The recent news of India’s successful mission to send a machine to the moon has ignited a wave of patriotic pride within the nation. This enthusiasm draws a parallel with the fervor seen in the United States during 1969 when the Apollo 11 mission marked the historic achievement of landing the first man on the moon. However, amidst this celebration of technological achievement, there are voices that echo the sentiments of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), who questioned the feasibility of such expeditions in light of Vedic beliefs.
Vedic Cosmology and Lunar Travel
Srila Prabhupada, a proponent of Vedic teachings, posited that according to ancient scriptures, the moon planet exists above the sun planet at a distance of 1,600,000 miles. This belief is rooted in the Vedic concept of cosmology, which is in stark contrast to the understanding of modern science. The contention arises when attempting to reconcile these differing perspectives.
Prabhupada raised questions about the plausibility of covering such vast distances in a short span of time. According to Vedic principles, even traveling at a speed of 18,000 miles per hour, it would take over six months to reach the moon, making it seemingly impossible to accomplish in a matter of days, as was announced during the lunar missions. This incongruity highlights the divide between scientific advancements and traditional spiritual beliefs.
Vedic Framework and Lunar Worship
The teachings of Srila Prabhupada emphasize deriving knowledge from Vedic scriptures, asserting that any knowledge conflicting with Vedic principles should be rejected. According to Vedic scriptures, one can approach moon or any planet by engaging in pious activities. In Vedic thought, one must engage in specific worship of a particular deity of a planet to ascend to different planetary systems, including the moon.
This aligns with the concept presented in the Bhagavad Gita, where it is stated that those who worship different demigods are promoted to their respective planets. Similarly, individuals who focus their worship on the Supreme Lord reach the supreme planet. According to Vedic scriptures, the moon is a heavenly planet accessible to those who have performed pious activities according to Vedic rituals.
Scientific Progress vs. Spiritual Purity
The dissonance between modern scientific achievements and Vedic beliefs raises an essential question: Is the pursuit of scientific progress incompatible with spiritual purity? The advancements made by space agencies like NASA and ISRO are founded on empirical evidence, experimentation, and technological innovation. These achievements often challenge traditional religious narratives, leading to complex debates. There are also sufficient questions raised regarding the authenticity of Appollo landing on the moon like the American flag fluttering, the shadows in the wrong direction, footprints etc. But for a patriotic American these points of logic don’t matter. Similar is the situation of a patriotic Indian today for whom all logic and adherence to the Vedic scriptures that their ancestors accepted since thousands of years as reference don’t matter anymore because it is all superimposed by their patriotic emotions.
However, for believers in Vedic principles, the material pursuit of celestial bodies may seem futile. The notion that heavenly planets can only be accessed through pious actions and adherence to Vedic rituals adds a layer of skepticism to the practicality of space travel. The paradox lies in the delicate balance between advancing human knowledge and respecting age-old spiritual convictions.
The Call for Priorities
The contrasting viewpoints of scientific exploration and spiritual adherence raise questions about societal priorities. While the pursuit of knowledge and discovery is essential for human progress, it is equally important to consider the allocation of resources and efforts. Some argue that in a nation like India, where spiritual teachings and values have deep roots, a substantial investment in space exploration might be better directed toward addressing pressing socio-economic challenges.
US has also given up moon expiditions
Even if for arguments sake we accept that we have reached the moon, we can see that since 1969 US claims to have put many astronauts on the moon. After 60+ years why has three been any advancement towards taking advantage of this in terms of trying to stay there or getting resources from there etc? That was over of the main purpose of these expiditions, right? USA claims that the whole area is uninhabitable and the endeavour to do something itself is very costly. After USA has already tried and concluded this, does it make sense for Indians to further waste millions of dollars in this futile effort? Can this money not be used for better purposes?
Conclusion
The intersection of scientific advancement and traditional spiritual beliefs is a thought-provoking arena that challenges our perceptions of the universe and our place within it. The case of India’s lunar mission serves as a microcosm of this larger debate, inviting us to contemplate the harmony between technological achievement and spiritual understanding.
As we navigate this complex terrain, it becomes evident that the pursuit of knowledge need not be at odds with spiritual beliefs. Instead, it can be an opportunity to explore the interconnectedness of all things and gain a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of the universe.
The special essence of being Indian lies in the innate understanding of spirituality and the recognition of Krishna as the supreme personality of Godhead. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s profound guidance echoes that Indians should not only seek personal spiritual perfection but also share this transformative gift with others. Srila Prabhupada’s life and mission stand as a testament to this principle, having successfully disseminated spirituality to people across the globe through the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
This dissemination of spiritual knowledge is the prime duty of an Indian. Instead of expending vast sums on ambitious yet uncertain space endeavors, a redirection of these resources towards nurturing and proliferating spiritual wisdom might hold the key to a more enlightened and harmonious society.
Ultimately, the divergence between Vedic cosmology and lunar exploration serves as a reminder that human endeavors, whether scientific or spiritual, are driven by an innate curiosity to explore the unknown. By blending the wisdom of ancient spirituality with the advancements of modern science, India can carve a unique path forward that encompasses both material progress and spiritual growth.
The book “Easy Journey to other planets” by HDG A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada gives a detailed logical explanation on this topic presenting the Vedic perspective on this topic. Requesting readers of this article to kindly read the same.
By Rama Aprameya dasa