Go beyond science, into the region of metaphysics. Real religion

In the deep currents of human existence, where the soul seeks meaning beyond the limits of material knowledge, Swami Sivananda’s words call us to a higher realm of understanding: "Go beyond science, into the region of metaphysics. Real religion is beyond argument. It can only be lived both inwardly and outwardly." These words echo a profound truth that has been felt by sages and philosophers throughout history—that true religion is not a matter of intellectual debate or empirical evidence, but of experience and inner transformation. Just as the greatest of spiritual teachings are beyond the scope of science to prove or disprove, so too is the essence of religion found not in what we argue or dissect, but in the way we live and embody our deepest beliefs.

Science, with its rigorous pursuit of facts, aims to explain the physical world—how things work, what can be measured, observed, and tested. And yet, there are realms that science cannot touch, areas of human experience that cannot be quantified or reduced to simple cause and effect. These are the realms of metaphysics, the study of being, existence, and the nature of the soul. Sivananda invites us to go beyond the material world and dive into these deeper waters, where we are not concerned with the scientific method, but with the spiritual quest for truth, enlightenment, and inner peace. Religion, in this light, is not a set of doctrines or philosophies to be debated, but a living experience that transcends the intellect and speaks directly to the heart.

The ancients understood this distinction well. The Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, sought not only to understand the physical world but also to explore the realm of the divine and the ethereal. Plato in his Republic speaks of the philosopher’s journey beyond the world of shadows to the realm of pure forms—where the soul encounters the truth that cannot be grasped through physical senses but through deep intellectual and spiritual insight. Yet, as much as philosophy can illuminate the nature of reality, it is the lived experience—the inner journey of the soul—that brings true wisdom. Sivananda, much like Plato, urges us to go beyond the realm of theoretical knowledge and engage with life through the lens of spiritual experience.

Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi, a modern example of someone who embodied the principles of inner and outer religion in a way that transcended intellectual argument. Gandhi, deeply influenced by his Hindu faith, lived a life of ahimsa (nonviolence) and truth, not as abstract principles, but as daily practices. His commitment to nonviolence was not merely a theoretical stance but a lived reality, guiding his every action in the struggle for Indian independence. He did not engage in endless debates about the nature of spirituality; instead, he lived it in the simplest and most profound ways, through acts of service, humility, and love. Gandhi’s life demonstrates how religion, in its highest form, is not something to be argued or explained away, but something to be embodied through action, both inwardly in the heart and outwardly in the world.

Sivananda’s call to live religion both inwardly and outwardly is not simply about performing rituals or following rules; it is about aligning one’s inner being with one’s actions in the world. The true essence of religion is not found in dogma or doctrine, but in the deep alignment between what we believe and how we live. Jesus, in his teachings, spoke of the importance of living the truth in daily life, saying, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” It is in the embodiment of spiritual principles—love, compassion, kindness, and forgiveness—that the religion comes to life. It is not enough to speak of faith; we must live it, breathe it, and share it with others.

The lesson of Sivananda’s words is that religion is not something to be confined to books, temples, or intellectual discussions. It is not a theory to be proven, but a reality to be experienced. To truly know spiritual truth, one must move beyond argumentation and enter into the realm of experience—both inwardly through meditation, prayer, and contemplation, and outwardly through selfless action and service. Religion in its purest form is not an intellectual pursuit but a transformative journey of the soul that changes the way we see the world and how we interact with others.

In our own lives, let us heed the call to live religion both inwardly and outwardly. Let us practice what we believe, not in theory, but in every interaction, every decision, and every act of kindness. Whether through meditation, service, or simply being present with others, we can bring the divine into our daily lives. Spirituality is not confined to a moment of prayer or a sacred text—it is the way we live, the way we treat others, and the way we align our inner being with our actions in the world. Live the truth you seek, and in doing so, you will find a deeper connection to the divine, one that is not bound by the limits of intellect, but rooted in the heart.