The purpose of civilisation is progress through development and the uplift of the human personality. Materialistic progress is dealt with by science which is space bound and time-bound. But in spiritual progress there are no such limitations since it deals with perennial values. The progress in spiritual plane is basically a path for self-perfection while progress in the material plane is simply a journey towards perfection through material or physical comforts including various kinds of security. The progress in materialistic front often seems to oppose spiritual development. Such an inverse relation is perceived in the history of civilisation.

It is because of this unchangeability and eternal value that Swamiji held this spiritual science in high regard:

‘That science is the greatest which makes us know Him who never changes!’ The science of nature, changeful, evanescent, the world of death, of woe, of misery, may be great, great indeed; but the science of Him who changes not, the Blissful One, where alone is peace, where alone is life eternal, where alone is perfection, where alone all misery ceases—that, according to our ancestors, was the sublimest science of all (3.370).

Swamiji said this on the superiority of spiritual truth: ‘It is infinitely grander and better to know the laws that govern the passions, the feelings, the will, of mankind. … the mainspring of the strength of every race lies in its spirituality, and the death of that race begins the day that spirituality wanes and materialism gains ground’ (2.65). Thus, spirituality is realised by one who practises. It is true everywhere for all times and does not fail the test of time.

Above were excerpts. To read full article in PDF format Part 1 and  Part 2.

Author teaches at the RKM Vivekananda University, Belur Math West Bengal, India.

This article was first published in the November and December 2015 issues of Prabuddha Bharata, monthly journal of The Ramakrishna Order started by Swami Vivekananda in 1896. This article is courtesy and copyright Prabuddha Bharata. I have been reading the Prabuddha Bharata for years and found it enlightening. Cost is Rs 180/ for one year, Rs 475/ for three years, Rs 2100/ for twenty years. To know more http://advaitaashrama.org/pbSubscription