above, and what was below.
Seminal powers made fertile mighty forces.
Below was strength, and over it was impulse.
को अद्धा वेद क इह प्र वोचत्कुत आजाता कुत इयं विसृष्टिः | अर्वाग्देवा अस्य विसर्जनेनाथा को वेद यत आबभूव ॥६॥
But, after all, who knows, and who can say
When did it all come, and how did creation happen?
the gods themselves are later than creation,
so who knows truly whence it has arisen?
इयं विसृष्टिर्यत आबभूव यदि वा दधे यदि वा न | यो अस्याध्यक्षः परमे व्योमन्त्सो अङ्ग वेद यदि वा न वेद ॥७॥
Whence all creation had its origin,
the creator, whether he fashioned it or whether he did not,
the creator, who surveys it all from the highest heaven,
he knows — or maybe even he does not know.
Rigveda (10.129)
Unlike many creation myths, the Rig Veda’s verses, despite the label “Creation Hymn,” don’t prescribe a specific narrative of the universe’s beginning. Instead, they reflect a shared human wonder – mirrored in 21st-century scientific exploration – about the cosmos’s mysterious birth and unfolding.
Scientific Skepticism
In science, skepticism is a cornerstone of critical thinking, emphasizing rigorous questioning and testing claims through evidence and logic. This approach fosters objectivity and acts as a bulwark against biases in research. Any idea earns approval and becomes part of scientific knowledge only when it successfully withstands rigorous examination, including peer review, experimentation, replication, and critical analysis from diverse perspectives.
Human history is replete with examples of instances where skepticism played a pivotal role, leading to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the dismantling of erroneous beliefs. Here are a few such instances that underscore the profound value of skepticism and its synergy with science.
Earth is the center of the universe:
Many religious faiths, notably Islam and Christianity, have historically asserted the geocentric view, claiming Earth as the central point in the cosmos. The inspiration for this blog stems from my reflections on Islamic perspectives. Gazing at the sky, I realized how such beliefs could be confusing without access to scientific knowledge. However, skepticism, particularly among astronomers like Copernicus and Galileo, challenged the dogma of Earth’s centrality. Despite the risks, these thinkers questioned, observed, and calculated, ultimately dismantling the geocentric view. Their courage not only led to the acceptance of heliocentrism but also reshaped our understanding of the solar system. Their willingness to embrace skepticism, even in the face of potentially fatal consequences, marked a pivotal moment in the history of scientific inquiry.
Human migration:
Since the beginning of civilization, people have always been curious and skeptical. This curiosity and a bit of doubt led our ancestors to move around a lot. When times got tough or they were curious about new places, they didn’t just stay put. In small groups, they went on big adventures—walking across continents or sailing rough seas in simple boats. This restlessness wasn’t just about survival; it was a constant search for something better. This curiosity and desire for more led to many discoveries that changed the way we understand history and the world.
Gravity:
At times, people tend to take many things for granted without questioning or appreciating them. One such phenomenon is gravity—why do things fall to the ground? While many may not ponder this, a few inquisitive minds, including the great Indian thinker Aryabhata (476-550 AD), questioned and explored the mysterious force. In his book, ‘Aryabhatiya,’ he proposed the concept of ‘gurutvakarshan’ (attraction of gravity), suggesting a force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. Centuries later, in the 17th century, Isaac Newton popularized this knowledge, giving it a formal and scientific framework. This breakthrough not only answered the age-old question but also paved the way for numerous other discoveries in the realm of science.
Medical treatment:
Advancements in medical treatments and breakthroughs often emerge from the skeptical minds of individuals. For instance, the development of Germ theory by Louis Pasteur stemmed from positive skepticism. Observing that many diseases were caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, Pasteur’s skepticism led to the discovery of a groundbreaking concept that revolutionized medicine.
On the other hand, the 20th-century practice of Lobotomy, reaching its peak in the mid-20th century, faced scrutiny and eventual rejection due to the skepticism of scientists. This procedure, initially thought to alleviate certain mental health issues, was later proven ineffective and harmful. The skepticism surrounding Lobotomy wasn’t merely a rejection without cause; it played a crucial role in acknowledging that the procedure didn’t address underlying issues but, in fact, created additional problems.
This interplay between skepticism and medical treatments extends to various instances in the history of medicine. Skepticism, when applied constructively, has often guided researchers and clinicians toward more effective and ethical solutions.
Evolution:
Across various religions, the notion that God created all animals has long been a cornerstone belief, sparking curiosity and prompting questions about the origins of diverse species. The limited mention of certain animals in religious texts adds a layer of skepticism, considering the vast array of reptiles, mammals, birds, fishes, and more that aren’t explicitly addressed.
Scientific understanding initially lacked answers to these questions until Charles Darwin entered the scene. With the formulation of his groundbreaking theory of evolution, Darwin introduced the concept of natural selection and the survival of the fittest. This revolutionary idea not only provided a coherent explanation for the diversity of species but also expanded our comprehension of the intricate processes governing life on Earth.
Conclusion
In the vast seas of knowledge, skepticism stands as our compass, guiding the ship of inquiry through uncharted waters. From the cosmic riddles of the Rig Veda to the precision of modern scientific theories, skepticism fuels our quest for understanding.
Whether questioning Earth’s centrality, deciphering the secrets of gravity, or unraveling the mysteries of evolution, skepticism is the driving force. It is the spark that propels us forward, pushing the boundaries of our collective knowledge.
As we gaze at the stars or delve into ancient hymns, let skepticism be our guiding light. In doubt, we find not only the key to progress but also the enduring spirit that propels us toward a deeper understanding of the universe.
