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.

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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!

Transcripts – Mind vs. Brain – Who’s in Charge?

In this episode, we’ll delve into the distinct roles of the brain and the mind, presenting the idea that the mind leads, directing the brain to carry out its instructions. Although this may seem counterintuitive to many, it’s often assumed that the mind is merely a byproduct of the brain—where thoughts, feelings, and perceptions originate in the brain and simply manifest in the mind, akin to a computer processing information and displaying it on a screen. According to this perspective, the brain is the active force, with the mind displaying the results.

This episode, however, invites you to reconsider that assumption. We’ll show that the mind possesses the authority, actively guiding and influencing the brain’s actions. To illustrate this viewpoint, we’ll explore several key topics.

1. The Role of the Brain

2. The Role of the Mind

3. The Origin of the Mind

4. The Origin of the Brain

5. How Mind and Brain Work Together

Role of the Brain

We all know that the brain is a tangible organ situated within the skull. It plays a pivotal role in regulating all bodily functions, acting as the central command center of the nervous system. The brain is responsible for collecting, organizing, and transmitting information throughout the body, maintaining control over the body’s organs. As the body’s most intricate organ, the brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons that communicate through complex networks, enabling the exchange of information.

Researchers assert that the brain manages and coordinates the five sense organs. For instance, in the process of perception, light reflected from an object enters the eye and reaches the retina. The retina transforms this light into a neural signal, which is then relayed to the brain for interpretation. Although the precise mechanisms of this processing remain unclear to science, the resulting information is ultimately presented to the mind for conscious experience. This general process also applies to the other senses—hearing, smell, taste, and touch—where sensory input is sent to the brain for processing and the outcome is experienced in the mind.

Based on this understanding, the brain appears to be the most vital organ in the human body, with the mind functioning as a secondary entity that experiences perceptions, thoughts, and emotions.

Missing Links in Understanding the Brain’s Role

There are many gaps remaining in the scientific explanation of the brain’s role. Here are some of the key ones.

1. We possess awareness of our perceptions, thoughts, and feelings, as well as an overall awareness of our experiences. However, it remains unclear where this awareness originates or resides. Is the brain responsible for generating awareness? If so, there is currently no scientific evidence detailing how this occurs.

2. Additionally, there seems to be an observer within us who is aware of perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. The question of who this observer is, and how it fits within the structure of the brain, remains unanswered.

To understand the role of the brain, these are critical and important questions that need an answer. We will try and answer these questions as we discuss this subject further.

The Role of the Mind

The mind is not something tangible or physical; it can neither be touched nor diagnosed by conventional means. Because of this, truly understanding the mind’s actual role proves challenging. Is the mind simply a byproduct or output device, as some scientists suggest? All our perceptions, thoughts, and emotions occur within the mind. Since science finds it nearly impossible to fully explore the mind’s function, we must seek understanding from other sources. Vedanta offers profound insights into the true nature and role of the mind.

Understanding the Three Bodies

A good way to start this discussion is to understand the three bodies. According to Vedanta, every entity in the universe is composed of three bodies: the Seed Body, the Subtle Body, and the Gross Body. The Seed Body gives rise to the Subtle Body, which in turn forms the Gross (Physical) Body.

To grasp this concept, we first consider the seed Body. Just as a tiny seed contains the blueprint for a plant, the Seed Body holds the potential or blueprint for every object. When the seed germinates, it reveals all aspects of the plant. For example, only a rose can grow from a rose seed, guided by the information within. If this logic applies to plants, Vedanta asserts it must also apply to all things both living and non-living in the universe. Every being or object has a unique Seed Body—this is the core from which everything emerges, just as a rose comes from a rose seed.

For many, the idea of a Seed Body is unfamiliar. You might wonder where to find it within yourself. Upon reflection, you can equate the Seed Body with the soul—the two are one and the same. Your soul, or Seed Body, is like a unique biodata, containing your personal history, skills, and characteristics. This seed or soul journeys with you, attaching to new bodies through successive rebirths.

When the Seed Body begins to manifest, it creates the Subtle Body, which is essentially the mind. The mind, or Subtle Body, is composed of vrittis or subtle waveforms. These waveforms represent all forms and objects in the universe, from the tiniest to the largest. Every object, including your brain and body, has a corresponding subtle waveform or vritti. This concept aligns with quantum physics, which describes all matter as having both particle and wave aspects. The “waveforms” in quantum physics closely resemble the vrittis described by Vedanta, highlighting a striking similarity between these two perspectives. Please listen to the episode “Connecting Quantum Physics with Vedanta”, where we have made a detailed connection between quantum physics and Vedanta.

In the presence of an observer—referred to in Vedanta as the Sakshi or witness—these object waveforms become tangible, gross objects. These are the concrete things we perceive in the world around us. Quantum physics similarly suggests that when a measurement device (an observer) interacts with a wave, it collapses into a particle. Once again, this parallels Vedantic teachings in a remarkable way.

The central point here is that subtle objects are preceded by gross objects, the subtle gives rise to the gross. Thus, the mind (subtle) comes before the brain (gross). In this view, the mind is the cause, and the brain is the effect—the mind creates the brain, not the other way around. This stands in contrast to the scientific perspective, which holds that the brain gives rise to the mind. However, even quantum physics lends support to Vedanta’s view: the wave precedes the particle, just as the mind precedes the brain. Therefore, the mind must come first, followed by the brain.

Origin of the Mind

To delve into the origin of the mind, we must first explore our innermost essence. According to Vedanta, this core is Self-Awareness—a radiant source within us, much like a bulb emitting pure Awareness. This Self-Awareness doesn’t actively do anything; it simply shines Awareness. For a deeper exploration, refer to the episode “Understanding Self-Awareness.” Here, we’ll summarize the main ideas.

Awareness itself consists of three foundational aspects: Subject, Object, and Intelligence. Alongside these, there are corresponding powers—Knower, Known, and Knowing. The Subject embodies the Power of the Knower, the Object holds the Power of the Known, and Intelligence carries the Power of Knowing.

It’s crucial to recognize that these components—Subject, Object, Intelligence—and their respective powers are not external phenomena. Instead, they exist within the fabric of Awareness, forming its very structure. For instance, as you listen to this episode, your Awareness encompasses the Subject, Object, and Intelligence involved in the experience. The listener within you is the subject, the words you are hearing are the objects and the intelligence is decoding the words so that listener can understand. Whenever you are aware, these elements and powers are active within you.

1. The Power of the Knower transforms Awareness into a Subject—such as a reader, listener, observer, speaker, or eater. This Subject is also known as the Observer, Sakshi or witness of everything happening in the mind.

2. The Power of the Known shapes Awareness into objects perceived by the five senses, similar to molding Play-Doh into different forms. This power allows Awareness to take the shape of any object.

3. The Power of Knowing, representing Intelligence, contains all potential knowledge within Awareness. It is through this power that knowledge is accessed and applied. For example, seeing a tree involves the power of sight decoding the tree’s signal and adding understanding, while listening to music uses the power of hearing to interpret and make sense of the sounds. This process enables you to become aware of what you see or hear.

Awareness and Seed Body

As we have seen, Self-Awareness is like a bulb within each person, emitting Awareness that encompasses these three remarkable powers. But who receives the radiance of Awareness? The answer is: the Seed Body. Every living being, including you and me, has a Seed Body, which is synonymous with the soul. When Awareness passes through the Seed Body, it creates the mind.

The mind, therefore, is an extraordinary tool. It contains Awareness and all its powers, enabling us to perceive, understand, and interact with the world on multiple levels. Isn’t it incredible that the mind within us possesses these powers of Awareness? Yet, sadly, much of its potential remains concealed by our own ignorance.

 Origin of the Brain

We have just explored how the powers of Awareness, channeling through our soul or Seed Body, give rise to the mind. These powers make the mind an incredibly potent tool. Having understood the mind’s source, let’s now turn our attention to the origin of the brain.

The brain belongs to the Gross Body and has a distinctly different beginning. So, what is the origin of the Gross Body? The correct answer is that it originates in the mother’s womb, where a single cell develops into a complex body with countless parts. The brain’s development is an integral part of this physical growth.

