THEORY BEHIND MATHEMATICS

AUM
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ABSTRACT
During the long period of growth of human civilization, the science of mathematics developed as one of the modes of communication along with another mode known as natural languages. Both of these modes of communications involved a visual representation in addition to spoken words. We call them numbers in mathematics and alphabets in the languages. The use of numbers is now universal irrespective of the wide variety of languages. Over a period of time, mathematics included a wide variety of subjects, in addition to the earliest symbols denoted as positive and negative integers and a symbol for what is called zero. Now, in general, the subject of mathematics includes the study of numbers, which are further classified as rational numbers and irrational numbers, algebraic numbers, transcendental numbers, complex numbers. It also includes the topics like algebra, geometry, topology, scalars, vectors, tensors, matrices and so on. These became indispensable tools in formulating mathematical relations between different observed and measurable properties of both microscopic and macroscopic physical world. It helped us to verify the consequences of those models by appropriate experiments. We could thus understand the properties of air, fire, water and earth, sensations like sound, light, heat and cold. The utility of mathematics extended also to understand the nature of the astronomical objects. And what is most surprising is that the mathematical scientist could predict the truths of the physical world, and verify the predictions by accurate experiments. One famous example is the nature of electromagnetic radiation which revolutionized our communication skills. There are several examples of such predictions in the history of science. Thus, we developed a strong faith in the utility of mathematics in our civilized life.

In the present talk, I shall first take a close scrutiny at some of our elementary notions of numbers and operations we do with them. This scrutiny discloses incidentally some aspects of our mental faculties which are active while we use numbers. It raises the hope that we can enlarge the scope of mathematics by a careful interpretation of mathematical symbols and operations to interpret our metaphysical notions. The chief inspiration for this investigation was provided by the Aphorisms of Pur]}]] written by H.H Jagadguru Kalyanananda Bharati. This talk in particular is an elaboration (prakaranagrantha) for two of his Aphorisms,

] ] and ]]] ] ] ]]:. A few

examples are given to illustrate the efficacy of mathematical approach in understanding truths stated in the Bhagavadgita.

THEORY BEHIND MATHEMATICS

AUM
]}] ] ]]]] }] ] ]] ]] ] ] ] || ]}] ] ]]]] }] ] ]] ]] ] ]] || 1. INTRODUCTION Before I enter into the main subject of my talk, I would like to make a few preliminary remarks which would serve as a proper back ground. That would also reveal to you my attitude to the subject under discussion. My firm conviction is that human civilization, as we know now, was built on a structure supported by three pillars. These three pillars are called Philosophy, Religion and Science. Broadly speaking, we understand that Philosophy is love of, and search for, wisdom; Religion is any specific system of belief and worship and conduct; and Science is systematized knowledge derived from observation and study. Stated in a simpler language applicable to our daily life, Philosophy is a way of thinking about the world in which we live; Religion is a way of living with the things in the world, and Science is a way of working with the things of the world. A mathematically trained philosopher would consider that the three disciplines of Philosophy, Religion and Science are like vector forces, each of which is ultimately directed to the same goal, which is the welfare of humanity. Hence, the triad of Philosophy, Religion and Science are not independent of our daily life. (See Fig. 1, at end) Now, the subject of Mathematics is such that it has both roots and ramifications in all the three disciplines, Philosophy, Religion and Science. It does not need to be told that Mathematics is the basis of modern science. Further, mathematical notions were employed in all religions to explain metaphysical ideas. The philosophers, who were basically thinkers of abstract notions, were the earliest founders of the science of mathematics. Thus, the three pillars of modern civilization have mathematics as a common denominator. And hopefully our present civilization would be more enlightened civilization in the coming years by the knowledge that science of mathematics is both universal and eternal.

