In this episode, we’ll demonstrate that classical physics and quantum physics operate in distinct domains—classical physics governs the tangible, physical world, while quantum physics pertains to the more subtle universe made up of waveforms in the mind. Although this may sound remarkable, we will use scientific reasoning and logical arguments to establish that this distinction is indeed factual.

Introduction

Physics, as understood in Western science, is typically categorized into two major branches: Classical Physics and Quantum Physics. Classical physics traces its roots back to the dawn of civilization, where humans sought to comprehend the universe and its observable phenomena. Over centuries, pivotal discoveries were made and foundational laws established—many of which continue to be vital today. The main focus of classical physics was on macro-objects and the universe was often envisioned as a predictable machine given the starting conditions, one could theoretically forecast the future movements of planets and other objects. This led many to believe that the core principles governing nature were fully understood.

This certainty was disrupted in the early 20th century, as attention shifted from large objects to the tiny particles that make up matter—atoms and their components. Classical laws proved insufficient for describing phenomena at these microscopic scales. To address the results observed in atomic and subatomic experiments, physicists developed a new theoretical approach: quantum physics.

At extremely small scales, many phenomena challenge our classical expectations. One of the most significant discoveries was wave–particle duality, which revealed that entities such as electrons can behave like waves in certain situations and like particles in others. This pivotal finding marked the emergence of quantum physics. As the understanding deepened, De Broglie—a French Nobel laureate—confirmed that not only subatomic particles but all forms of matter, from the tiniest particles to the largest galaxies, possess both particle and wave characteristics. For a better understanding about quantum physics, we have two podcasts – the first one is Quantum Physics Overview and second one is Connecting Quantum Physics with Vedanta. Please listen to them at your convenience.

With this background, let’s explore the following two topics:

1. Understanding the World of Particles

2. Understanding the World of Waveforms

Understanding the World of Particles

Let’s begin with a thought-provoking challenge: can you point to a truly “live” or “now” object in our world? Everything we observe or interact with in the realm of particles is actually a “memory” object—something from the past. Every object we perceive is dated. But what does this mean?

Take the sun, for example. The image we see of the sun is not a real-time view, but rather the sun as it was eight minutes ago. This is because light from the sun takes about eight minutes to reach us, so what we see is always “now minus eight minutes.” It’s not the current sun, but an eight-minute-old version.

Similarly, the moon appears as it was three seconds ago, since light from the moon takes three seconds to get to us. A plane flying overhead is seen as it was 300 milliseconds earlier, and even the tree outside your window is a “now minus 10 microseconds” version. No matter how close the object, light always takes some finite time to travel to our eyes.

This principle extends to everything in the physical world—even people, animals, and any living beings. We never truly experience a “live” or present moment object; instead, we’re always interacting with slightly outdated, or “memory,” versions due to the limitations imposed by the speed of light.

Surprisingly, this topic of experiencing only dated objects isn’t widely discussed in the scientific community, despite how fundamental it is. So, the question remains: Where are the true “now” objects? Where can we find something genuinely live?

Understanding the World of Waveforms

Where exactly does the concept of “now” objects exist? What is its true location? It’s clear that it cannot be found within physical space, since everything we perceive “out there” is merely a memory or a representation from the past. If “now” isn’t present in the external world, then where can it be? Here’s a hint: the “now” objects must exist outside the bounds of space. But what does it mean for something to be “outside”?

Looking for “Now” Location for each object: 

To pinpoint the “now” object, the simplest method is to identify the spot where light would take zero seconds to reach us.

For example, we know that the sun we see is actually the “now minus eight minutes” version, because it takes eight minutes for sunlight to reach our eyes. Let’s imagine if the sun moved closer and we saw the “now minus four minutes” version—light would take four minutes, placing the sun halfway between its current position and us. If it were even nearer, and we observed the “now minus 30 seconds” version, light would take only 30 seconds.

Continuing this logic, where would the “now minus zero seconds” version be? It would be right at the point where light takes no time at all to arrive. That means the “now” version of the sun is not somewhere out in space, but within us—within the Observer.

Therefore, all “now” objects exist within the Observer, which resides inside the mind. In essence, each person’s entire “now” universe is contained within their own mind. Reflect on this concept—it’s truly awe-inspiring.

Particle and Wave Duality versus Memory and Now object duality

Quantum physics reveals that every object possesses both particle and wave properties. Previously, we discussed the ideas of memory objects and “now” objects, and wondered if there’s a connection between the particle-wave duality and the duality of memory and “now” objects. The answer is affirmative.

We established earlier that everything in the physical world is made up of memory objects, which align with the particle aspect in quantum duality. Put simply, memory objects and the particle aspect are fundamentally equivalent.

When considering “now” objects, we observed that the “now” universe exists within the mind, so it cannot include the particle aspect. Particles are absent from this mental realm, leading us to conclude that “now” objects are associated with the wave aspect of duality. Therefore, “now” objects in the mental universe are inherently wave-like, and since this universe resides in the mind, these waves manifest as mental vibrations. As we have discussed in the episode Understanding the Universe of waveforms, there is fully functioning universe made up of object waveforms. Everything happens first in the subtle universe and then in the physical universe.

Classical Physics vs. Quantum Physics

Science reveals that the laws governing the classical world are not effective in the quantum world, and vice versa. This suggests that classical physics and quantum physics each operate in distinct domains. But what sets these worlds apart?

We have just seen that there exists a universe composed of waveforms, as well as a universe made up of physical objects. The subtle universe is made of waveforms which are operating within the mind. The gross universe is the universe which is made of dated objects which is available “out there.” Quantum physics aims to explore and understand the wave aspect, focusing on the subtle universe. On the other hand, classical physics centers its study on the gross universe of physical objects.

There is a clear distinction between mental waveforms and physical objects. Studying physical objects through classical physics will not yield insights into mental waveforms. Therefore, quantum laws are not applicable to the gross physical world, where only classical physics is relevant. Similarly, classical laws do not suit the subtle universe; only quantum physics can explain its phenomena.

We hope this discussion has given a good understanding of the difference between the domain of classical physics and quantum physics. classical physics is concerned with the physical universe “out there,” while quantum physics is concerned with the subtle universe which is functioning within our minds. They operate in two mutually exclusive realms.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we now have a library of around 35 podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

In this episode, we undertake a careful examination of happiness. Each of us experiences brief moments of happiness, yet we desire this happiness to be lasting and uninterrupted. When it inevitably fades, it gives rise to dissatisfaction and frustration. To address this, we will explore the true source of happiness and seek to understand why it eludes us despite our constant pursuit.

Introduction

We all experience moments of happiness yet defining what happiness truly is, can be difficult. Although it is something we clearly feel, putting it into words is not always easy. Many people describe happiness as an emotion that brings joy, contentment, or satisfaction. Typically, this emotion arises in response to experience: when we enjoy an experience, we feel happy; when we do not, we feel unhappy. In this sense, happiness—like all emotions—is generally a reaction to our experiences.

If we observe life around us, we notice that the sources of happiness vary widely. For some, money brings happiness; for others, a good meal, meeting old friends, doing social service or simple everyday moments are the source of joy. The reasons for happiness are numerous, and no single cause applies universally. What brings happiness to one person may not have the same effect on another. Happiness, therefore, is deeply personal and differs from individual to individual.

Yet happiness remains a subtle and elusive phenomenon. Is there a single, underlying source from which happiness arises? To explore this question meaningfully, it is helpful to first examine what happiness is not and then identify its true source. We will also consider how the experience of happiness unfolds.

External Objects or Events and Happiness

Do external objects or events give happiness? To most people it does seem so. Because we are constantly engaged with external objects, it seems happiness lies in those objects. Buy a new car, you feel happy, get a promotion, you feel happy, eat your favorite meal and you feel happy. There are many such events which give us happiness.

We can all agree that happiness derived from external experiences is always temporary. It arises briefly, fades quickly, and is often followed by sadness because we do not want that happiness to end. This leads to an endless attempt to repeat pleasurable experiences. We try to recreate conditions that give us happiness, but life rarely cooperates. The repetition of happiness cannot be guaranteed.

Every living being seeks lasting happiness and contentment, something permanent and unchanging. Yet most people continue searching for this lasting happiness in external objects. This happens because of a fundamental error: the belief that external objects are the source of happiness. They are not, and they never can be. The following examples make this clear.

1. People often believe that eating chocolate brings happiness. The first piece gives pleasure, and perhaps the second does too. But as consumption continues, enjoyment diminishes and may even turn into discomfort. If happiness were inherent in chocolate, it would increase with quantity. Instead, it decreases. Happiness is not an ingredient of chocolate; it is projected onto it by the mind because of liking. Chocolate is simply a chocolate—the mind adds preference and value.

2. Many people believe money is the source of happiness, assuming that wealth enables unlimited enjoyment. Yet wealthy people are often unhappy, burdened by fear of loss, mistrust, or constant pressure. They may be so busy accumulating wealth that they have little time to enjoy life. Meanwhile, a person with modest means may be more content. Money is necessary for living in the world, but it is not a source of happiness. Once again, happiness is not inherent in money; it is a value superimposed by the mind.

This does show that external objects or events are not the source of happiness.  

Mind and Happiness

We have five sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. These organs are connected to the mind. The senses themselves do not judge or evaluate; they merely convey information from the external world to the mind. For example, the tongue reports sweetness or bitterness, but it is the mind that determines whether a particular taste is pleasant or unpleasant.

In the waking state, the senses are continuously active, transmitting information to the mind. The mind processes these sensory inputs and presents them to the ego. The ego naturally seeks experiences it finds agreeable and avoids those it finds disagreeable. Agreeable experiences give rise to happiness, while disagreeable experiences result in unhappiness.

Vedanta refers to this process as rāga which means liking and dveṣa, which means disliking. When the ego encounters sense objects, it superimposes like and dislike upon them. It pursues objects it likes, believing they are the source of happiness, and attempts to avoid experiences associated with unhappiness.

Does this mean that the mind is the source of happiness? A closer examination shows that this cannot be the case. The mind is fickle and constantly changing. An object that appears to be a source of happiness today may become a source of misery tomorrow. There is nothing stable or consistent about the mind. Such an erratic and unstable mind can never be the source of lasting happiness. According to Vedanta, the mind is not the source of happiness but rather the primary obstacle to realizing enduring happiness. While the mind may appear to provide fleeting moments of pleasure, it can never offer the permanent and unchanging happiness that every human being seeks.

Deep Sleep and Happiness?

We have seen that neither external objects nor the mind can be the true source of happiness. If that is so, then what is the source of happiness? The answer becomes clear when we properly understand the state of deep sleep. When we go to sleep, we generally pass through two distinct states.

1. Dream Sleep:
In dream sleep, we experience dreams. Although we are disconnected from the external world, we continue to experience an internal dream world created by impressions stored in the subconscious mind. The sense organs are inactive, yet the mind projects images, situations, and experiences based on past memories. Some dreams are pleasant, while others can be disturbing or frightening. Since both pleasure and pain are experienced in dreams, the dream state cannot be the source of lasting happiness.

2. Deep Sleep:
In deep sleep, there are no dreams and no experience of the external world. There are no perceptions, no thoughts, and no feelings. The mind is inactive, the ego is absent, and there is no awareness of the body or the world. In this state, there appears to be nothing at all. Yet, upon waking, everyone reports having slept peacefully and blissfully. People commonly say, “I slept very well” or “I had a deep, restful sleep.” Deep sleep is universally enjoyed by all.

This observation is significant. During deep sleep, there are no external objects, no mind, and no ego, yet happiness or contentment is still experienced. This clearly indicates that happiness does not originate from external objects or from the mind. Instead, the source of happiness must lie deeper—within oneself.

Source of Happiness

What is there within us that is the true source of happiness? From the standpoint of Vedanta, the answer becomes clear when we examine the state of deep sleep. During deep sleep, the only thing present is you—the Real Self. There is no external world, no body, no mind, and no ego. The ego appears only in the waking state when identification with the body arises. In deep sleep, all of this is absent.

Bliss and happiness are not produced in deep sleep; they are revealed when all distractions subside. Thus, bliss is the very nature of the Real Self.

If you are a student of Vedanta, you would learn that the Real Self is SatChitAnanada. We have discussed this topic in detail in my episode “Who Am I”. Here we discuss this briefly.

Sat (Reality)

Sat means that which is real—something that exists in all three periods of time: past, present, and future. Anything that comes into existence and later ceases to exist cannot be Sat. The universe itself came into being approximately 13.7 billion years ago and therefore did not exist prior to that. For this reason, nothing in nature qualifies as Sat.

The only thing that is truly Sat is your inner core, the Real Self. It existed before the birth of the body and continues to exist even after the body perishes. This is not an easy concept to grasp, but according to Vedanta, it is the fundamental Truth. The Real Self is uncreated, uncaused, unchanging, and ever‑present.

Chit (Awareness)

Chit means Awareness and it is the nature of Sat. This Awareness is self‑aware—the Self knows itself. Here, the Self is both the subject (the observer) and the object (that which is observed). There is no separation between knower and known. This non‑dual awareness carries with it a sense of completeness and fullness.

Because there is no division within the Self, Awareness is whole and indivisible. This is the essence of non‑duality taught in Vedanta.

Ananda (Bliss)

Ananda means happiness or bliss—but not the fleeting pleasure we experience in daily life. Ananda refers to your essential nature. Since the Real Self is complete, self‑sufficient, and independent, it does not require anything external to feel fulfilled. This state of completeness naturally expresses itself as continuous and unbroken bliss.

Because the Real Self is both the subject and the object, nothing is lacking. This absence of limitation is Ananda.

An Analogy

The Real Self can be compared to a bulb shining within us. Its nature is to radiate Awareness (Chit) and Happiness (Ananda) continuously. Just as the sun shines without effort, the Real Self effortlessly radiates awareness and bliss.

