By – Deva Narayan

12th August 2024: One of the oldest religions in the world, Hinduism, is made up of a variety of different religious beliefs and practices. It originated near the Indus Valley Civilization in what is now modern-day Pakistan. The following information will introduce you to what science has uncovered about this ancient practice over time.

Surface Science
Hinduism has many sacred texts, but the Vedas and Upanishads are the forerunners of all other Hindu writings. In these ancient texts, you will find a remarkable store of knowledge in fields such as mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, and medicine that was only duplicated on Earth long after their easy availability to anyone who might have come up with it. Composed over 3,000 years ago,—long before we had any written language at all except when papyrus scrolls were used by the footloose philosophers of ancient Greece—the Rigveda alone contains more than 1,000 verses (out of an estimated 10 million) based upon direct perception or observation—perfectly recorded data that have only recently been rediscovered by modern science.

Mathematics also has its origins in ancient Hindu scriptures. Indian mathematician Brahmagupta was the first to write about the concept of zero in the 7th century, an idea that is basic to modern mathematics. The decimal system as well, had its genesis in India and was transmitted to the West by Arab scholars. This basic framework of mathematics has helped develop science and technology.

Ayurveda and Modern Medicine
Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in Hindu culture, is a model of holistic health that has also characterized Hinduism. This perennial wisdom, which is more than 5,000 years old, maintains that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit. The primary goal of Ayurveda is to maintain health through prevention by living a healthy lifestyle—which includes diet —and using natural herbs as medicine when needed.

In recent times, Ayurveda has become popular in the sphere of alternative medicine and many scientific studies have been undertaken to analyze the usefulness of Ayurvedic treatments and their compatibility with modern medical practices. Turmeric, which is extensively used in Ayurveda, has also been tested for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties among others. Intersections such as these between ancient knowledge and contemporary research only help to highlight how relevant Hindu health practices are even today.

Quantum Physics and Vedanta
Perhaps the deepest areas of commonality between Hinduism and modern science are to be found in the arena of quantum physics. Many of the concepts concerning the nature of physical reality—ranging from the particle/wave duality and the probabilistic nature of observations to more arcane features like nonlocality—may be shown, says a particular school of Hindu philosophy known as Vedanta, to have their counterpart in certain ancient writings called “Vedas” which teach that the ultimate reality is an all-pervading, undifferentiated consciousness called Brahman.

The correlation between Hinduism and science is a testament to the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in the modern world. From the foundational principles of mathematics to the holistic practices of Ayurveda and yoga, Hindu philosophy continues to intersect with and enrich scientific inquiry. As we explore these connections, we gain a deeper appreciation for the profound insights that Hinduism offers into the nature of reality, health, and the universe. This ongoing dialogue between science and spirituality broadens our understanding and fosters a more integrated and holistic approach to knowledge and well-being.