Page 27 - NAMAH-Oct-2022

Consciousness — the Need for a New Paradigm

Dr. Soumitra Basu

Abstract
Consciousness arises from a multi-disciplinary matrix and the scientific paradigm and needs to be
complemented by the spiritual paradigm not only to fill explanatory gaps but to validate supra-
physical realisations like The Mother’s description of the cellular mind as the template for the next
evolutionary shift, which would necessitate a new transformative psychology.

if there exist multiple conflicting viewpoints
for a particular subject-matter then it would
be unjustified to write it off as elusive or
chimerical. Rather, the different viewpoints
should be acknowledged with catholicity to
represent partial truths. One way to deal with
such a situation could be to select a viewpoint
representing a particular partial truth and
generalise it, but this would be too simplistic
an approach. Another way would be to
Multiple approaches
make an eclectic combination of viewpoints
representing many partial truths, but this
One of the unique things about ‘Consciousness’ could lead to a greater confusion. There is a
is that it can be the subject- matter of almost third option available. The problem can be
any branch of knowledge. Moreover, it can viewed from an altogether different poise
provoke conflicts not only between different where all partial truths are represented without
disciplines but also within the disciplines loss of uniqueness in an all-inclusive and ever-
themselves. That is why it is so difficult to expanding totality. It could be more relevant
write an overview on Consciousness Studies. The for psychology to follow the third approach if
human mind loves variations and works through it has to deal with a multi-disciplinary subject
contradictions, progressively harmonising like Consciousness.
apparently irreconcilable opposites. In fact,

27