What is the 3 Hs model?

Created by Swami Vivekananda, it refers to developing the Heart to feel, the Head to conceive, and the Hands to work.

What does the Bhagavad Gita say about objective and subjective knowledge?

Chapter 13 explains the distinction between the 'Field' (objective/body) and the 'Knower of the Field' (subjective/soul).

Western Science and Indian Spirituality Synthesis

The Vision of the Gita Institute: Spiritual idealism of the East combined with the material practicality of the West

Can the spiritual idealism of the East coexist with the material practicality of the West?

Swami Vivekananda believed it was not only possible but necessary for a new world order. Following the vision of the Bhagavad Gita, Pedro Nonell—a Spanish expert in Vedanta and the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna—explains how we can harmonize inner realization with outer perception.

This synthesis, often compared to the "Grand Unification Theory" of physics, seeks to create individuals who are "Westerners in spirit" regarding work and energy, yet "Hindu to the core" in religious culture.

Pedro Nonell, expert in Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta
Professor: Pedro Nonell (Expert on Swami Vivekananda, translator, and commentator of the Bhagavad Gita into Spanish)

Vision: spiritual idealism of the East (Bhagavad Gita) and material practicality of the West

Now comes the big question:

Is it possible to combine these two ideals and create a new order of civilization in which the best elements of both worlds—spiritual idealism and material practicality—blend together harmoniously?" “for the good of many, for the happiness of many”?

Swami Vivekananda (Swamiji), perhaps for the first time in human history, proposed a grand synthesis of the two ideals. And like the GUT (Grand Unification Theory: unifying three of the four fundamental forces in nature- The weak nuclear force, the strong nuclear force and the electromagnetic force; the force of gravity is not considered in said theory) modern physics, Swamiji believed that this scheme of unification, this harmonization and blending of the two ideals, would usher in a new world order.

This vision is directly inspired from the Bhagavad Gita where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna in Chapter 13 - Yoga of the Distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field:

I affirm that it is the true Knowledge. Bhagavad Gita 13.3

We must understand the “Knower of the Field” as the immortal Soul, the subjective knowledge; while the “field” represents the body, the objective knowledge.

Example

Subject Example (Es):
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 13) Yoga of the Distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field
Chapter 13 Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (Gita Makaranadam, Vidyaprakashananda)

Swamiji's education scheme must be understood in the light of his vision of a new world order as mentioned above. Through the lever of education, he wanted to create an army of men and women who combine in their lives the spiritual idealism of the East and the material practicality of the West.

The Bhagavad Gita Institute wishes to collaborate in the creation of this “army of Knowledge.”

Thank you Swami Vivekananda, disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, Yoga Vedanta Gita

The Case of Swami Vivekananda

"Can you become a Westerner of the Westerners in your spirit of equality, freedom, work and energy, and at the same time a Hindu to the core in religious culture and instinct?” asked Swamiji. And he replied: “This is yet to be done, and we will do it. All of you were born to do it.”

Swamiji's aim in starting various educational institutions to teach the so-called secular subjects like modern sciences, technology, professional sciences, arts, English, etc. on the one hand and the so-called spiritual subjects like ancient Upanishads, Sanskrit, Vedic literature, etc, on the other, was to create a complete, integral and fully developed human being in the Three Hs: Heart, Head, and Hand.

And power of concentration (Dhyana Yoga) along with detachment invigorating each of these yogas

Synthesis of the Paths of Yoga and Detachment (Swami Vivekananda) Bhagavad Gita

It is under this view that his statement that Belur Math would eventually become a full-fledged university must be understood. The entire history of the educational endeavor of the Ramakrishna Mission must be studied and understood under this vision of Swamiji.

As far as possible, we at the Gita Institute try to apply this vision of Swamiji.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the vision of the Gita Institute regarding the West and India?

The vision is to combine the spiritual idealism of India (the East) with the materialistic practicality and scientific progress of the West to create a harmonious civilization.

How does Swami Vivekananda define a complete human being?

Swamiji emphasized developing the "three Hs": the Heart to feel (Bhakti Yoga), the Head/Brain to conceive (Jnana Yoga), and the Hands to work (Karma Yoga).

Who is the "Knower of the Field" in this model?

According to the Bhagavad Gita and the analysis by Pedro Nonell, the "Knower of the Field" is the immortal soul or subjective knowledge, while the "Field" represents the physical body and objective science.

Does Pedro Nonell provide training on this synthesis?

Yes, Pedro Nonell is a Spanish expert who translates and teaches the Bhagavad Gita and Vivekananda’s philosophy through various courses at the Gita Institute.

Conclusion

The synthesis of Western science and Indian spirituality is the ultimate goal of the "army of knowledge" that Swami Vivekananda hoped to inspire. By integrating the power of concentration and detachment into our work, we turn every action into a sacrifice to God.

As Pedro Nonell emphasizes, this model does not ask us to choose between the two worlds but to master both. When we combine a brain that conceives with hands that work and a heart that feels, we achieve a complete state of Yoga that benefits all of humanity and leads us to the ultimate truth of God.

Help me spread the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramakrishna, Vivekananda