Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: The Vedic Paradigm
Abstract
This article presents the Vedic theory of scientific knowledge, comprehensively expounded in the writings, lectures, and conversations of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. In contrast to materialistic approaches, the Vedic paradigm views science not merely as the study of dead matter, but as the evolving capacity of individual consciousness to comprehend the Absolute Truth (Superconsciousness) and the diversity of Its energies.
The article provides a detailed analysis of the structure of the cognitive process, which consists of three integral elements: the knower (jnata), the object of knowledge (jneyam), and the process of knowing itself (jnana). It explains that the breadth of the knower's consciousness and their conception of God directly shape the scientific paradigm. The material traces the hierarchy of knowledge: from the lower, mechanistic levels of perceiving reality to the highest realization of the personal nature of the Absolute, represented by the Bhagavata philosophical school (achintya-bheda-abheda-tattva).
Special attention is given to epistemology: knowledge is described as a process of revelation descending from the Superconsciousness, the depth of which depends on the purity of the researcher's motives, their relationship with the Superconsciousness, and the chain of disciplic succession.
Furthermore, the article demonstrates how the depth of understanding the Absolute forms axiomatic postulates, theories, and technologies, thereby determining the developmental trajectory of the entire human civilization. In conclusion, it highlights Srila Prabhupada's unique contribution to manifesting the Supreme Reality of the Personality of Godhead across all aspects of civilization through the development of the Vedic paradigm, aiming to direct all scientific, educational, and technological achievements toward the spiritual revival of society and service to the Supreme Whole.
Science as Knowledge and the Process of Cognition
The Vedic theory of knowledge asserts that science, as both a process and the result of cognizing (jnana) reality, always includes a clear structure. Srila Prabhupada highlights three essential components of this process, pointing out that the difference between paradigms (Vedic and materialistic) lies in the mood of the knower, which determines the object of knowledge:
"There are three things: jneyam, jnata and jnana. The object of knowledge, the knower is called jnata. The object of knowledge is called jneyam, and the process by which one can understand, that is called jnana, knowledge. As soon as we speak of knowledge, there must be three things: the object of knowledge, the person who is trying to know and the process by which the object of knowledge is achieved. So some of them... Just like the materialist scientists, they are simply trying to know the prakrti, but they do not know the purusa. Prakrti means the enjoyed, and purusa means the enjoyer... That is Krsna's... Another purusa, we living entities. We are not purusa; we are also prakrti. We are to be enjoyed. But in this material condition, we are trying to be purusa, enjoyer." (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 13.1–2, August 10, 1973, Paris)
Srila Prabhupada describes the proper execution of the cognitive process. Cognition occurs through intelligence, and as it develops, the breadth of the knower's consciousness can expand. A person's paradigm can broaden up to the complete understanding of the Absolute as Krishna:
"Intelligence is the discriminating power to understand an object, and it helps the senses make choices. Therefore intelligence is supposed to be the master of the senses. The perfection of intelligence is attained when one becomes fixed in the activities of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By the proper use of intelligence one’s consciousness is expanded, and the ultimate expansion of consciousness is Kṛṣṇa consciousness." (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.26.29, purport)
The breadth of consciousness is determined by the understanding of the Absolute Truth, which is classically divided into five levels in the Vedas:
"As stated before, kṣetra is the field of activities, and there are two kinds of kṣetra-jña: the individual living entity and the supreme living entity. As stated in the Taittirīya Upaniṣad (2.9), brahma pucchaṁ pratiṣṭhā. There is a manifestation of the Supreme Lord's energy known as anna-maya, dependence upon food for existence. This is a materialistic realization of the Supreme. Then, in prāṇa-maya, after realizing the Supreme Absolute Truth in food, one can realize the Absolute Truth in the living symptoms or life forms. In jñāna-maya, realization extends beyond the living symptoms to the point of thinking, feeling and willing. Then there is Brahman realization, called vijñāna-maya, in which the living entity's mind and life symptoms are distinguished from the living entity himself. The next and supreme stage is ānanda-maya, realization of the all-blissful nature. Thus there are five stages of Brahman realization, which are called brahma puccham. Out of these, the first three—anna-maya, prāṇa-maya and jñāna-maya—involve the fields of activities of the living entities. The Supreme Lord, who is called ānanda-maya, is transcendental to all the fields of activities." (Bhagavad-gita 13.5, purport)
Understanding of the Absolute Determines the Scientific Paradigm and Civilization
The word "atma" literally translates as "self," the personal basis of consciousness. Srila Prabhupada explains that the meaning of this word depends on the level of knowledge or consciousness, referring to the five levels of consciousness (pancha-kosha) of the Taittiriya Upanishad. The breadth of consciousness and knowledge demonstrates the paradigm level of a civilization. Srila Prabhupada gives an example of the narrowness of the modern civilization's paradigm, which lacks the two highest levels of knowledge about eternal consciousness and Superconsciousness:
"The word atma has different meanings. Sometimes the word atma means this body, sometimes atma means this mind, atma means the soul, and atma, Paramatma, means the Supreme Lord. [...] There are so many departments. All these departments are practically on the knowledge of this body. Then above this, atma, if you take it as 'mind,' there is psychology department, speculative department, philosophical department, so many departments of the mind. Then intellectual department. But there is no department for the atma, the soul. That is the defect of the modern civilization. Therefore Bhagavata says, apasyatam atma-tattvam [SB 2.1.2]. They do not see the real atma, the real position, the real background of all these activities. They do not see." (Lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.1.2-5, October 23, 1968, Montreal) [4]
The level of understanding of the Absolute is also reflected in the understanding of His energies, which constitutes all other knowledge. And on the basis of this theoretical knowledge (jnanam), practical knowledge is formed regarding interaction with these energies in service to Him (vijnanam). Srila Prabhupada explains this using the example of the highest knowledge of Krishna consciousness:
"Jnanam means theoretical knowledge. [...] And sa-vijnanam means practical knowledge. Just like in the scientific department of colleges, there are, for understanding anything scientifically, there are two division: practical and theoretical. [...] Simply to know there is God, this is theoretical knowledge. But when actually you become connected with God, you practice the godly activities, that is called vijnanam. [...] If you simply understand Krsna, because Krsna is everything, so if you understand Krsna, automatically you understand what is this world, what is this earth, what is this water, what is this fire — this is material things — what is this air, what is this sky, what is this mind, what is this intelligence, where is this ego and where is the soul. [...] As there are energies and the energetic, just like the fire: the fire has got two energies — one energy is the heat, and one energy is light. [...] We cannot see directly Krsna, but as soon as you see the energy or you perceive the energy, you can understand there is Krsna, there is God. That is called intelligence. This is called jnanam. And when you are directly in connection with Krsna, or directly in His service, that is called vijnanam." (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 7.2, April 28, 1974, Hyderabad) [5]
A limited understanding of the Absolute limits interaction with the energies of the Absolute as well, as Srila Prabhupada explains using the example of materialism:
"A material scientist may study a portion of the Supreme Lord's energy. Usually scientists take up one of the energies and try to study it with their limited knowledge, but they can never understand the Absolute Truth by such material methodology." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.11.23, purport) [6]
It is the presence or absence of a certain level of conception of the Absolute that determines the level of human civilization as a whole:
"Religion means the order of God, just as law means the order of the state. Now, if in your social system there is no state, where is the question of the state's order? You will simply manufacture your own order. Today that is going on in the field of religion: there is no conception of God and therefore no following of God's order. But we devotees of Krsna have a clear conception of God. Here is God: Krsna. And He's giving orders. We accept those orders... Then there is religion. And if there is no conception of God, where is the question of religion? Bogus. That is why religiosity and the other noble human qualities are declining. People have no conception of God, and therefore there is no understanding of religion. As a result, the whole human civilization is declining." (Civilization and Transcendence. Replies to a Questionnaire From Bhavan's Journal, June 28, 1976) [7]
The Goal of the Scientific Paradigm is the Expansion of Consciousness in Interaction with Energies
Science helps man interact with the energies of the Absolute. As the level of the paradigm increases, such interaction becomes more harmonious and beneficial — this is the meaning conveyed by Srila Prabhupada in the following quote:
"By advanced knowledge in science and transcendental realization, one can try to control the material energy, which works against our endeavors, and in the modern age advanced material scientific knowledge and penance have played very wonderful roles in controlling the powers of the material energy. Such control of the material energy, however, can be most successfully carried out if one is a soul surrendered unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead and carries out His order in the spirit of loving transcendental service." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.10.6, purport) [8]
The proper use of intelligence leads to the development of various scientific directions, the expansion of consciousness in the knowledge of the Absolute, and the correct application of His energies:
"Human intellect is developed for advancement of learning in art, science, philosophy, physics, chemistry, psychology, economics, politics, etc. By culture of such knowledge the human society can attain perfection of life. This perfection of life culminates in the realization of the Supreme Being, Viṣṇu. [...] When advancement of knowledge is applied in the service of the Lord, the whole process becomes absolute. The Personality of Godhead and His transcendental name, fame, glory, etc., are all nondifferent from Him. Therefore, all the sages and devotees of the Lord have recommended that the subject matter of art, science, philosophy, physics, chemistry, psychology and all other branches of knowledge should be wholly and solely applied in the service of the Lord. Art, literature, poetry, painting, etc., may be used in glorifying the Lord." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.22, purport) [9]