When an object comes into the field of Awareness, the ego becomes aware of that object. Similarly, when the ego comes into contact with the ever‑present light of happiness, happiness is felt. Happiness is not created at that moment—it is merely recognized.

Why Is Happiness or Ananda Blocked?

A natural question arises: If our inner core is continuously shining happiness, why don’t we feel it? Why don’t we recognize it? Vedanta explains that there are two main reasons for this.

1. Thoughts

Thoughts are the primary obstacle. They block the light of happiness, and as a result, we do not notice or experience it. In the waking state, the mind is almost always active with thoughts. Most thoughts arise due to perceptions from the five senses, while others arise from thoughts trying to fulfill desires. The mind is rarely quiet.

These continuous thought waves prevent the light of happiness from reaching us. This is the main problem.

Consider a simple example. You develop a desire to eat ice cream. This thought becomes dominant in your mind and blocks the light of happiness. You find it difficult to focus on anything else. To satisfy this thought, you go to the fridge and eat the ice cream. Once the desire is fulfilled, the thought subsides and temporarily disappears.

When this thought subsides, the mind becomes momentarily thought‑free. In that brief thoughtless state, the light of happiness shines through, and you feel happy. Notice carefully: happiness is not contained in the ice cream. It is experienced only when the desire‑thought subsides and the mind comes in contact with the ever‑present light of happiness.

Unfortunately, this happiness does not last long. Soon another thought or desire arises and once again blocks the light of happiness. This cycle continues endlessly. Thus, thoughts repeatedly block happiness and prevent it from being experienced.

If you closely observe your thoughts, you will notice that there is always a small gap between two thoughts. During this gap, the light of happiness does shine through, and a subtle sense of happiness is felt. However, this gap is usually so brief that we fail to notice it.

If the gap between two thoughts increases, the experience of happiness becomes more noticeable and longer‑lasting. A calm mind has fewer thoughts and larger gaps between thoughts, whereas an agitated mind has many thoughts with almost no gaps. Naturally, a calmer mind experiences more happiness.

For this reason, practices that calm the mind—such as prayer, meditation, breath control, and similar disciplines—are helpful. When the mind becomes quiet during these practices, the light of happiness is felt. However, this solution is usually temporary. Once the practice ends and the mind re‑engages with the world, thoughts return and again block the light of happiness. Therefore, while calming the mind is beneficial, it is not a permanent solution.

2. Ignorance

The second and deeper reason is ignorance of our true nature. We are born ignorant of the Real Self. Although the source of happiness lies within us, we habitually search for happiness in the external world. This is the greatest tragedy.

From birth, the mind is trained to engage only with the external world. This conditioning becomes deeply rooted. As a result, ignorance covers the true source of happiness within us, and we continue to seek happiness outside—in objects, relationships, achievements, and experiences.

This ignorance blocks our recognition of the inner source of happiness. We do not realize that happiness is our very nature.

When this ignorance is removed and you discover your inner core, you recognize that you are already part of the light of happiness. There is no separation between you and happiness. This realization is a permanent solution.

Once you abide by this source of happiness, the pleasure and pain arising from external objects no longer disturb you. External circumstances may change, but they no longer have the power to create misery. Happiness is no longer something to be acquired—it is simply known as what you truly are.

Self-Love and Happiness

Love and happiness are inseparably connected. We are drawn to people, objects, and pursuits because they bring us happiness; without this experience of fulfillment, love would not arise. Upon reflection, it becomes evident that all forms of love are motivated by the happiness they provide. If something consistently fails to bring happiness, it does not remain an object of love.

This insight leads to a subtle but important conclusion: the object of our deepest love is ourselves. Love for parents, children, friends, or others is secondary to this fundamental self‑love, as we cherish them because they contribute to our sense of happiness and well‑being. Without this inner satisfaction, such love would not endure.

Many resist this idea, perceiving it as selfish or self‑centered. They may argue that their actions are motivated solely by concern for the happiness and welfare of others. However, a closer examination reveals that even these actions are sustained by the fulfillment and contentment they bring to the individual.

The underlying motivation behind seemingly selfless actions becomes clearer when we examine everyday examples.

1. Parents make significant sacrifices for their children’s education, needs, and well‑being. When the children grow up and succeed, the parents experience happiness and a deep sense of fulfillment. This satisfaction reveals that their sacrifices are ultimately driven by the happiness they derive from their children’s well‑being. Self‑satisfaction, therefore, plays a central role even in acts that appear entirely selfless.

2. The same pattern is evident in people who work selflessly for their country, community, or religious causes. Such service provides a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and inner joy. The happiness derived from these actions sustains the effort and commitment, indicating that personal fulfillment is an essential motivating factor.

An illustrative anecdote involves former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. On one occasion, he reportedly rescued a pig trapped in the mud, even though the effort soiled his clothes. When asked why he intervened, Lincoln explained that he acted not solely to relieve the pig’s suffering, but to relieve his own distress at witnessing it. His action restored his peace of mind.

These examples suggest that self‑satisfaction—one’s own happiness—is the underlying motivation behind even the most selfless acts. While the actions benefit others, they are ultimately sustained by the inner fulfillment they bring to the individual.

This principle is articulated with clarity in verse 2.4.5 of the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanishad. In this dialogue, the sage Yājñavalkya instructs his wife, Maitreyi, on the nature of the inner Self and the true source of love and happiness. He explains that love is not directed toward others for their own sake, but for one’s own fulfillment. As the text conveys:

“It is not for the sake of the husband that he is loved, but for one’s own sake.”
“It is not for the sake of the wife that she is loved, but for one’s own sake.”
“It is not for the sake of the sons that they are loved, but for one’s own sake.”

These statements reveal a profound truth: we do not love our spouse, children, or others for their sake alone, but because they connect us to the happiness within ourselves. What we truly love is the inner source of happiness that these relationships appear to provide. Please take a moment to think about this.

We hope this discussion has given a good understanding about lasting Happiness. We saw, due to ignorance, we mistakenly attribute happiness to external people and objects, believing them to be its source. In reality, they merely reflect or reveal the happiness that already exists within us. Recognizing this inner source is essential to discovering lasting happiness.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we now have a library of around 35 podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

This episode argues that the multiverse does indeed exist, but not in the form commonly proposed by mainstream scientific theories. Rather than speculative parallel worlds, we present a more precise and coherent interpretation of the multiverse grounded in a proper understanding of concepts behind quantum physics and the core teaching of Vedanta.  

Introduction

Multiverses, or multiple universes, are a topic frequently debated by scientists. These proposed universes are often referred to as parallel or alternative universes. Some interpretations of quantum physics appear to suggest the existence of multiple universes, raising a profound question: Is such a concept even possible? While several hypotheses have been proposed, our understanding of how—or even where—these multiple universes might exist remains limited.

Much of the popular discussion around multiverses can be traced back to the famous thought experiment known as Schrödinger’s cat, devised by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger. In this thought experiment, a cat is placed inside a sealed box containing a vial of poison connected to a random atomic trigger. The trigger may or may not activate the poison. If it does, the cat dies; if it does not, the cat remains alive. Until the box is opened and an observation is made, one cannot know the state of the cat. From a quantum perspective, both possibilities—alive and dead—exist simultaneously until observation occurs.

According to some interpretations, if an observer opens the box and finds the cat alive, the alternative outcome—in which the cat is dead—must also be realized elsewhere. Schrödinger’s wave function mathematically allows for both possibilities, and this has led some scientists to suggest that the unobserved outcome occurs in a separate, parallel universe. Thus, if the cat is alive in this universe, it must be dead in another. This interpretation contributed significantly to the popularization of multiverse ideas.

However, this is a misinterpretation of Schrödinger’s wave function. Schrödinger himself did not intend the thought experiment to demonstrate the existence of multiverses. His goal was to illustrate how wave functions of interacting systems can superimpose and form increasingly complex waveforms, not to propose parallel realities.

A deeper and more accurate understanding of the wave function leads to a far more intriguing conclusion: we may indeed live in a multiverse. Each observer, through the act of observation, brings into existence a unique and exclusive universe. In this sense, no two observers inhabit the same universe. The existence of countless observers therefore implies the existence of countless universes. In this episode, drawing upon the principles of quantum physics, we will demonstrate how multiverses are not merely speculative ideas but arise naturally from the fundamental nature of observation and the wave function.

Understanding Schrödinger’s Wave Function

We have discussed Schrödinger’s wave function in other episodes like Quantum Physics – Overview and Connecting Quantum Physics with Vedanta. If you have time you must listen to these episodes. It is worthwhile to restate some key ideas here, because a proper interpretation of this wave function is essential for correctly understanding the concept of multiverses.

Quantum physics emerged in the early twentieth century when scientists discovered that all matter exhibit both wave and particle properties. This applies universally—to you and me, to molecules and trees, to planets, stars, and galaxies. Everything in the universe possesses this wave–particle duality.

In 1925, Erwin Schrödinger formulated a mathematical equation to describe the wave aspect of this duality. Schrödinger’s wave equation is a general framework capable of representing the possible wave functions of all objects in the universe.

A key insight of Schrödinger’s formulation is that a physical system consists of two components:

1. The observed system, which is the wave function representing the object or objects being observed.

2. The observing system, which is the observer or the measuring device performing the observation.

The observing system interacts with the observed system by making a measurement. In the famous Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, the person opening the box functions as the observing system. When the observer interacts with the wave function, only one of the many possible outcomes is realized. This process is known as the collapse of the wave function.

As a result of this collapse, a single possibility emerges from among all available possibilities. In the case of the cat experiment, the outcome is unambiguous: the cat is found to be either dead or alive.

Composition of the Wave Function for the Observed System

The wave function of the observed system is highly complex. Ultimately, there is a single system wave function that represents every possible object in the universe—from a single atom to living beings, stars, and entire galaxies. This unified system wave function can be called the cosmic wave function, as it represents everything that exists in the universe.

1. Cumulative Nature of an Object’s Wave Function

Schrödinger’s wave function represents the energy profile of an object at a given moment in time. As time progresses, this energy profile continuously changes, and with every passing moment a new wave function is formed. Importantly, no wave function is ever lost. All past wave functions remain available within the object’s total wave function.

Thus, an object’s wave function is cumulative: it is the sum total of all its wave functions from the moment of its inception up to the present. In other words, the object’s wave function contains its entire history.

Consider the example of the Sun. The Sun is over 4.5 billion years old, and its wave function includes the energy profile of every moment since its birth. Each individual moment contributes a distinct wave function, and all these momentary wave functions combine to form a single, grand wave function for the Sun. As time advances, new wave functions are continuously added to this cumulative profile.

Because every moment in the Sun’s history is present within its wave function, this cumulative wave function contains all possible historical versions of the Sun. Every version—from its earliest formation to its present state—exists as a possibility within the Sun’s wave function.

To understand this more clearly, consider the role of observation.

Imagine that you are observing the Sun from Earth, your friend is observing it from Mars, and an alien observer is observing it from a planet located five million light-years away. Light from the Sun takes approximately eight minutes to reach Earth, thirteen minutes to reach Mars, and five million years to reach the distant planet.

Although the total wave function of the Sun is available to all observers, what each observer experiences depend on which part of that wave function collapses during observation. When the wave function collapses in your presence on Earth, you observe the Sun as it was eight minutes ago. Your friend on Mars collapses the wavefunction where the Sun was thirteen minutes ago, and the alien observer sees the Sun from five million years in the past.

Each observer collapses a different historical version of the same object. All these versions already exist within the Sun’s cumulative wave function. Even if millions of observers look at the Sun at the same “now” moment, each observer collapses a different possibility from the same underlying wave function.

This principle applies not only to the Sun, but to all objects in the universe. Every object—human beings, trees, cars, planets, and galaxies—has a wave function that contains the totality of its history. Your own wave function includes every moment since your birth.

2. The Cosmic Wave Function

The complexity increases further when we recognize that all objects, each with their own cumulative historical wave functions, combine to form one unified wave function for the entire universe. This is the cosmic wave function.

Nothing is excluded from this cosmic wave function. It contains every object, every interaction, and every possible configuration that has ever existed within the universe.

Unlimited Possibilities in the Cosmic Wave Function

We have seen that the cosmic wave function is a single, all‑encompassing wave function that includes every object in the universe. Within this cosmic wave function exists an enormous—indeed unlimited—number of possibilities.

First, a possibility may consist of any combination of objects, whether large or small. For example, when you look out of your window, you experience one particular combination of objects—trees, buildings, sky, and people. When you look away, you encounter a different combination. Each such combination represents a distinct possibility. In this way, the cosmic wave function can be thought of as being “sliced” into many different parts, with each slice corresponding to a unique possibility.

Second, each individual object contains multiple possibilities within its own wave function. These possibilities correspond to the object’s entire history—from its inception to the present moment. The Sun, for instance, is about 4.5 billion years old, and its wave function contains a unique wave profile for every moment of its existence. As we saw earlier, observers located at different distances from the Sun perceive different historical versions of it, each corresponding to a different possibility within the Sun’s wave function.

When these two ideas are combined—the innumerable combinations of objects and the vast number of historical possibilities within each object—it becomes clear that the cosmic wave function contains an unlimited number of possibilities. Each of these possibilities can be separated, or sliced, from the cosmic wave function.

Role of the Observer

The existence of the physical universe, from this perspective, depends on observation. Consider a simple example: when you observe a tree, it appears as a definite physical object. When you turn away, however, its physical status becomes uncertain, as it is no longer being observed. In this view, physical reality requires observation; objects outside perception do not exist as concrete physical entities but remain as uncollapsed waveforms.

Quantum physics supports this principle by demonstrating that all entities possess both wave and particle characteristics. A wave function collapses into a definite physical state only upon observation, underscoring the essential role of the observer. Prior to observation, a system exists as a set of multiple possibilities; observation selects and actualizes only one.

Importantly, there is not a single observer. Every conscious being functions as an observer—humans, animals, and potentially life forms beyond Earth. The number of observers is therefore immense.

