The Science of Enlightenment

`Enlightenment' (or `Self-realisation') is a phenomenon which finds frequent mention in the spiritual context, but how far does the existence of such a state tally with modern science? Is it at all scientifically possible for such a state to exist? Can there be life without the ego, a state in which, as the sage Ramana Maharshi said, `the mind is dead'? If so, can a person discharge his normal duties in life in such a state? So far, science has said a solid no to the existence of any such condition. No such state has been described in the text-books of medicine or psychology. Science has been unable to explain a state devoid of the ego, where normal life can contin-ue. But now Nitin Trasi, in his book `THE SCIENCE OF ENLIGHTENMENT' shows how such a state can be fully and most satisfactorily explained in scientific terms - an explanation which he also reconciles with conventional spiritual teachings.

This is a remarkable book in that it gives, perhaps for the very first time, a mystic's own inside account of the phenomena of Enlightenment and Liberation and yet does so in a totally scientific, astoundingly rational way, aided no doubt by the fact that the writer himself is a medical doctor. It defines these phenomena in precise scientific terms, gives a detailed and in-depth psychological description of these states, and tells what actually happens in the mind in the course of these phenomena.

Traditional beliefs are put in a rational per-spective and spiritual terms are explained in a simple but scientific way. The author also dispels many of the myths surrounding these topics, and gives a clear differentiation between states of trance and the state of Liberation. The traditional paths of bhakti, karma and jnana mentioned in Hinduism are elucidated with great clari-ty. The philosophy of different sages and traditions, from Advaita to Buddhism, Sufism to Christianity, Taoism to Zen, Kabir to Krishna-murti, are all perfectly blended into one continuous stream to form a veritable `philosophia perennis.'

Finally, this book gives convincing, practical answers to all the commonly recurring questions of the average spiritual enthusiast (`seeker').

In general, a primer and at the same time a complete ency-clopedia of spirituality, scientifically written, and yet so simply presented that even a spiritual novice can easily make the most of it. A must-read for all researchers in science and religion.

Dr. Nitin Trasi is a practising gynaecologist, with a post-graduate degree in the discipline from the University of Bombay.

The son of an eminent mathematician and theoretical physicist, he has come to be deeply versed in the fundamentals of the new physics. This he combines not only with serious studies of religion and philosophy, but also with profound personal insight, as well as close interaction with several sages, including an over decade-long association and extensive discussions with Sri Ramesh Balsekar - a disciple of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. And, then, with an added gift of felicitous writing, he is ideally qualified to investigate the spiritual phenomena of Enlightenment and Liberation.