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Upanisada and other such literature are full of statement about nature, mind and behavior. The seers have not followed any formal methodology rather they went into deep contemplation and observed nature and mind going beyond senses. Such statements are being endured by modern physics and psychology.
Hence intuitive wisdom and revelations also should be given a fair change and trial. Tomorrow some more tools may develop; and powers of our instruments of measurement and observations may increase further which may reveal some more intuitive aspects of nature and mind. Therefore do not be rigid, be prepared to welcome new knowledge and facts as we advance in our journey of acquiring knowledge.
Conclusion
Research methodology is regarded as a revolution in social sciences in the last century because it empowers us with the techniques and skills of acquiring new knowledge. But it has its own limitations. Due to some structural defects it does not give absolute knowledge it gives only working knowledge. Knowledge produced by research methodology always goes through the process of evolution and modification. It gives bad answers to questions which otherwise would have worst answers. Research methodology is full of many gaps and slips.
A genuine researcher must not be rigid; he/she should be ego less and polite. He/ She should question every thing including his only findings. He should have an open mind and should be willing to accept any thing.
Today, social science research, by and large is not in satisfactory stage. Lack of deep training in research methodology and too much emphasis on database quantitative research could be a few factors responsible for this.
Research in social science should be organized with utmost care and concern, incorporating modern techniques and ancient wisdom both, otherwise doomsday in social science research will not be far ahead. Intuition and ancient wisdom should not be ignored. Deeper wisdom available in ancient Indian thoughts such as Jainism, Buddhism, Upanisadas and Yoga sutra should also be in research dealing with mind, matter and
nature.
Note: The Authors are thankful to Dr. Anupam Jain, for his valuable suggestions on the concept of Anekāntavāda and Syādvāda.
Reference:
1.
Yoga Sutra, Samadhi Pada, Aphorism 7.
Received after revision: 28.08.07
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