WhatWhat’’s Going On Here?s Going On Here?WhatWhat’’s Going On Here?s Going On Here?•Copenhagen Interpretation-Copenhagen Interpretation- late 1920 late 1920’’s- s- most widely accepted approachmost widely accepted approach

•Heisenberg, Niels Bohr, Max BornHeisenberg, Niels Bohr, Max Born

•There is no deep reality, no hidden There is no deep reality, no hidden ““realreal”” position and momentum position and momentum• Bohr:Bohr: ““There is no quantum world. There is only an abstract quantum description.There is no quantum world. There is only an abstract quantum description. ””

• Heisenberg:Heisenberg: ““The The ‘‘pathpath’’ (of a particle) comes into existence only when we observe it. (of a particle) comes into existence only when we observe it. ””

•Electrons (and other quantum particles) donElectrons (and other quantum particles) don ’’t possess all attributes innatelyt possess all attributes innately• Static attributes- innate- mass, charge, spinStatic attributes- innate- mass, charge, spin

• Dynamic- all others- Dynamic- all others- created in part by how theycreated in part by how they’’re measuredre measured• Quantum meter-Quantum meter- observer intervenes in reality by selecting attribute to measure observer intervenes in reality by selecting attribute to measure

• No definite place or motion unless being measured, and even then, HUPNo definite place or motion unless being measured, and even then, HUP

• Heisenberg: Heisenberg: ““Atoms are not things.Atoms are not things.””

•Measuring device described classically,Measuring device described classically, but it and measurement ultimately not but it and measurement ultimately not analyzableanalyzable

• Measurement- making of a record (Polaroid, Geiger counter) or conscious observationMeasurement- making of a record (Polaroid, Geiger counter) or conscious observation

•Correspondence Principle-Correspondence Principle- in the domain of classical physics, quantum predictions in the domain of classical physics, quantum predictions correspond to Newtoniancorrespond to Newtonian

• Old physics as Old physics as special casespecial case in which observer effects can be neglected in which observer effects can be neglected

• Classical concepts donClassical concepts don’’t change but their application restrictedt change but their application restricted

•Complementarity Principle-Complementarity Principle- wave-particle duality wave-particle duality

•Heisenberg:Heisenberg: ““Some physicists would prefer to come back to the idea of an Some physicists would prefer to come back to the idea of an objective real world whose smallest parts exist objectively in the same sense as objective real world whose smallest parts exist objectively in the same sense as stones or trees independently of whether we observe them. stones or trees independently of whether we observe them. This however is This however is impossible.impossible.””

A Role for Consciousness?A Role for Consciousness?•John von Neumann-John von Neumann- 1932- 1932- Die Die Grundlagen (The Foundations)Grundlagen (The Foundations)

•von Neumannvon Neumann’’s Proof-s Proof- Neorealism (ordinary Neorealism (ordinary reality underneath quantum facts) incompatible reality underneath quantum facts) incompatible with quantum theorywith quantum theory

•Consciousness creates reality-Consciousness creates reality- von von Neumann, Henry Stapp, Walter HeitlerNeumann, Henry Stapp, Walter Heitler

•Only Only consciousnessconsciousness can solve the can solve the measurement problemmeasurement problem

•M device not special, described with proxy waveM device not special, described with proxy wave

•von Neumann Chain-von Neumann Chain- the wave function the wave function collapse can be located anywhere on the chain collapse can be located anywhere on the chain from quon gun to observerfrom quon gun to observer’’s consciousness, s consciousness, but but not eliminatednot eliminated

•The only unusual feature in the chain is the The only unusual feature in the chain is the point at which a point at which a physical signal in the brain physical signal in the brain becomes an experience in the mindbecomes an experience in the mind

•““ConsciousnessConsciousness”” hard to define and work hard to define and work with- not the mainstream physics focuswith- not the mainstream physics focus

NeorealismNeorealism•World made of ordinary objects- the atoms really are thingsWorld made of ordinary objects- the atoms really are things

•Einstein, Planck, Schrödinger, de BroglieEinstein, Planck, Schrödinger, de Broglie

•Rejected by Heisenberg, Bohr, von Neumann, most physicistsRejected by Heisenberg, Bohr, von Neumann, most physicists

