Sikh History

Question 27: How is Sikhism reacting towards modern science?

Sikhism is basically a religion of action and human freedom. It is rational and based on moral laws which no science has ever challenged. However much science develops man will still require morality to lead a happy life. Ritualism and formalism suffer owing to the scientific approach of the modern mind to human understanding; and Sikhism is free from them. Another important feature of modern society is its tendency towards democratic and socialistic pattern of life. Sikhism is based on democracy instituted by Guru Gobind Singh at the time of starting the baptismal ceremony. He also demonstrated that his five democrats had the authority to order even him. Modern democracy is similarly responsible to the electorate. Furthermore Sikhism seeks social equality through its philosophy of a classless and casteless society and its institution of the Langar. The Sikh Gurus were not scientists but the ideas expressed by them in the Holy Granth find full support from modern science. "There are millions of moons and suns and many solar systems like ours" said Guru Nanak and modern science has confirmed this beyond doubt. "Na kichh aibo na jaibo, Ram ki dohai re" Nothing comes and goes; Believes me it is the divine law." (Bhagat Pipa-Guru Granth Sahib) This idea has its echo in the law of indestructibility of matter and energy in our modern science. "Jo brahmande soi pinde" "Whatever is in the universe, is in the matter." (Guru Granth Sahib) In order to see how this idea has been discovered and explained by modern science the reader is recommended to read "Vishav Pariche" written by Dr. Rabindra Nath Tagore. Examples can be multiplied ad infinitum. Modern Science is therefore complementary to Sikhism and is in no way opposed to it.