From Newton to Nirvana:

Science, Vigyan and Gyan *

Dr. Subhash Sharma

Dean
Indian Business Academy
Bangalore & Greater Noida
E mail: re_see@rediffmail.com

Ananta Giri (2007) invites us to a festival of dialogue through his work on pathways of
creative social research. While he has restricted his invitation to the domain of social
research, we would like to extend the dialogue to three pillars of knowledge creation viz.
science, vigyan and gyan. This author initially presented this concept of three pillars of
knowledge in an international seminar on Frontiers in Yoga Research organized by
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anssandhana Samsthana, SVYASA University, Bangalore,
on Dec. 20-23, 2007. The discussion presented here extends the ideas presented therein
with a view to add to the festival of dialogue initiated by Ananta Giri.
In general, in India, the expressions, science and vigyan are used interchangeably.
However, we need to understand fundamental difference between the two to get a better
understanding of various approaches to knowledge creation. It may be indicated that the
word, vigyan can be analyzed in two ways, viz. vishesh gyan (in this interpretation of
vigyan, vi stands for vishesh) and vishya gyan (in this interpretation of vigyan, vi stands
for vishya/domain knowledge). Word science has linkages with senses. Hence, scientific
knowledge is rooted in senses. In this tradition, knowledge gets legitimacy only if it can
be tested on the basis of objectivity through the senses. While science relies on senses,
vigyan (vishesh gyan) can be acquired through mind. Hence, vigyan is more than
science as mind is more than senses. Further, gyan both in terms of its metaphysical and
spiritual meaning, is acquired through consciousness. It is more than vigyan as
consciousness is more than mind. If we represent senses, mind and consciousness in
terms of three concentric circles, we may observe that radius of consciousness is larger
than radius of mind and radius of mind is larger than radius of senses. Just as senses,
mind and consciousness are interconnected the three circles of science, vigyan and gyan
are also interconnected.
*Revised and extended version of paper, Science, Vigyan and Gyan presented at the
workshop on Transformative Learning, Pathways of Creative Research: A Festivals of
Dialogues, held at Indian Business Academy, Greater Noida, May 7, 2008.

When knowledge is considered in terms of three levels of reality viz. matter, mind and
consciousness, we arrive at three perspectives of knowledge creation viz. scientific
perspective, vigyan perspective and gyan perspective corresponding to matter, mind and
consciousness view of reality. These three perspectives have important implications for
knowledge systems as well as for education systems. They provide us a new framework
of knowledge creation and knowledge systems. Fig 1 presents foundations of knowledge
systems in terms of their origin from senses, mind and consciousness and Fig 2 presents
three circles view of science, vigyan and gyan.

Consciousness

Mind

Senses

Gyan

Vigyan

Science

Fig 1: Foundations of Knowledge Systems

Science

Vigyan

Gyan

Fig 2: Expanding Circles of Science, Vigyan and Gyan

We also need to combine above three perspectives with three methods of creating new
knowledge. We refer to these methods as Division, D-Vision and Direct vision
approaches. In Division method, a problem is divided into sub problems and attempt is
made to solve the sub problems. It leads to Divided vision and a segmented view of
reality. This method is useful in creating specialized knowledge. Using this approach one
becomes a pundit(an expert) of the discipline. In contrast to this method, in D-vision
approach, a total view of the problem is taken. When a person looks at a rainbow he/she
looks at all the colors. This approach makes one guru of the discipline. In Direct vision
approach there is direct perception (darshan) of the problem and its solution. This
approach makes one Rishi of the discipline who has ability to re-see reality in new
perspectives. In a separate article on these three approaches, this author has provided a
number of illustrations from day to day experiences of problem solving and decision
making based on these three methods. In first approach there is distance between Object
and Subject, in second approach the distance is reduced and in third approach there is
fusion between the Object and Subject that can be metaphorically captured by the well
known phrase, Dancer becomes the dance. For example, Darwin viewed man distinct
from environment (nature) leading to the need to fit with environment (nature) and
thereby to survival of the fittest. However, alternative thinking from holistic perspective
suggests that man and nature are in embedded relationship and there is no distinction
between man and nature i.e. man is nature and nature is man, hence is always in a state of
fitness with nature. Thus, the idea of conflict with nature is transformed into idea of
harmony with nature.
These approaches also suggest reason, intuition and wisdom as foundations of
knowledge creation. In a metaphorical sense these three methods also reflect Reason,

Rhymes and Revelations approaches to knowledge creation. Thus, they represent 3 Rs of

knowledge creation. They also reflect, pundit, guru and rishi approaches to knowledge
creation. It may be indicated that these three expressions have now found acceptance in
academic literature e.g. we use the expressions such as political pundit, management
guru and knowledge Rishi to indicate expert opinion, insights and new paradigms.