4 In this talk I shall restrict myself to only one aspect of mathematics, the concept of a number. Even there, I shall pay special attention to one operation, namely, multiplication of a number by itself. Similarly I shall also consider the inverse operation of finding the root of a number. The reason for doing so is the fact that, to my mind, these operations contain some deep seated philosophical issues that need to be highlighted, apart from their role in the growth of mathematical science. Let us look at the following equation, which is one the earliest equations that we learnt: Eq. 1 11 = 1,

It is pronounced as: one multiplied by one equals one. It is also written as 12 = 1, and read as one raised to the power of two equals one. In either way, there is also a meaning to Eq.1 which is shown geometrically below: (Fig. 2) Fig. 2: Multiplication creates new dimension 1 11

1 In the Eq. 1, the abstract symbol 1 has been used with triple meanings. The first meaning is that it is a measure of length. The second meaning is that there is an operation called multiplication of numbers. The third meaning is that it also represents the area of geometrical figure called square. All this cannot be taught to the child. But as we grow, we learn to see more and more in this equation. The important point to realize is that the meaning of a number involves an experience independent of the number. In this example, it is the geometrical figure that we recognize as a square. Therefore, it must be realized that in our consciousness there are at least two independent streams of thought processes. One is that of the abstract concept of a number and the other is that of the meaning of a number with reference to our experience of shapes in the world. The meaning of an equation in mathematics involves a confluence of these two streams in our consciousness. We shall take another example in the following form: Eq. 2 111 = 1. 1 Fig. 3. More multiplications create more dimensions 1 1

5 The product 111 corresponds to a geometrical figure called cube whose edges are taken as one unit. (See Fig. 3) These examples are given to show that the operation of multiplication of numbers increases the number of dimensions of space. (The word dimension should not be confused with size.) The simplest space is a one-dimensional space, which we call a line. A given number basically corresponds to the simplest space, that of line. The operation of multiplication of two numbers corresponds to creation of two-dimensional space, called an area. If the numbers are equal, the two-dimensional space is called a square. Otherwise, it is called a rectangle. The operation of repeated multiplications corresponds to creation of spaces of larger dimensions. As we are living members of a three dimensional space, we are able to see the one-dimensional space as well as the two and three-dimensional spaces. Though we cannot see spaces with dimensions larger than three, we are able to imagine their existence. We thus become conscious of our capabilities and limitations which is an important lesson from mathematics. Let us consider the reverse of multiplication, finding the root of a number. The simplest root is called square root. There are also higher roots, cube root, fourth root and so on. What is a square root of a given number? The square root of a given number is that number which when multiplied by itself equals the given number. The simplest example is again 1. The square root of 1 is 1, because 1 multiplied by 1 equals 1. But in higher classes we are taught that it has two values, 1 and (1) also. These statements are taken as fundamental rules and so we accepted the rule (1) (1) = (+1). Here is a noteworthy philosophical feature. When we multiplied 1 with 1, the result corresponded to creation of a space of higher dimensions, but in the reverse operation of finding a square root we created a new number which is a negative number? What does this all mean for us? A philosophically minded mathematician would say: Surely, we created a new number which we can accept as the image of the given number, and it would create its image space of higher dimensions of space. He would illustrate his point by means of diagrams like (Fig. 4) 1 ITS IMAGE 0 +1 THE NUMBER

Fig. 4. Negative numbers are images of positive numbers. Zero, 0, is its own image.

6 and explains that (1) is the image of (+1), and that there exists what is called ZERO, represented by a symbol 0, which separates the positive and negative numbers. It is like a mirror that creates an image of the right-side numbers. There is a negative number for every positive number. The reflected numbers are put on the left side of 0 with a negative sign. Not only this, the negative number allows creation of space of higher dimensions like (Fig. 5) Fig. 5. Negative numbers also create new space +1

1 1 in which, there is square like (+1) (+1) and also like (1) (1).

+1

However, the mystery of a negative number was deepened when one asks for the square root of (1). Mathematicians encountered such questions while solving algebraic equations. Even a quadratic equation like x2 + x + 1 = 0 leads to solutions x = [1(3)]/2, which needs a square root of a negative number. Unable to get a meaning of the solutions, mathematicians decided to accept (1) itself as a unit of what they called imaginary numbers, .and chose i, which is the first letter of the word imaginary to represent that unit. In all the arithmetic operations involving i, the products of i are defined by the relations: (1) = i; i i = (1) and therefore ( i i ) ( i i ) = +1, because (1) (1) = +1. This turned out to be very useful, because there is a cyclic property involved in the products of i" as: i 1 = i; i2 = 1; i3 = i; i4 = 1; and i5 = i; i6 = 1; i 7 = i; i 8 = 1 and so on for higher powers of i. We shall see the importance of the unit of imaginary numbers as we go along. 2. MATHEMATICAL CONSTANTS There are two important mathematical constants which we need to understand. One constant is the well-known ratio of the circumference of a circle and its diameter, denoted by the Greek symbol called Pi. We shall discuss more about later in this lecture. The other constant, denoted by the English letter e, is the limit of a sequence of numbers defined as: e = Limit of [1 +(1/n)]n as n (n = 1,2,3 .etc. tends to infinitely large values).

