INSTITUTE OF PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE
Abstract
The search for alien is not only a great scientific pursuit, but it is a grand adventure of our human civilization on the planet Earth. Still the research is blending curiosity with caution. In one hand, the search enthuses scientific and cultural progress, but on the other hand it carries risks that needs to be carefully managed. Although the search for extra-terrestrial life is considered exciting and futuristic, it also has a dark side. The present paper critically analyses the dilemma and, simultaneously, seeks the opinion of Bhagavad Gita.
Keywords: Solar system, Exoplanets, Search for aliens, Bhagavad Gita
Introduction
We inhabit the planet Earth. Our abode Earth is revolving around a bright Sun that we see in the sky. But, it seems as if the Sun revolves around the Earth. This is because, while living on such a vast planet, we are not able to sense the Earth’s motion. Seven other planets also revolve around the Sun. Our solar system consists of eight giant planets including the Earth, their satellites and many other bodies. The Sun is the head of our solar system. The vast universe has not only our solar system, but billions of solar systems. There is many a solar system beyond our solar system [1]. We are familiar with the life found in Earth. It is the mere case of life and intelligence we are familiar with in the whole universe. We expect similar life-existence on Mars, Europa (moon of Jupiter) or Enceladus (moon of Saturn) within our solar system [2, 3]. Further, there are many revolving bodies in the solar systems which exist outside our solar system. Our search includes looking for microbial life within our solar system and intelligent civilizations in distant solar systems as well.
The earth is found to be the only life bearing planet within the solar system. The cause of not having life on other planets of the Sun may be attributed to the unsuitable physical and chemical conditions for sustaining life. By now, we have come to know the planetary systems of a few sun type single stars. Astrophysicists also suggest that when a star is born, it is nearly always accompanied by a planetary system. There are stars similar to our Sun in the milky way galaxy and a vast number of galaxies in the visible universe. This shows the large probability of planets similar to Earth in the universe, hence life might exist in some of these planets. The nearest star to Earth, other than the Sun, is Proxima Centauri, situated about 4.24 light-years away. It is now impossible to physically examine the presence of life in planets of other stars of the universe. However, we have scope to extrapolate our experience skilfully to other parts of the universe with the knowledge of physics and chemistry to anticipate the existence of life beyond Earth. The radio waves are the only possible media of linkage with civilizations of other planets. In this regard the equation of Frank Drake speculates the number of civilizations we might communicate with. The equation makes use of many probability factors with rough approximation. While many of these factors have some scientific basis, the factor representing the fraction of life bearing planets out of life sustaining condition in planets varies from extremely rare (~ 0.000001) to very common (~ 1). In the absence of adequate knowledge on the evolution of life, the value of the probability factor could not be focused properly. The probability factor can further be more refined by making use of the traditional knowledge on evolution of life on earth [4].
Our scientific curiosity helps us comprehend possibilities of life afar Earth. Our technological advancement in the forms of radio telescopes, radio astronomy, space probes, deep-space missions and spectroscopy enables us to be in a position in order to detect possible signals, bio-signatures, or habitable planets. Now-a-days, the AI (artificial intelligence) tools improve our search for extra-terrestrial intelligence. Our logical progress helps us understand the origin and spread of life in the universe. This broadens our perspective about humanity’s place in the universe. We are eagerly waiting for the cultural or scientific exchange if intelligent life exists outside our planet [5]. But, we should think many times prior to deal with the aliens and exchange our scientific knowledge. Finding aliens in future may not be a big achievement, but cultural or scientific exchange with that intelligent life may be the worst experience ever met by the humans on Earth.
Discussion
The search for aliens afar our abode is no doubt inspiring. No signature of life beyond our planet has been detected yet. Detecting the life outside our planet, solar system, or beyond our solar system will prove the prominence of our scientific research. The discovery will fill out hearts with contentment and gladness. But, such discovery carries risks. The risk may be technological, political, psychological, financial, ethical and existential. It is because we do not know the integrity of those foreign civilizations. We are least concerned about the nature and temperament of the foreign creatures. They may raise any treat at any time against human civilization on Earth.
(a) Vast Universe: The universe is too vast to believe. Light travels about 3 lakh kilometres per second. The sunray takes 8 minutes 19 seconds to reach our planet. It takes about 17 hours to reach the heliopause (edge of the Sun’s influence against interstellar space) and 1.5 years to reach the outer boundary of Oort Cloud (gravitational boundary of the solar system). This is the farthest limit often considered the “last boundary” of the solar system. The hugeness of our solar system is evident from this information. When we consider our solar system, we take one star (our Sun) into account. Universe has at least 7×1022 stars. Light from one star takes years to reach its nearest star. It is not easy for a civilization to search another civilization in such a vast universe. Thus, if at all the aliens exist anywhere, they are not aware of our civilization in the vast universe. They are ignorant of the location we are found at. If we contact them and show the address of our planet to them, they may not be in a mood to accept our civilization. Therefore, revealing Earth’s location may expose us to danger.
(b) Disappointment and Uncertainty: Although space research, space missions and radio astronomy require vast resources, no confirmed discovery is guaranteed despite decades of search. Despite decades of effort, no confirmed signal of alien life has been found. Sometimes mysterious signals have been detected, but later they could not be confirmed. Even today we hope for alien life, but we are unable to confirm the shape and size of the aliens. The universe might mostly harbour only microbial or primitive life. Our spaceship and instruments can study a tiny fraction of the vast cosmos. We are not in a position to scan the whole universe. So, we miss almost all signals. All these considerations often leave our research scientists and the public feeling disheartened.