When the above ideas are juxtaposed in the form of a matrix, we arrive at a matrix of
knowledge systems. In this matrix presented in Fig 3, one side of the matrix (x- axis)
represents the three methods of problem solving and decision making viz. Division, DVision and Direct Vision and the other side (y-axis) represents three perspectives of
knowledge creation viz. knowledge creation through science, vigyan and gyan.

Meditative
research

Gyan

Vigyan

Science

GreecoWestern
tradition
Division

D-Vision

Direct vision

Fig 3: Knowledge Systems Matrix

Knowledge systems matrix presented in Fig 3 suggests that there are many approaches to
understand reality around us. During contemporary times there has been a dominance of
Greeco-Western tradition reflected in terms of science and scientific method. In contrast,
Indian tradition of knowledge creation emphasizes vigyan and gyan through Direct
vision/ Direct perception (Darshan) and meditative research. This tradition has given us
vigyan of yoga, Vedanta, panch kosha, panch ttatva, navrasa etc. that is now being
referred to as science of yoga, science of Vedanta, science of panch kosha, science of
panch ttatva, science of navarasa, science of Ayurveda etc. Collectively they represent
Indian sciences. While Indian vigyan has been increasingly subjected to scientific

testing, Western scientific tradition has not been subjected to a critique from the
perspective of vigyan and gyan. For example, yoga in general and TM (Transcendental
Meditation) in particular has been subject matter of a large number of empirical studies
through scientific testing. As a result yoga has now acquired scientific status. Such
scientific testing approaches have now created a new stream of Vedico-Scientific
tradition within India wherein many Vedic concepts/ concepts from Traditional
Knowledge (TK) are subjected to scientific testing. When combined with the
meditative tradition, this is leading us to a new philosophy of Vedico-ScientificMeditative approach to knowledge creation wherein there is a new convergence of Vedic,
scientific and meditative approaches to create new knowledge for developing holistic
perspective of relationships between man, nature and life..
It may also be indicated that Greeco-Western tradition to knowledge creation has led to
development of Science and Technology (S & T) leading to improvement in material
conditions of humanity. In contrast, Indian tradition has led to Spirituality and
Transcendence ( S & T) leading to improvement in spiritual well being of humanity. For
overall development of humanity both approaches are needed and should play
complementary role like the left brain and right brain approaches to viewing reality
around us. Knowledge systems matrix presented above indicates that we should consider
various pathways to knowledge creation as distinct and complementary to get a holistic
view of reality.
Our current education systems is largely focused on Science-Division view of reality
dramatized through the phrase, scientific temper. It ignores other pathways. At times
scientific temper has led to scientific arrogance that we observe in social science
research wherein qualitative research approaches are discounted. Knowledge systems
matrix presented above provides a holistic view as it suggests that there are many other
pathways for creating knowledge and conducting research. In earlier writings this author
refers to Science-Division route to knowledge creation as Western Windows approach
and Indian traditions of knowledge creation as Eastern Doors. During recent years
Eastern doors such as Yoga, Vedanta, Kosha etc have been opening as new doors to
knowledge creation. These doors are in fact ancient, however, for many they are new
doors as they are now finding increasing acceptance in world of knowledge creation and
ideas. To the metaphors of Western Windows and Eastern Doors this author has also
added the metaphor of Nirvana Corridors to give space to various spiritual traditions
around the world. In fact our model of three pillars of knowledge creation can also be
considered as Tripod model of knowledge creation.

Implications for Creative Social Research

It may be indicated that our framework also has several implications for the field of
management and social sciences. Under the dominance of the Western approach
(Science-Division view of reality) these fields have generated a fragmented view of

