The Yogananda Centre for Theology at Shoolini University organised a webinar on the ‘Science of Spirituality’. The keynote speakers were Prof Makarand Paranjape, Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, and Mr Sunil Sheoran, Entrepreneur, Researcher of Indian Heritage, Management Consultant, Toronto, Canada.
The welcome note was presented by Shoolini University Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla. Shoolini University Chancellor and Patron of the Centre Prof PK Khosla also addressed the audience and shared his vision about the subject.
Delivering his lecture on ‘Life’s dream’, Prof Makarand Paranjape said, “Anubhav se hi parmatama ko paaya ja sakta hai, akshar gyan se kuch nahi ho paayega”. He also shared many stories from the Autobiography of a Yogi and recited a poem written by Paramhansa Yogananda. Appealing to the young minds, he said, though time was infinite but the time to evolve and find the truth was right now, so don’t wait for tomorrow.
Mr Sunil Sheoran delivered his lecture on, ‘Ingredients of a good researcher: courage, critical thinking and content depth’. He focused on Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Bhagavat Gita and Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) teaching. Prof Sheoran further shared that there were unlimited public opinions about spirituality, but we should look for valid knowledge like the Patanjali Yoga Sutra. He shared three ingredients for a good researcher: courage, critical thinking and depth of the content. He also emphasised that for routine day-to-day problems, one shouldn’t use logic at all times, but intuition as well. Though we can understand and solve the problem through our inner voice and sixth sense, this can only be achieved through meditation and by adopting a lifestyle which increases the power of intuition.
The closing remark was presented by Mr Vivek Atray, Chairman YCT. The webinar was coordinated by Dr Prerna Bhardwaj, Coordinator, YCT, with support from Dr Lalit Sharma, Assistant Professor in School of Pharamaceutical Sciences, Mr Sourabh Aggarwal, Assistant Professor in School of Engineering and Technology, Mr Apar Kaushik, Assistant Professor-cum-PhD Scholar, School of Yoga and Theology Centre and Ms Prakrati Garg, Research Associate, PhD Pursuing, Biotechnology. The event was conducted online through Zoom and around 100 students attended the webinar.