This document discusses the relationship between rationality, religion, and defining what is "good". It argues that science and technology focus only on solving physical problems and increasing comfort, but do not address deeper human values. Religions try to answer this but cannot provide perfect guidance. Rationalists and religious people also struggle to understand each other due to differences in how the brain processes information. A holistic approach is needed that uses both rational and religious thinking to define "good" in a way that rejuvenates and inspires people. Repeating names of God (Namasmarn) is presented as one way to achieve this holistic perspective.

1. STRESS
RELIGION
AND
RATIONALITY
DR.
SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR

2. In one of the interviews; a rationalist said
that the discoveries of science should be
used for “good” purpose!
The obvious question; “How to define
what is good?” was however not asked!
The science and technology reduce the
discomfort in every walk of life (excepting
in case of frauds and errors) and thus add
to our comfort and pleasure (though
temporarily). So, the meaning of “good”
for science is; anything that can increase
comforts and pleasures; resulting from
and dependent on material surroundings.
However, is this “good” enough?
Can such a “good” purpose be really good
for the whole mankind and the other
inhabitants of the world? Is the depth of
human life only this much? Is not there
any place for values such as freedom,
unity, harmony, love, tolerance, mutual

3. respect, justice, openness, fearlessness
and so on?
To this question; the science and
technology DO NOT address, though the
“rationalists” do try to voice their (ad hoc
and subjective) views; about what is
“good” and what is “bad”! This is
because; the science and technology were
not adequately applied to address the
human values and the value crises that
produce universal stress! They were
largely restricted to solution of physical
problems.
The religions (and ethics, ideologies,
philosophies and other creative literature)
have addressed this question and tried to
answer it; with some degree of accuracy
and some degree of acceptability, even
though NO written text as such; can guide
the whole mankind completely i.e. in
every issue and at every moment; with

4. hundred per cent accuracy. The answers
provided were largely egalitarian and
driven emotionally without going to the
root of the problems with the use of right
brain! The solutions to human problems
were largely in the form of
commandments for organized, disciplined
and orderly behavior and charity.
The problem of rationalists (driven
predominantly by left cerebral cortex)
and religious (driven predominantly by
right cerebral cortex); is that they do not
have the anatomical and physiological
foundation to understand, grasp and
appreciate the point of the other.
On this background it would be easy to
understand, why even as most of the
solutions to the isolated physical problems
of the mankind; are known to many
people; there is NO motivation and
correct direction to provide solutions!

5. This is often referred to as lack of
political will! Thus there is only high
activity of left brain; with the right brain
being silent.
In contrast; there are many religious
people emotionally charged and
motivated for service (thus engaged in
philanthropic activities), but do not have
correct perspective for solutions; because
of the high activity of right brain; with
left brain being redundant.
Hence from time immemorial there have
been efforts to evolve and unite these two
sides of mankind, through simultaneous;
scientific (rational) and religious
(conscientious); thinking, using both sides
of brain! This is holistic approach to get
the answer to; “What is the definition of
good?” Thus “good” is that; which
rejuvenates, revitalizes, inspires,
empowers, unites, harmonizes, fulfills;

6. and enables every one for self realization
i.e. true freedom, through
NAMASMARAN, (besides other
techniques and ways for self
development)!
Rationality and religions (left and right
brain) are two inevitable and inseparable
parts of our life. The ills and evils present
in each in isolation; can be eradicated
through holistic perspective, thinking,
feelings and actions and blossoming from
inside and outside can be ushered in!
This is exactly what is embodied in the
practice of NAMASMARAN!