7 Let us look at the individual terms of the sequence. We shall define them as: An = {1 + (1/n)}n , n = 1, 2, 3.. According to the rules of multiplication, each of the terms in the sequence, A 1, A2 and A3 etc. represents a space of increasing dimension. Thus, A1 represents one-dimensional space; A2 represents two-dimensional space; A3 represents three dimensional space and so on. As n , A represents a space of infinite dimensions. However, when n , the number 1/n tends to zero but never becomes zero. It remains a non-zero number, however small it may be. It is one of the special skills of a good mathematician that he/she can handle problems involving extremely small and extremely large numbers. In the case of A n , there is a condition controlling the small (defined by 1/n) and the large (defined by n) limits. Suppose there is no such control. Then 1/n can be equated to zero and A n = 1n =1, for all values of n. Therefore, 1/n should not be equated to zero even when n tends to infinitely large values. In the limit n , the edge of the infinitely dimensioned cube is almost but not exactly equal to 1. There is a small difference given by +1/n tending to very small values. It is customary to describe this feature mathematically as 1 + 0+. For a mathematician, 0+ is not the same as 0. Hence we will designate the limit e = A as the outer volume of an infinite dimensioned space with all edges equal to 1. Now we shall consider a variation in the definition of e. For this, let us define a new sequence of numbers denoted by the symbol Bn, where Bn = {1 (1/n)}n , n = 1, 2, 3. . The numbers Bn are qualitatively similar to An because they represent spaces of increasing dimensions. Following the arguments applicable to A , the number B represents the inner volume of an infinite dimensioned space with all edges equal to 1. The reason is that as n , the value of (1 1/n) represents the inner side of 1, (1 0 ). The suffix to 0 indicates that the limit is reached from the negative side of 0. It can be verified that B is the inverse of A, and therefore, the product A B = 1. Their numerical values are A = e = 2.718281827, B = (1/e) = 0.367879 944. Let us ponder a little at this stage about the philosophical implications of these numbers. First of all, the definitions of An and Bn are such that the size of the unit changes with the

8 number of dimensions. The change in the size of the unit with the number of dimensions is outside our experience. But if admit it as a mathematical possibility, we arrive at an interesting result that as the number of dimensions increases to infinitely large values, the change in the unit is almost negligible, while the external volume of an infinite dimensional cube is equal to the inverse of the internal volume of that cube. This is a mathematical truth. A mathematician accepts it, though it is not obvious to our intuition. Our intuition is basically accustomed to finite dimensional world and cannot comprehend the nature of the infinite. However, there is still something more we can understand if we accept Vedanta. In Vedanta, we are taught that the Universe we are aware of, as existing outside of us, is like an image of a city seen in a mirror. Actually it is seen inside. But it is felt as if it is outside due to power of Maya, just like objects seen in a dream. One may ask, Is the relation between our external and internal worlds analogous to that of A and B? Is there any significance of the mathematical result A B = 1? We shall come back to these questions again. 3. MATHEMATICS OF UNIT CIRCLE A circle is defined as a plane figure bounded by a single curved line every point of which is equally distant from the point at the center. The curved line is called the circumference. These ideas are illustrated in the figure below. (See Fig. 6) Fig. 6. Circle is locus of A keeping O fixed. O A

In this figure O is called the center, and OA is called radius of the circle. If we imagine that O is fixed and OA rotates, the point A traces a curve called its locus. That locus is called circumference of the circle. The circumference of a circle is 2 r, where, r = OA. It is proved by mathematicians that, analogous to the definition of the mathematical constant, e, one can define a function of z, denoted as exp (z), called exponential function, for all bounded values of z (not tending to infinity), as follows: exp (z) = Limit of [1 + (z/n)]n , n , = 1 + z /1 + z2/2! + z3/3! + z4/4! + z5/5! +

