Perhaps controversial. Or radical. To me, a logical conclusion.
Knowledge about the universe we inhabit in, is not optional.
Knowledge of the known universe and how far we have come to know and understand it, is our birth right. It cannot be replaced by metaphysics of ancient texts.
I’m not proposing we replace ancient metaphysics with science, I’m asking to simply not deny monks and nuns/seekers at monasteries, churches and ashrams, any spiritual organisations the right to know how far scientists have come in understanding the physical world this body inhabits.
Science. The Cosmos. It is our birth right to have access to that knowledge.
Science is that one thing that can keep a seeker of truth grounded. Whether there are 7 hells or 5 hells doesn’t really help much in the path to truth. Why not learn about the universe before we delve into metaphysics?
The irony of convincing a seeker of truth to read a science book and say “Come on, it’s harmless, can’t go wrong” in the 21st century.
I recommend this book or any book that explores the subject matter of Brian Greene’s ‘Fabric of the Cosmos.” Of all the popular science books I’ve read over the years, this one I come back to again and again whenever I need clarity on a topic or need to remember a concept. Any popular science book will do.
Don’t know when us humans will be evolved enough to recognise the importance of science in ‘spiritual organisation’. I’m not exactly optimistic here.
The irony of starting with metaphysics. The absurdity.
A seeker is being asked to just accept without evidence the existence of reincarnation, afterlife etc. I don’t need to accept it blindly.
What is a seeker of truth?
Simply one who wants truth, one who asks is it possible to know the ultimate truth at all? whether answers to ultimate questions to life can exist at all? Whether we can arrive at ‘it’ at all?
One tests each hypothesis at one’s laboratory. One Observes one’s mind continually. Always alert and vigilant.
I can guarantee you, no enlightened master will say that knowing about details of the afterlife is more important than the inner discipline and practicing virtue.
Quoting Lord Buddha (I did not have to, but I will quote him anyway) “The important thing is to get rid of the arrow, not to enquire where it came from.”
I rest my case.
Inner discipline is far more important than metaphysical speculation and discussions. You cannot deny that.
Inner discipline combined with grounded realism about the universe will do you far better.