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The quest for reality, the quest to transcend appearance and to approach
reality had always been with the enquiring minds. The knowledge seeking
minds were intimately concerned with the immediate and mundane
phenomenal world, nature and the inter relationship between appearance
and reality. The postulate that what is apparent may neither be the truth, nor
be the reality had long been established. The reality behind the nature, a
deep level beneath the surface level had always troubled knowledge seeking
minds.
In the ancient world, in Bharata Varsha, it had been the Maha Rishis and
Rishis who went for knowledge both empirical and transcendental. For the
West, which has its base in the Greek Tradition, it was the Philosophers who
searched for knowledge. Thus we have two types of seekers such as
seekers of the Empirical knowledge as well as the seekers of the
Transcendental knowledge; both using similar categories and tools in their
efforts. These two sets are not mutually exclusive. Both sets of people used
to overlap one another and also to supplement one another.
146
From this let us look at the Maha Rishis and Rishis of India and the
Philosophers and Scientists of the West.
147
(Arise, awake and follow the Wise. Like the sharp edge of a razor is
that path, so the Wise say- hard to tread and difficult to cross) 1.
Such path can only be taken by very select few, the real seekers of
knowledge as Bhagavath Gita rightly says:
(Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and
of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows truth.) 2
148
There is an anecdote of Siva and Parvati. It is Siva who gave the Battle Axe
(Parasu) to Bhargava Rama and it is with that same battle axe that Rama
attacks Vinayaka, the son of Siva. In that context, Parvati tells Siva that gift
should be given only to the deserving hands. Knowledge also is similar. It
must be given to the deserving. Deserving one, here, implies a student with a
yearning mind and an impeccable quest for knowing. Describing the quality
of a student, Bhagavath Gita says:
(One who is self-controlled and unattached and who disregards all material
enjoyments can obtain, by practice of renunciation, the highest perfect stage
of freedom from reaction)3.
Katha Upanishad agrees on the point as:
(When the aspirant is devoid of all desires which stain his mind, then and
then alone he enjoys the bliss of realization)
Upanishad:
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(One should think with a concentrated mind about Reality so that one may
realize it) 5 and Setaswatara Upanishad: The image becomes clear when
the mirror over which it reflects is clean. Similarly, when the aspirants mind
is pure, he realizes all 6
In Sankaracharyas own words:
(The man who discriminates between the Real and the Unreal, whose mind
is turned away from the unreal, who possesses calmness and the allied
virtues, and who is longing for Liberation, is alone considered qualified to
enquire after the truth.)7
Viveka Chudamani further suggests four fold path for attaining knowledge:
First is enumerated discrimination between the Real and the Unreal; next
comes aversion to the enjoyment of fruits (of ones actions) here and
hereafter; (next is) the group of six attributes, viz. calmness and the rest;
(last) is clearly the yearning for Liberation 8
150
In all the process of knowing, presence of mind is inevitable. Knowledgeseeking mind must be gifted with very high concentration. Speaking about
the property of concentration, Katha Upanishad says that:
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as
hard
as
walking
on
the
edge
of
razor11
152
have seen. They, very often, follow pure Mathematics, a normative enquiry, a
process very close to meditation in its nature.
It is not very surprising that their results often sound like certain conclusions
of Advaita Vedanta since they fulfill the requirements of Advaitic Rishis.
4.1.1.1. Advaita and Bohr
Bohr Model of atom pictures a planetary model of atom as seen in Chapter
III. One of the most striking features of Planetary Model is the amount of
empty space present in an atom.
The mass of an electron is 9.8 X 10-27grams13. This is equal to the number
we get by dividing one with 1027. This is obviously a very minute quantity,
almost equal to zero, and hence negligible. The masses of proton and
neutron, that together form the atomic nucleus, are 1.672 X 10-27grams14 and
1.675 X 10-24 grams respectively15.
Since the electrons are of very negligible mass, the nucleus constitutes 99.99
% of the total mass of the atom. However, the volume of this dense nucleus
is only 0.01% of the total atomic volume.
This follows that 99.99 % of the total atomic volume is empty. Atom is
something very hollow in nature. These atoms are regarded as the building
blocks of the Universe. In other words, Universe is made up of the hollow
bricks called atoms.
153
Here we see Neils Bohr at a very close proximity to Adi Sankaracharya. The
Universe is a hollow. It is, as we perceive, a mere appearance. An illusion as
suggested by Advaita through a number of examples. Of the fundamental
texts of Advaita Vedanta, there are countless citations in this respect. Maitri
Upanishad 16 and Gaudapadakarika17, for instance, agree upon this.
