Through the lens of Quantum Physics, Quantum Entanglement and Advaita Vedanta
In the pursuit of understanding the universe, two seemingly disparate realms of thought have emerged: Quantum physics and Advaita Vedanta. Quantum physics, the branch of science that deals with the smallest particles of matter and their behavior, and Advaita Vedanta, a profound spiritual philosophy rooted in ancient Indian scriptures, offer unique perspectives on the nature of reality. Surprisingly, these two paths converge on the concept of unity or oneness, with quantum entanglement serving as a bridge between the scientific and spiritual worlds.
In the year 2022, the Nobel prize in Physics was awarded to researchers Alain Aspect, John Clauser, and Anton Zeilinger for their work on the theory of quantum entanglement and their findings are incredible!
In this article, I am attempting to explain these two disparate thoughts in a simple manner. A quantum (plural: quanta) is the smallest discrete unit of a phenomenon. For example, a quantum of light is a photon, a quantum of electricity is an electron, and quanta of energy is wave-particle.
- Quantum Physics – The Dance of Subatomic Particles. Quantum physics delves into the behavior of microscopic particles at the quantum level, where the rules of classical physics cease to apply.
Wave-particle duality theory in quantum physics suggests that particles, such as electrons or photons, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors depending on how they are observed or measured. Please note the important word is “Observed”.
- The Observer Effect: The Phenomenon where the act of measurement or observation collapses this wave-like probability distribution into a specific, localized state. In other words, particles come into existence in a well-defined state when they are observed, measured, or interacted with in some way.
- One of quantum physics’ s most mysterious phenomena is quantum entanglement. This refers to a peculiar connection that exists between particles, even when they are separated by vast distances. This connection implies that the state of one particle is instantly influenced by the state of its entangled partner, regardless of the spatial separation between them. Please note the important words are” instantly influenced” and “spatial separation”.
Imagine two electrons, each with a property known as “spin.” These electrons can be entangled in such a way that their spins become correlated. If one electron’s spin is measured as “up,” the other will instantaneously assume a “down” spin, even if they are light-years apart. This phenomenon seems to defy our classical understanding of cause and effect, suggesting a deeper, interconnected reality.
Now coming to some learnings from Non-Duality in Advaita Vedanta, The Path to Non-Duality.
Advaita Vedanta, often attributed to the sage Adi Shankaracharya, is a spiritual philosophy deeply rooted in the Vedas and Upanishads. At its core, Advaita Vedanta teaches the concept of non-duality, or “Advaita,” which asserts that there is only one ultimate reality, Oneness!
Advaita Vedanta posits that the perceived duality of the Oneness see separate objects, individuals, and experiences, is an illusion. The ultimate reality, known as “Brahman,” is a singular, undivided, and all-encompassing consciousness. This consciousness is both immanent and transcendent, permeating everything in existence.
To illustrate this, consider the analogy of a vast ocean. The waves on the surface may appear distinct and separate, but in reality, they are all part of the same ocean. Similarly, in the realm of Advaita Vedanta, individual beings are like waves, and Brahman is the underlying ocean of consciousness.
Bridging the Gap of Quantum Entanglement and Advaita Vedanta. The connection between quantum physics and Advaita Vedanta becomes apparent when we explore the implications of quantum entanglement in light of non-duality.
Unity in Quantum Entanglement – Quantum entanglement challenges our conventional understanding of separateness and individuality. It suggests that, at the quantum level, particles are not isolated entities but are interconnected in a fundamental way. This interconnectedness echoes the non-dualistic perspective of Advaita Vedanta. In the entangled electron example, when one electron’s spin changes, it affects its entangled partner instantaneously. This instantaneous connection hints at a deeper reality where the boundaries between separate entities blurs. Similarly, in Advaita Vedanta, the boundaries between individual beings are considered illusory, and the underlying unity of consciousness is emphasized.
Vedic Philosophy – The Illusion of the World
In Vedic philosophy, particularly in Advaita Vedanta, the world is often described as an illusion or “Maya.” This concept aligns with the idea that the world exists only when we pay attention to it.
* Maya – The Illusion: Maya is the term used to describe the illusory nature of the world. It suggests that the world we perceive through our senses is not the ultimate reality but a projection or illusion. Just as a mirage in a desert appears real from a distance but disappears upon closer inspection, the material world is considered illusory when one gains deeper insight.
This is beautifully captured in our ancient temples where Lord Vishnu is in deep sleep on the coiled Sheshnag (snake) depicting the creation of the universe by observation in his dream.
Let’s draw parallels between Quantum Physics, Quantum Entanglement and Advaita Vedanta, (Vedic Philosophy) through simple examples:
* Two Sides of the Same Coin: In quantum entanglement, particles seem to respond as if they are two sides of the same coin, even when separated by vast distances. Similarly, in Advaita Vedanta, all beings are seen as different expressions of the same underlying consciousness.
* Instantaneous Connection: Quantum entanglement demonstrates that changes in one particle can instantaneously affect its entangled partner, suggesting a non-local connection. This mirrors the concept of instantaneous spiritual insight in Advaita Vedanta, where one can directly realize their unity with Brahman beyond the limitations of time and space.
* Illusory Boundaries: Just as the boundaries between particles blur in entanglement, Advaita Vedanta teaches that the boundaries between individuals are illusory, and the true nature of reality transcends these distinctions.
* Existence Through Attention: According to this philosophy, the world gains existence and significance when our attention is directed toward it. It’s as if the act of observing or attending to the world gives it a temporary reality, much like how particles in quantum physics manifest specific properties when observed. Advait Vedanta teaches that the world exists only when we pay attention to it.
Conclusion
In the grand tapestry of existence, quantum physics and Advaita Vedanta offer unique threads that, when woven together, form a profound narrative of unity. Quantum entanglement challenges our notions of separateness, while Advaita Vedanta provides a spiritual framework for understanding the interconnectedness of all existence.
Ultimately, both paths invite us to contemplate the nature of reality and our place within it. Whether through the lens of quantum physics or the wisdom of Advaita Vedanta, we are led to a profound realization: that beneath the surface of diversity and duality, there exists an indivisible, unifying essence that connects us all.
For Great leaders there is a very important secret hidden in these philosophies.
- We create what we observe. Great Leaders just focus on what they want to achieve and not on what is not happening.
- We are all ONE. Great Leaders understand that we are all connected to each other at a deeper level and our thoughts and beliefs impact others. Hence, Great Leaders spend a lot of time understanding themselves and build their characters.