•David Bohm- 1952- David Bohm- 1952- ordinary-object model of the ordinary-object model of the electronelectron

•Real wave, real particle, definite position and momentum at all Real wave, real particle, definite position and momentum at all timestimes

•Pilot wave-Pilot wave- field guiding electron field guiding electron’’s movements movement

•ElectronElectron’’s attributes innate, but seem contextual- pilot wave s attributes innate, but seem contextual- pilot wave responds to any change in the universe immediately, before responds to any change in the universe immediately, before measurementmeasurement

•Faster than light signaling-Faster than light signaling- forbidden by special relativity forbidden by special relativity

•Gets around von NeumannGets around von Neumann’’s proof- the electrons combine in s proof- the electrons combine in ““unreasonable waysunreasonable ways””

•Real fields moving faster than lightReal fields moving faster than light = time travel, reversed = time travel, reversed causalitycausality

•Hugh Everett- 1957- Many worlds- Hugh Everett- 1957- Many worlds- reality consists reality consists of a steadily increasing number of of a steadily increasing number of parallel universesparallel universes

•For any situation in which multiple outcomes are possible, For any situation in which multiple outcomes are possible, all all outcomes occur,outcomes occur, each in a parallel universe identical each in a parallel universe identical except for the outcome of the single measurementexcept for the outcome of the single measurement

•Resolves quantum measurement problem- Resolves quantum measurement problem- M devices M devices and measurement not specialand measurement not special

•M devices and measurement special in CopenhagenM devices and measurement special in Copenhagen•But canBut can’’t really be- made of same reality as everything elset really be- made of same reality as everything else

•von Neumann- M devices not special, but measurement is- von Neumann- M devices not special, but measurement is- collapses wave functioncollapses wave function

•Decoherence-Decoherence- explanation for explanation for appearanceappearance of wave of wave function collapse, not actual collapse- function collapse, not actual collapse- superposition superposition still exists but is beyond measurement still exists but is beyond measurement

•Many minds- Many minds- physical state continuous and causal, physical state continuous and causal, mental state discontinuous and probabilisticmental state discontinuous and probabilistic

•Each observer has an infinity of mindsEach observer has an infinity of minds

•Strong mind-body dualismStrong mind-body dualism

•Other quantum theories- Other quantum theories- transactional transactional interpretation; consistent histories interpretation; interpretation; consistent histories interpretation; ensemble interpretation; relational quantum ensemble interpretation; relational quantum mechanics; stochastic mechanics; objective collapse mechanics; stochastic mechanics; objective collapse theories; modal interpretation; several moretheories; modal interpretation; several more

Many Many WorldsWorlds

The EPR The EPR ExperimentExperiment

•Einstein and Bohr- debate about underlying randomness and observer-Einstein and Bohr- debate about underlying randomness and observer-created nature of realitycreated nature of reality

•EPR thought experiment-EPR thought experiment- 1935- Einstein, Podolsky, Rosen- originally 1935- Einstein, Podolsky, Rosen- originally momentum-correlated electrons, now polarization-correlated photonsmomentum-correlated electrons, now polarization-correlated photons

•Shot out from light source in Shot out from light source in ““state of parallel polarizationstate of parallel polarization”” - each photon - each photon’’s s phase depends on the otherphase depends on the other

•Phase entanglement-Phase entanglement- twin state twin state

•Quantum vs. classical ignoranceQuantum vs. classical ignorance•Truly indefinite, or definite but unknown?Truly indefinite, or definite but unknown?

•Locality-Locality- no action at B can affect measurement at G no action at B can affect measurement at G

•Each photon should have a definite value at all angles, whether measured or not; Each photon should have a definite value at all angles, whether measured or not; since QT doesnsince QT doesn’’t account for this attribute, itt account for this attribute, it’’s incompletes incomplete

•Einstein- Einstein- ““One can escape from this conclusion only by either assuming that One can escape from this conclusion only by either assuming that the measurement of the measurement of BB (telepathically) changes the real situation at (telepathically) changes the real situation at GG, or by , or by denying independent real situations as such to things which are spatially denying independent real situations as such to things which are spatially separated. Both alternatives appear to me entirely unacceptable.separated. Both alternatives appear to me entirely unacceptable.””