The Garbha Upanishad, a fascinating ancient text, provides details on the timeline and process by which the body’s various parts form in the womb—such as when the hands and heart appear. Based on this text, it seems that the fetus, in its early stages, is simply a developing part of the body, devoid of personality, ego, or the sense of “I.” In essence, it is a piece of flesh growing inside the mother.

However, the Upanishad notes that, around the seventh month, the Seed Body or soul enters the fetus. This is the pivotal moment when consciousness awakens. The fetus receives a mind, and with it, intelligence flows into the brain, activating its functions. Neurons begin to fire, which in turn activate various body parts. The brain now serves as the central hub, orchestrating the functions of all bodily systems through the nervous system.

The key takeaway is that while the mind is formed by the soul or Seed Body. The brain which is part of the Gross Body—arises from external sources, namely the parents’ cells. Yet, once they are united, the mind and body work together seamlessly, functioning as a harmonious whole.

How Mind and Brain Work Together

The mind is an incredible instrument, encompassing Awareness and a multitude of its powers. According to Vedanta, there exists a vast cosmic mind that comprises all individual minds. Within this cosmic mind are the vrittis, or subtle waveforms, representing every possible object and experience. Together, these waveforms merge into one intricate cosmic pattern that embodies the entirety of the universe.

When infused with intelligence from Awareness, these waveforms are conscious and dynamic. The mind is a hub of constant activity, with these intelligent waveforms continuously interacting and influencing one another. This creates a fully functioning universe of subtle vibrations all contained within the mind, though we are generally unaware of their existence because they are not tangible—rather, they are subtle phenomena. For a deeper dive, consider listening to the episode “Understanding the Universe of Waveforms.” Every event, big or small, first arises in the mind before manifesting in the physical world; even the tiniest action is initiated in the subtle realm of thought.

So, what purpose does the brain serve? The brain’s primary function is to interpret and act upon the mind’s instructions, enabling our physical bodies to operate in the material world. For instance, imagine feeling hungry late at night—the mind sends messages to the brain to stand up, walk to the fridge, and get food. The brain then orchestrates this by activating the necessary muscles and coordinating movement, much like a sophisticated control center. It directs the body to rise from the chair, guides the legs toward the fridge, signals the hands to open it and retrieve food, and tells the mouth to eat. In many ways, the body operates like an advanced robot, responding to these intricate commands. This interaction between the mind and brain happens daily on a continuous basis.  

1. Perception, emotions, and feelings all originate in the mind and are later processed by the brain. The brain contains specialized regions dedicated to various functions—such as vision, hearing, and coordination with different body systems. Communication between the mind and brain occurs via billions of neurons, which act as messengers transmitting information back and forth. When the mind formulates an intention or directive, neurons relay this data to the corresponding areas of the brain.

2. Distinct groups of neurons then organize and synchronize the brain’s activities to fulfill the mind’s instructions. For actions to be carried out, the brain dispatches signals through the nervous system to the appropriate organs and body parts. The complexity of this system is truly remarkable; it’s astonishing how seamlessly our intentions are translated from the mind into physical action by the brain. All this intelligence springs from our deepest essence—Self-Awareness—reminding us to appreciate the profound intelligence at our core.

I hope this discussion provided valuable insights into the relationship between the mind and the brain. We explored how the mind directs the brain’s activities, rather than the commonly held scientific view that the brain governs the mind. The mind, endowed with awareness and intelligence, initiates all actions in its subtle realm before transmitting instructions for the brain to carry out in the physical world. While the brain is an incredibly intricate organ responsible for coordinating and controlling the body’s various functions, it operates under the guidance of the mind.

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.

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Transcripts of Principles of Karma Yoga

In this episode, we delve into the subject of Karma Yoga, a fundamental aspect of Vedanta teachings. Of all the spiritual paths described in the scriptures, Karma Yoga is particularly notable for its role in fostering inner peace and mental clarity. It acknowledges the inevitability of action in our lives and recognizes that the results of our actions can often bring about stress and dissatisfaction. By practicing Karma Yoga, we learn to transform our attitude and approach toward each action we undertake.

Karma is commonly understood as action, while yoga, in this context, refers to practice. Therefore, Karma Yoga can be described as the practice of action. The intention behind practicing Karma Yoga is to cultivate inner peace and purify the mind.

The Bhagavad Gita is unique among the scriptures for its comprehensive and profound exploration of Karma Yoga. Although Bhagavad Gita covers many themes, its central and most significant teaching is undoubtedly Karma Yoga. Drawing from the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, this episode will address two key aspects of Karma Yoga:

1. The true meaning of Karma.
2. The attitudes one should adopt in practicing Karma Yoga.

The true Meaning of Karma?

To carry out any action, or Karma, two elements are required: a subject who acts and an object upon which the action is directed. In this context, the subject is ego, and the objects that represent different things or situations. Naturally, whenever the Ego encounters an Object, it must respond; remaining passive is not an option.

All living beings, down to the single-cell level, are hardwired to respond in this way as part of their genetic programming. For instance, a single cell will recoil from vinegar but move closer to sugar, demonstrating attraction or repulsion based on its reaction to the stimulus. Essentially, the Ego reacts to the Object by either liking or disliking the presented object. This fundamental duality—like/dislike, attraction/repulsion, positive/negative—drives the Ego, or the ‘I am’, to perform Karmas. This principle applies universally to all forms of life, regardless of their complexity. Even humans are compelled to react in every situation; remaining completely still is not possible.

It’s important to distinguish that the mere interaction between Ego and Object isn’t Karma itself. Rather, Karma is found in the response of liking or disliking. Understanding this distinction is crucial. Below are some examples to illustrate this point more clearly.

• Many believe that the act of talking itself is Karma. However, speech is simply a natural function of the human body. Karma arises only when you speak with a positive or negative intention about someone—that is, when the ego is involved in making a judgment or causing harm or benefit.
• Walking is a natural action and does not, in itself, constitute Karma. If, while walking, you intentionally step on an insect, that intentional act is Karma. If you accidentally step on an insect without awareness, it is not Karma, since there is no involvement of the ego.
• Having ears means you naturally hear sounds around you. Simply hearing the ambient noise, such as in an airport lounge, is not Karma. However, if you become irritated by the noise, this emotional response—this irritation—involves the ego and thus becomes Karma.
• Observing the world around you is a natural process. You cannot help but see what is in front of you. But when you judge what you see—perhaps thinking someone’s shirt is ugly or someone else looks attractive—those judgments are Karmas, as they arise from the ego’s response.

Every action the ego undertakes, whether liking or disliking, leads to a consequence. In Vedanta, this outcome is known as Karma Phala, meaning the “fruit” of your actions. Similarly, science illustrates this principle through Newton’s third law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Whatever you do will inevitably produce a result; it’s a fundamental rule of nature. This idea has been explored in detail in the episode “Doctrine of Karma”. Please listen to this whenever you have the time.

When the results of your actions align with your expectations, you experience happiness. However, when things don’t go as planned, feelings like disappointment, anger, or frustration can arise. The key is learning to accept all results—good or bad—with calmness and balance. This ability to remain steady regardless of the outcome is at the heart of Karma Yoga.

Prerequisites for Practicing Karma Yoga

Grasping Karma Yoga goes beyond mere theory; it is essential to integrate its principles into our everyday lives. To truly embrace Karma Yoga, one must cultivate the right foundation. This readiness is achieved by fulfilling key prerequisites, ensuring that we are open and prepared to receive its wisdom.

Embracing Positive Values

Establishing and adhering to a set of positive values is fundamental. This includes being honest, maintaining sincere work ethics, showing respect to parents, caring for family members, engaging with children, and supporting friends in times of need. Although many people live by these principles and may believe they are practicing Karma Yoga, these actions are not Karma Yoga itself. Instead, they serve as the minimum baseline required before one can begin the journey of Karma Yoga. Without these positive values as part of daily life, genuine assimilation of Karma Yoga remains out of reach.

