A New Moral Outlook Can Save Humanity
By Swami Chidananda
The spirituality of the Upanishads, called the science of human possibilities by Julian Huxley, asks us to go for an intellect upon which the light of ātman (the Pure Self) shines. Such an intellect can save humanity from moving in the dangerous direction of exploiting nature. The great thinker Bertrand Russel observed1, “Man has been disciplined hitherto by his subjection to nature. Having emancipated himself from this subjection, he is showing something of the defects of slave-turned-master. A new moral outlook is called for in which submission to the powers of nature is replaced by respect for what is best in man.”
We would say such an outlook is possible if we have the intellect as described in the mantra line: (That) is seen by a sharp and subtle intellect, by people who can look beyond gross (benefits).
drishyate tu agryayā buddhyā sookshmayā sookshma-darshibhih
Kathopanishad 1.3.12
An intellect that lacks the subtlety referred to above settles for an insensitive and unfair treatment of nature. “The intellect on which the light of ātman shines is far different from the intellect which is in thrall to the sense organs,” says2 Swāmi Ranganāthānanda.
May we aspire for a refined intellect, which respects nature, and recognizes what is best in man.
Notes:
- The Scientific Outlook, pages 278-279
- The Charm and Power of the Upanishads, page 52