Spiritual Challenges of the Day

Summary

Sadhvi Dr Yogakshem Prabha’s short communication reflects on the moral and spiritual crises facing humanity in the age of science. She notes that modern civilisation has become preoccupied with technological achievement and material prosperity, leaving little room for inner development. Science is necessary for comfort and progress but cannot by itself bring peace or resolve the existential tensions that plague society. The article emphasises that two basic factors sustain human life: spirituality and morality. Spirituality has eternal value, whereas morality is rooted in time and place. According to the author, people today neglect values like tolerance, patience, self‑confidence, self‑restraint, emotional balance, self‑analysis, love and brotherhood. The resulting vacuum has allowed social problems such as violence, terrorism, addiction, secessionism and corruption to multiply. Although India has made remarkable strides in economics, industry and technology since independence, those material successes have not reduced crime or moral decay. Yogakshem Prabha argues that the root cause of many social ills is uncontrolled desire and attachment to material goods. Violence and crime arise when individuals are unable to manage their emotions and are driven by greed. To counter this, she advocates training in non‑violence (ahiṃsā), which involves controlling emotions and adopting a new lifestyle. Echoing the teachings of Acharya Mahāprajña, she suggests the practice of Prekṣā Meditation—a meditative technique that combines awareness of breathing, bodily sensations and mental states—as a readymade, scientifically based formula to restore health and mental equilibrium. The communication suggests that science and spirituality must be synchronised if humankind is to overcome the psychological, social and ecological challenges of the twenty‑first century. Without peace and tranquillity all technological achievements are ultimately hollow. Spiritual training, moral discipline and programmes like Prekṣā Meditation can help individuals transform themselves, leading to a more harmonious society.