9 In view of the definitions of A and B, we can rewrite their new form A(z) = exp (z) and B(z) = exp (z). It may be noted here for clarity that exp (1) = A(1) = e; and exp( 1) = B(1) = 1/e. These definitions are valid for all numbers, real, imaginary and complex numbers. Therefore, let us take z = i. Then, it can be shown, using the periodic nature of the powers of i, i 2 = 1; i3 = i; i4 = 1; i5 = i, and so on, that exp (i) = cos + i sin , and exp (i) = cos i sin where cos = 1 2/2! + 4/4! 6/6! , and sin = 3/3! + 5/5! 7/7!, are the trigonometric functions. In general any complex number, a + i b can be represented by a Cartesian coordinate system in which the horizontal axis represents real part, a, and the vertical axis represents imaginary part, b. The quantity (a2 + b2) is called modulus of the complex number. These can be represented geometrically. Let OP = (a2 + b2). Then a = OP cos , and b = OP sin , and , is measured anti-clockwise from the positive x-axis, and O is the origin of the coordinate system (See Fig. 7) Fig. 7. Definition of angle O Q P

Here, we see an intimate relation between two constants, the geometrical number , and the mathematical constant e, and the central role of the unit of imaginary numbers i. Since the trigonometric functions are periodic with period 2, we have the equation, known as, Eulers equation (Leonhard Euler 1707-1783) exp (2n i) = 1 , for all n = 1, 2, 3, . Similarly, for all values of angle , the modulus of exp (i), denoted as exp (i), is equal to 1. This is called unit circle, meaning a circle whose radius is 1. All these results are well

10 known and they form bulk of mathematics taught in college. We shall now take up the Philosophical issues underlying the growth of these mathematical concepts. 4. PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES OF ROOTS OF UNITY The evolution of mathematics starting from the concept of the number 1 to the unit circle is a long and inscrutable one. Historically, numbers were known since times immemorial. They were recited in the Vedic hymns by the sages. Also, we know that the Hindu system of numerals spread into the West through the Middle East only in the 13th century.1 The phrase unit circle came into existence in the 18th century. We shall examine whether the unit circle has any message to us now other than being just a mathematical concept. Revolving as it does about issues of transcendental truth, the philosophy of mathematics also has a certain natural resonance with religious thought.2 The mathematical truth that, exp (2n i) = 1, for all n = 1, 2, 3, etc. has two meanings. One meaning is that a circle repeats itself with a period of 2 without any limit. The other meaning is that, as far as the property of circle is concerned, the interval 0 to 2 is the same as that 2 to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8, and so on without any limit. If so, we can also admit that there are infinitely large number of circles superposed on each other, though we are unable to see them individually. This argument allows the possibility that the interval 0 to 2 is not the same as that 2 to 4, and so on. The nature of that possibility should be, however, specified. We shall in fact see that such possibility exists. Let us consider the roots of unity. We know that exp (2 i) = 1, and therefore, exp (2 i) = exp (2 i/2 ) = exp ( i) = ( 1). Here, we get the proof for a negative root of 1. Now, suppose we ask for nth root of 1, whatever n may be, provided it is a real integer. It is given by exp (2s i/n) for values of s = 0, 1, 2, 3, , n 1. There will be n solutions, each of which is a root. We denote these roots by s. Explicitly, they are: 0 = 1, s = cos (2s/n) + i sin (2s/n), s = 1, 2, 3, .., n 1. In particular for n =3, we have three roots are called cube roots given by 0 = 1, 1 = cos (2/3) + i sin (2/3), 2 = cos (4/3) + i sin (4/3).

1 2

Annemario Schimmel. The Mystery of Numbers. Oxford University Press. 1993.pp. 8 - 9. John Allen Paulos. Beyond Numeracy. p. 177.

