Taittiriya Upanishad Lecture 122 Summary on 16 September 2026 Q&A

Discussion on Science, Spirituality, and Environmental Responsibility

Question: Is There More Merit in One Approach Than the Other?

Participant: Maharaj, science talks about – it explains the natural phenomena, but it can never point out to the cause. And spirituality points out that the cause is Mother's will. So now there are two people – one is a believer of science, the other is a spiritual person. Both try to take care of their environment in their own ways, and both become unselfish accordingly. So is there more merit to one than the other?

It Is Not About Science vs. Spirituality, But About Attitude

Response (Maharaj): No, it is not the question of science or spirituality. It is a question of one's attitude towards what is called the environment, let us say. So there are many people who say, "If we damage our environment, who will be damaged?"

Participant: Really us.

Response: That means, is he not finding that if I spit into the sky, where will it fall? So if I – that is why there are quite a number of people who respect everything. You know, when the Pope comes, goes to a new foreign country, the first thing he learns is he will bow down and does pranam like us and kisses the earth. You know that. So he is showing respect. God is nourishing, sustaining this. We know this earth. Earth doesn't mean the earth under our feet – the whole atmosphere, climate. We are polluting; it means it is like a person's spitting. Right, looking up into the sky and saying it will fall somewhere. So we are reaping the result. All these El Niño, they call it, and the glaciers that are melting, and then the Nepal floods, etcetera. We are unable to link them with the fury of gods and goddesses who are being neglected.

The Gap Between Knowing and Doing

Response: So most of us – I have to say – we know what is happening, what we should not do. First thing is, we do not do it. We are prepared to do anything.

Simple example: there is a family of three or four, and all of them have got individual cars – four cars. What an environmental disaster it is. Four people polluting the earth. OK, you are reaching – it seems to be there is a great pleasure, not only utility but pleasure in driving fast, etcetera, etcetera. So how much is it worth?

Supposing there is a train – let us imagine it is a good train, good bus, other transportation facilities – and it is not too difficult for us to follow it. Nearby, then how many people do that? Because we are thinking, "That doesn't give me independence. With the car, I can do whatever I like."

Positive Examples: Cycling and Respect for Nature

Response: That's why, especially we see in the West, many people are taking to cycles, bicycles – both exercise, pleasure, and then environmentally there is no pollution at all.

So what am I talking about? That when we are feeling that, we have to treat the atmosphere around us with respect. Why? Because otherwise it will make me a victim of the effects. Is it not?

Participant: Yes.

Response: Ahh. So the person realizes how much damage can be done to one's own self. Let us forget about others. That is the first consideration.

Awareness of Our Own Life and Future Generations

Response: But many people also know that my children are going to grow up, and they will have to pay a heavy price. If we have to pay money to breathe properly, going into oxygen booths – imagine to what a state we have come. So awareness of our life – that is very important.

The Difference Between the Scientist and the Spiritual Aspirant

Response: Let us not bring – a true scientist always knows the truth. Similarly, a spiritual aspirant – only difference is, a scientist uses reason to come to these conclusions. A spiritual person may not be a scientist, may not know the reasons, but he has faith. It is God who created. It is God's creation. Nature is not dumb and dull and jada (Inert); it is nothing but pure spirit manifesting.