reality and developed several fragmented concepts to view realty around us. There is a
need to transcend such a view and expand the horizons of these sciences through vigyan
and gyan approaches. In essence we need to move towards Tripod model wherein
science, vigyan and gyan contribute to our understanding of realities around us. In the
field of management it implies developing the discipline of management studies
through management science, management vigyan and management gyan.
Ananta Giri (2007) has argued for the creative social research to get a better
understanding of social reality. He argues that traditional social research rooted in
quantitative approaches is a legacy of modernity and as well as requirements of NationState. However from the experience and calling of many social movements including
sustainable development concerns, a new need is emerging. This need is reflected to
understand social reality from the view point of people and movements. In this
understanding the role of subject is very important. This calls for a shift in research
approaches as in quantitative approaches there is Subject-Object dichotomy. This
limitation is overcome in participatory approaches wherein there is a closeness between
object and subject. Hence Giri argues that critical and creative social research provides us
a new basis for understanding the social reality that can be captured through concentric
circles approach of viewing reality by discovering the threads of connections between
various circles. Connecting the dots can be a useful methodology for exploring in
interconnections between contradictions that we observe in the society. Narratives is
another approach to get a new understanding of social reality. There are examples of
liberation struggles initiated by the Sanyasis and monks. For example, Anandmath is an
interesting narrative of a liberation struggle by Sanyasis.
Dialogue is another approach. For example a dialogue (both real as well as imaginary)
between a leftist, a rightist and a Rishi could throw up new insights to social reality as
well as a new vision for the society. Rishi would argue for Rishi Administration &
Management (RAM) to create a new social transformation leading to a nonviolent
approach to creation of sacro-civic society. He would argue for this RAM-rajya wherein
administration and management of society is rooted in Rishi Administration &
Management (RAM). Such a dialogue could lead us to a new view of social reality.
In terms of the framework presented in our discussion, creative social research implies
developing vishesh gyan i.e. vigyan as well as gyan for social reality. For example
vigyan and gyan could be available in the form of peoples knowledge in metaphorical
forms, in songs and dances, in literature and other art forms. While scientific paradigm
will not accept these as science, once we shift towards creative social research,
knowledge generated thorough such an approach expands our horizons to understand the
social reality. Thus, creative social research expands our circle of wisdom.

Beyond the Scientific glue:

Towards New Holistic Religion & Spirituality(NHRS)

Achievements of science could be summed up in terms of scientific glue representing

the four ideas viz. gravity, light, unconscious and evolution leading to removal of God
from its exalted position. With fall of apple, Newton replaced G (God) by g (gravity.
Einstein restricted God to the limit of the speed of light, thus, reducing Gods
omnipresence to the speed of light. Freud replaced God by unconscious and Darwin
replaced God by evolution. Thus, a new scientific view of the material world emerged.
Vigyan and gyan can take us even beyond the scientific glue. Mind can float in spaces
negating the impact of gravity and in dreams a person can fly. While human beings are
product of unconscious evolution, human civilization is product of conscious
evolution. In this conscious evolution all three pillars of knowledge viz. science, vigyan
and gyan are useful to create a sustainable future for the humanity.
We can imagine a knowledge river with Newton sitting under the apple tree on its one
side and Buddha sitting under the Bodhi tree on the other side. With fall of apple Newton
gets an insight and thus G (God) is replaced by g (gravity). On the other side, tree leaves
are falling and form a circle. Buddha exclaims, God is consciousness and consciousness
is God. Thus a new complementary relationship is achieved between material and
spiritual world views.
Extending this idea further, we can deduce the following three insights or Mahavakyas
(Wisdom statements) from Mahavira, Buddha and Aurobindo:
I. God is Karma and Karma is God

II. God is consciousness and consciousness is God

III. Life is divine and God is Grace of divinity (God)

These three propositions create new foundations of a New Holistic Religion &
Spirituality (NHRS ) that can provide us a new view and a new foundation for a new
exploration of relationships between Nature, man and God leading to a new holistic
vision of an integration and synthesis of existing spiritual traditions taking us beyond the
scientific glue. These propositions lead us to a new concept of God as well as a new
integration of the scientific and spiritual world views like the yin-yang integration..
.
Towards Circle of Wisdom
Extending the ideas presented earlier, we can identify following four pathways to reality:
1. Science/ Scientific pathway
2. Art

3. Philosophy
4. Spirituality

We can depict these pathways in terms of horizontal and vertical paths as indicated in
Fig. 4. In this diagram we can define wisdom in following two ways:
I. Wisdom = Reason (Science) + Intuition (Art)
II. Wisdom = Philosophy + Spirituality
Thus all the pathways contribute to development of wisdom. This figure is also a
framework for dialogue between a scientist, an artist, a philosopher and a Rishi. When a
social scientist, a creative social researcher, a social philosopher and a Rishi meet we can
expect interesting discussion, dialogue and discourse leading to wisdom through new
insights. In wisdom model of research all the four pathways to research have legitimacy
in creating new knowledge.