•Newton- Newton- ““That one body may act on another at a distance through a vacuum That one body may act on another at a distance through a vacuum without the mediation of anything else... is so great an absurdity, that I without the mediation of anything else... is so great an absurdity, that I believe no man, who has in philosophical matters a competent faculty for believe no man, who has in philosophical matters a competent faculty for thinking, can ever fall into.thinking, can ever fall into.””

BellBell’’s Theorems TheoremBellBell’’s Theorems Theorem•J.S. Bell 1964- J.S. Bell 1964- Either the statistical predictions of quantum theory or the Either the statistical predictions of quantum theory or the principle of local causes must be falseprinciple of local causes must be false

•Clauser 1972- Clauser 1972- skeptical, but verified quantum predictions experimentallyskeptical, but verified quantum predictions experimentally

•Any system which obeys quantum predictions cannot be explained by a local Any system which obeys quantum predictions cannot be explained by a local realityreality

•Phase entanglement-Phase entanglement- all quons connected once they interact all quons connected once they interact•Interconnection- Interconnection- since all connected at Big Bang, entire universe still connectedsince all connected at Big Bang, entire universe still connected

•Locality- Locality- physical mediation through matter or fieldsphysical mediation through matter or fields•Gravity and all four forces localGravity and all four forces local

•Wavicle mediationWavicle mediation

•Diminish in strength with distanceDiminish in strength with distance

•Velocity of field deformation no greater than Velocity of field deformation no greater than cc

•NonlocalityNonlocality•UnmediatedUnmediated action at a distance- no physical fields necessaryaction at a distance- no physical fields necessary

•Unmitigated-Unmitigated- does not diminish with distance does not diminish with distance

•ImmediateImmediate- instantaneous, not limited by - instantaneous, not limited by cc

•Quantum fact now- Quantum fact now- any model of reality whatsoever must be nonlocalany model of reality whatsoever must be nonlocal•Universe of local phenomena built on non-local reality consistent with BellUniverse of local phenomena built on non-local reality consistent with Bell

•And quantum irrationality And quantum irrationality macroscopicmacroscopic

•Criticism- deals with reality, not phenomenaCriticism- deals with reality, not phenomena

•Stapp: Stapp: ““BellBell’’s Theorem is the most profound discovery of science.s Theorem is the most profound discovery of science.””

Zero-Zero-Point Point FieldField

• Zero-point field- Zero-point field- ground state energy underlying ground state energy underlying subatomic mattersubatomic matter

• Einstein and Stern 1913- Einstein and Stern 1913- Nullpunktsenergie-Nullpunktsenergie- to correct a to correct a Planck equationPlanck equation

• A universal field- A universal field- no such thing as a vacuum or nothingnessno such thing as a vacuum or nothingness• Repository of all fields and all ground energy states and all Repository of all fields and all ground energy states and all

virtual particles- virtual particles- ““field of fieldsfield of fields””• Accounts for nonlocalityAccounts for nonlocality- every part of the universe - every part of the universe

instantaneously in touch with every other partinstantaneously in touch with every other part• Total energy greater than all the energy in matterTotal energy greater than all the energy in matter

• A single cubic meter could boil all the oceans in the worldA single cubic meter could boil all the oceans in the world

• Casimir effect- Casimir effect- two perfectly conducting parallel platestwo perfectly conducting parallel plates• Quantum fluctuations-Quantum fluctuations- wavelengths comparable to the wavelengths comparable to the

plate separation distance are excluded from between the plate separation distance are excluded from between the platesplates

• The resulting zero-point radiation overpressure The resulting zero-point radiation overpressure pushes the pushes the plates togetherplates together

• Zitterbewegung-Zitterbewegung- ““jitter motionjitter motion””- random, speed-of-light - random, speed-of-light fluctuations of point particlesfluctuations of point particles

• Scatters particles to Compton radius, explaining how point Scatters particles to Compton radius, explaining how point particles can behave as though having volumeparticles can behave as though having volume

• Probability density of electronProbability density of electron• Typical atomic vibration rate 10Typical atomic vibration rate 101313 Hz Hz

