SCIENCE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

`Enlightenment' (or `Self-realisation') is a phenomenon which finds frequent mention in the spiritual context, but how far does the existence of such a state tally with modern science? Is it at all scientifically possible for such a state to exist? Can there be life without the ego, a state in which, as the sage Ramana Maharshi said, `the mind is dead'? If so, can a person discharge his normal duties in life in such a state? So far, science has said a solid no to the existence of any such condition. No such state has been described in the text-books of medicine or psychology. Science has been unable to explain a state devoid of the ego, where normal life can contin-ue. But now Nitin Trasi, in his book `THE SCIENCE OF ENLIGHTENMENT' shows how such a state can be fully and most satisfactorily explained in scientific terms - an explanation which he also reconciles with conventional spiritual teachings.

This is a remarkable book in that it gives, perhaps for the very first time, a mystic's own inside account of the phenomena of Enlightenment and Liberation and yet does so in a totally scientific, astoundingly rational way, aided no doubt by the fact that the writer himself is a medical doctor. It defines these phenomena in precise scientific terms, gives a detailed and in-depth psychological description of these states, and tells what actually happens in the mind in the course of these phenomena.

Traditional beliefs are put in a rational per-spective and spiritual terms are explained in a simple but scientific way. The author also dispels many of the myths surrounding these topics, and gives a clear differentiation between states of trance and the state of Liberation. The traditional paths of bhakti, karma and jnana mentioned in Hinduism are elucidated with great clari-ty. The philosophy of different sages and traditions, from Advaita to Buddhism, Sufism to Christianity, Taoism to Zen, Kabir to Krishna-murti, are all perfectly blended into one continuous stream to form a veritable `philosophia perennis.'

Finally, this book gives convincing, practical answers to all the commonly recurring questions of the average spiritual enthusiast (`seeker').

In general, a primer and at the same time a complete ency-clopedia of spirituality, scientifically written, and yet so simply presented that even a spiritual novice can easily make the most of it. A must-read for all researchers in science and religion.