Spirituality

Science

Wisdom
Wisdom

Art

Philosophy
Fig. 4: Pathways to Wisdom: A Framework for Dialogue
Between A Scientist, An Artist, A Philosopher and A Rishi

It may be indicated that we can also understand Fig. 4 through the brain metaphor.
Science and art represent the left and right sides of the brain and vertical line of terms of
philosophy and spirituality represents the middle line of the brain. This also provides a
four quadrant view of following combinations:
Quadrant I: Spirituality and Art combination
Quadrant II: Spirituality and Science combination
Quadrant III: Science and Philosophy combination
Quadrant IV: Art and Philosophy combinations
It is up to the neuro-scientists to test the mapping of these four conceptual quadrants with
the physical functioning of the brain.

It may be indicated that once the pathways indicated in Fig. 4 are enclosed within a circle
we arrive at the circle of wisdom that could also be referred to as Wisdom yantra. The
circle of wisdom expands as a result of insights gained from all the different routes to
reality. In the context of management and social research, creative insights emerge not
only from scientific route but also from other routes viz. art, philosophy ad spirituality.
Thus, science, vigyan and gyan approaches to knowledge creation add to expanding the
circle of wisdom. Anantas (2007) creative social research is a call to expand the circle of
wisdom in social sciences. In fact we can go beyond the creative research to Creative
and Meditative Research (CMR) by incorporating the idea of Action-ReflectionContemplation (ARC) to get further insights to social reality. Paulo Freires ActionReflection framework can be extended to meditative level by including contemplative
dimension.
In social sciences we can identify three research approaches viz. Quantitative, Qualitative
and Creative & Meditative. While considerable amount of work has been done in
application of Quantitative and Qualitative approaches, we need to further develop and
explore the third approach viz. Creative and Meditative Research (CMR). Ananta Giris
invitation to creative social research is an important step in this direction.
This author has experimented with creative and meditative research to create new ideas
and perspectives particularly in the field of management and related subjects. The results
of the same are available in authors books and related writings. My experience
indicates that following seven techniques are useful in creation of new knowledge and
perspectives:
1. Sabd-yoga including sabd-darshan and sabd-vani in the tradition of Gurunanak,
Kabir and others. Light of the word represents the essence of sabd-yoga.
2. Mind traveling
3. Rhymes creation

4.
5.
6.
7.

Extended sensory and mental perception (Esmp)

Darshan (direct perception)
Osmotic meditation
Tapping different quantum states of mind

For illustrations of these techniques readers may refer to authors various writings. In
fact, these techniques can add to the dialogue of new approaches to research in
management and social sciences.
An individual may start his/her research journey from Quantitative methodologies and
move to Qualitative approaches and then may move to Creative and Meditative
approaches. While some researchers may stop their journey at Quantitative level, some
may move to Qualitative methods and a few may move to Creative and Meditative level.
This also implies an intellectual journey from Newton to Nirvana ( From science to gyan
via the route of vigyan i.e. from matter to consciousness via mind).

Note: This paper is a response to Ananta Giris call for pathways to creative social
research and is based on earlier writings of the author. In particular readers may refer to
the following publications of the author.

Sharma Subhash (1993), Creation from Shunya, Anand Press, Anand

Sharma Subhash (1996), Management in New Age: Western Windows Eastern Doors,
New Age International Publishers, New Delhi.
Sharma Subhash (1999), Quantum Rope: Science, Mysticism and Management, New Age
International Publishers, New Delhi.
Sharma Subhash (2001), Arrows of Time: From the Black holes to the Nirvana Point,
New Age International Publishers, New Delhi.
Sharma Subhash (2001), Routes to Reality: Scientific and Rishi Approaches, Journal
of Human Values, Jan-June 2001, 7:1, 75-83
Sharma Subhash (2005), Space Time Consciousness: Towards A Speculative
Convergence of Science & Spirituality through Unfolding of Universal Spiritual
Consciousness, in Landscape of Matter, (ed) Sharath Ananthamurty, Meera
Chakrabory, M.C. Radhakrishna, Bangalore University, Bangalore, 207-213.
Sharma Subhash (2005), Quantum States of Mind: Ordinary Perception to Extraordinary Perception, Psychological Studies, Journal of National Academy of
Psychology, Jan. 2005, 50:1, 9-15.

Sharma Subhash (2006), Vedanta as Ved-Ananta: A New Unfolding of Universal

Spiritual Consciousness (USC), Chinmaya Management Review, Jan. 2006, 5:1, 26-32.
Sharma Subhash (2007), New Mantras in Corporate Corridors: From Ancient Roots to
Global Routes, New Age International Publishers, New Delhi.
Sharma Subhash (2009), New Approaches to Research and Knowledge Building:
Division, D Vision and Direct Vision Approaches, in Knowledge Economy: The Indian
Challenge, (ed) Ashoka Chandra and M. K. Khanijo, Sage Publications, New Delhi, pp.
83-90.