Week 8 - Charles Miin
It is interesting to read Shahjahan's account of his discussion with his Dada Bhai, who characteristically embodies the "Old World" transactional perspective in which life was a gift from a god, higher powers above and we are simply gracious recipients who worship in return. Shahjahan on the other hand is a prolific traveler, researcher, and a student of the "West" or Western European and American societies. And while I agree with Shahjahan's observation that "Other" views such as that of his Dada Bhai and many others of different faiths are marginalized in the name of science. And while I myself am a simple undergraduate student of science, I can't help but find it odd that while I can understnad this perspective, I don't necessarily consider it to be true. Of all the institutions I've worked in, whether in research, academia, and medicine in my college career, I have never felt a sense of disapproval or rejection of "Other" beliefs. And while I can see how that itself may become a point of argument, I'll be quick in saying that the absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence. I use this phrase to convey that I believe the simple fact that to say that other beliefs are suppressed simply because they are not found is at least somewhat misleading.
When Shahjahan quotes Nasr in saying "In essence, therefore everything is scared and nothing profane because everything bears with itself the fragrance of the Divine" and describes how this fragrance calms him and keeps him grounded it allows me to draw a parallel. While I believe that the Divine in this case refers to Allah, which stands to be a categorical difference, this statement is very similar to how a Taoist would describe the Tao or the "Way." The duality of nature, of the universe is found in the Tao which is found in all things can be said that everything of the universe is connected to the Tao. It is the person who seeks harmony with the Way that achieves minimal friction and contentment in their life. And while the Tao decisively does not ascribe to a higher power or god, it is fascinating to draw these parallels with two faiths that few would jump to compare.
Finally, I understand the point that Shahjahan wishes to make. The rigidity of the system currently in place in Western academia and science has an infrastructure that necessitates the conformity of all participants. Studies and methodology must fall within the paradigm of established axioms and guidelines to have any inkling of a chance for success. Those who abandon any misaligned views and fall in line with the mainstream will inevitably be chosen far more than those who seek to turn the tide. This then begs the question of the possibility of scientific progress and spiritual connection being able to coexist. I believe so, as in my personal experience which is not necessarily spiritual but infinitely spatial nonetheless, I find that I am able to coexist. And while I do not believe my case to be the standard, or the norm, I believe mine to be a case for possibility.
Will it ever be possible for people of all faiths will be able to coexist with the hierarchical, progress-dominated mentality of Western society? Why or why not?
Works Cited
When Shahjahan quotes Nasr in saying "In essence, therefore everything is scared and nothing profane because everything bears with itself the fragrance of the Divine" and describes how this fragrance calms him and keeps him grounded it allows me to draw a parallel. While I believe that the Divine in this case refers to Allah, which stands to be a categorical difference, this statement is very similar to how a Taoist would describe the Tao or the "Way." The duality of nature, of the universe is found in the Tao which is found in all things can be said that everything of the universe is connected to the Tao. It is the person who seeks harmony with the Way that achieves minimal friction and contentment in their life. And while the Tao decisively does not ascribe to a higher power or god, it is fascinating to draw these parallels with two faiths that few would jump to compare.
Finally, I understand the point that Shahjahan wishes to make. The rigidity of the system currently in place in Western academia and science has an infrastructure that necessitates the conformity of all participants. Studies and methodology must fall within the paradigm of established axioms and guidelines to have any inkling of a chance for success. Those who abandon any misaligned views and fall in line with the mainstream will inevitably be chosen far more than those who seek to turn the tide. This then begs the question of the possibility of scientific progress and spiritual connection being able to coexist. I believe so, as in my personal experience which is not necessarily spiritual but infinitely spatial nonetheless, I find that I am able to coexist. And while I do not believe my case to be the standard, or the norm, I believe mine to be a case for possibility.
Will it ever be possible for people of all faiths will be able to coexist with the hierarchical, progress-dominated mentality of Western society? Why or why not?
Works Cited
Shahjahan, R. A. (2005). Spirituality in the academy: Reclaiming from the margins and
evoking a transformative way of knowing the world. International Journal of Qualitative
Studies in Education, 18(6), 685-711.
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