World as energy, vibrations, and consciousness
The fields of modern physics, particularly quantum mechanics and relativity, have been noted by many to contain surprising conceptual parallels with ancient Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. These parallels often emerge when discussing the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between the observer and the observed.
The fields of modern physics, particularly quantum mechanics and relativity, have been noted by many to contain surprising conceptual parallels with ancient Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. These parallels often emerge when discussing the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between the observer and the observed.
Quantum Mechanics and Eastern Non-Duality
Quantum mechanics, the branch of physics dealing with the very small, has introduced concepts that challenge the classical, objective view of reality, resonating strongly with non-dualistic Eastern thought.
- The Observer Effect and Consciousness (Hinduism, Buddhism):
- Physics: The act of observing or measuring a quantum system fundamentally influences its state (e.g., forcing a wave function to "collapse" into a definite particle state). The Observer Effect suggests that a purely objective, independent reality may not exist at the quantum level. In the famous Double‑slit experiment (and its modern variants) a photon or electron can behave like a wave (interference pattern) until a measurement is made, when it “collapses” to a particle‑like outcome.
- Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta (a school of Hindu philosophy) emphasizes that Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual self) are one (non-duality). The material world (Maya) is often described as an illusion or a "skewed perception" of this ultimate reality. This aligns with the idea that our consciousness is not passive but actively involved in shaping or perceiving reality.
- Meditative traditions (Yoga Nidra, iRest, Vipassana) report that when one rests as pure awareness the sensations, thoughts, and emotions arise and dissolve within awareness. Awareness itself is unchanging and fundamental.
- Wave-Particle Duality and Unity (Hinduism):
- Physics: Subatomic entities like photons and electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties depending on how they are measured. This duality implies a spectrum of possible states rather than fixed, definite objects.
- Philosophy: In Yoga, Tantra, and Vedanta, the body and the universe are pervaded by prana, subtle energy in vibration. The same energy manifests as physical, mental, and spiritual phenomena. From this view, all vibrations, forms, and energies exist within and as expressions of awareness.
- Interconnectedness and Entanglement (Buddhism):
- Physics: Quantum Entanglement describes two or more particles that remain interconnected, where the measurement of one instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating them (non-locality).
- Philosophy: The Buddhist concept of Dependent Origination (pratītyasamutpāda) states that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena, forming an endless web of interconnections. Nothing has an independent, permanent existence; everything is relative and intertwined.
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Quantum mechanics, the branch of physics dealing with the very small, has introduced concepts that challenge the classical, objective view of reality, resonating strongly with non-dualistic Eastern thought.
- Physics: The act of observing or measuring a quantum system fundamentally influences its state (e.g., forcing a wave function to "collapse" into a definite particle state). The Observer Effect suggests that a purely objective, independent reality may not exist at the quantum level. In the famous Double‑slit experiment (and its modern variants) a photon or electron can behave like a wave (interference pattern) until a measurement is made, when it “collapses” to a particle‑like outcome.
- Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta (a school of Hindu philosophy) emphasizes that Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual self) are one (non-duality). The material world (Maya) is often described as an illusion or a "skewed perception" of this ultimate reality. This aligns with the idea that our consciousness is not passive but actively involved in shaping or perceiving reality.
- Meditative traditions (Yoga Nidra, iRest, Vipassana) report that when one rests as pure awareness the sensations, thoughts, and emotions arise and dissolve within awareness. Awareness itself is unchanging and fundamental.
- Physics: Subatomic entities like photons and electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties depending on how they are measured. This duality implies a spectrum of possible states rather than fixed, definite objects.
- Philosophy: In Yoga, Tantra, and Vedanta, the body and the universe are pervaded by prana, subtle energy in vibration. The same energy manifests as physical, mental, and spiritual phenomena. From this view, all vibrations, forms, and energies exist within and as expressions of awareness.
- Physics: Quantum Entanglement describes two or more particles that remain interconnected, where the measurement of one instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating them (non-locality).
- Philosophy: The Buddhist concept of Dependent Origination (pratītyasamutpāda) states that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena, forming an endless web of interconnections. Nothing has an independent, permanent existence; everything is relative and intertwined.
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Relativity and The Nature of Existence
Concepts from the theory of relativity and particle physics also find philosophical echoes.
- Impermanence and Emptiness (Buddhism):
- Physics: Quantum Field Theory suggests that the entire universe is filled with quantum fields, and what we perceive as particles are merely transient local excitations of these underlying fields. Particles are not permanent "things" but temporary bundles of energy/field activity, constantly being created and destroyed. An electron is a vibration in the electron field; photons are vibrations in the electromagnetic field.
- Philosophy: The Buddhist doctrine of Impermanence (anicca) and Emptiness (śūnyatā) posits that all compounded phenomena are constantly changing and lack an inherent, unchanging essential nature. The material world is seen as a dynamic, ceaseless flux rather than a collection of static objects.
- Energy-Mass Equivalence (E = mc²): Matter itself is condensed energy.
- Space and Time (Hinduism, Buddhism):
- Physics: Einstein's theories established that space and time are not absolute but are relative and interconnected as a unified spacetime fabric, which can be warped by mass and energy.
- Philosophy: Both traditions often assert that ultimate reality transcends conventional notions of space and time, viewing them as conceptual constructs that are part of the phenomenal world, but not the fundamental ground of being.
Concepts from the theory of relativity and particle physics also find philosophical echoes.
- Physics: Quantum Field Theory suggests that the entire universe is filled with quantum fields, and what we perceive as particles are merely transient local excitations of these underlying fields. Particles are not permanent "things" but temporary bundles of energy/field activity, constantly being created and destroyed. An electron is a vibration in the electron field; photons are vibrations in the electromagnetic field.
- Philosophy: The Buddhist doctrine of Impermanence (anicca) and Emptiness (śūnyatā) posits that all compounded phenomena are constantly changing and lack an inherent, unchanging essential nature. The material world is seen as a dynamic, ceaseless flux rather than a collection of static objects.
- Energy-Mass Equivalence (E = mc²): Matter itself is condensed energy.
- Physics: Einstein's theories established that space and time are not absolute but are relative and interconnected as a unified spacetime fabric, which can be warped by mass and energy.
- Philosophy: Both traditions often assert that ultimate reality transcends conventional notions of space and time, viewing them as conceptual constructs that are part of the phenomenal world, but not the fundamental ground of being.
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