• HUP- at absolute zero, if momentum were zero, position HUP- at absolute zero, if momentum were zero, position would be too, and both could be known at oncewould be too, and both could be known at once

• Virtual particle exchange even at absolute zeroVirtual particle exchange even at absolute zero• No subatomic particle can ever be brought completely to restNo subatomic particle can ever be brought completely to rest• Random noise in microwave receivers and electronic circuitsRandom noise in microwave receivers and electronic circuits• Keeps helium from freezing at atmospheric pressure at any Keeps helium from freezing at atmospheric pressure at any

temperaturetemperature

• Stability of matter depends on dynamic particle Stability of matter depends on dynamic particle interactions with ZPFinteractions with ZPF

• Every particle exchange radiates energy- virtual particles tooEvery particle exchange radiates energy- virtual particles too• Electrons lose and gain energy from ZPF in dynamic Electrons lose and gain energy from ZPF in dynamic

equilibrium to maintain orbitequilibrium to maintain orbit

Zero-Point FieldZero-Point Field•Dark energy- Dark energy- resurrection of Einsteinresurrection of Einstein ’’s cosmological constant (Λ, energy s cosmological constant (Λ, energy

density in otherwise empty space)density in otherwise empty space)

•ZPF constant in a given volume- more created as universe expands- ZPF constant in a given volume- more created as universe expands- not diluted not diluted

•Theory- zero-point energy driving acceleration of universal expansionTheory- zero-point energy driving acceleration of universal expansion

•Dark energy as low-frequency, gravitationally active component of ZPEDark energy as low-frequency, gravitationally active component of ZPE

•Haisch-Rueda-Puthoff- Haisch-Rueda-Puthoff- inertia is resistance to being accelerated through inertia is resistance to being accelerated through the ZPFthe ZPF

•Mass is an illusionMass is an illusion explained by ZPF explained by ZPF ““grabbing ontograbbing onto”” subatomic subatomic particlesparticles

•Matter is not a fundamental property of physicsMatter is not a fundamental property of physics

•E=mcE=mc22 not changing between two distinct, fundamental physical not changing between two distinct, fundamental physical entitiesentities

•Just a recipe for amount of energy necessary to create the Just a recipe for amount of energy necessary to create the appearance of massappearance of mass

•There is no mass; there is only chargeThere is no mass; there is only charge

•Mass Mass isis energy, not just equivalent to it energy, not just equivalent to it

•Not two, matter and immaterial- Not two, matter and immaterial- just one, energyjust one, energy

Quantum Quantum PhysiologPhysiolog

yy

• Pribram- Pribram- memory distributed throughout brain as quantum waveformsmemory distributed throughout brain as quantum waveforms

• Holography- each part mirrors the wholeHolography- each part mirrors the whole

• Wave resonance /interference to recall memoriesWave resonance /interference to recall memories

• DeValois and DeValois 1979- DeValois and DeValois 1979- converted plaid and checkerboard patterns into converted plaid and checkerboard patterns into Fourier waves (representing function/pattern as superposition of waves)Fourier waves (representing function/pattern as superposition of waves)

• Brain cells of cats and monkeys respond to the iBrain cells of cats and monkeys respond to the interference patternsnterference patterns of the component waves, not the patternsof the component waves, not the patterns

• We sense quantum information and construct out of it our image of the We sense quantum information and construct out of it our image of the worldworld

• Yasue-Yasue- brain processes occurring at quantum level brain processes occurring at quantum level

• Dendritic networks in brain operating through quantum coherenceDendritic networks in brain operating through quantum coherence

• Pyramidal networks in neocortex crystallize and transform signals Pyramidal networks in neocortex crystallize and transform signals between the cortices and the rest of the CNSbetween the cortices and the rest of the CNS

• Waveform broadcasting necesary for vision- Waveform broadcasting necesary for vision- neurons of visual cortex donneurons of visual cortex don’’t t pick up the full spectrum of frequencies needed to form imagepick up the full spectrum of frequencies needed to form image

• TV, movies- still pictures, mind makes illusion of movementTV, movies- still pictures, mind makes illusion of movement

• Ishizaki and Fleming 2009-Ishizaki and Fleming 2009- quantum coherence in light energy transport in quantum coherence in light energy transport in photosynthetic green sulfur bacteria under physiological conditionsphotosynthetic green sulfur bacteria under physiological conditions