The ultimate goal of the development of knowledge is to assist in spiritual self-realization — the realization of one's spiritual relationship with the highest personal aspect of the Absolute, the Personality of Godhead:
"The Vedas are compared to the desire tree because they contain all things knowable by man. They deal with mundane necessities as well as spiritual realization. The Vedas contain regulated principles of knowledge covering social, political, religious, economic, military, medical, chemical, physical and metaphysical subject matter and all that may be necessary to keep the body and soul together. Above and beyond all this are specific directions for spiritual realization. Regulated knowledge involves a gradual elevation of the living entity to the spiritual platform, and the highest spiritual realization is knowledge that the Personality of Godhead is the reservoir of all spiritual tastes, or rasas." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.3, purport) [10]
[1] Vanisource: Lecture on BG 13.1-2 -- Paris, August 10, 1973
[2] Vanisource: SB 3.26.29, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.26.29)
[3] Vanisource: BG 13.5, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_13.5)
[4] Vanisource: Lecture on SB 2.1.2-5 -- Montreal, October 23, 1968 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_2.1.2-5_--_Montreal,_October_23,_1968)
[5] Vanisource: Lecture on BG 7.2 -- Hyderabad, April 28, 1974 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_7.2_--_Hyderabad,_April_28,_1974)
[6] Vanisource: SB 4.11.23, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.11.23)
[7] Vanisource: Civilization and Transcendence, 11 (Replies to a Questionnaire From Bhavan's Journal, June 28, 1976) (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Civilization_and_Transcendence_11)
[8] Vanisource: SB 3.10.6, Purport
[9] Vanisource: SB 1.5.22, Purport
[10] Vanisource: SB 1.1.3, Purport
[11] Vanisource: SB 7.14.38, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.14.38)
[12] Vanisource: Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 22.7-10 -- New York, January 10, 1967 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_CC_Madhya-lila_22.7-10_--_New_York,_January_10,_1967)
[13] Vanisource: Lecture -- Seattle, September 30, 1968 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Seattle,_September_30,_1968)
[14] Vanisource: SB 6.4.31, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.4.31)
[15] Vanisource: Lecture on Sri Isopanisad, Mantra 5 -- Los Angeles, May 7, 1970 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_Sri_Isopanisad,Mantra_5--_Los_Angeles,_May_7,_1970)
[16] Vanisource: SB 3.26.32, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.26.32)
[17] Vanisource: CC Adi-lila 6.14-15, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_6.14-15)
[18] Vanisource: Lecture on SB 3.26.35-36 -- Bombay, January 12, 1975 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_3.26.35-36_--_Bombay,_January_12,_1975)
[19] Vanisource: Civilization and Transcendence, 11 (Replies to a Questionnaire From Bhavan's Journal, June 28, 1976) (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Civilization_and_Transcendence_11)
[20] Vanisource: SB 2.3.18, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_2.3.18)
[21] Vanisource: Lecture -- September 9, 1976 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_September_9,_1976)
[22] Vanisource: BG 1.1, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_1.1)
[23] Vanisource: Sri Isopanisad, Introduction (http://vanisource.org/wiki/ISO_Introduction)
[24] Vanisource: SB 2.4.25, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_2.4.25)
[25] Vanisource: Lecture on BG 7.2 -- San Francisco, September 11, 1968 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_7.2_--_San_Francisco,_September_11,_1968)
[26] Vanisource: SB 6.4.32, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.4.32)
[27] Vanisource: CC Madhya-lila 20.122-123 (general theme regarding the Lord sending scriptures and representatives) (http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_20.122)
[28] Vanisource: CC Madhya-lila 9.42-43, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_9.42)
[29] Vanisource: SB 3.28.41, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.28.41)
[30] Vanisource: Srimad-Bhagavatam, Preface (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_Preface)
[31] Vanisource: Lecture on BG 13.22-24 -- Melbourne, June 25, 1974 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_13.22-24_--_Melbourne,_June_25,_1974)
[32] Vanisource: SB 8.1.16, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.1.16)
[33] Vanisource: SB 3.12.38, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.12.38)
[34] Vanisource: SB 1.12.29, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.12.29)
[35] Vanisource: Bhaktivedanta Institute planning documents/conversations (approx. 1976-1977).
[36] Vanisource: SB 4.16.1, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.16.1)
[37] Vanisource: Lecture -- January 6, 1971 (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_January_6,_1971)
[38] Vanisource: SB 2.2.26, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_2.2.26)
[39] Vanisource: SB 4.24.40, Purport (http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.24.40)
[40] Vanisource: Room Conversation -- February 14, 1977, Mayapur (http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_February_14,_1977,_Mayapur)