11 They are located on the circumference of unit circle as shown in Fig.8 (See at end). They actually form an equilateral triangle if joined by straight lines. Thus, the cube roots of 1 are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. In general, all the n roots of 1 will be vertices of regular polygon with n sides. If n is even, there will be two real roots +1 and 1 and the rest of them being complex. If n is an odd number, there will be one real root, +1 and the rest of them will be complex. Thus 1 remains a root of 1. The geometrical importance of the roots of 1, is the fact that the arcs of the circle between successive roots, beginning from 0 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3 , etc correspond to equal ranges of from 0 to 2, 2 to 4 and 4 to 6, etc. Therefore, we can conclude that roots of 1, which apparently divided the circumference into equal parts, actually produced as many multiples of 2 as the number of roots. These results hold good for any number of roots of 1, however large the number may be. The generation of innumerable intervals each of which is a copy of a given interval and superpose all of them on the given interval is a marvelous result. Simply, it means a large number of unit circles are reproduced on the unit circle. This brings to our mind the sentence of Lord Krishna Mayi sarvamidam protam sutremaniganaviva. Before we go further, a few comments are in order here. The cube roots of 1 have a special significance. They represent a polygon with minimum number of sides inscribed in a circle. They form an equilateral triangle. If the roots are joined to the center of the circle by straight lines, they look like three strings connecting the triangle to the center. A string is called guna in Sanskrit. In metaphysics, it is stated that the Nature is composed of three qualities. The power underlying the universe is called Maya comprised of three guna-s. Lord Krishna states that this power is under His control. Daivi hyesha gunamayi mama maya duratyaya mameva ye prapadyante mayametam taranti te. Here again we see another feature of mathematics echoing metaphysical notions in the language of geometry. 5. INQUIRY INTO NATURE OF TIME In the context of searching for a possibility of mathematical truth reflecting metaphysical notions, it is very encouraging to find an independent source of inspiration for that search. H.H Jagadguru Kalyanananda Bharati wrote in his book a number of Aphorisms among which there is one which is of special interest to us. And that is the Aphorism - vrittameeswar,

12 which, translated literally, means Circle is God.3 He gave an extensive commentary on His Aphorisms, both in English and Sanskrit, but we shall accept this Aphorism as it is and see its meaning in the light of the properties of a circle We accept the metaphysical meaning of the word God as expressed in the words Satyam, Jnanam and Anantam Brahma. Among the three words, Anantam comes closer to mathematics than the other two. The reason is that the mathematical discipline has the ability to handle Anantam, either as a discrete infinity of numbers, or a continuum that exists as an indivisible entity. In our previous discussions, the variable n, is a discreet one which tends to infinitely large values. But, we did not encounter continuum explicitly at least. It appeared in the form of what we denoted as the number , identified as angle, which is continuous and which can assume any value without any limit. Using these two numbers we could define the unit circle. We recall that the unit circle is given by exp (i) = 1, it is instructive to examine the exponential functions defined in A(i) = exp(i) and B(i) = exp( i), where we see that increasing values of in A correspond to decreasing values of in B . In our analysis, A and B correspond respectively to the external and internal volumes of infinite dimensional unit cube. If the variable is understood to be an angle, we can interpret the change in the sign of as indicating a measurement of the angle either in clockwise direction, or in opposite direction. And so, we can accept this property as a correspondence between the internal and external sides of the infinite dimensional cube. But, if we assume that corresponds to Time, we face some difficulties though we are familiar with periodic phenomenon of rising sun and setting sun. We do not know how to measure a decrease of Time. However, there is also another aspect of Time which we can take into consideration. We have some experience of Time as past Time and future Time. We shall try to understand these two aspects in terms of the properties of A and B. Let us remember that A and B correspond respectively to outer and inner volumes of infinite dimensional cube. If so, we can extend the correspondence of outer and inner regions to the future and past nature of Time, and identify
Jagadguru Sri Kalyanananda Bharati. Pur]}]]. Sri Srungeri Virupaksha Sree Peetham, Guntur. 1929
3

