Imagination & Reality Are Inseparable

Imagination & Reality Are Inseparable

There's real space and there's imaginary space. Real space is public but imaginary space is private. But, if imagination remains too private, it loses its vitality . In order for it to get strength and grow, it needs to transform to reality. Our imagination is our own. If, however, we want to make our imagination meaningful, we must go public with it.

Imagination can be positive or negative. The positive strengthens mind power so long as it is not fanciful. These ought to be based on reality because through action, imagination can be transformed to reality. The reality of our imagination rests on how our action is oriented. There is a simple, but hard-to-realise principle in the Bhagwad Gita. Action bereft of fruits ­ this is the mantra which can transform our imagination meaningfully to reality. There is an inverse transformation. If reality is not sustained by action, it would not remain so but be reduced to a piece of imagination.

Action without imagination is a folly and imagination without action is wasted. If the imagination is complicated, corresponding reality would also be complicated. In that case it would be more of a liability than an asset. In theoretical physics and mathematics we encounter both real and imaginary spaces. Sometimes it is convenient to work in the imaginary space. However, one can transform a function from imaginary to real space. It is called Fourier transform, named after French mathematician Joseph Fourier. The reverse can also be done. In other words, functions in real and imaginary spaces can be inter-convertible.However, if the function in real space is complicated, its transformation to the imaginary space could also be equally complicated.

Knowledge, too, can transform imagination to reality. According to the Gita, knowledge, object of knowledge and the knower incite action. The endeavour, corresponding action and doer are the basis of action. It also states that knowledge is a great purifier. Action resulting from purity of heart and mind has lasting impact.

Education is a great redeemer of dreams and imagination. Many have fulfilled their dreams , with education. Education and educators are held , responsible for what goes in society. Education has two goals: values and profession. We cannot deny ourselves the values and benefits of education. If values are taken care of, benefit would always accrue. However, society is now in turmoil because most people are obsessed with benefits than values. Of course, all people are not saints to be happy without benefits. But there should be a judicious mix of the two. Education without values would lead to chaos and values without practical sense can hinder growth and progress.

Imagination has also beauty and flavour. Poetry is the result of beautiful imagination, so are painting and music. All these soothe the heart.These are as essential as concrete professional gains. Indeed these subtler sides of imagination make life simple and so make for a happy life. However, when the world is made complex by several activities beyond our control, it would indeed be difficult to find simplicity and thus happiness.

Imagination is impetus for good scientific research. However, it must be adequately supported by lab experiments and by computational skills. His imagination over the falling apple led Newton to discover the Law of Gravitation, which is universal.

Imagination leads to innovation, which in turn leads to new imagination. Both contribute to the evolution and progress of mind and society.Hence both spaces are important.

Om Namah Shivay