In Sankaracharyas own words:
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(The wise one should intelligently merge the entire world-of-objects in the
Atman alone and constantly think of the Self ever as contaminated by
anything as the sky20).
The Real according to Advaita is immutable, self existent and eternal. Our
understanding about it does not undergo any change. Whatever lacks this
characteristic mark of the real must not be called real. 21 Also, Universe is
therefore, due to ignorance. It is not ultimately real. 22 These arguments are
totally valid in the case of the idea of the Universe that arises from the Bohr
atom model too. It does not essentially remains what it is. And hence, Jagat
is Midhya.
4.1.1.2. Advaita and de Broglie
Louis de Broglies matter-wave duality, on close examination, has some
similarity with Advaita. In the light of the concept, matter is no longer a solid
thing as it appears to us. It is something else too: the wave (something
diametrically opposite). It follows that matter is not matter alone, but wave
also and vice versa.
To expand on the theory further, mass and energy are one and the same.
The duality proposed by de Broglie eventually points out to the non-duality of
matter and energy: A kind of Advaita, in the world of New Science.
Matter, therefore, according to Louis de Broglie, is only a form or an
appearance of something else. And so is the case with energy.
155
(Know, then, that Prakriti is Maya and that Great God is the Lord of Maya.
The whole Universe is filled with objects which are parts of His being.)
156
And again equates Maya with the Universe (As seen in the usage, Viswa
Maya.) 24
In the context, Bhagavad Gita25 identifies Maya with the power of God as:
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158
159
160
(In whatever way you desire to perceive me, I appear to you in accordance
with your wish). 31
4.1.1.4. Advaita and Heisenberg
Heisenbergs Uncertainty Principle, as the name indicates, postulates the
uncertainty concerning the micro world. The impossibility of accuracy in
measurement as put forward by the principle has certain definite
philosophical implications, in addition to its devastating effects on the
Classical Mechanics.
The Principle, at the first instance, presents the helplessness of the
deterministic view. It challenges the notion of causation in Nature, that every
determinant cause in the nature is inevitably followed by the resulting effect.
In terms of the Classical Physics, this means that the future motion of a
particle could exactly be predicted or determined from the knowledge of its
present position and momentum and all of the forces acting upon it.
Heisenbergs Uncertainty Principle rejects this; because, one cannot know
the precise position and momentum of a particle at a given instant and hence
its future cannot be determined. The only option the principle permits is to
predict a range of possibilities for the future motion of the particle.
Heisenbergs Uncertainty Principle says that in the sharp formulation of the
161
law of causality-- "if we know the present exactly, we can calculate the
future"-it is not the conclusion that is wrong but the premise. 32 With this, we
see that the much celebrated law of causation and the concept of causal
connection get nullified.
4.1.1.5. Advaita and Einstein
Einsteins Special Theory of Relativity, on one hand, rejects the concepts of
Absolute Space and Absolute Time, and suggests the non duality of Matter
and Energy on the other.
4.1.1.5.1. Advaita and Relative Nature of Space and Time
To the dismay of Newtons Physics, the clocks at different frames of
reference no longer tick away at the same pace and nowhere exists a
paradise that acts as the Absolute frame of reference for the entire Universe.
This is the very anti thesis of Newtons Classical concepts of Absolute Space
and Absolute Time. Both Space and Time are destined to lose their Classical
glory for ever and are to be Relative.
Advaitins point of view regarding Space and Time is very much similar to
that of Einsteins Special Theory of Relativity. Advaitin holds that whatsoever
is relative is not real at all and so is the case with Space and Time. There are
a number of instances in this matter from the fundamental texts of Advaita
and the works of Adi Sankaracharya.
162
163
which is true according to the modern cosmology that developed with the
help and support of the theory of Relativity.
Adi Sankaracharyas Bhagavad Gita Bhashya has many citations of the
unreal nature of Space and Time. It follows from Bhagavad Gitas concept
that the Supreme consciousness is beyond Space and Time. At one place it
is seen as: Not knowing my supreme nature, which is subtler and more
pervasive than space, ignorant people get ruined 36 and at another, mentions
the Absolute as the source of the concepts of Space and Time. Here, Space
and Time appear as a construct of Consciousness 37. This is again appears
to be on the same mind with both Einstein and Schrdinger because, for the
former, Space and time are relative and for the other, Consciousness
determines everything.
Among Adi Sankaracharyas independent works, Viveka Chudamani, Atma
Bodha, Vakya Sudha etc are noted for their philosophical contents that go
along with Einsteins Special Theory of Relativity and its relative nature of
Space and Time.
