Difference between Vedas and Modern Science
Vedas are the sacred texts that originated in ancient India. These texts are composed of ancient Sanskrit literary works and old scriptures that form the basis of Hinduism. These were written in Vedic Sanskrit during Indian Iron age or Vedic Period. The pieces of poetry written in the Vedas are called mantras. Even today these mantras are recited in contemporary Hinduism on some auspicious occasions or religious functions. An organised knowledge of anything that provides reliable results can be termed as science. It was generally called “natural philosophy” in 1800. Unlike Vedas, which are ancient scripts formally written down; science is nothing but logical understanding of any process occurring in the universe.
History
The Vedas are some of the most ancient texts. The origin of these scriptures dates back to 1500-1000 BC. The period is generally called the Vedic period and it spanned some part of Bronze Age and the Iron Age. It was only in the 17th century AD that Sanskrit gained popularity in the West. In the latter half of the nineteenth century the Vedas were translated in English. This was mainly done by Muller in his series named: “Sacred Books from the East”. The term ‘Modern Science’ came into existence in the 17th century Europe. Before this the concept of natural philosophy was dominant. Modern science came up with new laws that tried to explain the working of the entire universe. By the 20th century, science was no longer theoretical and the knowledge was practically implemented which resulted in the rapid rise of technology.
Etymology
Veda is a Sanskrit word which is derived from the root word ‘vid’ meaningknowledge. There is a general misconception that the word ‘Veda’ means a collection of mantras or samhitas from the four Vedas. The word ‘science’ was used in old French and has its Latin origin from the root word scientia. The literal meaning of the word scientia since the middle ages has been ‘recorded and systematic knowledge’. In the 1800s, science was generally used to refer to natural science and word scientist meant a natural philosopher who works systematically. In the 1900s, science was no longer a general term to represent knowledge and it was further categorised into various branches such as medicine, engineering and so on.
Religious Aspect
Although it has become rare in today’s time to see the Vedas being used directly, these texts, nonetheless, form the basis of ‘Sanatana Dharma’followed by Hindus. There are four Vedas, each of which has four parts consisting of hymns, rituals, theologies and philosophies. Science, on the other hand, is generally based on concrete facts rather than faith. History has witnessed various conflicts between science and religion beginning in the period of Galileo.
Summary
Vedas
- Vedas are the sacred texts that originated in ancient India.
- These were written in Vedic Sanskrit during Indian Iron age.
- Veda is a Sanskrit word which is derived from the root word ‘vid’ (knowledge).
- Form the basis of ‘Sanatana Dharma’followed by Hindus.
Modern Science
- The word ‘science’ was used in old French and has a Latin origin from the root scientia.
- In 1900s science was categorised into various branches such as medicine and engineering.
- Science is based on facts rather than faith.
- History has witnessed various conflicts between science and religion right from the period of Galileo, who proposed heliocentric system which faced opposition from Catholic Church.