13 as Time, (leaving aside the debate about the nature of time in philosophy) 4. We arrive at the conclusion that what appears as the past to the exterior of the infinite dimensional cube is the future of the interior of it. Thus, the future and past are inseparably connected to the infinite dimensional cube. If we follow the Aphorism vrittameeswar, we arrive at the conclusion: FUTURE TIME AND PAST TIME ARE INSEPARABLY CONNECTED TO GOD AS HIS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR. In this case, the unit circle is the ETERNAL WITNESS OF TIME. IT IS ITSELF TIMELESS. We can further illustrate this concept utilizing the principle of invariance of mathematical truth with change of scale. What this means is, that the properties of circle do not vary with the size of the circle. And so, what appears to be a small detail can be magnified in order to make it visible. But, if a circle is magnified, the circumference appears locally like a straight line. Following this logic, if we imagine that the unit circle is sufficiently enlarged, an eternal individual who is conscious of time, can see clearly the unchanging straight line and pair of immediate neighborhoods that correspond to the future and the past, as indicated below: (Fig. 9) Conscious Being Time (Future) Unit Circle (Eternal) Time (Past) Fig. 9. Nature of Past and Future in relation to Eternal Being Implications of this result are interesting. When Lord Krishna declared that He knew all His previous incarnations, we cannot dismiss it as a fiction. Nor can we ignore the doctrine of destiny which says that, You reap as you sow. As conscious individuals we are aware of future and past in a limited manner restricted by higher powers. It may be realized at this stage that the whole concept of time is intimately dependent on the existence of i, the imaginary number. Time is a power controlling all the transient universe, but it has its seat on A and B . Hence it is not absolute. But in its absence, i.e. in the absence of Time, there is no unit circle either. What exists is only Unity. and Unit Circle is Time. It is called Devatma Sakti, swagunaih nigudham.
4

That is the Absolute

EKAMEVA ADVITIYAM NA IHA NANASTI KINCHANA. In other words, Time is Unit Circle
Ruth Reyna Metaphysics of Time in Indian Philosophy and its Relevance to Particle Science. Article in Time in Indian Philosophy. Ed. Hari Shankar Prasad. Publ.Sri Satguru Publ. Delhi.1992. pp723-734.

14 The four roots of 1 are 1, i , 1, and i. They are like the four Sandhyas of a day, periodic phenomena, called the morning, noon, evening and midnight. The Supreme is described as Chaturmurti, Chaturbahu, Chaturvyuga, Chaturgatih, Chaturatma, and Chturvedavid etc. Time is the inscrutable Maya endowed with the twin attributes of Avarana and Vikshepa The fact that Maya is described in Vedanta as anirvachaneeya is due to the fact that it is not in the domain of real numbers but is the domain of imaginary numbers. Mayas power is felt in the empirical world as Time. In summary, the mathematical constant e is the Space of infinite dimensions, and i is the infinite Time, both together make up the stage for universe of multiplicity. That is the unit circle. 6. INQUIRY INTO NATURE OF MITHYA AND AVIDYA The operation of finding the roots of 1 resulted in the creation of a new numbers. But it also corresponds to dividing unit circle into equal parts. For example, square root of 1 corresponds to dividing circle into two parts. Though the circle appears to be divided into two semicircles, we saw that each half is equal to whole circle. In that case, the division of a circle into two semicircles is not a real division like cutting an apple into two halves. Both semicircles have the same diameter and also identical individually to the original circle. It is an apparent division. It is seen and therefore it is not false. But, it is not so in reality. Situations like this are classified as Mithya or Vyavaharika Satta in Sanskrit, and are called empirical truths in English. In duality each member of the diad is equal to the whole. They are like identical twins indistinguishable from each other. Each one has the same knowledge and hence there is no ignorance for either of them. If we now consider a case of cube root, we noted that the three roots of unity correspond to three vertices of an equilateral triangle inscribed in the unit circle. But there is one additional feature in this case. We can imagine the following is done. Let us assume we draw a circle taking one side of the inscribed equilateral triangle as diameter (call it secondary circle to distinguish it from the unit circle). Then, the circle so drawn and the unit circle intersect outside the triangle making together a geometrical figure like crescent, which is also called a lune. (See Fig. 10) The As before, the circumference is divided into three equal parts, each of which corresponds to the whole circle.

