Quest for Immortality

In his book "Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality," Venki Ramakrishnan, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and former president of the Royal Society, explores the reasons behind aging and death, while also raising questions about the potential downsides of significantly extending human lifespans.

Here are some of the reasons Ramakrishnan suggests we might not want to live for hundreds of years:

• Societal Stagnation: A world where people live for centuries could become stagnant. The same individuals holding positions of power for extended periods could hinder innovation and progress. New ideas and perspectives, often driven by younger generations, might be stifled.
• Resource Strain: An increased population with longer lifespans could put a significant strain on resources like food, water, and energy. We might need to completely rethink resource management and distribution to accommodate such a scenario.
• Loss of Meaning: The concept of death gives life meaning and purpose. We strive to achieve goals and make a difference within the limited time we have. Living indefinitely might lead to a loss of motivation and purpose.
• Existential Issues: Imagine witnessing the loss of loved ones over centuries. The emotional toll of repeated grieving could be immense. Additionally, the concept of our own mortality might provide a sense of urgency and focus that would be absent with near-immortality.

It's important to note that Ramakrishnan doesn't advocate against research into aging and longevity. His book explores the potential benefits of such research, like living healthier and more productive lives for longer. However, he emphasizes the importance of considering the potential downsides of significantly extended lifespans before blindly pursuing immortality.

The book encourages a thoughtful discussion about the ethical and societal implications of advances in aging research. It asks us to consider whether living forever is truly desirable, and what kind of world we would want to create if such a future became possible.

A post dated cheque(check):

Scientists have been saying for past 60 years that abmormal longevity is possible. Yet it remains elusive as scientists themselves die.

"All it takes, he believes, is new technology—yet to be created—that can eliminate aging at the cellular level, repair DNA , and reprogram cells for a drastically different aging process. 'My hypothesis is that we have a very complicated set of computerlike programs in our DNA that turn us into an adult human being,' he told Scientific American. 'But maybe some of these same programs, as they continue into later life, become detrimental.'” [1]

The reality on the ground:

Srila Prabhupada talked about Immortality pof a different kind. Srila Prabhupada often contrasted materialistic science, focused on the temporary material world, with Krishna consciousness, the "science of God."

The Soul's Deathless Nature

In many lectures, Srila Prabhupada emphasizes the inherent immortality of the soul, distinct from the mortal body. Here's an excerpt from a lecture in Hawaii (1975):

"We are not these bodies. We are spirit soul within the body. Just like a dress on the body, you take it off, another dress. Similarly, this body is just like a dress. We are spirit soul. And spirit soul is eternal."

Transmigration and Liberation

Srila Prabhupada explains the cycle of reincarnation (transmigration) and the possibility of liberation from this cycle. Liberation is achieving a state of eternal consciousness in the spiritual world. Here's an excerpt from a lecture in Seattle (1966):

"So our real problem is not this death. This death is simply changing dress. Real problem is how to get out of this repetitive cycle of birth and death. That is the real problem. ... By chanting Hare Krishna, by devotional service, you can cleanse yourself from material contamination, and then you become eligible to transfer yourself to the spiritual world. That is the actual solution."

Bhagavad-gita's Message on Immortality

The Bhagavad-gita, a central text in Hinduism, offers Krishna's message to Arjuna on the battlefield. Srila Prabhupada's commentaries delve into the concept of immortality. Here's a key verse (Chapter 2, Verse 20):

"Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings gathered here. Nor will there ever be a time when we shall cease to be." (Bhagavad-gita 2.20)

Srila Prabhupada explains that Krishna emphasizes the eternal nature of the soul, distinct from the temporary body.

Some scientists actually conclude in life after death through longitudinal studies.

"One woman lost consciousness while riding her horse on a trail. Her body stayed on the trail while her consciousness traveled with her horse as he galloped back to the barn. Later, she was able to describe exactly what happened at the barn because she had seen it despite her body not being there." [2]

"These are situations where you feel your life is in imminent danger. It might be a near-miss car accident or a sudden fall. These people generally don't experience the tunnel and light, but they often report their life "flashing before their eyes."" [2]

"NDEs lead to a shift from ego-centered to other-centered consciousness, disposition to love unconditionally, heightened empathy, decreased interest in status symbols and material possessions, reduced fear of death, and deepened spiritual consciousness. Many experiencers become more empathic and spiritually oriented and express the beliefs that death is not fearsome, that life continues beyond, that love is more important than material possessions, and that everything happens for a reason." [3]

Researcher, Ring from the University Hospital of Liège, Belgium, identified a 5-steps sequence in an NDE:

1) peace and well-being,

2) separation from the physical body,

3) entry in a dark area,

4) vision of a dazzling light, and finally

5) entry through the light into another realm. [5]

Conclusion:

Noble Laureate Venki Ramakrishnan makes an assertion that longevity may not be good for humans and the NDE studies show that there is consciousness exists after the present material body. Srila Prabhupada says from Bhagavad gita that the soul does not die. So let's focus on the immortality of the soul and not extend life in this body.

References:

1. An Aging Expert Thinks Humans Can Live for 20,000 Years. He's Not Crazy. ( msn.com )
2. I've studied more than 5,000 near death experiences. My research has convinced me without a doubt that there's life after death. ( msn.com )
3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2005.00745.x
4. Chris Carter, Science and the Near-Death Experience: How Consciousness Survives Death book
5. Ring K. Life at death: A Scientific Investigation of the near-death experience. New York: Coward McCann & Geoghenan; 1980.