Living According to Dharma

Dharma represents a central pillar of the Hindu tradition, with ‘Ahimsa’—the practice of causing the least harm physically, mentally, or spiritually—at its heart. In addition, duty and responsibility are vital aspects of Dharma. Integrating these core values into everyday decisions is crucial; before acting, one should reflect on whether the action aligns with Dharma. Only actions that pass this test should be pursued, making Dharma the guiding principle of one’s life. However, living by Dharma is not the same as practicing Karma Yoga. It is the essential groundwork required for spiritual growth and the first step on the path to Karma Yoga.

The attitudes one should adopt in practicing Karma Yoga.

The correct approach is to convert all ordinary actions to spiritual practice. This is the underlying principle of Karma Yoga. What is this approach which will help you to do your daily mundane activities with a prayerful and devotional attitude?

Parts of Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, 4, 5 and 18 from Bhagavad Gita focus on Karma Yoga.  In the following paragraphs, we’ll summarize some of the key teachings of these chapters.

1. Karma Phala Data (Giver of the Fruits of Action)

Who gives the Fruits of our Actions? Understanding this is the core value of Karma Yoga. Chapter 2, Verse 47 explains this concept brilliantly. This is one of the most quoted verses in the Bhagavad Gita

“You have the authority or control on the action you do, but you have no authority or control on the results of the action”

This is a profound and universal truth. It is applicable to everyone and to every action we undertake. We can only do action, but we have no choice or control over the results. This sounds like an obvious statement to make.  But how often do we undertake any action without any expectation of what the result will be? But here we can acknowledge that we don’t have any control over what the results of our actions will be. 

The question is who decides or controls these results. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that it is Ishwara, or God who decides the results. Does that mean Ishwara is judgmental and uses His own likes and dislikes to pass judgment? The answer is No. Ishwara has a Will but it is unlike the human will, it has no likes and dislikes. Ishwara’s Will is the Law of Nature. Ishwara controls this universe through the Laws of Nature. Once these laws are set in motion, Ishwara does not do anything. The results you are getting now are based on pending phalas (fruits) of your past actions. It is not arbitrary.

You are the Karma Karta (Doer or agent of action), while Ishwara is the Karma Phala Data (the giver of the Results of action). This devotional attitude is the first right step in Karma Yoga.

2. Prasada Buddhi (Attitude of Gift Receiving)

Even if you accept Ishwara to be the Karma Phala Data or Giver of Results, it is not easy to accept the results. We all know very well, if the outcome of any action is not as per our expectation it causes frustration and irritation. Negative emotions dominate and lead to unhappiness. We usually want things our way. In many cases this does not happen. This inner conflict is the major source of turmoil in the mind.

How to change our attitude to overcome these shortcomings? For this, Karma Yoga teaches the concept of Prasada Buddhi. You could say it is the perfect solution. Buddhi, in this case, means Attitude. Prasada has no exact translation, it could mean God’s Blessing. When we go a temple, after we offer our prayers, the priest will give us a Prasada of dry fruits which has been blessed by Ishwara. When we receive this prasada of dry fruits, we receive them with humility and love. We bow our heads when we receive this Prasada because we know it has come from Ishwara.

In life too, we should receive the results of our actions as if we have received a Prasada from Ishwara.  We accept the results of all our actions with humility, gratitude and love.  This attitude of acceptance is called Prasada Buddhi.

If you can cultivate this attitude to all things in life, we can lead a life that is peaceful and calm, whatever up and downs life might bring. 

3. Gaining Equanimity

Once you understand that Ishwara is the Karma Phala Data, and that everything that you receive in life is a Prasada, we should be able accept the results of our actions with equanimity. This is easier said than done. On the surface, we may accept the outcomes, but deep down we are still unhappy about the bad results. So how do we cultivate equanimity?

The best way to cultivate this attitude is to elevate our motivation factor or upgrade our attachment to spiritual growth. What does this mean? Think of the various attachments you have formed as you journeyed through life – as kids we were attached to toys, then as we grew up, we formed new attachments, like reading books or playing sports. As you can see, when we get a new attachment, the previous attachment is reduced or disappears. If this is correct, we should change our lifestyle and make spiritual growth our primary focus of attachment, so that other attachments can be negated. This way we can accept negative or positive outcomes with equanimity because we are no longer attached to these expectations

A devotional or spiritual lifestyle is only way you can gain equanimity in life.    

4. Ishwara Arpana Buddhi (Attitude of Offering to God)

Arpana Buddhi is the attitude of offering our actions to Ishwara. Both Prasada Buddhi and Arpana Buddhi are complementary. One is receiving and the other is giving.

To understand Arpana Buddhi you must understand the concept of Yagna in ancient India. Yagna was conducted for thanking Ishwara for the blessings received. The main motivation is to thank Ishwara and acknowledge that everything happens because of Ishwara. The rain is because of Ishwara, the heart beating without resting is a blessing from Ishwara. There is nothing in the universe which is not due to Ishwara. Yagnas was one way of ‘paying back’ for all the blessings received in life.

Everything belongs to Ishwara. So what is it that you can really offer Ishwara? The only thing you can offer is your actions. This is Arpana Buddhi. You do all actions as a dedication to Ishwara, you offer your actions with love and affection to Ishwara. Any action is done with a prayerful attitude, even mundane daily activities. If you are offering all your actions to Ishwara, there is little chance that you will act against Dharma.

All your actions (Arpana Buddhi) are done with a prayerful attitude and, all results thereof are also to be accepted (Prasada Buddhi) with a prayerful attitude. This is the core of Karma Yoga.

5. No Hidden Agenda

It’s common for people to act in pursuit of their own desires and self-satisfaction. Even when someone performs an act of charity, which is undoubtedly noble, there’s often a sense of personal fulfillment that follows. This feeling can be seen as a form of attachment. Whether we care for others or take positive action, our underlying motivation may often be personal satisfaction, revealing a subtle, hidden agenda in many of our actions. According to the Bhagavad Gita, even the most noble deeds can become obstacles to spiritual growth if they are performed with such hidden motives.

If we seek spiritual progress, we should remember that Ishwara’s divinity exists in every living being. Therefore, our actions toward others ought to be carried out with the same humility and devotion as if we were serving Ishwara directly. While this approach is challenging, the first step is to recognize that everyone is a manifestation of Ishwara. By making spiritual growth our primary goal, our actions will naturally align with the principles of Karma Yoga, allowing us to act without hidden agendas. Helping and caring for others then becomes an expression of duty and Dharma, rather than a pursuit of personal satisfaction.

Benefits of Practicing Karma Yoga

Practicing Karma Yoga in our daily lives offers a range of profound benefits. Here, we will briefly explore some of the most significant advantages.

Freedom from Accumulating Karma

As discussed earlier, we are driven to act by our likes and dislikes, and every action (Karma) we perform yields results that bind us to a continuous cycle of cause and effect. According to the Bhagavad Gita, when we act with the spirit of Karma Yoga—dedicating our actions to Ishwara —we do not accumulate new Karmas. In this selfless state, it is as though Ishwara is acting through us, dissolving our sense of personal doership. While complete surrender to Ishwara may seem challenging, even striving toward this attitude can bring inner tranquility and reduce mental turbulence. Adopting the Karma Yoga mindset helps us face life’s highs and lows with steadiness and peace.

Purification of the Mind

Our minds are often clouded by impurities like desire, jealousy, anger, and selfishness—obstacles that the Bhagavad Gita describes as our greatest enemies. The practice of Karma Yoga offers a way to overcome these tendencies by encouraging us to act with devotion and humility, accepting outcomes gracefully. When we prioritize spiritual growth and consistently approach our actions with a prayerful attitude, these mental impurities gradually dissolve. As a result, our minds become more peaceful, clear, and free of inner conflict.

Pathway to Liberation (Moksha)

The ultimate aim of human life, according to spiritual teachings, is moksha—liberation from suffering and the endless cycle of birth and death. Moksha is achieved when the ego, which is rooted in ignorance, is dissolved in the realization of the true Self. This self-knowledge can only be deeply assimilated when the mind is pure. By practicing Karma Yoga, we purify the mind, making it receptive to higher wisdom and paving the way for true liberation. Thus, the most vital benefit of Karma Yoga is that it sets us firmly on the journey toward the highest spiritual goal: moksha.