Atma Bodha, while describing the One who has seen the reality hails him as
one who is renouncing all activities, who is free of all the limitations of Space
and Time38.
164
Here, Space and Time are treated as limitations due to the handy work of
Maya and are to be discarded to realize the Absolute Truth. This also
subscribes to Einsteins thought of the Relative nature of Space and Time.
Even the very birth of Special Theory of Relativity is a result of Einsteins
brave attempt to go beyond the hypothesis of regarding Space and Time as
absolute.
In Vakya Sudha also, Sankaracharya does not treat Time as Absolute. It is
evident from the verse 37 that comments that the Individual Self was present
before Time began. Through this, Adi Sankaracharya hints that Time is not
absolute and it has a beginning. Consciousness, again, appears as more
dignified.
Adi Sankaracharyas Sri Dakshinamurthy Stotram also admits this as: The
many places and Time which are before us are drawn by illusion in the board
of life in a peculiar manner. 39
165
Both Space and Time are, therefore, from Adi Sankaracharyas and
Einsteins points of view, doubtlessly, relative and unreal.
Viveka Chudamani has a number of instances to present in this regard when
it says: Dream Time, Space etc are all unreal in the waking state and
likewise, those Time, Space etc appearing in the waking state are also
unreal 40.
This, beyond all doubts proves the Advaitins knowledge of the relative
nature of Space and Time.
In addition to this, Viveka Chudamani, time and again, expresses the need of
going beyond Space and Time as: That which is beyond caste, creed,
family, devoid of name and form, merit and demerit transcending Space,
Time and sense object 41.
166
According to Adi Sankaracharya, the one who has realized the Absolute is
the one who has gone beyond the barriers of Space and Time as expressed
in Viveka Chudamani: The noble soul who has perfectly realized the truth
and whose mind-functions meet with no obstruction, no more depends upon
conditions of Space, Time, posture, direction etc. 42
and as: So this Atman, that is eternal, manifests itself as soon as the right
means of knowledge is present and does not depend upon either place or
time. 43
167
of things superimposed- just as Cycles, Years, Half Years, Seasons etc (in
short, Time in general) are imagined 44.
4.1.1.5.2. Advaita and Mass-Energy Equation
Non duality of Matter and Energy is an essential feature of the Special
Theory that has made tremendous impact in the History of the world.
Einstein postulated through his equation, E = mc2, that Matter and Energy
are one and the same. This assumption, at the first instance, would have
destroyed the law of conservation of Matter (and Energy) and threatened the
very base of Physics, but for the timely acceptance of Energy as a form of
Matter and vice versa.
Advaita Vedanta uses the Sanskrit words, Jada and Sakti to denote both
Matter and Energy respectively. Both of them are denoted by the term
Maya, all through the Texts of Advaita Vedanta. In the view of the Advaitin
also, Matter and Energy are one and the same Maya. Therefore, one can
safely infer that Jada and Sakti are the same because both of them are
Maya.
There are a number of instances where the term Maya is used in the
Vedantic Texts to denote both Matter and Energy (Jada and Sakti).
Svetaswatara Upanishad describes the Matter as Maya when it knows Maya
as the primal cause of the Universe and Maheswara as possessing Maya. 45
168
Again, Svetaswatara Upanishad uses the term twice to get the meaning
Universe, which is nothing but Matter. 46, 47
Bhagavad Gita also describes Matter and Energy as Maya. It is described as
supernatural power48:
These are the examples of treating Energy (Sakti) as Maya. On the other
hand, when Gita points out that men are deluded by Maya50 it can be
regarded as treating matter as Maya. These two instances together appears
as a kin to that of the Mass-Energy equivalence of the Special Theory of
Relativity.
4.1.1.5.3. Advaita and Space-Time Continuum
Adi Sankaracharya states that Space and Time are relative. They together
form the background of all the illusions. It is obvious that they are inseparably
closer or a continuum together. This follows from the General Theory of
relativity also. Since the advent of the general Theory, no longer there is any
separate Space or separate Time. They are, now, to be viewed together so
169
that the Time forms the fourth axis to the till then three-dimensional Cartesian
Space. They are made to merge into one continuum called the Space-Time
Continuum; a continuum that does not exist apart from the objects.