• Nonclassical, simultaneous exploration of many paths of energy flow Nonclassical, simultaneous exploration of many paths of energy flow through chromophores of a light-harvesting complexthrough chromophores of a light-harvesting complex

• Theory- more efficient energy capture process, helping bacteria survive Theory- more efficient energy capture process, helping bacteria survive in low lightin low light

• Quantum tunnelingQuantum tunneling

• Radioactive decay- particle tunneling out of nucleusRadioactive decay- particle tunneling out of nucleus

• Lowdin 1963- proton tunneling as a source ofLowdin 1963- proton tunneling as a source of DNA mutations DNA mutations

• Base pairs in DNA connected by 2 or 3 hydrogen bondsBase pairs in DNA connected by 2 or 3 hydrogen bonds

• Double-well potential separated by a potential energy barrierDouble-well potential separated by a potential energy barrier

• Asymmetric- protons jumping from deeper to shallower well can Asymmetric- protons jumping from deeper to shallower well can create mutations- aging and cancercreate mutations- aging and cancer

• Kohen 1999- excited states of Kohen 1999- excited states of enzymesenzymes can reduce the proton potential can reduce the proton potential barriers between reactantsbarriers between reactants

• Mayborov- Mayborov- DNA replication-DNA replication- efficiency comes from proton tunneling efficiency comes from proton tunneling between nucleotide (ATCG) and DNA polymerasebetween nucleotide (ATCG) and DNA polymerase

• Nucleotides- different rates of proton tunneling, different Nucleotides- different rates of proton tunneling, different binding to DNA-polbinding to DNA-pol

• Other quantum-related effects- conversion of chemical energy in ATP into motion; Other quantum-related effects- conversion of chemical energy in ATP into motion; magnetoreception in animalsmagnetoreception in animals

Quantum Quantum MicrotubulesMicrotubules

• Hameroff, Pribram, Yasue, Hagan-Hameroff, Pribram, Yasue, Hagan- microtubules and dendritic membranes microtubules and dendritic membranes as the bodyas the body’’s internets internet

• Every neuron can communicate with every other simultaneouslyEvery neuron can communicate with every other simultaneously

• Microtubules- Microtubules- scaffolding of cell, 13 tubulin filaments around hollow corescaffolding of cell, 13 tubulin filaments around hollow core

• Radiate outward from center of cell to membraneRadiate outward from center of cell to membrane

• Tracks to transport products, pull chromosomes apart during cell Tracks to transport products, pull chromosomes apart during cell divisiondivision

• Constantly assembling and disassemblingConstantly assembling and disassembling

• MTMT’’s as network for subtle waveform biocommunication-s as network for subtle waveform biocommunication- ““light pipeslight pipes”” conducting EM pulsesconducting EM pulses

• Self-induced transparency- Self-induced transparency- photons can travel along hollow core photons can travel along hollow core without becoming entangledwithout becoming entangled

• Coherent quantum waves would be 15nm in diameter, just like Coherent quantum waves would be 15nm in diameter, just like MT core MT core

• Coherence among neighboring tubules-Coherence among neighboring tubules- vibration in one resonates vibration in one resonates in unison through othersin unison through others

• Waveforms of NS action potentials and other info creates high-Waveforms of NS action potentials and other info creates high-frequency, complex frequency, complex interference patterns,interference patterns, which are transmitted which are transmitted through MTthrough MT’’ss

• Holographic wave patterns reflected onto Holographic wave patterns reflected onto ““screensscreens”” in cortices in cortices

• Holograms then interact to create picture of body/world Holograms then interact to create picture of body/world

• ““Each neuron is constructed with the appropriate crystal DNA Each neuron is constructed with the appropriate crystal DNA structure, ion channel system, and microtubules giving it the ability structure, ion channel system, and microtubules giving it the ability to join with others to relay multiple waveform interference patterns to join with others to relay multiple waveform interference patterns simultaneously.simultaneously.””