We hope you find this exploration about Karma Yoga insightful and useful. It is important to recognize that we create Karma only when we attach likes and dislikes to the situations we encounter. Unless we actively strive to break free, we remain trapped in this cycle of suffering. Approaching this challenge with the right mindset is essential. Karma Yoga with the emphasis on cultivating the attitudes of Prasada Buddhi and Arpana Buddhi will help to perform every action with a sense of prayerful devotion; our minds will gradually become purified.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into topics like this, you will 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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Transcript – Connecting Quantum Physics and Vedanta

At first glance, quantum physics and Vedanta may seem to occupy entirely separate realms. Quantum physics is firmly rooted in the scientific tradition, while Vedanta is often viewed as a spiritual philosophy. On the surface, these disciplines appear to deal with very different subjects. However, today we will explore how quantum physics and Vedanta intersect in many intriguing ways.

If you are familiar with quantum physics, you are likely aware with the concepts of the “observing system” and the “observed system.” In essence, the observing system refers to the measurement system or observer that performs the observation, while the observed system is what is being measured or watched.

In Vedanta, there are parallel concepts. The terms “observer” (often referred to as sakshi or witness in Sanskrit) and “observed” (sometimes called prakriti or Nature) are frequently used. The observer and observed are integral part of Awareness, which we have discussed in many different episodes.

The observer system and observing system in quantum physics and observer and observed in Vedanta are so uncanny similar, it leads to conclusion that there must be some deep connection between Quantum physics and Vedanta.

However, the way these terms are understood and applied in quantum physics is actually quite limited and specific. In contrast, Vedanta offers a much broader perspective on the concepts of observer and observed. In fact, as we will demonstrate, the Vedantic understanding of these terms encompasses and extends beyond the definitions used in quantum physics. The interplay between these two fields reveals a fascinating convergence of ideas about the nature of reality, and perception.

Quantum Physics and Waves

Quantum physics began to take shape at the start of the 20th century when scientists discovered that light doesn’t behave strictly as a wave or as a particle—instead, it exhibits characteristics of both. Sometimes, light acts like particles, and at other times, it behaves like waves. This remarkable revelation laid the foundation for a new way of understanding the physical world.

The concept was expanded by Louis de Broglie, a French doctoral student, who proposed that not only light but all matter—everything from people and planets to cars and rocks—possesses both wave-like and particle-like properties. In other words, every object in the universe, whether living or nonliving, can be described as both a wave and a particle. De Broglie’s hypothesis was confirmed through experiments in 1927, solidifying the idea that all matters exhibit this dual nature. If you have time, please listen to my episode “Quantum Physics—Overview”, where we have given a good overview on quantum physics.

I am sure you will agree that science has always been focusing on investigating the particle aspect only. There’s very little focus on understanding the wave part of the particle wave duality. So that’s where the limitation of science comes, because they don’t talk very much about the wave part. But everyone agrees, and as per the De Broglie’s hypothesis, that every matter in the universe has particle property and a wave property.

Schrodinger’s Wave Equation

In 1925, Erwin Schrodinger introduced a mathematical equation to help describe the wave behavior of matter. Known as Schrodinger’s wave equation, this powerful formula can be used to represent all possible wave functions for objects in the universe. It serves as a universal tool to understand the wave side of the duality and can be applied to any physical system.

Schrodinger’s equation models a physical system by considering two essential components:

1. Observed system: The object or phenomenon being studied.
2. Observing system: The apparatus or observer making the measurement.

By examining both the observed and observing systems, Schrodinger’s wave equation provides a framework for exploring the wave-like nature of all “matter”.

1. Understanding the Observed System

In quantum mechanics, every object can be described as a wave. This wave is mathematically represented by Schrodinger’s wave equation, which provides a detailed description of how the object’s energy changes over time. Physicists have successfully applied this equation to subatomic particles such as electrons, photons, and molecules, allowing them to understand and predict their behavior. However, when it comes to larger, everyday objects like humans, vehicles, or planets, their wave functions become much more complex. The variables involved are so complex and intricate that it becomes extremely challenging to derive the Schrodinger’s equation for such macro-objects. Despite this limited understanding, theoretically, every object in the universe has a corresponding Schrodinger wave equation.

Probability and the Schrodinger Wave Function

The Schrodinger wave function can be transformed into a probability wave function by squaring it. This probability function holds all the possible outcomes for the system in question. A classic illustration of this concept is the “Schrodinger’s cat” thought experiment. In this scenario, a cat is placed inside a sealed box along with a vial of poison connected to a random atomic trigger. Until the box is opened and observed, there is no way to know whether the cat is alive or dead. According to the probability function derived from Schrodinger’s equation, the cat can be alive, dead, or even in a superposition of both states, such as half alive and half dead, or in other combinations. Theoretically, there are infinite possible states.

2. Role of the Observing System in Schrödinger’s Wave Equation

A crucial element in understanding Schrödinger’s wave equation is the concept of the observing system. When the observing system interacts with the system being observed, it causes the wave function of the observed system to collapse into a single, definite outcome at that moment in time. For example, consider the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment. If you open the box to check on the cat, you will find the cat either alive or dead. If the cat is alive, all other outcomes immediately become impossible—only the observed outcome remains.

In other words, the act of observation forces the system to choose one possible state from many, and all other possibilities become zero for that instant. Until the box is opened, the cat’s condition exists as a wave function representing a range of potential states. Once the box is opened by an observer, the wave function collapses, and the cat is found in one particular state—such as alive—with all other possibilities eliminated.

This demonstrates that the collapse of the wave function only occurs when an observing system is present and interacts with the observed system. Without observation, the system remains in a wave function with multiple possibilities. Before observation, the system behaves like a wave; immediately after observation, it transitions to a single state of being a particle. In other words, the wave state always comes first, and it collapses to the particle state in the presence of an observing system.

With a foundational understanding of Schrödinger’s wave function, several thought-provoking questions naturally arise:

Question 1: Where does the wave function reside?

Is it situated externally in the physical world, or does it exist internally, perhaps within our mind? The wave function cannot be located inside the particle itself, because particles only manifest after the wave function collapses upon observation. Since the wave function comes before the appearance of particles, it cannot be contained within them. Therefore, it seems the wave function must exist outside the world of particles.

Question 2: What are the waves made of?

While waves are mathematically described, their physical substance remains mysterious—surely, they must be composed of something rather than nothing.

Question 3: What is the propagation medium for the quantum wave?

Waves generally require a medium to travel through. The historical concept of the “ether” as a universal medium for light was dismissed by experiment. So, what underlies the propagation of these quantum waves?

Question 4: What is Nature of the Observing System in Quantum Physics?

Quantum physics offers little clarity about what truly constitutes the observer or the observing system. In most cases the observing system is a measurement device which is typically composed of matter. This device is said to collapse the wave function of the system being observed. This raises a fundamental question: what power does “matter” possess to collapse a wave function, or is there another entity that actually has the power to transform a wave function into a particle?

Exploring the Concepts of Observed and Observer Through Vedanta

To begin answering these important questions, it is beneficial to first examine how Vedanta defines the terms “observed” and “observer.” Doing so will offer greater clarity about their relationship and assist in addressing the earlier questions.

The Nature of Observed Waveforms in Vedanta

Vedanta teaches that every object perceived by the mind appears as a distinct mental waveform called a vritti. These vrittis are not simply theoretical constructs; rather, they are actual patterns or vibrations within the mind, each representing a specific object. According to Vedanta, vrittis are sentient—they possess knowledge and intelligence, drawing their essence from pure Awareness itself. Please listen to the episode “understanding Self-Awareness” to get good understanding on the powers of Awareness and how the vrittis or object waveforms become sentient.  

Vedanta suggests that the waveforms of all individual objects combine to form a single, all-encompassing waveform – the grand universe waveform. It contains everything, nothing is left out.

