Redefining Manifestation as Social Change: Bridging Spirituality and Science

In this thought-provoking episode, we unravel the profound connection between spirituality and science to challenge traditional notions of manifestation, stripping away the new-age veneer to explore its philosophical roots. We’re exploring the question: Can we manifest social change?

Before we dive in, let’s clear the air of any preconceived notions about manifestation. I want you to set aside the trendy, new-age spiritual approaches you might have encountered online and embrace a more philosophical perspective. Manifestation, in its essence, is about creating the right conditions to bring forth something that already exists as potential into our reality.

Now, the interplay between spirituality and science is a crucial aspect of this discussion. Spirituality and science are not adversaries; they complement each other. While science provides an epistemological approach to understanding reality, spirituality offers a way to make sense of aspects beyond scientific scrutiny.

We’ve moved from wisdom to knowledge, and knowledge to information, and that information is so impartial that it is creating incomplete human beings

Vandana Shiva

Vandana Shiva’s words echo this sentiment, highlighting how our modern society tends to prioritise objective knowledge over holistic or contextual understanding. We often reduce reality to our knowledge of it, forgetting that transitive knowledge, including scientific knowledge, is fallible and subject to correction.

To illustrate this point, think of gravity. Gravity exists intransitively, beyond our direct observation, but we can observe its effects—the apple falling from the tree. Scientific laws, such as Newton’s law of gravity, provide transitive knowledge, a way to make sense of these phenomena, but they remain fallible and subject to reinterpretation, as seen with Einstein’s theory of relativity.

In the context of social change, manifestation is not about positive thinking or new-age practices. Manifestation happens whether we do it intentionally or not. Reflecting on personal experiences, like getting into a PhD program, showcases how positive thinking and visionary practices contribute to the journey but aren’t the sole drivers. It’s about understanding that certain potentials exists intransitively, and our role is to create the necessary causal conditions to bring them into reality. It’s not about being a high-vibe individual or adhering to a one-size-fits-all formula; rather, it’s a nuanced process of creating the conditions—applying, meeting criteria, and proposing relevant projects—that allow potential to manifest in reality.

Now, let’s bring this understanding to the forefront of our work as social changemakers. Can we manifest social change intentionally? Absolutely. Our actions, whether investing ethically, engaging in activism, or starting initiatives, are all aimed at creating the conditions for positive change. We act because we believe that the change we envision exists in the intransitive dimension of reality as potential.

This definition of manifestation is intentionally broad, accommodating various spiritual and non-spiritual beliefs. Whether you believe in destiny, the will of a higher power, or the concept of karma, the idea remains the same: we are activating the potential that already exists to manifest positive change in our shared reality.

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As we continue our journey as social changemakers, let’s embrace this holistic and nuanced understanding of manifestation. It’s not about magic or wishful thinking; it’s about recognising the potential for change and actively working to create the conditions that allow it to manifest. Together, let’s manifest a world of positive impact and lasting change.