Each observer collapses a unique subsection of the cosmic wave function. This subsection represents a specific combination of objects and a particular historical state of each object. When the observer interacts with this subsection, it collapses into the universe that the observer experiences. This universe exists within the observer’s mind and is not shared with others. As time progresses, new subsections collapse continuously, producing a changing universe unique to that observer.

Similarly, every other observer collapses a different and exclusive subsection of the cosmic wave function. No two subsections are identical. Just as each slice of a cake is distinct, each collapsed possibility is unique and cannot be shared. Consequently, each observer experiences a distinct universe derived from the same underlying cosmic wave function.

Multiverses

Each observing mind collapses a unique subsection of the cosmic wave function. When this collapse occurs, the mind experiences the objects contained within that subsection. Because no subsection is ever repeated, each observer brings into existence a distinct universe. From the perspective of Schrödinger’s wave function, every mind selects a different possibility, resulting in a universe that is unique to that observer. No two universes are identical. Given the vast number of observing minds, an equally vast number of universes are continuously realized.

At first glance, it may appear that multiple observers are perceiving the same objects. For example, if you and a friend are looking at a group of trees, it seems natural to assume that you are observing the same trees. However, a closer examination reveals that each observer is, in fact, perceiving a different version of those objects. While these versions may appear identical, they are not the same.

Different distances from the object.
If your friend is standing closer to the trees than you are, light from the trees reaches your friend slightly earlier. As a result, your friend observes a more recent version of the trees, while you observe an earlier one. Although this temporal difference is extremely small and imperceptible to human senses, the versions are nevertheless distinct. Even a separation of a few millimeters produces a difference. Since an object’s wave function contains its entire history, each observer collapses a different historical version of the same object, resulting in different subsection wave functions.

Same distance from the object.
Even if two observers are positioned at the same distance from the trees, they cannot occupy the same point in space. This spatial separation leads to a different angular perspective, producing slightly different visual information. The same view would require both observers to occupy the exact same location, which is impossible. This principle applies not only to nearby objects but also to distant ones such as the Sun or stars. Consequently, each observer collapses a distinct subsection of the wave function.

Because no two observers can collapse the same subsection of the cosmic wave function, no two minds can experience the same universe. Each observer perceives a unique set of objects or unique versions of the same objects. In this way, every individual creates and experiences a universe that is exclusively their own. Multiverses, therefore, arise naturally from the act of observation itself.

Conclusion

Multiverses, therefore, are a reality. This conclusion aligns naturally with Schrödinger’s wave function, which allows for multiple possible outcomes and holds that, in the presence of an observer or measuring device, only one possibility is realized through collapse. The remaining possibilities do not disappear; they may be realized elsewhere as alternative or parallel universes. While this idea may initially seem mysterious, it follows logically from the principles discussed.

In summary, there are many observers, and every living being functions as one. Given the vast number of observers, there is an equally vast number of collapses of the cosmic wave function. Each collapse corresponds to a unique subsection of that wave function, and each subsection represents a distinct possibility. Because no two possibilities are identical, each observer gives rise to a different universe. These parallel universes are not distant or abstract; they coexist within the same underlying cosmic wave function. As long as multiple observers exist, multiple universes will necessarily arise. Viewed in this way, multiverses are not mysterious but a natural consequence of observation itself.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we offer around 30 podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

In this episode we will discuss the difference between Brahman and Ishvara. Brahman and Ishvara are often used interchangeably, but are they truly the same? While their fundamental essence is identical—both rooted in Awareness, the underlying reality of everything—their functions and modes of operation differ. Vedanta explains this distinction in the following way:

1. Nirguna Brahman: Brahman without any qualities or attributes.

2. Saguna Brahman or Ishvara: Brahman endowed with qualities and attributes is Ishvara.

This discussion explores the relationship between Nirguna Brahman or Brahman and Saguna Brahman or Ishvara, focusing on how Awareness forms their shared core nature. We will examine how Brahman, devoid of attributes, transforms into Ishvara, who possesses distinct qualities and attributes. Additionally, we aim to understand what those qualities and attributes of Ishvara are, and how they shape its role in the universe.

1. Nirguna Brahman – The Non-Dual Self Awareness

The first question to start the discussion is – what is Awareness? What is Self-Awareness? Awareness is the innermost core of any living being. It is like an Awareness bulb shining within our inner core. If any object, it could be an image, sound, touch or feeling, comes in the presence of this bulb of Awareness, you will be aware of that experience. Here are some examples of awareness that we experience daily.

How do we know the tree is green? Because we are aware of it. 

How do we know sugar is sweet? Because we are aware of it. 

How do we know the smooth touch of silk? Because we are aware of it. 

How do we know we are listening to music? Because we are aware of it. 

The common thread to all these questions is Awareness. It would seem Awareness is a prerequisite to observe any kind of object. Without awareness, we would not know any objects which are perceived by the 5 senses organs – eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. These objects from the sensory organs must encounter Awareness, and then only we can observe the object. For an analogy, let us think of the sun. If there is no light emanating from the sun, the entire world will be dark; anything and everything become visible only when there is light. In the same way, when any form encounters the light of Awareness, we become aware of the object. If there is no light of Awareness, you will perceive nothing, not even the sun. 

At its core, awareness consists of three essential components: the Subject, the Object, and Intelligence. Each of these aspects holds a distinct power:

1. Subject holds the Power of the Knower, representing the aspect of awareness that is the witness or observer.

2. Object contains the Power of the Known. This power manipulates awareness to become any object. 

3. Intelligence embodies the Power of Knowing, the capacity that enables the interaction and recognition between the knower and the known.

Together, these three powers work in harmony, forming the basis of our experiences. For a more in-depth exploration of these ideas, consider listening to the episode “Understanding Self-Awareness,” which delves further into nature and mechanics of awareness.

It’s essential to understand that the Subject, Object, Intelligence, and the three powers are not separate, external entities existing out in the world. Instead, they all exist within Awareness itself and together make up what Awareness is. Wherever there is awareness, you will find the Subject, Object, and Intelligence, as well as all three powers. For instance, as you listen to this episode right now, you are experiencing awareness. The part of you is a listener which serves as the subject; the words you hear are the objects; and Intelligence is what allows you to comprehend what you’re listening. All these elements arise within your own awareness.

What is Self-Awareness? 

Our inner core is full, complete, and it stands alone. For Awareness to be full and complete, it must be Self-Aware. Self-Awareness means that “Self is aware of the Self.” Self is aware of itself. This has a feeling of completeness.  

Here you will notice – Self is the Subject or observer, Self is the Object, and Self is the Intelligence. This is not easy to grasp, but you can imagine an entity where both Subject and Object are the same. There is no separation between the subject and object. Even the Power of the Knower is the same as Power of the Known. Since Subject with the power of knower and Objects with the power of Known is one homogenous entity, it must have no attributes, and it has no qualities. There is only one entity, which is non-dual. This complete, self-standing Self-Awareness is our inner core.

It is not dependent on anything else, and it generates its own light of Awareness. Nothing affects Self-Awareness; it is independent of everything. It is always at peace. Peace is its inherent nature. Because Self-Awareness does not do anything, all the powers of Awareness are lying dormant within Self-Awareness.

Brahman is the name given to this inner core of Self-Awareness.

2. Ishvara – The Reflected Awareness

If our essential nature is Self-Awareness, why aren’t we conscious of it—why don’t we feel it directly? The reason is simple: we are unaware of our innermost core because ignorance acts as a veil, obscuring Self-Awareness. When we lose sight of who we truly are, ignorance arises and hides our inner core, much like a curtain covering Awareness.

By now, it’s clear that Self-Awareness itself doesn’t “do” anything; it simply shines Awareness continuously. When ignorance covers Self-Awareness, that shining Awareness is reflected in the ignorance. Think of ignorance as a mirror—when light of Awareness is mirrored in it, we get what’s called Reflected Awareness. Just as the sun reflected in a mirror gives us both the original sun and the Reflected Sun, we have Brahman, the non-dual Self-Awareness, and Reflected Awareness. This Reflected Awareness is known as Ishvara.

1. It’s unusual but true: our ignorance is the root cause of Ishvara, or Reflected Awareness. Without ignorance, there would be no reflection, and therefore no Ishvara. The only thing left would be Brahman, the self-luminous Self-Awareness. In effect, Ishvara arises solely because of our ignorance.

2. Even if Reflected Awareness exists, Brahman—the non-dual Self-Awareness—remains untouched. It continues to shine Awareness regardless of whether ignorance is present or absent, much like the sun shines whether it’s cloudy or nighttime. Nothing can diminish the light of the sun, just as nothing can the light of Awareness.

3. It’s important to understand that ignorance does not affect Reflected Awareness itself. Reflected Awareness remains pure and unchanged, even though this might seem counterintuitive. One might expect ignorance to taint Reflected Awareness, but Ishvara is inherently pure and limitless. To clarify, imagine pouring water into a red bottle—the water appears red, but in reality, its color remains unchanged. Similarly, ignorance cannot affect the purity of Reflected Awareness; Ishvara remains untouched.

We’ve established that Self-Awareness is non-dual, meaning ‘Self’ is both subject and object. Unfortunately, due to ignorance, we forget this unity and experience a separation: the subject appears ‘in here’ and the object ‘out there.’ This simple act of forgetting gives Ignorance the power to transform non-duality into duality, creating this split. When duality happens the Power of the Knower, the Power of the Known and the Power of Knowing split and become active within Ishvara.

According to Vedanta, Maya Shakti is the force behind creation and the intelligence governing the universe. The powers of Knower, Knowing, and Known are present in Reflected Awareness; together, they constitute Maya Shakti:

Maya Shakti is the Power of Knower plus Power of Knowing and the Power of Known

This Maya Shakti is embedded within Reflected Awareness, and Ishvara uses it to manage and control the universe. Maya Shakti is the defining quality and attributes of Ishvara.

Let us discuss each of the 3 powers of Ishvara to understand their attributes and qualities.

Power of the Knower:

If we pose the question—who is it that sees the tree, hears the music, or tastes the sweetness of chocolate, and how do we do so—it becomes clear that the answer is not straightforward. Most of us take these experiences for granted and rarely reflect on their deeper significance. It is the force of Maya Shakti, particularly the Power of the Knower, that enables us to perceive the tree, listen to music, or savor the taste of chocolate.

The Power of the Knower shapes Awareness, allowing it to act as the Subject or Observer. Through this power, the Observer can assume a variety of roles. Within each person, this single Observer is constantly changing—sometimes it is the seer of the tree, other times it’s the listener to music, or the taster of the chocolate. With every new experience, the Subject adapts quickly and seamlessly, taking on new roles. The extraordinary flexibility of the Subject is made possible by the Power of the Knower, which manipulates Awareness to shift between different perspectives. This power is one of the great attributes of Maya Shakti within Ishvara and we use this power with every experience we have.  

 Power of Known

How do you know an object exists? The straightforward answer is that you are aware of it. Your awareness assures you of the object’s existence. If there is no awareness, the object effectively doesn’t exist for you; you simply wouldn’t know it’s there. Awareness is the foundation of everything you perceive. For you to experience an object, your awareness must “fill” it—taking on its shape so you can recognize and be aware of it. The “Power of the Known” is what enables this process—it shapes your awareness so that it conforms to whatever object you perceive, similar to how Play-Doh can be molded into different forms like a car, a tree, or a house. Just as Play-Doh can become anything, the Power of the Known can mold awareness to fit any object.

For example, if you notice a car parked outside, it’s the Power of the Known that shapes your awareness to take the form of that car. When you hear music from your device, your awareness fills the music, making it a conscious experience. If you savor the taste of chocolate, it’s because the Power of the Known impresses the flavor onto your awareness. In each case, awareness is the essential “ingredient” present in all objects.

While objects may appear different, their underlying content is always awareness. Since awareness is identified with Ishvara, it follows that all objects in the universe are composed of Ishvara. This realization is profound and invites deeper reflection, encouraging you to see the world around you in a new light—understanding that everything is fundamentally Ishvara in various forms. Maya shakti is the force which allows Ishvara to become all the objects in the universe.

The Power of Knowing

Awareness serves as the source for all possible knowledge and intelligence—a vast, internal digital library. Nothing that can be known or understood is missing from Awareness.

1. If you are aware that 2+2=4, it’s because this understanding exists within Awareness. If you know calculus, it’s because the entire body of calculus knowledge resides in Awareness. If you speak Sanskrit, that knowledge is also stored within Awareness. Every lesson learned since birth draws from this immense storehouse. Initially, ignorance conceals this knowledge. When you remove that ignorance, the Power of Knowing reveals what has always been present in Awareness. This is how you learn, comprehend, and become aware of new information. In truth, the knowledge we access is just a tiny fraction of what’s possible; the rest remains veiled by our individual ignorance. Through dedicated effort, the Power of Knowing can help lift this veil, granting us access to whatever knowledge we seek. It’s remarkable—all knowledge resides within Awareness, waiting to be discovered.

2. Likewise, all intelligence is present within Awareness. Logical reasoning, inference, creative insight, the ability to connect ideas across different fields, and memory—all these faculties and more are available within Awareness. Yet, our minds tap into only a small portion of this vast intelligence.

In essence, Awareness is not only the repository of every conceivable piece of knowledge but also the wellspring of all intelligence. It follows, then, that Ishvara can be understood as this very Awareness itself.

We hope this discussion has clearly shown the difference between Brahman and Ishvara. Brahman is the self-shinning non dual Self-Awareness. It is without attributes and qualities. It simply radiates and shines Awareness. Because of our ignorance, Brahman gets reflected in ignorance as Reflected Awareness. This Reflected Awareness is Ishvara. Maya Shakti is lying dormant in Brahman and because of our ignorance, this Maya Shakti is activated and this shakti is wielded by Ishvara to create, manage and control the universe.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we offer a growing library of podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

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In this episode, we’ll give a fresh and new perspective on the Big Bang. According to scientific understanding, the Big Bang occurred approximately 13.7 billion years ago, marking the origin of our universe. The prevailing theory suggests that a tremendous concentration of energy was confined within an incredibly small point, often referred to as a Singularity. This dense point is believed to have erupted with extraordinary force, giving rise to the countless galaxies that populate the cosmos. While the Big Bang theory offers a timeline and general framework, the precise nature of what happened during that initial moment remains largely unknown.