Role of the Observer

Vedanta asserts that there is an Observer—a conscious witness—who perceives all activity within the mind. Let us try and understand the role of the observer. Suppose you are seeing a tree in front of you. Since you observe this tree, the physical tree must be a particle. If you turn your back to the tree, what happens? You don’t see the tree anymore. So what format is the tree in? Obviously, it cannot be a particle because you don’t see it anymore. If it is not a particle, then the tree must be in wave format. This may seem strange, but this is the only logical explanation.

When you start looking at the tree again, the tree again becomes a particle. From this example it does seem that the observer is the minimum prerequisite which is needed to view a particle. Only in the presence of an Observer can you see a physical particle, otherwise it remains in as a waveform. The Observer is needed to transform an object vritti into a physical object.  

Who is this Observer that can transform a wave into a tangible object? As we’ve explored in numerous discussions, the Observer is an expression of Awareness. Awareness itself is the most potent force in the universe. Whenever a wave-like object encounters Awareness, Awareness permeates that object’s waveform, enabling the Observer to experience its particle form. Therefore, it is the Observer, empowered by Awareness, who possesses the ability to collapse a waveform into a particle.

Connecting Quantum Physics and Vedanta

Quantum physics and Vedanta, though originating from vastly different traditions, offer intriguingly similar perspectives on the nature of reality.

In quantum physics, Schrodinger’s wave function describes a physical system that includes both the observed object and the observer system. Before measurement, the system exists as a waveform—a probability distribution representing micro- or macro-objects. When an observer system interacts with the wave function, this waveform “collapses,” and the object assumes a definite state, appearing as a particle.

Vedanta teaches that the mind itself is a collection of waveforms, known as vrittis. The observer in the presence of Awareness creates the physical world outside, much like the quantum collapse that produces particles.

Parallel Concepts: Wave Functions and Vrittis

This analogy suggests that Schrodinger’s wave function could be seen as a mathematical description of the processes occurring within the mind. Both frameworks, quantum physics and Vedanta, describe the transformation from potentiality (waveforms) to actuality (particles or experiences) through the act of observation.

With this understanding, let us see if we can answer the questions which were raised earlier in the overview of Schrodinger’s wave equation.

Answer 1: Where Does the Wave Function Exist?

The question of where the wave function exists remains one of the most profound mysteries in science. As previously discussed, the wave precedes the particle in quantum phenomena. Since waves cannot be housed within particles, and the observable universe is composed of particles, it follows that waveforms cannot reside within them. The most logical conclusion is that these waveforms exist within the mind. This perspective suggests that quantum waves are, in essence, mental waves—also referred to as vrittis. In this view, mental waves and quantum waves are fundamentally the same. Please listen to episode “Understanding the universe of Waveforms” for an in-depth explanation.

Answer 2: What are these waveforms made of?

At their core, these waveforms are composed of knowledge and intelligence. Since awareness exists within the mind, and intelligence and knowledge are intrinsic to awareness, the waves—when present in awareness—gain their structure from intelligence. This means the waves are self-aware and capable of interacting with other waves through the attributes of knowledge and intelligence.

Answer 3: What underlies the propagation of these quantum waves?

The mind inherently possesses awareness—it is a fundamental aspect that is always present. Quantum wave functions propagate within this field of awareness. As these waves vibrate, they interact with awareness itself, which serves as the medium for their propagation. In essence, awareness is the underlying medium that enables the interaction of quantum waves within the mind.

Answer 4: What Truly Constitutes the Observing System?

To understand what constitutes the observing system, we must examine what gives a measuring device the power to trigger the collapse of a wave into a particle. When we look closely at the measuring device itself, we find that it exhibits both wave and particle properties. This duality raises the question: who or what is responsible for collapsing the wave aspect of the measuring device?

One might suggest that it is the human eye that collapses the wave. However, the eye also possesses both wave and particle characteristics. Extending this logic further, we might argue that the brain is responsible for collapsing the waveform. Yet, the brain also has wave and particle properties.

Ultimately, the only place where the wave can truly collapse is within the observer—within the awareness that resides in you. It is this inner observer, the conscious awareness, that holds the power to collapse the wave. No material object, regardless of its nature, possesses this capability. The unique power to collapse the wave resides solely in the observer, which is an aspect of awareness.

We hope you find this exploration of the connections between Quantum Physics and Vedanta insightful. It is truly remarkable to consider that Schrödinger’s wave equation may correspond to the wave-like functions occurring within the mind. According to this perspective, the vrittis—mental modifications described in Vedanta—can be seen as analogous to Schrödinger’s wave equation. In this way, Vedanta and Quantum Physics seem to be speaking a common language, offering a fresh perspective for understanding Quantum Physics.

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!

Solving a Mystery of Space!

Let me begin by making a bold statement. The starting point of space and the end point of space are at the same location. Yes, that is correct. The exact location of both the start and the end point of space is within us, right within our innermost core. This seems counterintuitive. We all know that the outer edge of the universe is far away; scientists tell us that it is 13.7 billion years away. Light takes 13.7 billion years to reach us from the outer edge. It is that far. If this is so, how can the outer edge be present within our innermost core? That is what is so fascinating and mysterious about space. In this essay, we will try to understand this. We will use logic and scientific ideas to show that both the start and end point of space are within us.

To do this, it is critical to properly understand the framework of space. Unfortunately, there is confusion regarding this. So much is known about space, but still much is unknown. We have discussed this subject in many essays in my book, Science Meets Vedanta. This idea of both the starting and the end point of space being at the same location is a revelation for me. I am therefore excited to discuss the topic in this essay.

With this objective, let us start the discussion with the following two topics:

1. Where Is the Starting Point of Space?
2. Understanding the Outer Edge of Space

Where Is the Starting Point of Space?

Most people will answer that the Big Bang is the starting point of space. This is not an accurate statement. Scientists tell us that the Big Bang happened about 13.7 billion years ago. Yes, the Big Bang was the starting point of space 13.7 billion years ago, but it is no longer so. At this moment, the Big Bang is not the starting point of space; it is the outer edge of space.

The key criterion to locate the starting point of space is that it must be a non-moving location. Space cannot start from a moving location. It must start with a location which is fixed and stationary. This is only logical. So, is there a non-moving location in space? The answer is No. Everything is moving in space. Our Earth is moving around the sun in our solar system. Our solar system is moving around the central black hole (Sagittarius A) in our Milky Way galaxy. Fun fact—it takes our solar system 228 million years to complete one round of the galaxy. All the billions of galaxies are either moving closer or moving apart from each other. Everything in space is moving. This does mean that it is impossible to find a non-moving point within space.

So, how does one hunt down this non-moving point with the coordinates x=0, y=0, z=0, and t=0? These coordinates will be the starting point of space. We just saw that it is impossible to find the three coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 because space is always moving. The only alternative is to look for t=0 for space. This would require that we look at space from a different perspective. We are so used to looking at space in terms of distance. The tree is 100 feet away, the plane is flying at 30,000 feet, etc. We should look at space in terms of how much time light takes to reach us from different objects. This will help us locate the starting point of space, help us locate the t=0 for space.

If you look at external objects by studying the amount of time light takes to reach us from them, you will find that the starting point for space is the observer within us. Objects which are further away will take more time to reach us than objects which are closer to us. For example, light from the sun takes eight minutes to reach us, while light from the tree outside the window will take about 10 microseconds (10^-6) to reach us. As the distance reduces, the time taken for light to reach us also reduces. A question: where is the location where the light will take 0 seconds to reach us? The correct answer where light will take 0 seconds is the observer, who is watching all these objects. This indicates that the observer within us is the starting point of space. This t=0 is the beginning location of space. The observer is at t=0. If the observer is at t=0, then logically the observer is also at the x=0, y=0, and z=0 locations. This shows that space starts with the observer within us.

From this discussion we can draw the following key conclusions:

1. What is interesting is that t=0 applies to each one of us. The starting point for space for each one of us is the observer within us. If you travel from Delhi to New York, the starting point of space will travel with you. The starting point for space never leaves you. Space always starts with the observer within us. The observer is always the fixed non-moving point for space. Each one of us has their own starting point for space. This is an amazing conclusion.

