Why yogic science is more important than any Vedic technology

Recently in India there has been a pointed debate between modern science and what are called Vedic sciences. Some traditional scholars propose that in ancient Vedic times much of modern science and technology was already known, citing accounts of vimanas or spaceships, suggestions of advanced techniques of surgery or even the use of nuclear weapons. Most modern scientists regard such claims as fanciful and are inclined to use these in order to dismiss the entire corpus of ancient Vedic wisdom.

However, there is one domain in which many people, including a number of scientists, have found the ancient teachings of India to be valuable and possibly far ahead of the existing scientific knowledge. This is in the study of consciousness, which has been examined in great detail in traditional yogic teachings that are still widely followed.

Modern psychology starting under Sigmund Freud tried to keep the study of the mind focused on basic instincts and even tried to reduce art, religion and spirituality to more primitive urges. Yet opposing his views, Freud's colleague CG Jung - drawing inspiration from India, China and yogic traditions - suggested the existence of a higher awareness in the human being. Modern physics also has long been looking for a unitary field of consciousness behind the universe, but remains uncertain as to how to discover and verify it. This is something that the yogic philosophy has long proposed.

If we study yogic texts like the Yoga Sutras, we find clear descriptions of higher states of consciousness or samadhis, in which our powers of perception and awareness can be dramatically increased. Yoga recognises that consciousness pervades all of nature and guides the process of evolution towards an eventual unfolding of a higher awareness within us. Yoga aims to lead us beyond body and mind, time and space, to a universal consciousness, much like the unitary field of consciousness proposed by modern physicists. This may seem to be a tall claim, but yogic methods to develop inner peace and composure have been experienced by millions of people with great benefits.

Buddhist texts similarly outline higher states of awareness that can be gained through meditation, in which the meditator can access greater powers of insight and compassion. The tradition of Tibetan yoga is much like Indian yoga and indicates the same potentials.

Are such higher states of consciousness on a par with an imaginary ancient technology - or do they suggest a deeper understanding of mind than what exists in science today? Recent medical research does show considerable benefits for meditation relative to physical and psychological well-being. This may only be the first stage in validating the ancient science of yoga.

Rather than arguing about ancient technology, examination of consciousness through yoga may be the best way to share India's traditional wisdom and make it more useful for modern science and for modern medicine. Many yoga centres in India and across the world are already conducting important research in this regard, and much more could be done if these endeavours are better supported.

Yet yoga affords a tremendous potential for deeper study not merely in laboratories but also in our own consciousnesses. We can explore it for ourselves and use it for our own well-being, creativity and personal evolution, which many yoga practitioners throughout the world are already doing.

The inner technology of yoga may be the greatest technological gift of India to the world.