• Paramecia, slime molds, plants able to respond to environment, learn, and Paramecia, slime molds, plants able to respond to environment, learn, and remember without CNSremember without CNS

• Also explains brain functioning at 1/1000 of a secondAlso explains brain functioning at 1/1000 of a second

• Consciousness as coherent light?Consciousness as coherent light?

• MTMT’’s mirroring nadis, meridians?s mirroring nadis, meridians?

““The observer appears, as a necessary part of the whole structure, The observer appears, as a necessary part of the whole structure, and in his full capacity as a conscious being. The separation of the and in his full capacity as a conscious being. The separation of the world into an world into an ‘‘objective outside realityobjective outside reality’’ and and ‘‘us,us,’’ the self-conscious the self-conscious onlookers, can no longer be maintained. onlookers, can no longer be maintained. Object and subject have Object and subject have become inseparable from each other.become inseparable from each other.”” -Walter Heitler -Walter Heitler

““What we observe as material bodies and forces are nothing but What we observe as material bodies and forces are nothing but shapes and variations in the structure of space. Particles are just shapes and variations in the structure of space. Particles are just schaumkommenschaumkommen (appearances). The world is given to me only once, (appearances). The world is given to me only once, not one existing and one perceived. not one existing and one perceived. Subject and object are only Subject and object are only one.one. The barrier between them cannot be said to have broken down The barrier between them cannot be said to have broken down as a result of recent experience in the physical sciences, for this as a result of recent experience in the physical sciences, for this barrier does not exist.barrier does not exist.”” -Erwin Schrödinger -Erwin Schrödinger

““If we ask, for instance, whether the position of the electron remains If we ask, for instance, whether the position of the electron remains the same, we must say the same, we must say ‘‘nono’’; if we ask whether the electron; if we ask whether the electron’’s position s position changes with time, we must say changes with time, we must say ‘‘nono’’; if we ask whether the electron ; if we ask whether the electron is at rest, we must say is at rest, we must say ‘‘nono’’; if we ask whether it is in motion, we ; if we ask whether it is in motion, we must say must say ‘‘no.no.’”’” -J. Robert Oppenheimer -J. Robert Oppenheimer

““The fundamental idea of Buddhism is to The fundamental idea of Buddhism is to pass beyond the world pass beyond the world of opposites,of opposites, … and to realize the spiritual world of non-distinctio … and to realize the spiritual world of non-distinction.n.”” -D.T. Suzuki -D.T. Suzuki

““It moves. It moves not./ It is far, and It is near./ It is within all this,/ It moves. It moves not./ It is far, and It is near./ It is within all this,/ And It is outside of all this.And It is outside of all this.”” -The -The UpanishadsUpanishads

““Suchness is neither that which is existence, nor that which is non-Suchness is neither that which is existence, nor that which is non-existence, nor that which is at once existence and non-existence, existence, nor that which is at once existence and non-existence, nor that which is not at once existence and non-existence.nor that which is not at once existence and non-existence.”” - -AshvaghoshaAshvaghosha

EmptinessEmptiness and and FormForm•Particles spontaneously appear and Particles spontaneously appear and disappear from and into the voiddisappear from and into the void•““According to the (field theory of matter), According to the (field theory of matter), a material particle such as a material particle such as an electron an electron is merely a small domain of the is merely a small domain of the electrical fieldelectrical field within which the field within which the field strength assumes enormously high strength assumes enormously high values, indicating that a comparatively values, indicating that a comparatively huge field energy huge field energy is concentrated in a is concentrated in a very small space. very small space. Such an Such an energy knot energy knot (is) by no means clearly delineated (is) by no means clearly delineated against the remaining fieldagainst the remaining field””

•Hermann WeylHermann Weyl

•““Modern theoretical physics… has put Modern theoretical physics… has put our thinking about the essence of matter our thinking about the essence of matter in a different context. in a different context. It has taken our It has taken our gaze from the visible- the particles- gaze from the visible- the particles- to the to the underlying entity, the field.underlying entity, the field. … …The field exists always and The field exists always and everywhere; it can never be everywhere; it can never be removed. It is the carrier of all removed. It is the carrier of all material phenomena. It is the material phenomena. It is the ‘‘voidvoid”” …Being and fading are merely forms of …Being and fading are merely forms of motions of the field.motions of the field.””