2. The observer is the t=0 location for space, but it really means that the observer is outside space and time. The observer is never part of space or time. Location t=0+ will be within space, but the location t=0 will be outside space and time. Space starts with the observer point, but the observer within each one of us is outside space and time.

So, the observer is the starting point for space/time and this observer is outside space and time. This observer is a fixed non-moving point. How do we understand what is meant by “outside space and time”?

Understanding Outside Space and Time

We have just seen that the observer is outside space and time. We are also very sure that the observer is within us. The observer cannot be outside us; it must be within us. So, the location of “outside space and time” is right within us. We can call this our innermost core. The observer is part of the inner core.

Surprisingly, our inner core is a very busy place. It is a really happening place. There are many things and much activity within our inner core. There is a fully functioning subtle universe within us. For example:

• SatChitAnanda (Self-Shining Bulb of Awareness)
• Ishvara (God) with Maya Shakti
• Infinite Energy and Time
• Unlimited Intelligence and Knowledge
• Cosmic Mind and Individual Minds
• Subtle Universe Made of Intelligent Waveforms (vrittis)

Wow! There are a number of amazing things and activities within us. It sounds almost unbelievable—all this is within each of us! In fact, this is more complex and complete than anything in the physical world. This internal universe is pretty much unknown to us. We have discussed these topics in many different essays in my book, Science Meets Vedanta. If you properly understand the internal universe, you will realize that everything happens first in the internal universe and then in the gross universe “out there.”

Understanding the Outer Edge of Space

Now that we have located the starting point of space, let us try to understand the outer edge of space. To do that, it is important to see the connection between time and space.

Connection Between Time and Space: Yes, time and space are connected. Time is the cause, and space the effect. If there was no time, there would be no space. Space is nothing but stretched-out time. How should we understand this?

Scientists tell us that the universe is 13.7 billion years old. If light must travel from the outer edge of the universe, it will take 13.7 billion years to reach us. The distance that light must travel is 13.7 billion light-years. One light year is the distance that light travels in one year. One light-year is 9.46 trillion kilometers. Multiply this by 13.7 billion; you will get the size of space.

Let us play around with the age of the universe and the size of the universe. If we assume that the universe is 13.7 billion years old at this very “moment,” then the size of space is 13.7 billion light-years. After one second, the age of the universe will be 13.7 billion years + one second. Light must now travel an additional 186,000 miles to reach us, which means the size of the universe has grown by 186,000 miles. The size of space would be 13.7 billion light-years + 186,000 miles. After 10 seconds, the age of the universe would be 13.7 billion years + 10 seconds, and the size of space would be 13.7 billion light-years + 1,860,000 miles. So, we can see that with every second that passes, the outer edge of space grows by 186,000 miles.

From the above analysis, it is quite clear that time is the cause of space. As long as time flows, space will continue to expand. With each second of time, the universe expands by 186,000 miles. The day time stops flowing, that day the universe will stop expanding. This is an amazing conclusion connecting time and space.

Speed of Light and Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity: We have just seen that the outer edge of the universe is expanding at the speed of light—186,000 miles per second. Based on Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity, there are serious implications if anything travels at the speed of light. Let us try and understand this.

Without going into any technical details, the key point of the Theory of Special Relativity is that whenever there is motion, time slows down and space contracts. Yes, time and space are not a fixed entity but are dependent upon the speed of motion. This theory is a proven fact. The faster the motion, the slower the time, and the greater the contraction of space. And, finally, if you reach the speed of light, there is NO time and NO space. Time comes to a standstill and space disappears. This fact is known to science.

We have just seen that the outer edge of space is expanding at the speed of light. This would imply that there is NO space and NO Time at the outer edge of space. If there is no time and space, it would mean that the outer edge of space is outside space and time. So where is the location of something which is outside space and time? We have answered this question earlier. We have seen that our innermost core is outside space and time. This would suggest that the outer edge of space is within our inner core, that the outer edge of space is within us.

It must be understood that only the outer edge of space is within us. Anything closer to the outer edge is not traveling at the speed of light, therefore that location is part of space. The outer edge of space is within us while the remaining part of space is “out there.”

Understanding Space

Isn’t it amazing that both the starting point and the outer edge of space are within us? They are part of the inner core. If this is the case, how do we understand space “out there”? It is not easy. A good way to imagine it is that space and its content are like a mirage popping out of the internal universe, or a hologram being projected.

I guess science will not have an answer to this question. We will have to rely on the teachings of Vedanta. Vedanta is very clear on this topic. It teaches that our mind projects the universe we see around us. The mind is like a projector, projecting all the objects around us. The gross objects we see around us are the projection of the mind. Each mind is its own projector, and each mind projects its own content. I have covered this subject in detail in my book, Science Meets Vedanta. Please read Chapter 18, “Projection—The Only Truth.” A step-by-step process is given on how the projection of the universe works. Please read this to be convinced.

It is quite amazing that space is “out there” but the starting point and outer edge of space are within us. What a mystery and what an insight into our universe! Worth pondering over.

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This is a bold statement. But it is a correct statement. There are many shortcomings, errors, faults, and incomplete answers in the perception process taught by science. The focus of this essay is to highlight some of these shortcomings and then explain how the perception process actually works.

Perception Process Taught by Science

Let us try and understand the process taught by science. There is a universe “out there” with an unlimited number of objects. Let us call these objects “Object 1.” Now, there must be a light source. The light from this source falls on these objects, and the reflected light from these objects travels toward our eyes. This reflected light, using photons, gathers all the required information about the objects—information like the shape and greenness of the tree, the blueness of the sky, the shape and yellowness of the orange, etc. From this, it does seem that this reflected light is our only connection to the world “out there.” If there is no reflected light, we will not be able to perceive the universe. All perception depends upon this reflected light.

When the reflected light with the required information reaches the retina in the eye, the retina converts the reflected light into an optical signal. The optical signal is sent to the brain for processing. What happens in the brain is a big mystery. Science has very little understanding about how the brain processes the optical signal—but somehow an object image is created for perception. We can call the object image created by the brain “Object 2.” It seems there are two sets of the same object: Object 1 “out there” and Object 2 in the brain. We do not experience these two sets; we experience only one set of objects. But which one? A good question.

A good way to understand this is to see what happens when we watch TV. A live sports match is being played at the stadium, and we watch the image of this match on our TV. Here again, there are two sets of the same objects. A live match played in the stadium and another set on TV. We can draw a parallel with our earlier discussion; the live match in the stadium is Object 1 and what we see on TV is Object 2. Here too, there are two sets of objects: Object 1 and Object 2. In this case there is no confusion; we are clear that we are watching Object 2 on the TV. We can never watch a live match (Object 1) by sitting at home; we must be at the stadium.

If we apply the above reasoning, it is correct to conclude that we experience the object image created by the brain—we perceive Object 2. This is logical because the observer within us can only perceive what is created by the brain; it can only perceive Object 2. The observer within us can never perceive Object 1. Why? It is at the other end of the reflected light. There is no direct connection between the observer within us and Object 1. Just like we cannot perceive the live sports match by sitting at home, in the same way the observer within us cannot perceive Object 1 “out there.”

It does seem that we perceive Object 2, which is reproduced by our brain, and not Object 1. If we do perceive Object 2, then a simple question arises: where is Object 1? How do we justify the existence of Object 1? I guess there is no proper answer. Does it feel like we perceive Object 2? No, it does not seem like that. It seems like we are always perceiving Object 1. See the confusion. Logically we perceive Object 2, but we think we perceive Object 1. So how do we justify the existence of two sets of the same object? This confusion is there because the perception process taught by science is incorrect. It is unable to resolve the dilemma between Object 1 and Object 2. So, what is the correct perception process? We will discuss this later on.

