Hi, I am Raju, a Hindu by birth, a mathematician and scientist by education, and a Vedantin by association. My website Mathematics of Spirituality has a little bit more about my background and also provides the general context for this blog. The purpose of this blog is to discuss the possibility and utility of teaching spirituality to young adults in schools as a part of their science curriculum.
Yes, I did say science and I do expect this basic premise of the blog to be greeted with some incredulity. One may question the need for teaching spirituality in schools and whether a science of spirituality is really possible.
In answer, I intend to underscore the following points in this blog; in the coming weeks, I hope to expand on each point while inviting your constructive comments and views:
- Spirituality is essential for individual happiness and productivity, as well as for societal harmony and welfare.
- The art and science of happiness is seldom taught to children at home or school in any systematic way; the consequent cost to society has been immeasurably huge.
- Religion, it is true, should not be taught in publicly funded schools in a secular, democratic society. But spirituality is not religion.
- There is a science behind spirituality. To cite one example I am familiar with, Vedanta, rooted in practical psychological truths, is a scientific discipline that can be formally taught in schools irrespective of the religious affiliation of the student.
- Spirituality, like modern medicine, can be and should be “evidence-based”. In other words, the practical benefits of spiritual practices should be demonstrable. As an example, the beneficial results of yoga and meditation have been now scientifically documented.
- Considerable opposition from political, religious, and legal institutions to such an educational program is only to be expected. We will need to find effective and constructive ways to win over the opposition.
In initiating this blog, I do not offer myself as an expert in the field qualified to answer any of the questions. My only qualification is that I am very keen on discussing and debating the issues with others who also find this a very important and worthwhile question to explore.
Photo Credit - peiqianlong via Flickr