Science on Superstition

 By Barada Das

 CUTTACK , SEP 29 : In our society, we accept certain things without question. These matters may be due to ignorance, tradition, religious dogma or social believes. The present society is based on knowledge. It is not possible to accept certain things without question. The modern thinking is based upon analysis, synthesis and experimental findings. If somebody says, Ravan had 10 heads; the present society will not reject it nor accept it. There will be discussion on it.

The first thing, that comes to our mind is, was Ravana a unique creature like that or there were more of such beings. Again, had Ravan this stock of heads from birth or the extra heads were added to his structure later on? As per scriptures Ravan was in Srilanka. Digging of different archeological sights in Srilanka and other places of the earth has not shown any trace of such a monster.

The scientists have made different research on the point and are not of a conclusion that, such a person is ever possible. In a different prospective, the description of Ravan may be a literary one. He may be a person with extra ordinary quality. He might have IQ ten times of an average man. It is said that Julius Scissor could do 3 works at a time. He could give detection to a person, converse with a person and write things simultaneously.

The case of Ravan is not an isolated case. Examples are many in this matter but the answers  are limited, at the same time. Thinkers’ Club took an opportunity to discuss on such controversial topics in its 136th webinar over the Zoom Platform. Sri Sahadeb Patra, Swami Shyamananda from Hrishikesh, Professor B.Ramachandra, Dr Nanda Nandan Das, Prof Umasankar Misra, Subash Pattanaik, Balmiki Nayak took active part in the discussions made. Barada Prasanna Das, the President of the Club moderated the meet.

There was primary focus on the yuga division of time. As per our scriptures there are 4 yugas. Satya, Tretaya, Dwapar and Kali. The present time is end of the Kali yuga. After this there will be great devastation and the universe will be rebuilt. The media is full of such news. The learned participants were of opinion that, this classification of yuga is a segregation of time.

The time span given in the holy books may be an exaggeration or in a scale different from the present measure of time. We have recorded history nearly for 10 years. Prior to that, we start our history from the monolithic period. That is the old stone age.

There is a gross mismatch of the time quoted in the scriptures and actual time. There is no indication somewhere from which we can infer that the present civilization will be destroyed and some new society will emerge. These are all wild guess and imaginary apprehensions. If there will be such mass scale destruction by nature, it can’t be stopped and no prevention is possible. There is no definite answer to the point that the Satya Yuga will start.

Another vital discussion was on Solar and Lunar eclipses.  The media say that, there are some catastrophes in the matter. This apprehension is purely imaginary. No danger is associated with the period. The earth and moon are both moving objects in the space. Sun is the source of light. Depending on their relative positions eclipses occur. The movements are such regular and predictable that, it can be calculated mathematically in advance. The eclipses do not represent any peril, misfortune and ill omen. The educated people should protest such unscientific statements.

The discussions were lively. The intellectuals enjoyed the deliberations. They were of the opinion that, such serious discussions sharpen our thought process and enhance our knowledge of understanding of the universe. They expected more of such discussions in future.

It was proposed to discuss on the mysteries of life in the forthcoming meet. The meeting ended with the customary vote of thanks.