Shortcoming of Photons in the Perception Process

Our perception of the external world is solely based on the reflected photons traveling from the object to the retina. This overdependence on the reflected photons has many shortcomings. Let us discuss some of the key issues:

1. Around 120 million photons hit the retina every moment. That is a huge number of photons. Each moment, a new set of photons reaches the human eye. Each of these millions of photons must maintain its purity and accuracy to the highest level. If they don’t, we will have a distortion of the image being created by the brain. Is this 100% accuracy possible? Science teaches us that these photons interact with atoms, molecules, and even virtual particles. When they interact, the photons can be absorbed, deflected, or reinvented as different photons. The longer the distance the photons travel, the higher the chances of distortion. All this will reduce the accuracy of the photons reaching the retina. Distortion of the image created by the brain is a distinct possibility.

2. Another critical question is—how can a photon accurately represent the distance and time it has traveled? The object could be close by (like a tree) or a distant star. There is no way to know which photon has traveled how far to reach the human eye. As of now, there is no indication that the photon has some sort of memory to know from which object it has come from and the distance it has traveled. There are millions of photons hitting the retina, but there is no way to know which photon comes from which object and how much distance it has traveled. If this critical information is lacking, it is impossible for the brain to reproduce the image we are trying to perceive.

3. You could say that this is perhaps unknown to science—the photon does have memory to know the distance it has traveled. If so, how does it transfer this distance data to the retina? The retina in turn must enter data regarding distance into the optical signal being sent to the brain. Only in this way can the brain accurately reconstruct the visual image. We don’t know if this is happening or even possible.

4. There is a lack of understanding of how a photon really functions. We see the photons zipping around at the speed of light, but from the perspective of the photons, they do not really travel; they exist outside space and time. If you properly understand Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity, you will find this conclusion to be correct.

Without going into any technical details, the key point of this theory is that whenever there is motion, time slows down and space contracts. Yes, time and space are not a fixed entity but are dependent upon the speed of motion. This theory is a proven fact. The faster the motion, the slower the time and the greater the contraction of space. And, finally, if you reach the speed of light, there is NO time and NO space. Time comes to a standstill and space disappears. This fact is known to science.

So, what travels at the speed of light? The only thing which travels at the speed of light is photons. Nothing else can. Since photons travel at the speed of light, from their perspective there is no space and no time. They exist outside space and time. This is a fact, which must be understood and appreciated. Nature is creating an amazing illusion: we think that photons are zipping around at the speed of light, but in reality, the photons do not travel. If this idea is understood, it will shatter the idea that perception is dependent upon photons.

All the above arguments show that it is just not very clear how we really perceive. What science teaches us is full of problems and shortcomings.

Projection—The Correct Perception Process

So, what is the correct perception process? Vedanta is very clear on this topic. It teaches that our mind projects the universe we see around us. The mind is like a projector, projecting all the objects around us. The gross objects we see around us are the projection of the mind. Each mind is its own projector, and each mind projects its own content.

What is this content? The content is the subtle universe in the cosmic mind. There is a fully functioning subtle universe made up of waveforms. Each object in the universe has a subtle version made up of waveforms. The features, attributes, qualities, and makeup of objects are present in this waveform. Even quantum physics confirms that every object has a particle property and a wave property. This wave property taught by quantum physics is what makes up the subtle universe. Amazing that both quantum physics and Vedanta are talking the same language. Even you and I and all living beings have a subtle version. This subtle version of objects makes up the subtle universe. These subtle objects interact with each other; they update and modify each other. It will be surprising to know that everything happens first in this fully functioning subtle universe. Please read Chapter 13—“Life Is a Living Wave”—in my book, Science Meets Vedanta. In this chapter, I have presented an analysis of the subtle universe and how it functions. There is no doubt that a complete understanding of how the subtle universe functions is beyond human intellect. However, knowing the unlimited intelligence present in Nature, the subtle universe must be organized efficiently and effectively.

As earlier mentioned, this subtle universe exists in the cosmic mind. A portion or subset of the subtle universe is sent to each individual mind. This is the portion which covers our current surroundings and all the objects currently around us. As we have discussed in many different essays, Awareness is also present within the mind. So, the individual mind has two components—Awareness and object waveforms. When object waveforms are superimposed on Awareness, we have the experience of the objects.

Awareness is the substratum of all objects. When the object waveforms in the mind enter the presence of Awareness, magic happens. Awareness fills the object waveforms with awareness. The Power of Awareness then projects this content “out there” as gross objects in the gross universe. This is how we perceive the gross world “out there.” I have covered this subject in detail in my book, Science Meets Vedanta. Please read Chapter 18, “Projection—The Only Truth.” A step-by-step process is given on how the projection of the universe works. Please read this to be convinced.

You may notice that in the projection process too, there are two sets of the same objects—one in the mind and the other “out there.” But in this case, there is no confusion. The set in the mind is the subtle version, while the other set which is projected by the mind is the gross version. The subtle version in the mind becomes the gross version. We experience and perceive the gross version “out there.” There is clarity in this process, with no confusion.

Conclusion

We have shown that the perception process taught by science is incorrect. It has many fallacies, shortcomings, and errors. The projection of the universe by the individual mind is the only truth.

 

 

 

What is Silence? Our day-to-day understanding of silence means no sound, no noise. Pin-drop silence means complete silence—no noise or sound whatsoever. In Vedanta, Silence has a much broader meaning: no sound, no visual images, no smell, no taste, and no touch. A complete absence of any sensory input from the five sense organs. In a way, the mind is completely blank or empty—no thoughts or experiences. Is this type of silence even possible? What does this type of silence even mean? Our five sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin continuously interact with external objects, and we experience these objects in our mind. There is a continuous bombardment of sensory inputs from the five sense organs. So how does one understand Silence as taught by Vedanta—the complete negation of thoughts, perceptions, feelings, and experiences in the mind?

If you take a deep dive into your day-to-day functioning, you will find instances where you experience Silence as taught by Vedanta.

1. As mentioned earlier, we have a continuous stream of thoughts; it does seem never-ending. If you think about it, when one thought finishes and the next one starts, there must be a blank between the two thoughts. There is a silence between two thoughts, where no sensory inputs are present. An analogy to understand this is that of a movie on TV. We all know that a movie is made up of still frames, usually around 60 frames per second. At 60 frames per second, the movie does look continuous, and we do not notice the collection of still frames. We do not notice the gap between frames. The time duration is so small that you will not notice the gap between frames. But the fact is that there is a gap between two frames.

In the same way, there is a gap between two thoughts. This seems only logical; one thought ends and the next thought begins. There must be a gap between thoughts. However, the duration is so small that we do not notice it, and it is impossible to measure the time gap between two thoughts. This gap is the silence between two thoughts. There is a complete absence of any sensory input during this gap. This silence between two thoughts raises many unanswered questions. What is present, if anything, during this period of silence? Of what is this silence made—what are the ingredients of silence? Interesting questions! We will try and answer these questions in this essay.

2. All of us have three states of experience. We have experiences during the waking state, dream state, and deep sleep state. The bulk of the experiences take place in the waking state. The five senses are active; they interact with the external world. The mind is active full-time, with all the perceptions, emotions, and feelings.

During the dream state, the five senses become inactive; we have no clue about the external world. The internal memory is active, and we experience a random sequence of events in our dreams.

The deep sleep state is interesting—nothing much happens here, but it does reveal a lot. In the deep sleep state, the five senses are inactive, and the mind is also inactive. We experience nothing during deep sleep. The mind is totally blank; it is totally empty; we have no experiences during deep sleep. The mind is silent. Does this mean that this nothingness is the silence we are looking for? We also achieve this state of nothingness in the mind when we are unconscious or have been administered anesthesia by the doctor. Do we need to go into deep sleep or become unconscious or be under anesthesia to experience Silence?

If you properly analyze deep sleep, you will conclude that this state of nothingness, emptiness, is not an accurate statement. There is always something present in the mind. What is present in the mind during deep sleep is Ignorance. We experience Ignorance during deep sleep. This is the same Ignorance we have discussed in many different essays, including in my book, Science Meets Vedanta. When we forget our Real Self of being SatChitAnanda, this Ignorance pops up and covers up our Real Self.