(c) Potential Risks: The search for aliens outside our planet and afar our solar system is always inspiring. But, the alien search carries risks. The risks may be technological, political, psychological, and existential. Well, we are happy that we detect aliens one day. But, we cannot predict their integrity and intentions. We cannot say that they will be friendly. We cannot expect them not to be indifferent and hostile. The unknown species are always uncertain and unpredictable. There is a possibility that the aliens will be advanced as compared to our technology. Contacting an advanced civilization of aliens could endanger humanity. Great philosopher scientist Stephen Hawking has warned in this context that such an encounter might resemble the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, which proved disastrous for the indigenous peoples. He emphasized that if aliens are vastly more advanced than us, they may treat humanity with indifference—or even exploit us—as we treat less intelligent species on Earth. Therefore, balancing curiosity with caution is essential instead of overwhelming.
(d) Unpredicted Consequences: Two ‘Voyager’ spacecrafts launched in 1977 carry messages for extra-terrestrial civilizations. Each Voyager has on board the Golden Record, a 12-inch gold-plated copper disk containing sounds, images, music, and greetings in 55 human languages. The record is intended as a time capsule and a message to any advanced civilization that might one day find the spacecraft. No civilization has received the signals yet. The information we sent in 1977 may reach alien civilizations thousands of years later. We and our future generations have to wait for the delivery of the signal. The consequences are unpredictable. Our language, our code and our voice may be annoying for them. They may treat our signal hostile and take revenge. Therefore, we must be alert for these types of unpredicted consequences.
(e) Opinion of Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita does not directly mention aliens or extra-terrestrial life. It is because the Gita was composed in a time when the concept of searching for life on other planets was not in human thought. The Bhagavad Gita describes the existence of numerous planets and diverse life forms, implying a universal population beyond Earth, and does not contain any direct reference to “aliens” as we understand the term today. However, its philosophy can still be interpreted in the context of the search for aliens in modern science.
Several verses of the Bhagavad Gita illustrate that all living beings are eternal spiritual fragments of God and that the soul’s journey involves moving across different planetary systems — the system may be heavenly or hellish. Verse 9.20 states that those who worship God but desire material pleasures reach the heavenly planets, while 7.23 explains that worshippers of demigods attain the planets of those respective deities. Vast material universe has countless galaxies, each filled with numerous planets. The planets are inhabited by diverse living entities. Some living entities possess greater intelligence and opulence than those found on Earth.
In the context of uncontrollable curiosity of researchers for meeting aliens, the shloka 6.16-17 (Yoga of Self-Discipline) may be referred to. Shri Krishna tells Arjuna: “There is no possibility of becoming a yogi if one eats too much or too little, or sleeps excessively or insufficiently.” This teaching of avoiding extremes can be applied to curiosity. This encourages a balanced pursuit of knowledge that sustains intellectual growth. The Bhagavad Gita highlights curiosity as an essential tool for learning and spiritual growth. At the same time, it stresses the need for caution, warning that an unchecked mind can easily drift away from wisdom. Krishna warns about balance and moderation. Applied to alien search, it suggests that human curiosity should be guided by caution and self-control, not reckless ambition. In Karma Yoga 5.18, Krishna says a wise person sees with equal vision a scholar, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and an outcaste. Extending this principle, if intelligent aliens exist, they too should be respected as part of the divine creation, not exploited or feared without reason. Therefore, balancing curiosity with caution is essential [6]. So, the Bhagavad Gita with rules and regulations does not prohibit or discourage exploring other life forms, but it reminds our researchers to:
- Recognize the vastness of creation.
- Pursue knowledge with caution and balance.
- Treat all beings as divine manifestations.
- Remember that the highest truth lies in self-realization, not just external discovery.
Conclusion
The search for extra-terrestrial life seems to be a noble quest for knowledge, but the darker implications of the search should not be overlooked. We attempt to reach out into a kingdom whose intentions remain unpredictable. May be, we are exposing ourselves to powers far beyond our comprehension. History warns that the encounters between unequal civilizations on Earth often led to destruction. Confrontation with an advanced alien civilization could bring devastating consequences for humankind. Enormous expenditure and attention on alien detection could divert attention from urgent challenges like climate change, poverty, and global conflict on our planet.
There are psychological and social impacts as well. Discovery of aliens could create panic, fear, or religious and cultural conflicts. Even a false signal in the name of outer civilizations could cause widespread excitement followed by disappointment. Governments may hide information, leading to secrecy and mistrust. The discovery of intelligent life might deeply unsettle social, religious, and philosophical foundations, creating divisions and fear. We may seek knowledge but should not invite danger, destabilization, or disappointment. Curiosity is an essential driver of science, but it must be tempered with humility, and foresight. We should remember that some doors, once opened, can never be closed. Once we deal with outer civilizations, we may not be in a position to delink with them if needed in future. Eagerness to make contact with unknown civilizations carries significant risks. Therefore, balancing curiosity with caution is essential.
References
- Jeffrey Kluger and Chris Wilson, Time Science, October 6, 2020.
- Adam Mann, “Hunting for microbial life throughout the solar system”, PNAS, November 6, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1816535115.
- Europa Clipper Team, “Europa: A World of Ice, With Potential for Life”, NASA Science, June 8, 2021.
- Bishnu Charanarabinda Mohanty, “Life Elsewhere in the Universe”, Vol.3, No.3, Towards Unification of Sciences, Institute of Philosophy of Nature, 2025.
- Leonard David, “Will we ever be able to communicate with aliens?”, SPACE.com, January 17, 2024.
- Bhagavad Gita, Commentary by Swami Mukundananda, http://swamimukundananda.org/.
