Western Scientists and Ancient Rishies

The occidental scientist probes into the workings of external nature and makes startling discoveries  but he is not entirely competent to judge the exact principles pertaining to the finer planes to which the ancients in the orient had access. Modern science is based upon observation and reason. But all human thought is limited in its scope by the all too patent imperfection of the instrument itself,
namely, the human mind. The Rishis of the past were really more modern than modern science and even more scientific than the modern scientist.

Rishis were research students without laboratories doing re-search not with man fashioned apparatus but with the God-given faculty of intuitive mind, rendered subtle by restraint, discipline, regulation and laborious practice (Abhyasa). They dived into the depths or finer planes and discerned inner laws that silently work and govern physical phenomena. It is only intuition that penetrates beyond the mind and perceives more than the micro-scope and the telescope.

To formulate a theory out of observation and experiments is at best a partial approach to Truth. It is not infallible. It is the only direct perception and experience that can impart final authority to any assertion. That the Upanishadic seers were not mere visionaries is proved beyond doubt by the bold call of some of our modern prophets crying: "GO BACK TO THE UPANISHADS."

This trumpet call is not from any ancient anchorite but from the mouths of some of our most  rationalistic, clear headed, practical seers, who had plunged into the vertex of Western life and society and who viewed everything with the impartial and unsparing eye of the ultra-modern reformers.

Thus it is seen that belief in, and the faithful observance of, traditions are necessary and beneficial too. Far from being silly superstition, they are sound regulations to safeguard the well-being of man. This should suffice for man to faithfully adhere to the wise ruling of seers with direct perception and realisation. It is not always to one's advantage to try to find out the why and wherefore of each and everything. Certain things must necessarily be done without questioning.

Source: pgs. 54-55, How to Get Sound Sleep by Swami Sivananda