Despite its widespread acceptance, the Big Bang theory leaves several fundamental questions unanswered:

1. How did so much energy come to be compressed in such a tiny point? The origin of this energy remains a mystery. Logic suggests that energy cannot emerge from nothing, so understanding the source behind Singularity is essential.
2. If the source of this energy existed at the moment of the Big Bang, where is it now? Since the universe continues to expand—a process that requires energy—the question arises: what is fueling this ongoing expansion?
3. Although the exploding point is described as minuscule, it still existed as an entity. What was its nature and properties? Was it purely physical as current science proposes, or was it something beyond our present understanding? How did this initial entity transform into the universe we observe today?
4. Scientists claim that this minute point became the physical universe, but is this the complete picture? Could there have been intermediate stages before the emergence of the observable universe? If so, what might those stages be?

These unresolved questions highlight the challenges and limitations of the current scientific explanation. The Big Bang remains shrouded in mystery, as science has yet to provide comprehensive answers to these core issues. Clearly, something extraordinary occurred 13.7 billion years ago, leading to the vast and intricate universe we now inhabit.

In this episode, I will explore these questions through the lens of Vedanta. Drawing upon its teachings, I offer a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the Big Bang, addressing the mysteries that science has yet to unravel. To facilitate this exploration, this discussion is structured around the following key topics:

1. The Source of the Big Bang
2. The Present Location of the Source
3. The Nature of the Initial Point
4. The Big Bang—A Fresh Perspective

1. The Source of the Big Bang

What caused the Big Bang? What existed before it? Logically, whatever was present before the Big Bang must be its source. However, this is a challenging question for scientists to tackle. The reason is that space, time, and our universe itself all began with the Big Bang. In essence, scientific knowledge as we know it also starts from this event. Still, when we think critically, it seems unlikely that such a vast and intricate universe could emerge from nothing. Something must have existed prior to the Big Bang.

Since science does not provide a definitive answer yet, we can turn to the teachings of Vedanta for answers.

According to Vedanta, SatChitAnanda—also known as Brahman or Self-Awareness—preceded the Big Bang. These terms are interchangeable, and we will refer to them throughout this discussion. SatChitAnanda is described as unchanging, uncaused, and uncreated: it existed in the past, exists now, and will exist in the future. It is eternal and unalterable, a quality that nothing else in the universe possesses. Everything in the universe, including the universe itself, comes into being and eventually perishes. For instance, the universe began 13.7 billion years ago; before that, it did not exist. The only constant is SatChitAnanda.

For more insight into Self-Awareness, you can listen to my episode “Understanding Self-Awareness.” This Self-Awareness is non-dual, whole, and complete—it requires nothing else to exist and is entirely self-sufficient. Its fundamental activity is to radiate Awareness, like a bulb shining with light. This Awareness serves as the ultimate foundation of everything and is the most powerful force in the universe. Awareness possesses remarkable powers, some of which include:

1. Power of the Knower: Enables the subject to perceive objects.

2. Power of the Known: Transforms Awareness into different objects.

3. Power of Knowing: The intelligence that deciphers the nature of each object.

4. Power of Infinite Energy: Self-Awareness is the wellspring of limitless energy.

5. Power to Create Time: Awareness itself is the origin of time. For more on this, refer to my episode “Understanding Time and its Powers.”

All possible powers reside within Awareness. As mentioned, the Big Bang required an extraordinary amount of energy. So, where did this energy originate? Vedanta teaches that it comes from Self-Awareness. How does Self-Awareness contain such immense energy? I’ve discussed this in detail in the episode “Awareness—The Infinite Energy Source.” I encourage you to listen if you’re interested. In summary, infinite energy is inherent within Self-Awareness, and, when properly interpreted, even Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity aligns with this perspective.

2. Where Is the Source Now?

The energy source behind the Big Bang is SatChitAnanda. Space and time originated with the Big Bang, and since then, 13.7 billion years have gone by. This raises the question: where is SatChitAnanda at this moment? Here is where the confusion begins. Scientists typically assume that space and time, having begun with the Big Bang, continue to expand outward from that original point. All scientific models of space are based on this assumption. Unfortunately, this perspective has led to a misunderstanding, creating obstacles in fully comprehending the nature of space.

While the Big Bang occurred 13.7 billion years ago, that moment is now situated at the universe’s outer edge. SatChitAnanda, the original source, cannot be fixed at the Big Bang moment, which is now so far away and moving further away in an expanding universe. It’s not lingering at this distant location. So, where is it now? For those familiar with Vedanta, the answer is simple: SatChitAnanda with the infinite energy source exists at the innermost core of every living being.

At the time of the Big Bang, SatChitAnanda was the source from which space emerged. If SatChitAnanda is our inner essence, then logically, space must also begin from our inner core. Please listen to the episode “Universe IS A Projection of the Mind”.  Using both logic and scientific evidence, this episode demonstrates that our inner core marks the true origin of space. It’s a significant insight, and science must recognize this reality. Space originates from SatChitAnanda—our innermost core. Therefore, the present location of the origin of space lies within us, and the infinite energy of SatChitAnanda is available for the ongoing expansion of space beyond.

3. The Nature of the Initial Point

Scientists have determined that the universe began with the Big Bang approximately 13.7 billion years ago. This event originated from an initial point—a singularity—that exploded to form the cosmos as we know it. Yet, science has not clarified the true nature, profile, or characteristics of this initial point. We only know it was densely packed with energy. To gain a deeper understanding of what transpired, it is essential to explore what this initial point truly was. Since science offers little insight, we turn to Vedanta for answers.

Vedanta explains the principles of creation by describing three foundational bodies of the universe:

1. Cosmic Seed Body
2. Cosmic Subtle Body
3. Cosmic Gross Body

The cosmic seed body gives rise to the cosmic subtle body, which then becomes the source of the cosmic gross or physical body.

To comprehend this process, we must first examine the cosmic seed body. Consider the way seeds function in nature—each tiny seed holds the blueprint of a plant, ready to unfold its potential. For example, a rose seed contains the information necessary to grow into a rose and nothing else. The blueprint for the plant is encoded within the seed. By extension, Vedanta suggests that the universe itself had a cosmic seed body at its inception, mirroring the process by which a plant emerges from a seed. The initial point at the Big Bang, therefore, was this cosmic seed body, from which the entire universe germinated.

1. The cosmic seed body is the collective sum of all individual seed bodies. Every living being—and even every nonliving object—possesses its own seed body. Each seed body carries a blueprint shaped by its history,

Together, these form the cosmic seed body, containing the accumulated histories, traits, and information. This comprehensive blueprint holds all information needed for the universe’s evolution, from its birth to its eventual end, including galaxies, stars, planets, and life forms.

2. The cosmic seed body is a functioning universe composed of countless individual seed bodies. Its operations are so subtle and complex that they are almost unimaginable. Despite its intangible nature, it must be well regulated and organized. Unlike physical entities, the seed body is subtler than even the mind. As outlined, the initial singularity was the cosmic seed body—a subtle, non-physical entity.

4. Big Bang—A Fresh Perspective

The Big Bang can be reimagined as the moment when the cosmic seed body began to sprout. Just as a plant shoot emerges from a seed when conditions are just right, the universe’s cosmic seed body started to germinate under circumstances we do not fully understand. While the exact nature of these conditions remains a mystery, we know with certainty that the germination of the cosmic seed body marked the occurrence of the Big Bang.

So, what emerged from this cosmic seed body? As it germinated, it unfolded into the subtle body, bringing to life the blueprint hidden within. The seed body serves as the foundation and driving force behind the creation of the subtle and gross bodies, becoming the origin of everything that exists in the universe.

In living beings, the mind represents the subtle body, arising from each individual’s own seed body. This mind is composed of waveforms known as vrittis (meaning “whirlpool” in Sanskrit), much like complex ripples forming in a pond. Every thought, feeling, and perception—no matter the source, whether it be sensory input, emotions, or memories—manifests as a unique waveform within the mind.

Just as individuals possess a subtle body, the universe too has a cosmic subtle body, referred to in Vedanta as Hiranyagarbha, or the “golden egg.” From this golden egg, the physical universe comes into being. The cosmic subtle body consists of vrittis that represent all individual minds, as well as every object, galaxy, star, and planet—nothing is left out. The sheer intricacy of these waveforms within the cosmic subtle body is beyond imagination.

As the universe evolves, new waveforms are constantly generated and existing ones are reshaped, adding to the ever-growing complexity of the cosmic waveform. These object waveforms interact and intertwine, fulfilling the blueprint of each entity. If you reflect on it, the universe itself is a vast, dynamic field of cosmic waveforms. The foundation of these waveforms is pure Intelligence—each one is infused with Intelligence, inherently aware and purposeful in its actions. Please listen to my episode “Understanding the Universe of Waveforms” which gives insights into this topic.

Is an Observer Necessary?

To perceive the physical universe, the presence of an observer is essential. Without someone to observe, the universe exists only in a subtle form, composed of wave patterns rather than tangible objects. While this idea may seem unusual, it’s a key point to consider. We are so accustomed to experiencing the physical world as something external and real that we often overlook the role of observation.

Let’s consider a simple scenario: you are looking at a tree in front of you. In that moment, the tree is unmistakably physical. However, if you turn away and can no longer see it, a question arises—does the physical tree still exist? Since you are not observing it, you cannot be certain of its physical presence. According to this perspective, observation is required for any physical object to exist as such. So, when your back is turned, it appears the tree no longer exists in its physical state. This principle extends to all objects that are currently outside your perception. What form do these unseen objects take? Since they aren’t physically observed, they can only exist as vrittis—mental impressions—in the mind, manifesting as waveforms in the subtle body.

This concept finds support in quantum physics, which shows that everything in the universe possesses both wave and particle characteristics. In Vedanta, this aligns with the distinction between subtle (wave) and physical (particle) forms. Quantum physics also demonstrates that a wave collapses into a particle when observed, confirming the crucial role of the observer.

Thus, in the presence of an observer, mental impressions or vrittis collapse into the physical universe. The observer, therefore, is fundamental for the manifestation of any physical object.

Let’s apply this logic to the Big Bang. Was there an observer at that initial moment to witness the explosion? Most likely, there was not. If no observer was present, then no physical objects existed at the Big Bang—only the subtle universe comprised of waveforms. This suggests that the dramatic explosion described by science didn’t occur in a physical sense. Instead, what actually happened was the cosmic seed body began to germinate, and the cosmic subtle body with waveforms started to unfold its blueprint. The physical universe only happened when individual minds capable of observation appeared. The exact moment the first observer emerged remains unknown.

In summary, the scientific account of the Big Bang as a physical event may not fully capture what occurred, since without an observer, no physical universe could come into being. Rather, the cosmic seed body initiated its unfolding within the subtle universe at that moment. To this day, the cosmic blueprint continues to play out in the subtle realm. Each observer collapses only a small segment of the universal wave pattern to create their experience of the physical world. Importantly, no one can perceive the entire universe at once—each observer interacts with only a limited portion at any given time.

I hope this discussion has sparked your curiosity and persuaded you to consider the fresh perspective of the Big Bang.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we offer a growing library of podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

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In our previous episode, “Universe Is a Projection of Our Mind,” we delved into multiple viewpoints to illustrate that the universe isn’t an independent entity existing “out there.” We offered several insights explaining why the universe we experience is a projection of our minds. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, we encourage you to do so.

In this episode, we’ll begin by comparing the mind’s projection to a digital projector, much like the ones used to display movies onto a screen. Afterward, we’ll walk through a step-by-step guide on how the universe is projected outward, drawing parallels to the process of painting on a canvas. The resemblance between the two is striking.

Comparing the Mind Projector with a Digital Projector.

If you think about it, a digital projector typically consists of two main components: a light source (such as a bulb) and the content that needs to be projected. The mind operates in a comparable manner, with its own internal “light” and the “content” to be projected.

So, how does this projection happen? The process can be understood in two main steps:

1. Pre-projection Activity in the Mind: This is where the mind prepares the material such as perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and memories.

2. Projection by the Mind: The mind then projects this internal content outward, shaping the world we experience much like a projector casts images onto a screen.

1: Pre-Projection Activity in the Mind

Just like the digital projector, the mind projector has the bulb of Awareness and the content to be projected. Let’s explore each of these two components in more detail.

A Bulb of Awareness

At the very core of every living being is Self-Awareness. Throughout our discussions, we’ve often likened Self-Awareness to a radiant bulb glowing deep within us, casting only the light of pure Awareness. Self-Awareness remains singular and unified, untouched by any sense of duality. This self-illuminating bulb of Awareness has several innate qualities, one of the most significant being its role as the source of infinite energy. Indeed, Self-Awareness is endowed with limitless energy. For a more detailed exploration, please refer to the earlier episode, “Awareness—Infinite Energy Source.”

The boundless energy present within Self-Awareness is the origin of all energy in the universe. In Self-Awareness, this energy exists in an unmanifested, potential state—it is dormant and inactive, yet it is always there. Soon, we will examine how this latent energy is harnessed in various ways to fuel the projection of the universe we perceive as the world “out there.”

The Content to be Projected

The “bulb” of Awareness serves as the power source that enables the projection of content. But what exactly is the content that gets projected? According to Vedanta, there exist individual minds, and collectively, these individual minds make up what is called the cosmic mind. The cosmic mind supplies the content for projection. To better grasp this concept, consider the analogy of Google Maps: the complete software, or code, for Google Maps resides somewhere in the cloud. This software contains maps for nearly every city and country worldwide. Yet, when we use the app, we only see the map relevant to our current location.

