Wings of Fire: 5 Powerful Thoughts From Dr. Kalam on Spirituality

For lovers of space and science, Dr. APJ Kalam is an inspiration. The Former President of India, who rose from humble backgrounds to leading his nation in space and science is a personality loved by people across all walks of life.

Popularly referred to as the Missile Man of India and the People’s President, Dr. Kalam is someone who is admired widely for his powerful personality, strong conviction and high ethics.

“Wings of Fire”, the personal autobiography of Dr. Kalam is fascinating in many aspects and opens numerous dimensions to Dr. Kalam’s life.

One interesting dimension about Dr. Kalam’s life is his take on science and spirituality.

Dr. Kalam, who hails from the famous city of Rameshwaram had a diverse and interesting spiritual experiences right from his childhood. His father was the head of the local mosque, who owned a ferry that took Hindu pilgrims to Rameshwaram.

In his book too, he recounts: “Every evening, my father A. P. Jainulabdeen, an imam, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the head priest of the Ramanathaswamy Hindu temple, and a church priest used to sit with hot tea and discuss the issues concerning the island."

Interestingly, he Kalam was devoted Muslim, a vegetarian, had learn Sanskrit, observed daily Namaz, and had chosen BAPS Swaminarayan Sampradaya, as his spiritual guru.

These experiences in addition to him being a great scientist makes it even more interesting to know what his outlook on spirituality was:

Here are some of the most powerful thoughts articulated in the book :

I wonder why some people tend to see science as something which takes man away from God. As I look at it, the path of science can always wind through the heart. For me, science has always been the path to spiritual enrichment and self-realisation.” Commenting on the fact that everything solid contains much empty space within and everything stationary contains great movement within, he says, “It is though the great dance of Shiva is being performed on earth during every moment of our existence.

Answering to a question by Kalam about the relevance of prayer his father replied, “When you pray you transcend your body and become a part of the cosmos, which knows no division of wealth, age, caste, or creed.”
"One important functions of prayer I believe is to act as a stimulus to creative ideas. God, our creator, has stored within our mind and personalities great potentials strength and ability. Prayer helps us tap and develop these powers.
"God has not promised Skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways All our life through; God has not promised Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain."
"For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool.

Wings of Fire: 5 Powerful Thoughts From Dr. Kalam on Spirituality