This Ignorance is present in the mind. Since this is Ignorance, there is no way you can experience it. You can experience something which is known; you cannot experience Ignorance. You can never be aware of Ignorance. This Ignorance is the reason why we are not aware of anything during deep sleep. Besides, this Ignorance reveals itself only during deep sleep and it does not show up in our experiences during the waking and dream states.

So, this nothingness, emptiness, in the deep sleep state is not the correct conclusion of silence. This emptiness is because of our Ignorance, hiding our Real Self.

3. There are many reasons for meditation, but the ultimate goal is to reach Samadhi. To reach Samadhi, one must merge with the object of meditation. It is not easy, but it is the final goal of meditation. In Samadhi, there is no separation between the object and the meditator. They merge as one entity. For example, as a beginner you start your meditation on an image of God or any object of your choosing. In the beginning, your mind will wander; in such a situation, the role is to bring the mind back to the object of meditation. Keep doing this. With repeated practice you will reach the next stage, where you can focus on this single object for an extended period. Other sensory inputs will not disturb you. This is progress in the right direction. In the final stage, the separation of the meditator and this object keeps reducing, and finally they merge as one unit. The meditator and object of meditation become one entity. This is the state of Samadhi. There is complete Silence in Samadhi. There is a complete negation of all sensory inputs. There are no sensory objects present in Samadhi.

An interesting question—if there are no sensory inputs, then what is left in the mind? Does this mean that there is nothingness, that the mind is completely blank, a state of shunya (zero)? That conclusion is incorrect. The mind can never be empty. The scriptures teach us that you can never negate everything in the universe. Vedanta teaches us that Awareness is always present. You simply cannot negate Awareness. Awareness was there in the past, it will be there in the future, and it is present right now. So, in Samadhi, you can negate all the sensory objects, but you can never negate Awareness. So, Awareness is always present in Samadhi. In Samadhi, you are not aware of any objects, but you are aware of Awareness. Awareness is always present in Silence. Silence would mean that there are no sensory objects, but Awareness is always present. This is the correct understanding of Silence.

It seems that if you want to experience Silence (or Awareness), you must undergo the rigorous practice of meditation and achieve Samadhi. This is the only way to negate sensory objects and achieve Silence or Samadhi. This is not an easy practice; only a minuscule number of people experience Samadhi. Even if they reach this Samadhi, in most cases this state is temporary. It does not last. Once the meditation is over, one is back among all the worldly objects. The scriptures teach us that permanent Samadhi is possible with the complete dissolution of the mind within Awareness. To achieve this requires more effort and training.

Is Samadhi the only way to understand and experience Silence? Is there a simpler way to understand and experience Silence? Fortunately, there is an alternative way. In this method, it is critically important to correctly understand the makeup of objects. Most of us do not have a correct understanding of objects. The culprit for this is what science has taught us. Scientists are struggling to understand objects. They have little clue about the construction of objects. The discovery of subatomic particles is great, but this knowledge does not help discover the reality of objects.

There must be a better way to understand objects. Let us start with what happens in the mind.

Mind and Objects

All perceptions, feelings, thoughts, and everything happens only in the mind. We experience external objects in the mind alone. All experiences happen only in the mind; they cannot happen elsewhere. So, what is an experience? If you think carefully, you will realize that an experience is made up of the following two components:

Experience = Awareness + Form

1. Awareness: We are always aware of our experience. We can never say we had an experience but are not aware of it. This is simply not possible, because awareness is a critical prerequisite and ingredient of any experience. You have experience because you are aware of it. If there is no Awareness, there can be no experience. Awareness is the substratum of any experience. We have discussed Awareness in almost all the essays. Understanding Awareness is critical. If you properly understand Awareness, you will understand everything in the universe. As we have discussed, Awareness is made of Subject, Object, and Intelligence, and it has three different powers—Knower, Known, and Knowing.
• Awareness = Subject + Object + Intelligence
• Power of Awareness = Power of Knower + Power of Known + Power of Knowing

The three powers of Awareness are the most powerful forces in the universe. Everything depends upon these powers. This topic has been discussed in detail in my book, Science Meets Vedanta. It is strongly recommended to understand these three powers of Awareness.

2. Form: The form is superimposed on Awareness to complete the experience. The form part of the experience is always different and keeps changing. It comes from the five senses: eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin. Sometimes it is visual, sometimes it is auditory, and sometimes it is based on memories. The forms keep changing; the experience keeps changing.

There is Awareness, and the object form is superimposed on this Awareness to complete the object. This does indicate that Awareness is the content of all objects. All objects are made up of Awareness and the form is superimposed on this content—just like pot forms are added to clay to give a variety of pots. The content will always be clay for all the pots. In the same way, if you are aware of any object, then the content of that object must be Awareness. This logic is simple, and it is the only truth.

1. If you are aware of the car outside your window, it is because the form of the car is superimposed on Awareness. This Awareness takes the shape of the car.
2. If you are aware of the music from your device, it is because the form of the music is superimposed on Awareness. Awareness becomes the lyrics and music of the song.
3. If you are aware of the taste of chocolate, it is because the taste form of chocolate is superimposed on Awareness. This way you are aware of the taste of chocolate.

People may argue that the subatomic particles are the content of objects. A question—what is the content of these subatomic particles? Science predicts that it may be the vibrating strings. What is the content of these vibrating strings? No one knows. This cycle of finding the inner layer can continue endlessly. Ultimately, the innermost layer must be Awareness; it is the substratum of every object. This truth is logical and must be accepted by science.

Experiencing Silence in Objects

We have just seen that Awareness is the content of all objects and that form is superimposed on Awareness. So, it seems that there are two components to an object—form and Awareness. The question is how we should approach these two components.

Ever since we are born, we are conditioned to focus on the form part of any object. This habit is deep-rooted. We only see object forms. Look anywhere and we are aware of the object forms. It could be visual, sound, taste, smell, or touch. We are convinced that object forms are the only reality. In this process, we completely ignore Awareness, which is the content of all objects. Unfortunately, this is a major error we make while understanding objects.

Awareness is the only content of all objects. Object forms are superimposed on Awareness. These object forms have NO independent existence. They cannot exist without Awareness. If there is no Awareness, no object forms can exist. You are aware of the tree with all its leaves and fruit because the tree is filled with Awareness. This Awareness must take the exact shape of the tree. You cannot have any part of the tree, which is not filled with Awareness, otherwise you will see an incomplete tree. Awareness is the only reason we are aware of the tree. From the above, one can conclude that wherever there are objects, Awareness is present. In fact, there is only Awareness, nothing but Awareness. You cannot separate object form from Awareness; this means that everything is Awareness.

If you think about it, Awareness is hiding in plain sight. Awareness does not make any attempt to conceal itself. So, the correct way to perceive an object is to focus on the Awareness part of the object and not on the form part of the object. If you say, “I am aware of the car,” focus on Awareness and not on the car form. The trick is to shift the attention from the car form to Awareness. Initially it may seem odd and unusual. One thing is clear: you are always “aware” of your surroundings. You can never say “I am not aware” of my surroundings. Pay attention to Awareness. A good way is to practice “I am Aware” with feeling and not repeating it mechanically. Slowly, you will feel this Awareness everywhere—inside you and “out there.”

With regular practice, you will realize that everything “out there” is only Awareness. Object forms have no independent existence. Whenever your focus is solely on Awareness, you will experience Silence. This is the most direct way to understand and experience Silence. In Samadhi, you keep negating sensory objects to reach Awareness. This process is more complex and tedious. If you properly understand that the content of objects is Awareness, you can directly reach Silence.

You can also support this practice by meditation. Meditation teaches us to focus on an object of meditation—it could be our breath, an image, or a mantra. You can easily bypass this process and focus directly on Awareness, which is within you. Why do you follow an indirect journey of focusing on an object to reach the destination of Silence or Awareness? If you want to travel from Delhi to Chennai, you will not go Srinagar first and then to Chennai. It is an indirect journey; it is much easier to travel directly to Chennai. In the same way, why focus on an external object to reach Awareness? Focus directly on Awareness and not on the object of meditation.

If you want to understand silence and experience silence, the most direct way is to properly understand the makeup of objects. The next time you look at objects, please focus on Awareness and not on the object forms.