Observing the sun’s golden rays as it sets over the horizon from my balcony, I find myself thinking about the basic essence of life. I’ve frequently thought about the different connections that permeate our existence during my journey this far. The connection between spirituality and mathematics is one such interaction that has always piqued my interest. They may appear to be two different worlds at first—one based on logic and reasoning, the other on transcendence and faith. But as I’ve learnt more, I’ve realised that they are more connected than one might first think.

The Philosophical Underpinnings

As the history suggests, many mathematicians have perceived their work as a bridge to the divine. Georg Cantor, the father of set theory, is a prime example. He believed that his insights into the infinite were divinely inspired, viewing the concept of the “absolute infinite” as synonymous with God. Cantor felt that he was chosen to unveil these mathematical truths to humanity, intertwining his faith deeply with his mathematical pursuits. ​Wikipedia

Similarly, in the Hindu tradition, the fusion of mathematics and spirituality is deeply embedded in sacred texts and rituals. Ancient scriptures like the Sulba Sutras (circa 800–500 BCE) reveal an early understanding of geometric and algebraic principles used in the construction of altars, believed to be precise pathways to the divine. These sutras illustrate how mathematical precision was considered essential in religious practice—aligning physical structures with cosmic harmony. Philosophical schools such as Vedanta and Samkhya also delve into numerical principles to explain the nature of reality, creation, and consciousness. Far from being separate domains, spiritual inquiry and mathematical logic often walk hand in hand in Hindu philosophy—each enriching the other with deeper insight into the nature of existence. (Reference paper : “A Comparative Study of Geometric Principles in the Sulba Sutras and the Pythagorean Theorem: Historical Context and Mathematical Applications” by Sher Singh Raikhola) & (“Vedic Contributions to Geometry: Unveiling the Origins of Mathematics” by Srivas Krishna Das Brahmacari.)

Patterns: The Universal Language

Our natural drive to discover order in chaos is strongly reflected in mathematics, which is essentially the study of patterns. This search for knowledge is similar to spiritual quests that look for the universe’s fundamental truths. Because it satisfies the human desire to connect with something more than oneself, Kessler highlights that the identification and study of patterns in mathematics provides yet another avenue for spirituality.​Taylor & Francis Online+1Taylor & Francis Online

Inner Vision and Epiphanies

There are moments in mathematical exploration that feel like sudden illuminations—epiphanies where solutions emerge unexpectedly. These instances of “inner vision” can be likened to spiritual revelations, where clarity dawns in an almost mystical fashion. Kessler discusses how such experiences, characterized by sudden insights and profound understanding, can evoke a sense of the divine, further intertwining the realms of mathematics and spirituality. ​Taylor & Francis Online+1ResearchGate+1Taylor & Francis Online

Personal Reflections

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall moments when grappling with a complex mathematical problem led me to a state of deep contemplation, “Is life a Simplex Problem (liner Programming)?” where

Objective Function = Life Goal;

(Maximizing: happiness, peace, success, or fulfillment.

Minimizing: stress, regret, or wasted time)

Constraints = Life’s Boundaries;

Feasible Region = All That’s Possible;

Pivoting = Life Adjustments;

Optimal Solution = Best You Can Do Within Limits;

And just like in LP, if the situation changes — new resources, different constraints — we recalculate. That was the day I decided I would be in operations management as it keeps me close to logic and spirituality.