The cosmic map, in this comparison, is similar to Google Maps but vastly more expansive, intricate, intelligent, and adaptive.

1. The cosmic map encompasses the entirety of the universe. It is incredibly detailed, capturing every inch of existence. Nothing is omitted—every tree, every mountain, every planet, and every living being finds a place within it.

2. The cosmic map is perpetually current. Any change, no matter how small—like a branch breaking off or a stone being moved—instantly registers on the cosmic map. It is continuously updated and immediately, ensuring it is never out of date.

In summary, the cosmic mind contains the full, ever-changing map of the universe, while each individual mind accesses and projects only a particular subset of this cosmic map, determined by the individual’s focus and perspective. The content present in an individual mind becomes the content that is projected in their experience.

2: Projection of the mind

Once the content in the mind meets the bulb of Awareness, a transformation occurs—awareness arises and illuminates the content. This awareness then expresses itself in the external world, manifesting as the vivid “painting” we perceive. Sri Vidyaranya, a renowned 14th-century sage, draws an insightful parallel in the sixth chapter of Panchadasi, likening the external world’s display to any painting.

The analogy holds true: everything we see outside is like a canvas brought to life, with a richness and variety surpassing any artwork created by human hands. The marvels of nature, the interplay of colors and shades, all contribute to a spectacle that is truly awe-inspiring.

According to Sri Vidyaranya, preparing a painting involves several steps: first, a canvas (usually cloth) is needed; second, the canvas must be stiffened with starch to make it suitable for painting; third, a sketch is drawn; and finally, colors are applied to complete the painting.

Similarly, the mind’s projection follows a four-step process:

Step 1: Creating Space as the Canvas

Step 2: Harden the canvas with energy

Step 3: Create the subtle image of the painting

Step 4: Add awareness to finish the painting

By examining these steps in detail, we can appreciate how the projection process unfolds scientifically, moving beyond abstract philosophy into a tangible understanding.

Step 1: Creating Space as the Canvas

Space serves as the canvas upon which all images or projections appear. Essentially, it is the stage where everything is displayed, yet we often overlook the nature of space itself and how it comes into existence. Let’s explore these two aspects more closely.

Time as the Foundation of Space

It might surprise you to learn that time is actually the foundation of space. The size of the universe is directly linked to its age. For instance, if the universe is 13.7 billion years old, its size is 13.7 billion light-years—one light-year being the distance light travels in a year. When one second passes, the universe ages by that second, and light covers an extra 186,000 miles, expanding the universe by that much. So, as time moves forward, space increases: every second adds 186,000 miles, and each year adds a full light-year. This demonstrates that time’s passage actively causes space to expand, making time the true fabric and source of space.

How the Fabric of Time Is Built

According to the Planck constant, time is not continuous but made up of tiny, indivisible increments—each only ten to minus 44 seconds long. These small increments create a “fabric” of time, starting at t = 0 and progressing in steps: the first node at ten to the minus 44 seconds, the second at twice that, and so on. Collectively, these nodes form the fabric stretching across the universe’s entire age, with an unimaginable number of nodes making up 13.7 billion years.

How Space Comes into Being

Infinite energy exists within Awareness, available in both the cosmic mind and, in smaller measure, the individual mind. When a portion of this energy interacts with the time fabric in the individual mind, it stretches the time fabric—much like pulling a rubber band. This stretching transform each second of time into 186,000 miles of space, creating the space we perceive all around us. In essence, space is created by stretching time—each second of time is drawn out to become the space we perceive. Thus, space is generated when pure energy stretches the time fabric, forming the canvas for all projections and images.

Step 2: Strengthening the Canvas with Energy

Just as starch gives structure to a cloth canvas, energy fortifies every thread of the fabric of space. But what type of energy is responsible for this remarkable effect?

Previously, we explored the idea that an infinite reservoir of energy resides within each of us, existing in a subtle, latent form. This boundless source of energy plays several crucial roles in the universe. For one, it is the origin of all visible matter, giving rise to the entire electromagnetic spectrum and thereby enabling the formation of everything we perceive around us.

Another function of this energy is its interaction with the fabric of time itself. As mentioned earlier, this energy can stretch the time fabric, which currently spans approximately 13.7 billion years. All the 13.7 billion years of the time fabric is stretched out to create all the space we observe. This stretching is wholly attributed to this subtle, pervasive energy, which has expanded the universe and created all the space we observe. Scientists refer to this enigmatic force as dark energy—a phenomenon still not fully understood. Essentially, dark energy acts as the engine that stretches the time fabric and generates a vast expanse of space. It takes an extraordinary level of energy to expand the universe’s fabric, and current scientific estimates suggest that dark energy makes up about 79% of the universe’s total energy content.

Unlike the familiar energy forms within the visible universe, such as electromagnetic energy, dark energy is fundamentally distinct. Electromagnetic energy, while essential for visible matter, cannot stretch the time fabric. In contrast, dark energy lies outside the electromagnetic spectrum, and its main function is to stretch time. Its true essence and composition remain a profound mystery.

As the time fabric is stretched, dark energy is distributed evenly throughout, forming an underlying layer often referred to as vacuum energy or zero-point energy—a concept confirmed by scientific research. In the same way that starch rigidifies cloth, dark energy reinforces every aspect of space.

Step 3: Forming the Subtle Image of the Painting

Just as a sketch is the foundational outline for a painting, the subtle image is initially formed on the time fabric. This subtle creation happens entirely within the mind. Let’s explore how this unfolds. A segment of the cosmic map previously discussed appears in the individual mind, and as it merges with mental processes, it generates waveforms called vrittis in Vedanta. These vrittis are mental vibrations composed of energy and intelligence, which acts as their substance and base. Please listen to my episode “Understanding the Mind” for a detailed explanation.

Energy and the Time Fabric: How do mental waveforms interact with the time fabric? Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity provides insight, revealing that when energy or mass is present on the time fabric, it causes the fabric to curve—much like how a ball placed on a stretched rubber sheet creates a dip. The greater the energy, the deeper the curvature; even small amounts of energy produce a dent. The energy from mental waveforms leaves an imprint, or curvature, on the time fabric. Where energy is concentrated, the fabric bends more. This imprint acts as the preliminary outline—much like a sketch—before the painting’s colors are applied.

Step 4: Add Awareness to Complete the Projection

When observing any painting, you’ll notice it consists of two fundamental elements: form and content. The trees, people, houses, and other objects depicted are the forms, while the paint itself is the content. If you examine this closely, you’ll realize that aside from the paint—regardless of its color—nothing else truly exists in the painting. Similarly, when watching a movie, the various characters and objects represent different forms, but the underlying content is simply light in varying shades and colors.

We’ve compared the world’s projection to painting. In both cases, everything is composed of form and content. Let’s explore this further. As previously discussed, the form is the mental impression imprinted onto the fabric of time. But what provides content to these forms? According to Vedanta, the content is Awareness. Awareness is the essential ingredient present in every object we perceive in the world. To experience anything, Awareness must be present; it is the prerequisite for all experience. Without Awareness, experience is impossible.

Any experience must have form and Awareness. Forms arise in the individual mind as vrittis or mental waveforms. Yet, for these forms to be experienced, they must be imbued with Awareness. Awareness must take on the exact shape of the form—if the form is a circle, Awareness must also be a circle. Just as paint fills the forms in a painting, Awareness fills all forms in our perception.

When Awareness fully permeates the form, the picture is complete. This final step finishes the projection of objects in the world, completing the image made up of Awareness on the canvas of space.

It’s important to recognize that the projection we observed represents just a single frame. On its own, a single frame is unmoving, but we desire to experience continuous motion. According to scientific principles, achieving this effect requires a minimum of 24 frames per second. While the exact number of frames generated by the mind remains uncertain, there must be at least 24 frames per second for motion to appear seamless. The intricate process of forming space and tangible shapes occurs with every frame, and each one differs from the last.

I hope this discussion has sparked your curiosity and persuaded you to consider new perspectives. In a previous episode, “Universe Is a Projection of Our Mind,” we explored the idea that every living being constructs and projects their own unique universe. In this episode, we’ve outlined the process of how such projection occurs, breaking it down step by step through scientific reasoning and logic. The universe we perceive is much like the sequential process of creating a painting on a canvas, with each step shaping the final masterpiece.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we offer a growing library of podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Transcripts – The Large Hadron Collider and the Vedantic Perspective

In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at the progress made by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), as well as its limitations. The LHC has led to the observation of numerous new particles, sometimes referred to as the “particle zoo.” Despite these exciting discoveries, however, the LHC has yet to achieve its ultimate objective: identifying the fundamental constituents of reality. As we’ll explore in this episode, there are reasons to believe that the LHC may never uncover the true building blocks of the universe, as its approach may be fundamentally misdirected.

Drawing upon the teachings of Vedanta, we will present an alternative perspective on understanding the nature of objects in the universe. According to Vedanta, the search for ultimate truth requires a shift in approach—one that goes beyond the confines of particle physics and explores deeper questions about existence and awareness. In this episode, we aim to shed new light on the quest to comprehend the substratum of our world.

Understanding the Large Hadron Collider

If you keep up with scientific advancements, you’ve probably heard of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Completed in 2008 by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the LHC was a monumental project involving 10,000 scientists from more than 100 countries. This impressive machine is situated in a subterranean tunnel with a circumference of about 27 kilometers. Within it, scientists collide elementary particles at incredibly high speeds to analyze their structure, aiming to uncover the fundamental components that make up our universe.

To grasp the functioning of the LHC, Einstein’s iconic equation, E=mc square, offers a helpful foundation. Atoms consist of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, surrounded by electrons. Scientists seek to go deeper and identify what lies beneath these elementary particles. In the LHC, particles like protons and neutrons are accelerated to extreme energies. According to Einstein’s equation, as the energy supplied to these particles increases, their speed climbs as well. This acceleration brings the particles close to the speed of light—though never reaching it, as doing so would require infinite energy.

Once these particles are moving at nearly the speed of light, further energy input doesn’t significantly boost their speed; instead, their mass increases. At these ultra-high energies, the particles possess both enormous speed and mass. Between 2008 and 2013, the LHC achieved energies of four teraelectronvolts. Scientists then directed two beams of these energized particles in opposite directions and crashed them together, observing how they fractured into even smaller particles. This process, repeated many times, allowed researchers to study the inner structure of these elementary particles and consistently validate their findings.

The LHC has enabled the discovery of many new particles, collectively known as the “particle zoo”—including fermions, bosons, tau particles, anti-taus, muon neutrinos, and various types of quarks. The catalog of particles continues to expand as research progresses.

Despite these breakthroughs, scientists remained unsatisfied. From 2013 to 2015, the LHC underwent significant upgrades, boosting particle acceleration energy to 6.5 teraelectronvolts —a leap of over 50%. This phase led to the groundbreaking discovery of the Higgs boson, the particle responsible for giving mass to everything in the universe. After three years of relentless experimentation, however, researchers felt there was still more to uncover and decided to further enhance the LHC’s capabilities. Currently, the LHC is undergoing another round of upgrades, with hopes that its improved power will help answer the universe’s lingering mysteries.

This prompts a crucial question: Is it possible for scientists to uncover the universe’s ultimate foundation by smashing particles at ever higher energies? The straightforward answer is no—not now and not ever. No matter how much money is invested or how much more powerful particle accelerators become, the true underlying layer of the universe will remain elusive; the fundamental building blocks will not be found. Their search for truth is focused in the wrong direction.

Investigating a Recorded Image

The current approach adopted by science is unlikely to succeed because it tackles the problem from an ineffective angle. To illustrate this, consider the following analogy: Imagine you’re viewing a playback of an event on a digital recording, and someone asks you to determine how many bones a person has by examining their image on a television screen. Is it possible? Not at all. No matter what methods you use, you won’t uncover the number of bones inside that image of an individual. You might attempt to digitally zoom in on the image, hoping to see beneath the surface, but this effort will also fail. Instead, you’ll realize that the image is composed of pixels. This realization might lead you to analyze the pixels in greater detail, expecting to discover the answer there. However, your focus has shifted from learning about the human body’s structure to studying the properties of pixels. In a similar fashion, when scientists continue to smash particles together at the LHC and uncover new particles, they are actually moving further away from grasping the true foundation of the universe.

Universe is a Recording of events

How does this example help us in understanding this universe? If you study it carefully, you will discover that this universe is also made of “recorded” or “memory” objects. There are no “live” or “now” objects in this universe. As discussed in other episodes, the sun we see is a “now minus eight minutes” version of the sun. It takes light eight minutes to reach us; therefore, the sun is a recorded image and not a “live” or “now” sun. Take the moon; it takes light three seconds to reach us, so the moon we see is a recorded image of the moon and not a “live” image of the moon. The plane flying at 30,000 feet is a “now minus one millisecond” version of the plane, because light takes that much time to reach us, so the plane is also a recorded image.

This phenomenon isn’t limited to celestial bodies like the stars, sun, and moon. It extends to all objects, whether large or small, animate or inanimate—trees, animals, people, and everything else. Every entity in the physical universe is, in effect, a “recorded” or “memory” object. This means that the external physical universe is comprised solely of such “recorded” entities. No matter how diligently you search, you’ll never encounter a truly “live” or “present” object in this universe. Just as investigating a person in a recorded image leads only to the discovery of pixels, probing the material world reveals only atoms and subatomic particles within these “recorded” objects.

Given this reality, the question arises: What is the correct way to investigate the true foundation of the universe? There must be an alternative, more effective strategy for uncovering the underlying reality and the true nature of objects.

Moving Beyond Particle Physics to Grasp the True Nature of Reality

Modern science, through endeavors like smashing particles in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), seeks to uncover what physical objects in the universe are made of. However, this approach may be fundamentally limited. Trying to reveal the true composition of matter by analyzing particle collisions is like attempting to count the bones in a human body by examining a photograph—an inherently impossible task. If particle physics cannot provide the answers, where should we turn?

