The Sanskrit word “vidya” is literally translated into English as “clarity.” Some texts also translate vidya as “right knowledge.” So a literal translation of ONE Vidya could mean “clear elucidation of ONE” or “right knowledge of ONE.” This is certainly a beautiful and worthy translation, but ultimately it comes short of the author’s intention.

The transliteration I prefer focuses more on the process of reaching clarity as opposed to the end result of right knowledge. To understand my intended meaning of ONE vidya, one must focus on and understand vidya as a process, the result of which is clear understanding and right knowledge. Vidya is thorough analysis, deep contemplation, and scientific and spiritual inquiry that results in clear understanding and right knowledge. Proper vidya also connotes samyama and bhavana.

The Sanskrit term, bhavana is literally translated in English as “visualization.” But bhavana actually refers to the experience that follows deep contemplation, meditation and full absorption. Bhavana is synonymous with samyama as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali:

The mind’s fixation on a particular point is dharana (concentration). YS III-1
There the continuous flow of similar mental waves toward the object is dhyana (meditation). YS III-2
When only the object of meditation shines forth in the mind, as though devoid of the thought of even the self,
then that state is called Samadhi (absorption). YS III-3.
The three (dharana, dhyana and Samadhi) together on the same object is called samyama. YS III-4
By mastering samyama, one has the vision of knowledge. YS III-5

With this background in mind, I would summarize the process of ONE vidya to yield the blessed ONE Symbol as follows:

Through scientific analysis, intense study, deep mediation, and thorough contemplation of OM, we obtain clarity and right knowledge of the ONE. This process of contemplation and absorption of OM manifests and reflects the ONE symbol. Through samyama and bhavana on OM, we manifest and reflect ONE into the world.