Swami Vivekananda hints the same idea when he interprets the Advaitic
concept of Maya: The one particular attribute we find in time, space and
causation is that they cannot exist separate from things. Try to think of space
without color or limits or any connection with the things around- just abstract
space. You cannot. You have to think of it as the space between two limits,
or three objects. It has to be connected with some object to have any
existence. So with time; you cannot have any idea of abstract time but you
have to take two events by the idea of succession. Time depends on two
events, just as space has to be related to outside objects. And the idea of
causation is inseparable from time and space 51.
4.1.1.5 Role of Consciousness in Advaita and New Science
Advaita, as seen earlier, accepts consciousness as the Ultimate Reality. It is
evident from the Upanishadic verses or the Maha vakyas like:
170
(Prajnanam Brahma
52
53
, Tatavamasi
54
, Aham
Brahmasmi 55 etc)
Science has changed a lot since the Galilean-Newtonian era. Today at the
age of Quantum Mechanics and Einsteins Relativity, it has become aware of
the importance of Consciousness. Objectivity has got itself dissolved into
Subjectivity as it is seen in the Uncertainty-Thought Experiment of
Heisenberg. When he makes the startling remark about the electrons
movement: I believe that the existence of the classical "path" can be
pregnantly formulated as follows: The "path" comes into existence only when
we observe it 56, he actually stresses the importance of the observer or the
knower and it becomes in tune with Advaita Vedanta as Bhagavad Gita says:
The knowledge of the whole field of experience, both internal and external,
together with that of the knower of the field of experience is true and
complete knowledge
57
171
unitive. There
62
is one
subject-
Goswamys words become complete once we add the immortal Vedic dictum
to it:
(Aham Brahmasmi).
In the Macro Universe, also, Consciousness has its say. According to
Bertrand Wong: The Special Theory of Relativity is evidently linked to
Consciousness for it postulates that the intense gravitational field caused by
travel at almost the velocity of light will cause the slowing down of clocks and
therefore time as well as the brain (Consciousness which feels time passing
more slowly) and bodily functions of a person. It is evident that
Consciousness is the main player in the scheme of things in nature. 63
Max Planks comment on the importance of consciousness is remarkable. I
regard matter as derivative from consciousness. Everything that we talk
about, everything that we regard as existing postulates consciousness. 64
As the Upanishads say:
173
(Prajnanam Brahma)
As we see, a comparison of Advaita and Science is going to be never ending
since the Science is growing day by day, moment by moment.
174
REFERENCE
1.
2.
3.
ibid 18.49
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
ibid 19
9.
175
12. Bhagavath Gita 7.3, The American Gita Society, New York, 2003.
13. Puri and Sharma, Principles of Inorganic Chemistry, p.34, Shobhan Lal
Nagin Chand & Co, Delhi, 1989.
14. ibid, p.37
15. ibid, p. 38
16. Maitri Upanishad iv.2, Sixty Upanishads, Motilal Banarasidass, New
Delhi, 1980.
17. Gaudapadakarika 1.17, Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore, 1949.
18. Atma Bodha, 6, Asram Vidya Press, Delhi, 1986.
19. ibid, 7
20. ibid, 39
21. Chandogya Upanishad Sankara Bhashya vii.3.2, Upanishads in
Sankaras Own Words, Vol II, The University of Virginia, USA, 2008
22. Brahma Sutra Sankara Bhashya I.4.3, Popular Book Depot, Jaipur,
1960.
23. Svetaswatara
Upanishad,
iv.10,
Sixty
Upanishads,
Motilal
176
26. Mandukya Karika iii. 24 and iii.27, Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore,
1949.
27. Erwin Schrdinger, My View of the World, Chapter 4, Cambridge
University Press London, 1994.
28. Bhagavad Gita Sankara Bhashya XIII, 2, Sri Ramakrishna Math,
Chennai.
29. Viveka Chudamani, 237, Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, 1926.
30. Katha Upanishad, 5.15, Sixty Upanishads, Motilal Banarasidass, New
Delhi, 1980.
31. Bhagavad Gita, 4.11, The American Gita Society, New York, 2003.
32. Heisenberg, Uncertainty Principle Paper, 1927.
33. Mandukya Upanishad, 1, Sixty Upanishads, Motilal Banarasidass, New
Delhi, 1980.
34. Svetaswatara Upanishad vi.2, Sixty Upanishads, Motilal Banarasidass,
New Delhi, 1980.
35. Svetaswatara Upanishad iii.2, The Upanishads, The Blue Mountain
Center of Meditation, Canada, 2007.
36. Bhagavad Gita Sankara Bhashya IX.11, Sri Ramakrishna Math,
Chennai.
177
178
Upanishad
1.4.10,
Sixty
Upanishads,
Motilal
179
180