The Vedantic Approach to Understanding Objects

Ancient Vedanta, as contemplated by the rishis of India, offers a different—and correct path to understanding the essence of physical objects. Instead of dissecting objects into sub-atomic particles, Vedanta encourages us to look at their fundamental nature. To illustrate this, Vedanta uses the metaphor of the clay pot.

Clay pots are found in countless shapes and sizes: tall, short, round, ornate, simple—the possibilities are endless. Despite their differences, every clay pot consists of two basic components: the content which is clay itself and the form that the clay takes. In this analogy:

1. The clay is the content, the material reality of the pot.

2. The pot form is the shape or design imposed on clay.

No matter how varied the pots may be, their content —the clay—remains constant. The clay is the true content, while the pot form is just a temporary form that the clay assumes.

Consider the question: What is the weight of the clay (the content) and what is the weight of the pot (the form)? The answer is clear—the clay holds all the weight; the form itself has no independent weight. Furthermore, it is impossible to separate the form of the pot from the clay that gives it existence. The form is simply an idea or concept superimposed onto the clay. Without clay, the pot cannot exist, and the form cannot be separated from the material.

This Vedantic metaphor provides profound insight into the composition of every object in the universe. Each physical object consists of:

1. Content: The underlying substance or reality that gives the object existence.
2. Form: The shape, structure, or appearance that the substance takes.

While modern science focuses on breaking down object form into sub-atomic particles, Vedanta teaches us to look at what is truly real—the unchanging content—and the temporary, mutable forms. Understanding this distinction helps us appreciate the deeper truth behind the objects we encounter, moving beyond appearances to grasp the ultimate reality.

What is content of Objects?

What truly makes up the content of everything in the universe? Vedanta suggests that a good starting point is to ask: how do we recognize the existence of an object? The straightforward answer is that we are aware of it. We see it, understand it, and can interact with it.

For example, how do we know a tree is green? It’s because we are aware of its color. How do we identify the sweetness of sugar? It’s because we are aware of its taste. How do we know we possess two legs and two hands? It’s because we are aware of our own body. How do we feel the smoothness of silk or realize we are listening to music? The answer in every case is our awareness.

The connecting link among all these examples is Awareness. Awareness is fundamental—it’s required to observe or experience any object. In fact, awareness is essential for anything to exist for us. Without it, we wouldn’t know of any objects perceived by our five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Any sensation from these organs must meet Awareness before we can experience it.

To help understand this, Vedanta uses the analogy of the sun. In the absence of sunlight, nothing is visible; but when the sun shines, everything becomes apparent. Similarly, when something enters the “light” of Awareness, it becomes observable. Without the light of Awareness, nothing can be perceived, and not even the sun.

But what exactly is Awareness, and why is it so vital to the substance of objects? The answer is: everything. According to Vedanta, Awareness is the true essence of all objects in the universe. Everything we experience, everything that comes through our five senses—has Awareness as its fundamental content.

At first glance, Awareness might seem like just another word in English, defined simply as “knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.” However, Vedanta explains that Awareness goes far beyond a mere definition. It is an extraordinary force, the ultimate reality underlying the universe itself. Awareness fills up objects forms so that you can experience them in your mind.

As discussed in an earlier episode on self-awareness, Awareness consists of three elements: Subject, Object, and Intelligence and the three powers – Power of Knower, Power of Known and Power of Knowing. Importantly, these components are not external things found somewhere in the world. They are intrinsic to Awareness itself, forming its very nature.

Wherever there is Awareness, the Subject, Object, and Intelligence—along with their three powers—are always present. They are inseparable aspects of Awareness, and together, they constitute the true content of all objects in the universe. To understand how the content of every object in this universe is only Awareness, we need to understand Power of the Known.

Power of Known

The Power of the Known is an aspect of Awareness that specifically relates to objects perceived through our five senses. Rather than creating objects, this power enables Awareness to become or take the form of any object presented to it by sensory experience.

Awareness, in its pure state, is without form. However, it holds the potential to assume the shape of any object, depending entirely on sensory input. Imagine Awareness as a lump of Play-Doh: by itself, Play-Doh has no defined shape, but it can be molded into countless forms. Regardless of the shape, the substance remains Play-Doh. Similarly, no matter what object is perceived—whether a tree, a melody, or a splash of cold water—the underlying reality is always Awareness.

The next time you see, hear, or touch something, remember that what you are experiencing is Awareness itself, manifesting as that particular object. The essence of every object in the universe, despite its form or appearance, is Awareness and nothing else.

What Is Form Made Off?

We now recognize that the essence or substance of any object is pure Awareness. But this raises another question: What constitutes the shape or appearance of the object? Where does this form originate? To fully grasp this, it’s important to understand how the mind operates.

As discussed in an earlier episode “Understanding the Mind”, the mind functions through mental patterns or waveforms, often referred to as vrittis. These patterns are composed of knowledge and intelligence. They enter our minds through the five sensory organs—eyes, nose, tongue, ears, and skin. These sensory inputs create intelligent mental waveforms, which serve as the foundation for the form of objects.

When these intelligent waveforms interact with Awareness, Awareness fills these waveforms and they take on the recognizable forms of the objects we perceive in the physical world. In this way, while Awareness is the essence or content, the forms we experience are constructed from the sensory inputs provided by our five senses. For example, waveforms from the ears become the sounds we hear; those from the eyes create the visual shapes we see; waveforms from the tongue give us taste; and similarly, smell and touch arise from inputs via the nose and skin.

Consider the earlier analogy of a clay pot: the only real substance is clay, while the pot itself is merely a form imposed upon that clay. In the same sense, Awareness is the true content of all objects, and their forms are created by the sensory information superimposed upon Awareness.

This understanding is accurate, yet in our everyday lives, we rarely feel that Awareness is the content of the objects around us. The reason is that our attention is almost always fixed on the outward form of objects, causing us to overlook their deeper content. For instance, when you visit a furniture store, your attention is caught by the various designs. You may think, “I like this style,” or “That piece would look great in my home,” focusing entirely on the form and not on the substance. Our habitual focus on form is so strong that we seldom realize that Awareness underlies every object.

Even scientific inquiry has traditionally concentrated on the form of objects, investigating ever-smaller components—molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles. While science has uncovered many layers of form, it seeks to discover the fundamental content of objects. However, by focusing solely on form, science misses Awareness, which cannot be found by breaking apart particles in a collider. The search is directed at the wrong aspect of reality—the form instead of the content.

In truth, there is no need to search for Awareness; it is always present and obvious. Whenever you perceive an object, Awareness is already manifest. It is right before you, in your act of perceiving. The next time you observe something, try shifting your attention from the object’s form to the simple fact that you are aware of it. Practicing this regularly reveals that Awareness pervades everything, and that the forms we see are merely superficial layers atop an ever-present Awareness.

We hope this discussion has made it clear that Awareness represents the true essence of all objects. Awareness stands as the most powerful force and serves as the foundational reality of the universe. Based on this, it is regrettable to suggest that the Large Hadron Collider will ultimately struggle to achieve its deepest objective. By concentrating solely on the physical form of objects, the LHC is unlikely to uncover the content of all objects. A fundamental change in perspective is necessary.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to explore our blog at Vedanta and Science dot com or discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we offer a growing library of episodes covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Transcripts – Universe IS A Projection of Our Mind

According to Vedanta, the universe we experience as being “out there” is a projection of our own mind. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the scientific viewpoint. Science asserts that the external universe exists independently, made up of countless objects, and that our perception relies on light traveling from these objects to our eyes. When light enters the eye, it forms an inverted image on the retina, which is then corrected and converted into optical signals sent to the brain. Although the precise processes within the brain remain a mystery, science holds that our perception is ultimately a reconstruction of these external stimuli.

Vedanta, on the other hand, claims that subtle objects made up of waveforms arise first within the mind and are then projected outward to become the tangible world we observe. This is the exact inverse of the scientific model, in which external physical objects give rise to internal mental representations. Clearly, these two viewpoints are fundamentally opposed—only one can be true. To proceed meaningfully with this episode, it’s essential to resolve this contradiction. Given our focus on the idea of projection, Vedanta’s explanation offers a compelling framework: the mind projects the universe, making this the foundational truth for our discussion. In the following sections, we will examine this concept from several perspectives to demonstrate its validity:

1. Scientific analysis
2. Logical reasoning
3. Mathematical interpretation
4. Applying Quantum physics
5. The structure of the universe
6. Memory Objects vs. Now Objects

1. Scientific analysis —Theory of Special Relativity

Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity revolutionized our understanding of the relationship between motion and time. A key principle of this theory shows how motion influences time and space. Based on this, whenever there is motion—even something as simple as walking or as extreme as traveling at 40% the speed of light—time slows down for the moving observer. The extent to which time slows depends on the speed: the faster the motion, the greater the effect. At the speed of light, time effectively stops. Please listen to my episode “Einstein Theory of Relativity” for a detailed explanation on these amazing happenings.

This profound connection between motion and time has far-reaching consequences in our everyday lives, even if we don’t notice or feel it directly. Motion is everywhere—we see ants crawling, people walking, cyclists pedaling, and cars speeding by. If we apply Einstein’s principles, it means that the passage of time is unique to everyone based on their movement. Two people standing still experience time at the same rate, but once one starts moving, their experience of time slows relative to the one who remains stationary.

If you remain stationary while I begin to walk, the ticking rate of my internal clock shifts—even if only by a tiny amount. Because time moves differently for each of us, the vibration of atoms in objects would be different, making the objects we perceive unique to our own perspective. In this sense, we each experience a personalized reality, shaping our own version of the universe. Just as I create my universe, you create yours, and so does every other living being.

Therefore, the conclusion is clear: each person projects a unique universe shaped by the rhythm of their own internal clock. This aspect of Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity aligns with the teachings of Vedanta, which suggest that the universe is a projection of individual minds.

2. Logical Reasoning

We have explored this in various discussions that the true origin of space is the observer within each of us. This insight carries profound implications, so it’s important to revisit this line of reasoning for clarity. Let’s examine the nature of external objects. For example, if we observe a distant star located five million light-years away, the light we see from that star began its journey toward us five million years ago. When we look at the sun, its light takes about eight minutes to reach our eyes. Observing the moon, we see light that took three seconds to arrive. If we notice an airplane flying at 30,000 feet, the light from it reaches us in roughly 300 milliseconds. The closer the object, the less time light takes to reach us.

Now, consider staring at a tree just outside your window—the light travels to you in only 10 microseconds. Glancing at a computer screen just a foot away, the light’s journey is even shorter: about one nanosecond. As the distance between observer and object decreases, so does the time it takes for light to travel. If we continue this pattern, we find that the only logical point where light takes zero seconds to reach us is the observer—the very center of perception. This means the observer within is the true starting point of space.

No matter who observes the universe, each will arrive at the same conclusion: the starting point for space lies within themselves. This holds true for every living being. Consequently, it appears that everyone has their own unique starting point of space. The logical implication is that every living being generates their own universe, with space beginning from their own point of observation.

Thus, this logical progression demonstrates that each living being projects a personal universe, and the fabric of that universe originates from the observer within.

3. Mathematical Interpretation — The Hubble Constant

Scientists developed the Hubble constant to measure how quickly the universe is expanding. According to this constant, the universe expands at approximately 72 kilometers per second for every megaparsec of distance. A megaparsec is equal to one million parsecs, which translates to about 3.3 million light-years. This means that if an object is 3.3 million light-years away, it appears to be moving away at 72 kilometers per second due to the expansion of space.

The Hubble constant is derived from observational data, not from any mathematical proof. However, if you grasp the correct principles behind the universe’s expansion, you can use mathematics to verify the Hubble constant. In my episode, “Hubble Constant—A Mathematical Proof,” I demonstrate that the value of the Hubble constant aligns with mathematical calculations, confirming that space at a distance of 3.3 million light-years expands at 72 km/second. This validation supports the expansion model used to determine the Hubble constant.

The model for calculating the Hubble constant shows that the starting point for space is the observer—essentially you. This is the same conclusion we reached in the earlier section – the starting point for space is the observer within you. Since each person has their own perspective, each individual mind projects their own universe, creating space and populating it with objects upon the spacetime fabric. Therefore, the mathematical approach to the Hubble Constant reinforces the idea that each observer projects their own universe

4. Applying Quantum Physics

Quantum physics emerged when scientists uncovered the dual nature of light, known as wave-particle duality. They observed that light could behave both as a wave and as a particle. In 1929, Nobel laureate Louis de Broglie extended this concept, demonstrating that all matter—not just light—exhibits this duality. This means that every object in the universe, from people and trees to cars and planets, possesses both wave and particle characteristics. In essence, everything around us, including ourselves, exists as both waves and particles.

To deepen our understanding of this phenomenon, Erwin Schrödinger renowned equation mathematically describes the wave aspect of wave-particle duality. According to quantum theory, the wave representing an object collapses into a particle when measured or observed. This process explains how a particle emerges from a wave.

The key insight here is that the wave exists before the particle. The presence of an observer causes the wave to collapse, resulting in the formation of a particle—indicating that the wave is the cause and the particle is the effect. As discussed in the episode “Quantum Physics and Vedanta,” these quantum waves are the same as mental waveforms, while particles represent the physical world we experience. The mental waveform collapses under observation, manifesting as the tangible world around us.

In summary, quantum physics suggests that the subtle, mental realm of waveforms precedes the physical world of particles. Our individual Awareness projects these mental waveforms, which then become the external world we perceive. This perspective supports the idea that each observer plays a role in projecting and shaping the universe.

5. The Structure of the Universe

The challenge lies in how we perceive the vastness of space. Typically, we think about space in terms of physical distance—whether it’s a tree 100 feet away, a house a mile off, or a plane cruising at 30,000 feet. This way of seeing things is practical, but it tends to obscure the rich complexity of the cosmos. Many of the most fascinating aspects of space are hidden when we focus only on distance.