15 secondary circle is not identical to the unit circle. An individualised consciousness identified with the secondary circle would not be aware of the presence of the basis on which the secondary circle existed. This lack of awareness (or ignorance) of the basis is called Avidya in Sanskrit. It may be translated as Incomplete Knowledge. But as a matter of mathematical truth, the arcs made by the cube roots of 1 are all identical to the unit circle. The crescent is formed jointly by the arc of unit circle and the secondary circle. The nature of Avidya is the unawareness of the presence of arc of the unit circle. However, Avidya is not total ignorance. It is the ignorance of ones own basis. This deficiency is rectified by the right knowledge. This need exists in all cases corresponding to the roots equal to three or larger than three. Therefore, the first manifestation of Avidya is in the triad. There is no Avidya in the diad. It is well known fact that the Theistic Philosophy considers the Almighty as Inseparable Divine Pair. This pair is not like anything we know of in this world. To illustrate the Transcendental Nature of that Divine Pair in mathematical language, this essay started with the prayer ]}] ] ]]]] }] ] ]] ]] ] ] ] || ]}] ] ]]]] }] ] ]] ]] ] ]] || In this prayer, the Transcendental Divine Pair is compared to the Diad of Circle and Diameter. Actually we cannot say we understand what a diameter of circle is and whether there is point common to them. But we are so sure of their inseparable existence. The relation between a spoken word and its meaning was used by the great poet Kalidasa in his prayer to the Inseparable Divine Pair. Such is the realm of transcendence. The fundamental faith of this essay is that the Empirical and the Absolute coexist in our consciousness, whether we know it or not. Hence, geometry which relies on our visual capability has the skill to bring to our consciousness the transcendental truth. 7 CONCLUSION

16 The nature of mathematics is not a fixed property. It changes with the way it originates and used by a conscious individual, whose approach to mathematics is largely influenced by the world in which he/she lives. Though it is true that mathematics was initially a tool for material needs, its potential is not restricted to that activity only. Mathematics has just as much narrative, purpose, and story telling in it as it has calculation and formulas. If we fail to see this and remain ignorant of mathematics but blindly reverent toward its techniques, we impoverish ourselves needlessly and empower others excessively. 5 We attempted to understand some metaphysical concepts on the basis of mathematical knowledge. We already referred to one Aphorism of H.H Jagadguru Kalyanananda Bharati. There is another which states the status of geometry for philosophical knowledge. He wrote

]]] ] ] ]]: , which broadly means that

Among the four means (of knowledge) comprising of Words, Seed Syllables, Numbers, and Lines, each succeeding one is superior to the former. This statement puts Geometry as the most useful mathematical science. It utilizes all of our faculties simultaneously and therefore enhances the scope of comprehending transcendental truths which otherwise remain obscure and incoherent. This essay does not claim to have solved all riddles. It is a modest attempt to extend the scope of comprehending ourselves, a task admirably initiated in the Upanishads.6 The chief source of inspiration for this effort came from the Aphorisms of H.H. Jagadguru Kalyanananda Bharati. To bring out the relation between the Empirical and the Absolute, the Jagadguru wrote an invocation, quoting which this essay comes to an end.
]]}]]] ]]]]/ ]] ] ]]]]/ | ]/ ] ]]] ]#]] ]] ]] ||

]}]] ]]]]/ ]] ] ]]]]/ | ]/ ] ]]] ]#]] ]] ] || : : :

5 6

John Allen Paulos. Beyond Numeracy. p. 177 For further discussion of the role of Mathematics in Metaphysics, reference may be made to G.S.Murty. Paratattvaganitadarsanam. Motilalal Banarsidass, Delhi.

17

Fig. 1 THREE PILLARS OF CIVILIZATION OF THE WORLD

THINK ABOUT THINGS OF

PHILOSOPHY

THE WORLD & UNIVERS E

LIVE IN RELIGION

WORK WITH THINGS OF

SCIENCE

Fig, 8
Location of CUBE ROOTS OF exp (2i ) On the circumference of Unit Circle 1 0 - 2

2 - 4

4 - 6

18

Fig. 10. Illustration of Avidya: A circle, in thin line, has an inscribed equilateral triangle. Taking one side as diameter, a new circle is drawn in thick line. The two circles make up a crescent-shaped figure called lune outside the triangle. The crescent has no existence without the triangle. The triangle has no existence without the circle in thin line. Avidya is that state of knowledge of the crescent, unaware of the existence of the arc in thin line and the existence of an equilateral triangle. Knowledge of arc of thick line alone, is designated as Avidya.

G.S.Murty Hyderabad April 28, 2005