To us, Sanatanists, Science and religion are not mutually exclusive. As school students we study science for knowledge and study religion for ethical use of that knowledge.But while working on this project we were struck with amazement when we read about Sayana.
Sayana a 14th century Indian Scholar in his commentary on a hymn in the Rig Veda has said " With deep respect I bow to the sun, who travels 2202 yoganas in half a nimeshas". A yogana is about 9 American miles, a nimeshas is about 16/75 of a second. We got our calculators to work on this, 2202 yoganas * 9miles * 75/8 nimeshas = 1,85,794 m.p.s. Basically Sayana is saying that sunlight is traveling at 1,86,000 miles per second. Science tells us that the speed of light is 1,86,000 miles per second. If you can call Sayana's calculation as a wild guess, it is the most amazing coincidence in the history of Science
Darwinism, Evolution, Mandel's selection and Intelligent Design Concept are all attempts to explain what exists.
BUT
'When did the first atom got constructed? When did the first Nucleus, electrons ,neutrons ,Protons decided to get together? When did a molecule appear first?. No cohesive logical or universally acceptable theory has been offered as yet by Scientists.
To us Sanatanists this is no problem because we reach the period of Pre Existence. Vedas tell us that there was nothing in the beginning except the "Brahman" the Creator. Is this the 'Singularity ' principle that Hawkins proposes? From this Oneness burst forth the seeds of myriad forms of matter that fill the universe now... Big Bang Theory?
What today's Science cannot elucidate has been explained in Sanatanists' Faith. Till these convictions in us are shaken by Science we will hold on to the wisdom passed down the ages.
For us young Sanatanists to think in itself is a Quest and that is our contribution to ThinkQuest.