Instead, consider viewing space through the lens of time. If we measure how long light takes to travel from different objects to us, a new layer of complexity emerges. Suddenly, the universe reveals its deeper intricacies when we shift our perspective from distance to time.

For example, imagine you’re standing 100 feet from a tree, while your friend stands 600 feet away. Since light travels at 186,000 miles per second, it takes a tiny fraction of a second to reach each of you. For you, light from the tree takes about 0.1 microseconds to arrive, meaning you’re seeing the tree as it was 0.1 microseconds ago, not as it is at this exact moment. Your friend, being farther away, sees the tree as it was 0.6 microseconds ago. Even though these differences are minuscule, they mean that you and your friend are seeing slightly different versions of the same tree.

This may seem odd, but it’s a fundamental truth: anyone standing at a different distance from an object will see a different version of it, determined by the time light takes to reach them. This principle applies to all objects in the universe, so each of us perceives a unique version of reality. No two people ever see the exact same universe; we each experience our own projected version of it. This idea reinforces the concept that what we perceive is a projection, shaped by our unique position in space and time.

6. Memory Objects vs. Now Objects

Everything we perceive or interact with in our world is essentially a “memory” object—something we experience as already dated. What does this mean? Consider the sun: the sun we see in the sky is not the sun as it exists at this very moment, but rather as it was eight minutes ago. This is because it takes light eight minutes to travel from the sun to us, so our experience is always delayed by that amount of time. In other words, we see a “now minus eight minutes” version of the sun—never the true “now” sun, but always a sun that is eight minutes old.

This concept extends beyond the sun. No matter how close an object is—even if it’s just a few millimeters away—light still takes a finite amount of time to reach our eyes, meaning we always see a slightly outdated version. As a result, everything we observe in the physical universe, whether objects, people, animals, or other living beings, appears to us as memory objects. Incredible as it may seem, our entire sensory world is built from these memory images.

This leads to an intriguing question: Where are the true “now” objects? The simplest way to pinpoint the “now” location is to identify the point where light takes zero time to reach us. Using the sun as an example, if we could somehow see the sun as it was four minutes ago, the sun would be closer—at a distance where light takes four minutes to arrive. If it takes only 30 seconds for light to reach us from the sun, then we’d see a “now minus 30 seconds” sun. By following this logic all the way to zero, the “now minus zero seconds” sun would be at the place where light needs no time to reach us—essentially, within ourselves.

This realization points to the presence of an Observer within us—the aspect of ourselves that experiences things in the present moment. It’s this Observer who perceives the universe, and for whom all “now” objects exist. In fact, this principle applies not just to the sun, but to every object and being in the universe. The entire “now” universe resides within the Observer. Take a moment to let this idea sink in—it’s truly awe-inspiring.

So, it becomes clear that the universe as it exists in the present moment is within us, projected outward as the memory objects we experience. In this way, all that we see “out there” is a projection originating from the now universe within us.

I hope you found this discussion thought provoking and convincing. We have demonstrated in various ways that there is not a single, objective universe existing independently “out there.” Instead, every living being creates and projects their own unique universe. While this idea may be challenging to accept, it represents the true nature of reality. The only universe you can truly know is the one you project into the world; it is impossible to perceive the universe as others experience it. All that you encounter is a manifestation of the mind. Findings from quantum physics, mathematical proof of the Hubble Constant and other perspectives we have discussed here clearly show that traditional scientific teachings may be incomplete or inaccurate, and that projection of the universe is the underlying reality.

For this projection to function, subtle objects must come first, which are then translated into the physical forms we perceive. In the following episode, we will outline a step-by-step method explaining how the mind projects the universe we perceive.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we offer a growing library of podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Transcripts – Who Is Ishvara? Where Is Ishvara?

Many of us ponder the questions: Who is Ishvara? Where is Ishvara? The equivalent word for Ishvara in English would be God. We will use Ishvara to signify God in this episode.

These are basic, yet profound inquiries that touch the core of our existence and the world around us. When we try to answer, we quickly realize it’s not simple. If you ask different people, you’ll hear a wide range of responses. For Christians, God is embodied in Jesus Christ. For Muslims, Allah is the supreme being. Hindus may refer to several forms of Ishvara, each representing a unique aspect of divinity.

This diversity of beliefs highlights that there is no single, universally accepted view of Ishvara. With so many perspectives, it’s easy for confusion and misunderstanding to arise. When knowledge is lacking, myths and misconceptions can take hold, making Ishvara seem distant or unreachable. How can we overcome this gap? The key lies in gaining accurate knowledge about Ishvara. The more we learn and uncover the truth, the closer we become to understanding Ishvara. Knowledge helps to demystify Ishvara and brings us nearer to the divine.

But understanding doesn’t stop at this knowledge alone. True progress involves a two-step journey: first, acquiring the right knowledge, and then, cultivating devotion towards Ishvara. This essay will focus on the first step—seeking proper knowledge about Ishvara. We’ll discover that Ishvara isn’t far away or hidden; rather, Ishvara is present everywhere, right before our eyes.

When you ask people about Ishvara’s whereabouts, you might hear answers pointing to the sky or heaven or suggesting temples as the divine dwelling place. Some, guided by scriptures, may say that Ishvara’s presence is within each of us, though often with a limited understanding. In this essay, we will explore where Ishvara truly resides and how this knowledge can transform our perception.

Who Is Ishvara?

If you’ve been following my episodes, you might already have a sense of who Ishvara is. Simply put, Ishvara is Awareness. While “Awareness” may sound like an everyday word, its true nature is extraordinary. It is the most fundamental and powerful force in existence, serving as the very foundation of everything in the universe. Every object and every event owe its existence to Awareness—without it, nothing could be.

1. How do we perceive the world around us through our senses? The answer is Awareness.

2. What forms the essence of all things, from the tiniest atom to the largest galaxy? It is Awareness alone.

3. How do you see, taste, smell, or listen? Again, it is because of Awareness.

4. How do you learn and comprehend the vast complexity of the universe? Awareness contains all knowledge and intelligence.

It becomes clear that Awareness is behind every phenomenon in the universe. Take a moment—are you aware of listening to this episode? Are you aware of your environment right now? The answer must be a yes. That’s the Awareness we’re discussing. It’s that straightforward.

Each moment of life is marked by different experiences, and at the heart of every experience is Awareness. You cannot have an experience without being aware of it. It is simply impossible. Awareness is the underlying essence of all experiences, present from the moment we are born. We often take it for granted, rarely pausing to consider its significance. But this very Awareness is Ishvara. To understand why, let’s explore the remarkable powers contained within Ishvara. Once you grasp these, you’ll see why Awareness and Ishvara are one and the same.

Powers of Awareness

The concept of Awareness has been explored in depth across numerous episodes as well as in my book, Science Meets Vedanta. Here, we will briefly revisit these ideas to clarify why the powers of Awareness are fundamentally the powers of Ishvara. Awareness itself consists of three essential elements: Subject, Object, and Intelligence. Correspondingly, it possesses three distinct powers—the Power of the Knower, the Power of the Known, and the Power of Knowing.

It’s important to recognize that Subject, Object, Intelligence, and their respective powers are not entities existing outside in the external world. Instead, they reside within Awareness and together constitute its very nature. If any one of these components is absent, Awareness becomes incomplete and cannot function properly.

1. When there is an object available to be observed but no subject present, Awareness cannot arise because there is no observer for the object.

2. If a subject exists but there is no object to perceive, Awareness is absent since the subject has nothing to observe.

3. When there is an object, but the subject lacks the means to recognize or understand what the object is, Awareness does not occur. For Awareness, Intelligence must facilitate the act of knowing.

Thus, Awareness always requires the simultaneous presence of Subject, Object, and Intelligence, each expressing their individual powers. For example, as you engage with this episode, you are the listener (Subject), the words form the object within your Awareness, and the intelligence interprets these words, allowing you to grasp their meaning. Every experience depends on these three powers, which are bestowed upon us by Ishvara. Let us further examine these three powers of Awareness in greater detail.

Power of the Knower: A Fresh Perspective

Within each of us, there exists an inner witness that observes all our experiences. In Vedanta, this is referred to as the Sakshi, or witness, which serves as the Subject. Power of the Knower manipulates Awareness so that Awareness plays the role of a Subject. This power gives the Subject the ability to play many different roles. Here are some examples of how the Subject undertakes different tasks:

• When it is the Knower of seeing, the Subject is a seer.
• When it is the Knower of hearing, the Subject is a hearer.
• When it is the Knower of reading, the Subject is a reader.
• When it is the Knower of tasting, the Subject is a taster.

This single Subject within us continuously transforms—sometimes it’s the seer of a tree, other times the listener of a song, then the smeller of a nearby fragrance, and so on. With each new experience, the Subject takes on a new role, adapting effortlessly and rapidly. The dynamic nature of the Subject is truly remarkable, and all of these shifts are made possible by the Power of knower manipulating Awareness to play different roles.

 Power of Known

How do you know an object exists? The straightforward answer is that you are aware of it. Your awareness assures you of the object’s existence. If there is no awareness, the object effectively doesn’t exist for you; you simply wouldn’t know it’s there. Awareness is the foundation of everything you perceive. For you to experience an object, your awareness must “fill” it—taking on its shape so you can recognize and be aware of it. The “Power of the Known” is what enables this process—it shapes your awareness so that it conforms to whatever object you perceive, similar to how Play-Doh can be molded into different forms like a car, a tree, or a house. Just as Play-Doh can become anything, the Power of the Known can mold awareness to fit any object.

For example, if you notice a car parked outside, it’s the Power of the Known that shapes your awareness to take the form of that car. When you hear music from your device, your awareness fills the music, making it a conscious experience. If you savor the taste of chocolate, it’s because the Power of the Known impresses the flavor onto your awareness. In each case, awareness is the essential “ingredient” present in all objects.

While objects may appear different, their underlying content is always awareness. Since awareness is identified with Ishvara, it follows that all objects in the universe are composed of Ishvara. This realization is profound and invites deeper reflection, encouraging you to see the world around you in a new light—understanding that everything is fundamentally Ishvara in various forms.

The Power of Knowing

Awareness serves as the source for all possible knowledge and intelligence—a vast, internal digital library. Nothing that can be known or understood is missing from Awareness.

1. If you are aware that 2+2=4, it’s because this understanding exists within Awareness. If you know calculus, it’s because the entire body of calculus knowledge resides in Awareness. If you speak Sanskrit, that knowledge is also stored within Awareness. Every lesson learned since birth draws from this immense storehouse. Initially, ignorance conceals this knowledge. When you remove that ignorance, the Power of Knowing reveals what has always been present in Awareness. This is how you learn, comprehend, and become aware of new information. In truth, the knowledge we access is just a tiny fraction of what’s possible; the rest remains veiled by our individual ignorance. Through dedicated effort, the Power of Knowing can help lift this veil, granting us access to whatever knowledge we seek. It’s remarkable—all knowledge resides within Awareness, waiting to be discovered.

2. Likewise, all intelligence is present within Awareness. Logical reasoning, inference, creative insight, the ability to connect ideas across different fields, and memory—all these faculties and more are available within Awareness. Yet, our minds tap into only a small portion of this vast intelligence.

In essence, Awareness is not only the repository of every conceivable piece of knowledge but also the wellspring of all intelligence. It follows, then, that Ishvara can be understood as this very Awareness itself.

 I trust that this conversation has helped you see that Ishvara is synonymous with Awareness. All knowledge, intelligence, the countless objects in the universe, and our capacity to observe them are expressions of Awareness. The capabilities found within Awareness are truly remarkable and awe-inspiring. If you are aware right now, that very Awareness is Ishvara. Wherever there is Awareness, Ishvara is present. Since Awareness pervades everything, it seems clear that Ishvara is neither hidden nor unnecessarily complex. Ishvara exists openly wherever there is Awareness—hidden in plain sight, though we often overlook this reality. It is best to explore and understand Awareness; doing so will lead you to a deeper understanding of Ishvara, the universe, and bring you closer to Ishvara itself.

Where Is Ishvara?

As we’ve explored, Awareness itself is Ishvara, meaning wherever Awareness exists, Ishvara is present. Every object in the universe is composed of Awareness, so Ishvara permeates all of existence. No matter where you are—even in the farthest reaches of the universe—if you experience Awareness, then Ishvara is there. It follows that everything we perceive is nothing but Ishvara manifesting everywhere. This understanding leads us to the next inquiry: What is the origin of Awareness? Where does it come from? Discovering its source is akin to finding Ishvara’s true residence.

In various episodes, we’ve described our innermost essence as a Bulb of Awareness—a kind of generator that produces and radiates Awareness outward. This Bulb is the root of all Awareness we experience “out there,” and, in Vedanta, the terms Bulb of Awareness and SatChitAnanda refer to the same reality. If this Bulb exists at our deepest core, it means Ishvara dwells within each of us.

But what does our innermost core truly signify? While we can identify our internal organs—muscles, blood, and so on—scriptures teach that divinity resides within us, even though it’s difficult to grasp when we only see physical components. Is there something beyond our tangible inner organs, something deeper we don’t fully comprehend? It appears that our true core is far deeper than the physical body, transcending even space itself. To uncover this, we must investigate the very origin of space. Ultimately, this reveals that the Bulb of Awareness, or Ishvara, exists beyond space, at the most profound level of our being.

Rethinking the Starting Point of Space

Modern science may have misunderstood where space truly begins. It’s widely accepted that space emerged from the Big Bang some 13.7 billion years ago. As we have discussed in many different episodes that the Big Bang is no longer the starting point of space. Instead, it now represents the universe’s expanding outer edge. Since space itself is expanding outward, it follows that the edge is moving farther away from us. It must be understood that the true starting point of space must be nonmoving and stationary, and the ever-expanding outer edge cannot fill that role. So, where should we look for the real beginning of space?

