Introduction
I recall being in Class VII or VIII when I first encountered the phrase, “Knowledge is Power.” At that age, I found it difficult to grasp how those seemingly tedious subjects—math, English grammar, social sciences, and pure sciences—could possibly translate into power. Even throughout my later years in school and the five years spent pursuing an engineering degree, I encountered a broad range of subjects—pure mathematics, sciences, social sciences, humanities, and core engineering disciplines. Yet, the focus remained on passing exams, with acquiring knowledge merely a byproduct. However, it seems to me that this experience provided a foundation for acquiring knowledge and learning. My in-service studies for a Master’s degree in Hydrology were more focused. While I applied only five percent of what I was taught up until my graduation and about twenty percent of what I learned in my Master’s program, I gained enough insight to work towards clarity and build a successful career as a Water Resources Engineer.
Recently, an article by Swami Sukhabodhananda in The Speaking Tree of the Times of India, titled “Clarity Is More Important Than Gaining Knowledge,” helped me understand why our scriptures emphasize attaining Vidya Shakti. The article introduces the concept of “Jnana bandhanam,” which means “knowledge can be bondage,” stressing that knowledge without understanding can become restrictive. The pursuit of clarity entails seeing beyond words and descriptions to grasp the essence of things, much like how the word “water” is not water itself. This clarity is akin to navigating traffic: having the ability to see and understand the situation clearly is paramount.
The Panchatantra offers a humorous tale of four Brahmins who, upon completing their formal education, had only gained bookish knowledge. Venturing into the world to earn a living, they sought answers from their books but, due to their lack of practical application and clarity, they found themselves in a series of misadventures. This included mistakenly following a donkey, tying it to a camel they believed was Dharma, and being driven out of a village by the donkey’s owner. The fable highlights the importance of applying knowledge with clarity, an idea echoed in Swamiji’s article.
Knowledge, in its truest form, is power. However, it is only when this knowledge is effectively applied that it translates into success. This concept is emphasized across both ancient scriptures and modern thought. In this blog, we will explore how the effective application of knowledge leads to success, drawing insights from texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and contemporary perspectives.
The Knowing-Doing Gap
In an article for Psychology Today, Craig B. Barkacs discusses the “knowing-doing gap”—the difference between knowing something and effectively applying it. Simply possessing knowledge does not guarantee positive outcomes; it is the practical application of that knowledge that truly matters. This is where experience plays a critical role.
When I joined the Central Water Commission, I observed that some of my colleagues involved in engineering design continued to rely on outdated and overly conservative methods. As a young engineer, I wondered: why the reluctance to adopt more advanced and economical solutions?
One of my colleagues shared an experience involving a tunnel design in a stable rock formation. The site conditions didn’t necessitate a steel lining for the tunnel; in fact, the rock and earth pressure meant placing a lining would have been unnecessary. Despite having credible documentation and successful examples from other projects, it took him several months to convince his seniors of this approach.
This incident highlighted the persistence of the knowing-doing gap in practice. Even when knowledge is backed by evidence, the reluctance to apply it can hinder progress. Interestingly, this disconnect between knowing and doing is also reflected in many of our ancient scriptures.
Insights from Ancient Scriptures
Both the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads stress the importance of applying knowledge. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says:
“योगस्थ: कुरु कर्माणि संगं त्यक्त्वा धनंजय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्यो: समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते।।” (2.48)
This translates to: “Perform your duty, remaining steadfast in Yoga, O Arjuna, abandoning attachment and remaining even-minded in success and failure. This equanimity is called Yoga.” The verse emphasizes that knowledge must not only be acquired but also applied with equanimity, without attachment to results.
Relationship of Bhagavad Gita 2.48 to the Gap in Knowing and Doing
- Acting with Detachment
The verse emphasizes performing one’s duties without attachment to outcomes. Often, the knowing-doing gap arises from fear of failure or attachment to conventional methods. This fear prevents individuals from trying new approaches. In the case of the tunnel design, despite credible evidence and successful examples, senior engineers were reluctant to adopt innovative techniques. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of my doctor friends hesitated to take the vaccine shot, despite knowing it was the only viable option.
This reluctance is described in the Panchatantra as ‘Aprikshitkarka’—actions whose results are unknown. However, every breakthrough requires a first attempt. Without overcoming this hesitation, humanity would not have been able to develop life-saving medicines for fatal diseases. By staying detached from outcomes, one can act without hesitation, which aligns with the Gita’s message.
- Balance in Success and Failure
The knowing-doing gap often persists because success is overly glorified, while failure is feared excessively. In the TV series Rocket Boys, which depicts the challenges faced by Indian scientists at ISRO, their early experiments encountered numerous failures, which could have been disheartening. However, their ability to view success and failure as stepping stones was critical to their ultimate success. This ability to treat both with balance is a key element of the Gita’s teachings. - Application of Knowledge as Yoga
The verse defines equanimity in action as true Yoga. This aligns with bridging the gap between knowledge and practice. When knowledge is applied with focus, balance, and detachment, it becomes a disciplined effort—Yoga in its purest form. The Bhagavad Gita, thus, not only illuminates the philosophical roots of the knowing-doing gap but also provides actionable insights to overcome it.
The Upanishads echo this perspective with the verse:
“समानाय भूत्वा समनस्य च सम्प्रिय:”
These texts assert that mere possession of knowledge is insufficient; its effective application, combined with the right mindset, leads to true success. Overcoming the challenge of translating knowledge into action requires mental clarity, balance, and detachment. Achieving alignment between knowledge and action demands that clarity and balance take precedence over simply possessing information.
Modern Perspectives
Modern perspectives align with ancient wisdom. For instance, a Daily Trust article highlights the necessity of both understanding and practical application to navigate life’s challenges. Mere accumulation of knowledge without application can be limiting, as emphasized in the Psychology Today article.
Practical Application
To practically apply knowledge, one must:
- Crisis Management and Resolution Skills
Navigating challenges efficiently by applying knowledge is crucial. This is often demonstrated during crises, where quick solutions are necessary. For example, during the Commonwealth Games, a footbridge under construction collapsed due to the inexperience of the contractor. The Army intervened to provide a temporary solution, which was later fully resolved. - Innovative Thinking
Using acquired knowledge to strategize and innovate solutions. In 1980, when the Central Water Commission was new to computers and mathematical modelling, I used my rudimentary programming skills to streamline the process of completing Flood Estimation Reports, which had previously been an ongoing challenge. - Continuous Learning
Constantly updating oneself with new knowledge ensures relevance and proficiency. As the Bhagavad Gita advises:
“उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः।।” (6.5)
This verse emphasizes self-reflection, self-empowerment, and the importance of overcoming self-doubt. By mastering one’s mind, failures can become opportunities for growth, reducing the gap between knowing and doing.
Contemporary Examples
Several companies today exemplify the importance of applying knowledge for success:
- Microsoft: Using AI to enhance decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
- Toyota: Embracing continuous improvement through knowledge sharing.
- Google: Encouraging innovation through knowledge application.
- NASA: Ensuring safety and success through effective knowledge transfer.
- Siemens: Leveraging digital tools for knowledge management.
Conclusion
Examples from contemporary businesses and ancient wisdom alike underscore the value of applying knowledge effectively. Success lies not in simply knowing but in acting. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes equanimity in action, and modern businesses exemplify this by applying knowledge to solve problems and innovate. By translating knowledge into action, individuals and organizations can foster personal and societal growth.
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