From Otto Scharmer's Theory U to Connections with Vedanta
Shankara's whisper in Scharmer's ear: Aparokshânubhûti meets Presencing
Adi Shankara skateboarding in Theory U - AI Image by Author (Microsoft Designer)
Last summer, I heard a podcast that sparked new ideas in my head. It was about Otto Scharmer's Theory U. As I listened, my Vedanta studies suddenly made new sense. This random find changed how I see personal and group change. It linked new ideas with old wisdom in a surprising way.
Who is Otto Scharmer?
He's a teacher and thinker at MIT. Born in Germany in 1961, he studies how groups and society change and grow. His background mixes money matters, business, and deep thinking. This mix shows in his Theory U. It blends mind science, group study, leadership, and even soul matters.
Scharmer made Theory U over 20 years of study and work. He saw that good leaders and groups worked from a deep knowledge. He called this "presencing" - a mix of "presence" and "sensing."
The U shape in his idea isn't by chance. It shows a deep change journey. It goes down (letting go of old ways), turns (touching the source), and goes up (bringing new things to life).
The Birth of Theory U
Scharmer developed Theory U over two decades of research and practice. The theory emerged from his observation that successful leaders and organizations operated from a place of deeper awareness, which he called "presencing" (a fusion of "presence" and "sensing").
The U-shape of the model is not coincidental. It visually represents the journey of deep transformation, from descent (letting go of old patterns) through a turning point (connecting with the source), to ascent (bringing the new into the world).
My Encounter with Theory U
It all started with that Spotify podcast. It was a warm summer day, and as I listened to Scharmer's description of the "presencing" process, I felt an immediate resonance with the meditative practices I had explored in my Vedanta studies. It was as if someone had translated ancient concepts into modern, applicable language.
As the podcast progressed, exploring the various stages of Theory U, I felt the "inner light bulbs" of my four years of Vedanta study lighting up one after another. Each concept presented seemed to have a parallel in the ancient scriptures I had studied, creating a silent but powerful dialogue between past and present in my mind.
Aparokshânubhûti and Presencing
Scharmer's concept of "presencing," that moment of direct perception and deep connection, immediately reminded me of Aparokshânubhûti as discussed by Adi Shankara in Advaita Vedanta. This term translates as "Direct Realization or Experience of the Self." This concept is central to his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the importance of direct and intuitive knowledge of the Self, beyond sensory perception and intellectual reasoning.
The realization of Aparokshânubhûti, adopting an extreme but crucial synthesis of its vast scope of teachings, according to Adi Shankara, occurs through a path of self-inquiry and deep meditation. Here are some key steps:
1. Shravana (Listening): Studying and listening to the teachings of Vedic scriptures and spiritual masters.
2. Manana (Reflection): Deeply reflecting on these teachings to fully understand them and resolve any doubts.
3. Nididhyasana (Deep Meditation): Constantly meditating on the truth of the Self, seeking to internalize and directly realize this knowledge.
These steps help overcome ignorance (Avidya) and recognize the unity of the Self with Brahman, the ultimate reality.
Listening to the description of "presencing" in the Theory U podcast, I felt a strong resonance with the teachings of Shankara. It was surprising to see how Scharmer, over 1200 years after Shankara, was describing a process that seems to echo these ancient teachings, but in a modern and organizational context.
Ancient steps
Scharmer's "presencing" indeed seems to resonate with these ancient steps:
- The "observation" phase in Theory U recalls Shravana, where deep attention is paid to the surrounding reality.
- Scharmer's "retreat and reflection" resonates with Manana, inviting deep contemplation of the observations made.
- Finally, the moment of "presencing" itself, where one accesses deeper and more intuitive knowledge, seems very similar to Nididhyasana, the deep meditation that leads to direct realization.
It was as if there was a deep connection between this ancient wisdom and the modern context of organizational change, with spiritual concepts finding new expression in applicable practices in the world of business and leadership.
Neti Neti and the Process of Letting Go
In Theory U, Scharmer talks about letting go of old ideas. This made me think of the Vedic idea of neti neti. Neti neti means "not this, not this." It's a key method in Vedanta.
Neti neti helps find the true Self. It works by ruling things out. You look at all parts of what you feel and think. Then you say, "This isn't my true Self."
You might say:
- "I'm not this body"
- "I'm not these thoughts"
- "I'm not these feelings"
By saying "no" to all these, you find what's left. What's left is pure awareness. It's the part that watches everything else.
neti neti: Skateboarding beyond illusions - AI Image by Author (MIcrosoft Designer)
Theory U does something like this too. Scharmer asks us to "pause" our quick thoughts. He wants us to "let go" of old ways of thinking. This cleans up how we see things.
It's cool to see this old Vedic idea pop up in new ways. Scharmer's "let go" matches neti neti well. It shows how old wisdom can still help us today.
Iti Iti and the Phase of "Letting Come"
The ascending phase of the U, where new ideas and possibilities emerge, reminded me of the Vedic principle of iti iti ("this, and this too").
Iti iti, which means "thus, and thus also," is a complementary concept to neti neti in Vedanta. While neti neti operates through negation, iti iti works through inclusive affirmation.
This principle recognizes that ultimate reality (Brahman) manifests in multiple forms and that all these forms are valid expressions of the divine. Iti iti invites us to embrace the diversity and complexity of existence, recognizing that truth can manifest in seemingly contradictory ways.
Here's a simplified version of the text about iti iti and its connection to Theory U:
Iti Iti and Letting Come
Iti iti means "this, and this too." It teaches us to be open and accepting. Instead of looking for one right answer, it says many views can be true.
In real life, iti iti helps us:
- Be open to new ideas
- Accept different views
- Include many ways of thinking
Theory U has a part like this too. It's called "letting come" and "trying things out." Here, we:
- Stay open to new ideas
- Try out different solutions
It's amazing how Scharmer's new idea matches this old wisdom. Both say it's good to be open and try new things.
And…so?
Adi Shankara taught over 1200 years ago. Scharmer teaches now. But their ideas match up. This shows some truths about change last a very long time.
Old ideas like Aparokshânubhûti, neti neti, and iti iti show up in new ways. They help with leading and making new things in big groups. This means:
1. Old wisdom can still help today
2. These ideas can help in new, surprising ways
This simplified version maintains the key points about iti iti, its parallel in Theory U, and the broader implications of these connections, while using simpler language and shorter sentences.
This exploration has left me with a stimulating question: how can we continue to build bridges between ancient wisdom and modern challenges? The answer, I believe, lies in remaining open, curious, and ready to recognize wisdom wherever it manifests, whether in a Spotify podcast or Vedanta texts. Perhaps we can find innovative ways to explore these ancient truths about the challenges of our time, thus creating an ongoing dialogue between past and present, between spirituality and organizational practice.
Feel free to leave a comment.
I have woven tales for anyone who cares to read them. My books await you on Google Books. Check also my stories on Medium.com.
I am eager to participate in research and produce content on Cross-Cultural Philosophy. Considering the many philosophy professors following Learn Vedanta Substack from universities across the five continents, I would be truly honoured to be involved in projects, as I have been recently approached. Please feel free to contact me.
I would be honoured if you considered subscribing to the Premium Contents of my Vedanta Substack and leaving feedback, comments, and suggestions on this page and by writing to me at cosmicdancerpodcast@gmail.com.
Visit my BuyMeACoffee page.
Thanks for reading.