Rather than thinking about space in terms of distance, it’s helpful to view it in terms of time—specifically, how long it takes light to reach us from various objects. For example, the light from a distant star five million light-years away takes five million years to reach our eyes. In comparison, sunlight needs only about eight minutes, and light from the moon just three seconds. Even closer, a plane flying overhead sends its light in roughly 300 milliseconds, and a tree outside your window sends light that arrives in only about 10 microseconds. When you glance at your computer screen, just a foot away, the light reaches you in a mere nanosecond. As the distance shrinks, so does the time light takes to arrive.

If we follow this pattern all the way back, the only point where light would take zero time to reach us is the observer, the Subject—who perceives everything. This suggests that the true starting point of space is the Subject (the observer) within each of us and it is always fixed and nonmoving. That means that everything which is behind the Observer is outside space. The physical body and all the objects “out there” are within space, but everything behind the observer is outside space.

What Lies Beyond the Subject—Outside of Space?

We only know everything which happens in space. Knowing what happens outside space is not an easy task. We know that the Subject or Observer is just outside space because we have shown that the Subject is the starting point of space. As we have discussed, Subject is part of Awareness, therefore the source of Awareness is within us, but outside space. Ishvara is also present within us but outside space. This is a new dimension to understand that both space and outside space are within us. This is an amazing feeling that the true residence of Ishvara is right within each one of us.

I hope this explanation of who Ishvara is and where Ishvara resides has been both engaging and helpful. We’ve demonstrated that Ishvara is one with Awareness, dwelling within us while existing beyond the limits of space. To genuinely connect with Ishvara, it is essential to deepen our understanding of the nature and abilities of Awareness.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we offer a growing library of podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2522489

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Transcripts – Understanding Time and its Powers

In this episode, we will try and understand time. Time is very much part of our life, and we take it for granted. However, time is an extraordinary force, weaving its way through every aspect of our daily existence. Its influence is both immediately visible and subtly hidden, shaping our experiences in ways we may not always notice. In this discussion, we’ll delve into several facets of time’s power, highlighting how far-reaching and profound its effects truly are.

Introduction:

In classical physics, space and time were viewed as entirely separate entities, each functioning independently. Newton described space as having three dimensions, with time existing as a distinct, single dimension. However, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity transformed this perspective by demonstrating that space and time are intertwined, introducing the concept of “spacetime”—a four-dimensional continuum. Grasping four dimensions can be challenging, as our intuition is shaped by the three spatial dimensions we experience daily, while time is considered the fourth dimension. This raises questions: What exactly is the fourth dimension? Where is it, and how does it operate? To this day, modern science has not provided a comprehensive explanation for the nature of the fourth dimension. Gaining a clearer understanding of time may illuminate the concept of the fourth dimension, so let us begin by exploring time itself.

Location of the Time Dimension

Determining where time is truly located is a challenging question. Many people instinctively believe that time exists “out there” in the external world. They observe changes in objects—an object moving from point A to point B, or growing from three feet to five feet tall—and conclude that time is the driving force behind these changes. As a result, they think time is an inherent property of the space that surrounds us, operating within the three-dimensional world. But is this really the case?

While it’s accurate to say that time is responsible for the changes we perceive in the world, it’s a mistake to assume that time itself operates within external space. The world “out there” consists only of three spatial dimensions; there is no room for a fourth dimension—time—within that space. Otherwise, we would have to say that space has four dimensions. If time isn’t located in physical space, where does it reside?

Time and the Mind

To pinpoint the location of time, we must first understand its nature. Time can be broken down into three parts – Past, Present or Now and Future.

These three components make up the complete range of time. Consider this: can you actually see the past or the future in the space around you? Clearly, you cannot. The only thing you can directly perceive “out there” is the present moment. The past is gone and cannot return. Every event we experience is stored as a memory in our minds. When something moves from present to past, it is recorded in our memory, which is part of the mind. Thus, all past events exist only in the mind, even if we can’t recall every detail. Remembering something means retrieving a past event from the mind, not from the external world. This shows that past events exist solely within the mind.

As noted earlier, the external world always presents us with the “now.” The present moment is all that can be experienced “out there”; the past and future are never directly accessible. According to the Planck constant, the smallest measurable unit of time is 10raised to minus 44 seconds. Once this minuscule moment passes, the present becomes the past, replaced by a new present. The new present is not the future, because the future is not accessible “out there”. There is only the present moment “out there”. Our minds store these past events. By comparing the current present with a memory of a past event, we develop our sense of time. This act of comparison is fundamental to how we perceive time.

Imagine if we had no memory—no way to store past events in the mind. Without this ability, we couldn’t compare the present with anything that came before. We would only perceive the present, forever living in a nonmoving “now moment.” In such a scenario, time would be a meaningless concept; in fact, there would be no time. This suggests that the mind is not only necessary for the experience of time but is also its source. The mind is where time is generated and resides. Therefore, the fourth dimension—time—exists only in the mind, while space holds the three physical dimensions.

Vedanta’s concept of Time

Vedanta consistently emphasizes that time, or “kaala,” exists solely within the mind. The mind is both the origin and the place where time arises and functions. Vedanta further explains that all mental phenomena are subtle and consist of vrittis, or mental waveforms. Since it has been established that time is a product of the mind, it follows that time itself must also be a vritti – a waveform. Although it may be challenging for us to grasp or imagine the precise nature of these waveforms, what remains clear is that time is subtle, takes the form of a waveform, and resides in everyone’s mind. This particular waveform has the power for us to experience time.

Origin of Time

We now know that time is generated and is operational in the mind. This leads to a fundamental inquiry: what is the true source of time, and from where does it arise? The existence of a time waveform suggests that it must have an origin—it cannot simply materialize out of nothing.

The root of time lies in Self-Awareness. As discussed in other episodes, our essential nature is Self-Awareness, which can be thought of as an inner light or bulb of Awareness. This Self-Awareness is self-shining, full, and complete. This Self-Awareness is unborn, it is formless, and it is unchanging. In this episode, we will discuss the unchanging aspect of Self-Awareness.

The Unchanging Nature of Self-Awareness

Self-Awareness itself is constant and unalterable. It persists unchanged—now, in the past, and into the future. Unlike anything in the physical universe, which is always in flux, Awareness remains untouched by change. Examining the idea of “unchanging” more deeply reveals that time exists within this static environment, but it is inactive and motionless. Time is a latent quality, embedded within what does not change, yet it stays dormant. The unchanging nature of the entity is due to the inactivity of the time factor. If, for any reason, this “unchanging” state begins to change, time emerges from the static entity. Whenever change occurs, the present moment becomes different from what it was before, and the time factor is invoked to connect these distinct events. Essentially, time enables the transition from one event to the next. Self-Awareness remains unchanging precisely because the time aspect within it is dormant.

How Self-Awareness Becomes the Changing Mind

So, how does this unchanging Self-Awareness transform into the changing mind? The answer lies in ignorance. As we have discussed in an earlier episode “Understanding Ignorance”, ignorance can fragment the non-dual Self-Awareness, creating the duality of subject (“in here”) and object (“out there”). This same ignorance also converts the unchanging Self-Awareness into a changing mind. When this transformation occurs, the dormant time within the unchanging realm emerges and becomes active, operating within the mind. This changing part of the time waveform is the driving force of the time we know and see.

Exploring the Influence of Time Across Realms

Time is a remarkable force that threads through every part of our lives. Its presence can be obvious or quietly influential, guiding our experiences in ways we may overlook. Let us explore the various dimensions of time’s impact, revealing just how deep and extensive its reach can be.

1. Time and Objects
2. Time and Space
3. Time and Spacetime
4. Time and Motion
5. Time and Energy

Time and Objects

Both time and objects can be thought of as waveforms present within the mind. Each object, much like time itself, appears as a distinct waveform in our awareness. Do these waveforms interact? Certainly—they are constantly at play with one another, with the time waveform superimposing every object waveform within the mind. As explored in “Understanding the Universe of Waveforms,” there is a subtle universe made entirely of these waveforms. When illuminated by Awareness, these waveforms gain intelligence and self-awareness.

The inception of a new object waveform marks its t=0, which is its origin or “birthday.” From this moment forward, the time waveform acts as an engine, driving the evolution and unfolding of the object waveform’s inherent blueprint. Without time’s influence, all object waveforms would remain static and unchanged and locked in their original state. Time provides the essential energy that propels growth and transformation throughout the universe and within every object.

Every object has its own unique t=0. For example, the universe began approximately 13.7 billion years ago, while the sun’s journey started around four billion years ago. Each object’s life begins at a distinct moment, and from that point to the present, it undergoes a series of changes. With each passing moment, the object’s waveform evolves according to its blueprint and external interactions, much like a seed growing into a tree and eventually returning to the earth. The journey of a tree’s waveform, guided by time, reflects the evolution of all things. Notably, the time waveform doesn’t change the object’s fundamental nature; it simply moves it forward along its unique path. The actual changes within the object waveform result from its internal blueprint and its interactions with other waveforms.

Time and Space:

Time and space are deeply intertwined, representing two aspects of the same reality. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity demonstrates this connection, showing that the fabric of the universe links time and space together. Time is subtle and intangible, while space is physical and measurable. Although it may not be widely recognized, time gives rise to space. Time is the source of which space emerges.

Let’s experiment with how the universe’s age relates to its size. Suppose the universe is exactly 13.7 billion years old right now. This means its size is 13.7 billion light-years. A light-year is the distance light covers in a single year. One second later, the universe’s age becomes 13.7 billion years plus one second. In that second, light needs to travel an additional 186,000 miles. Therefore, the universe’s size increases by 186,000 miles, making it 13.7 billion light-years plus 186,000 miles.

After 10 seconds, the age of the universe is 13.7 billion years and 10 seconds, and the universe grows by 1,860,000 miles in size. If a whole year passes, the universe is now 13.7 billion years plus one year, and the size of the universe has increased by exactly one more light-year. 

These observations make it clear: as the universe grows older, its size increases. Every second that passes, space becomes larger by 186,000 miles. This process makes it clear that the passage of time causes the universe to expand in space; every second the universe’s space increases by 186,000 miles.

In summary, it is evident that time generates space within the universe. The continuous flow of time is responsible for the ever-expanding cosmos. Without time, space itself would not exist. This is an amazing conclusion.

Time and Spacetime

Einstein’s Theory of Relativity introduced the concept of the spacetime fabric, a fundamental layer on which all objects exist. Notably, this spacetime fabric is not composed of space itself, but rather is fundamentally constructed from time. Time serves as the very foundation of spacetime, shaping its essence.

Since time is processed within the mind, we can say that the spacetime fabric also exists primarily as a mental construct. Being formed from time, this fabric naturally has a beginning and an end. As discussed in previous episodes, the origin of this fabric lies with the observer—the mind within each of us, while its endpoint aligns with the universe’s current age, estimated at about 13.7 billion years. Thus, the fabric of time extends from the observer’s mind to the farthest reach of cosmic history, constantly expanding as time moves forward.

Every object in the universe is positioned according to its distance in time on this fabric: the sun is situated eight minutes away, the moon three seconds, and a nearby tree just milliseconds away. This arrangement demonstrates how all things are set upon this time-based foundation. Ultimately, time forms the essential fabric of our universe; without it, neither space nor the universe as we know it could exist.

Time and Motion:

Motion is everywhere in the universe. On Earth, we see people walking and vehicles—cars, trains, planes—moving from place to place. In our solar system, Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. The Sun itself, along with countless other stars, orbits the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Even the Milky Way is in motion relative to other galaxies. Motion, it seems, is universal.

But what generates this motion? Surprisingly, the answer is time.

Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity offers an important clue. The theory shows that wherever there is motion, time slows down. The faster an object moves, the slower its clock runs. At the ultimate limit—the speed of light—time would come to a complete stop.

At first glance, this appears to suggest that motion causes time to slow down: motion as the cause, time as the effect. However, this interpretation is misleading. The relationship is actually the reverse. Time slows down first, and this change in time creates the appearance of motion. In other words, time is not merely affected by motion—time generates motion.

This idea may seem counterintuitive, but a deeper analysis reveals that the motion we observe throughout the universe is a consequence of time itself. For a more detailed exploration of this perspective, listen to the episode “Understanding Motion: Unraveling Nature’s Greatest Illusion.”

We typically think of time as a fixed, unchanging entity. Clocks tick steadily, second after second, giving the impression that time flows uniformly everywhere. Yet, as we have seen, motion alters the rate at which time flows. Time is not absolute; it depends on speed.

Time and Energy

Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity offers link with time and motion. Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity reveals a profound link between time and energy. According to the theory, the presence of energy causes spacetime to bend, and this curvature leads to time moving more slowly. Scientists have observed and confirmed this effect. The extent to which time slows down depends on the mass of the object creating the curvature—the larger the mass, the stronger the bending of spacetime, and the slower time passes.

If you’ve watched the movie Interstellar, you might recall the scene where astronauts visit a planet near a black hole. Although they intend to spend just 10 minutes there, due to a technical issue, they remain for an hour. Upon returning to their mother ship, they discover that 23 years have passed there. This dramatic difference occurs because the planet’s proximity to the black hole creates intense spacetime curvature, causing time to slow significantly—so one hour on the planet equates to 23 years on the ship. This illustrates that our rate of aging can vary depending on the mass of the planet we’re on; time moves more slowly on a planet with greater mass, leading to slower aging compared to a smaller planet. Though it may seem complex, this is the fascinating nature of our universe.

I hope you found this exploration of time engaging. Time possesses remarkable powers, influencing countless aspects of our daily lives. It serves as the driving force that guides every object through its life cycle, and it is fundamental to the creation of space itself. Intertwined with energy, time is also the source for the motion of all objects in the universe. Importantly, time is not a constant; it varies throughout the universe, depending on the speed and mass of objects.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, we invite you to discover more in my book, Science Meets Vedanta, available on Amazon. Additionally, we offer a growing library of podcasts covering many different topics —feel free to browse through them at your convenience.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for tuning in—we look forward to connecting with you again soon!