Science and Religion...

Mysticism to the mystic is both science and religion.

Bowl of Saki, October 17, by Hazrat Inayat Khan

Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:

What we generally know as the breath is that little inhaling and exhaling which
we feel through the nostrils. We think that is breath and attach little
importance to it, while in reality, breath is a life-current running through the
innermost part of man's being towards the surface. It would be no exaggeration,
according to the mystical point of view, to say that the breath connects heaven
and earth. ...

For the mystic, breath is not only a science, but the knowledge of breath is
mysticism, and mysticism to the thinker is both science and religion. The
mystery of breath is not a thing that can be comprehended by the brain only. The
principles of mysticism rise from the heart of man. They are learned by
intuition and proved by reason. ...

If we consider the conditions of life today, we see that, however much man
thinks he has progressed, certain aspects of life are neglected in the way of
health, repose, balanced thinking, and in the way of kindness and love to one
another. All these things are lacking, and the spirit of the present time seems
to be going in quite the opposite direction.

Selfishness seems to be so much on the increase. Real religion, the spirit of
forgiveness, generous giving, regard for old age, refinement, culture -- all
seem to be disappearing. Man in general, does not know even if there is a God or
Truth. If this is the spirit, how can we expect to find that harmony, peace and
love, which make heaven on earth?

It is useless to discuss the peace of the world. What is necessary just now is
to create peace in ourselves that we, ourselves, become examples of love,
harmony and peace. That is the only way of saving the world and ourselves.