Delving into the Depths of Spirituality
An Interview With Dr.Shaykher
In this article, we explore the ways renowned cardiologist Dr.Shaykher applies spiritual teachings to his daily life and his perspective on spirituality overall. Our guest is not only a distinguished expert in the field of cardiology but also a passionate advocate for the exploration of Sanatan Dharma and Hindu philosophy. With years of experience in treating cardiovascular patients and a firm belief in the power of spirituality, Dr.Shaykhar offers unique insights that will leave you both curious and inspired.
Hi Dr.Shaykher, it’s a pleasure to talk to you today. Before we start can you introduce yourself?
Certainly. I’m by profession a cardiologist. I’ve spent my whole life studying science but at the same time, over the years, I’ve gotten more interested in spirituality, especially spirituality in Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma. That’s where my interests converge.
Why do you believe others should know about the relationship between science and spirituality? What value does it add to other’s lives?
There is a current perception that truth is closer to science. However, both science and spirituality seek truth, albeit on different planes (one in the physical plane and one in the metaphysical). Understanding this relationship enhances our understanding of existence and provides a more holistic view of reality.
I believe many people struggle to grasp spirituality because it's not tangible. How exactly do you see spirituality manifest in your daily life as a doctor?
First of all, addressing the comment that you just made, spirituality isn't confined to the physical realm; it's about recognizing the intangible aspects of existence. For example, I hope you think I have a mind correct, but can you touch it? Can you hold it? Can you feel it? You could take a human brain and slice it from micron to micron but you still wouldn’t find mind. Then what is the mind? The same concept can be applied to emotions such as love, which we know are very present but we can’t exactly touch or quantify.
Over the years I have come to recognize that although to you I may be this physical body and I have a mind, I also have a soul beyond my body and mind. A soul that is the substrate for the entire cosmos. This cosmic awareness is like an ocean and each one of our awareness is a separate wave. Through spirituality, I have been able to recognize the deeper essence beyond my body and mind. With this knowledge, I am able to have clarity of purpose, resilience, and adaptability in my everyday work and life.
It's fascinating how spirituality transcends the physical. Are there specific spiritual practices you incorporate into your life backed by scientific evidence?
Absolutely. Practices like meditation and yoga have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. They calm down your sympathetic nervous system and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, causing your heart rate to go down, your blood pressure to come down, and your mind to relax. So I find such spiritual practices to be essential and very helpful in sort of balancing my mind and in dealing with the world.
I want to clarify that spirituality doesn't necessarily mean doing some very ritual practices. It is truly, to me, a state of mind when you see that underlying unity brings superficial diversity. By delving into spirituality, we realize our interconnectedness with the universe, fostering compassion and inner peace.
You've mentioned the influence of Hindu philosophy on your spiritual journey. Do you see any parallels between Hindu teachings and modern scientific discoveries?
Indeed. Let me just preface this by saying that when I talk about Hinduism, I'm talking about Sanatan Dharma. Sanatan Dharma (meaning eternal duty) espouses universal, spiritual principles that apply to anyone regardless of their background, color, etc.
Remarkably, ancient Indian rishis intuitively grasped concepts that align with modern scientific understanding. For instance, they recognized the fundamental nature of reality as mostly space, similar to modern concepts in quantum physics where perception shapes our understanding of matter and energy. Additionally, the idea of interconnectedness (echoed in Hindu philosophy) aligns with discoveries like quantum entanglement, where particles can affect each other instantaneously regardless of distance. These insights resonate with current discoveries, bridging the gap between spirituality and science.
In essence, Dr. Shaykher's insights encourage us to explore spirituality alongside scientific inquiry, enriching our lives with profound meaning and understanding. Through practices like meditation and yoga, we can tap into our inherent spirituality, fostering compassion and interconnectedness with the universe. Moreover, his reflections on the parallels between Hindu philosophy and modern science highlight the timeless wisdom embedded in Sanatan Dharma.