•Walter ThirringWalter Thirring

•In Chinese philosophy, the idea of the In Chinese philosophy, the idea of the field is implicit in the notion of the field is implicit in the notion of the TaoTao as as

empty and formless, yet producing empty and formless, yet producing all forms,all forms, but also explicit in the idea of but also explicit in the idea of

chch’’ii•ChCh’’ii as life energy, a form of as life energy, a form of mattermatter present present

throughout space which can condense into solid throughout space which can condense into solid objectsobjects

•““When the chWhen the ch’’i condenses, its i condenses, its visibility becomes apparent so that visibility becomes apparent so that

there are then the shapes (of there are then the shapes (of individual things). When it individual things). When it

disperses, its visibility is no longer disperses, its visibility is no longer apparent and there are no shapes.apparent and there are no shapes.””

•Chang TsaiChang Tsai

•““The relationship of The relationship of form and emptiness form and emptiness cannot be conceived as a state of cannot be conceived as a state of

mutually exclusive opposites, but only as mutually exclusive opposites, but only as two aspects of the same reality, two aspects of the same reality, which exist and are in continual co-which exist and are in continual co-

operation.operation.””•Lama GovindaLama Govinda

•““Form is emptiness, and emptiness Form is emptiness, and emptiness is indeed form. is indeed form. Emptiness is not Emptiness is not

different from form, form is not different different from form, form is not different from emptiness. What is form, that is from emptiness. What is form, that is emptiness; what is emptiness, that is emptiness; what is emptiness, that is

form.form.””•Prajna-paramita-hridaya SutraPrajna-paramita-hridaya Sutra

•““When one knows that When one knows that the Great Void the Great Void is full of is full of chch’’i,i, one realizes that there is one realizes that there is

no such thing as nothingness.no such thing as nothingness.””•Chang TsaiChang Tsai

A particle can only be A particle can only be understood in terms understood in terms of its interaction with of its interaction with the environment- not the environment- not isolated but an isolated but an integrated part of the integrated part of the wholewhole

““One is led to One is led to a new a new notion of unbroken notion of unbroken wholeness … wholeness … inseparable quantum inseparable quantum interconnectedness of interconnectedness of the whole universe is the whole universe is the fundamental the fundamental realityreality, , and that and that relatively independently relatively independently behaving parts are behaving parts are merely particular and merely particular and contingent forms within contingent forms within this whole.this whole.”” -David Bohm -David Bohm

Eastern mysticism- the universe as an Eastern mysticism- the universe as an interconnected cosmic webinterconnected cosmic web

““The material object becomes… something The material object becomes… something different from what we now see, not a different from what we now see, not a

separate object on the background or in the separate object on the background or in the environment of the rest of nature but environment of the rest of nature but an an indivisible part and even in a subtle indivisible part and even in a subtle way an expression of the unity way an expression of the unity of all of all

that we see.that we see.”” -Sri Aurobindo-Sri Aurobindo

““Things derive their being and nature Things derive their being and nature by mutual dependence and are nothing by mutual dependence and are nothing

in themselves.in themselves.”” -Nagarjuna-Nagarjuna

““The external world and (the) inner world The external world and (the) inner world are … only two sides of the same fabric, in are … only two sides of the same fabric, in

which the threads of all forces and of all which the threads of all forces and of all events, of all forms of consciousness and events, of all forms of consciousness and

their objects, are woven into their objects, are woven into an an inseparable net of endless, mutually inseparable net of endless, mutually

conditioned relationsconditioned relations..”” -Lama Anagarika Govinda-Lama Anagarika Govinda

What Have We Learned?What Have We Learned?Werner Heisenberg: Werner Heisenberg: ““What we learn about is not nature itself, What we learn about is not nature itself,

but nature exposed to our method of questioning.but nature exposed to our method of questioning.””

Lao Tsu: Lao Tsu: ““Ever desireless, one can see the mystery. Ever desiring, one sees the Ever desireless, one can see the mystery. Ever desiring, one sees the manifestations.manifestations.””

Blaise Pascal: “The endpoint of rationality is to demonstrate the limits of rationality.”Blaise Pascal: “The endpoint of rationality is to demonstrate the limits of rationality.”

Ken Wilber: Ken Wilber: ““When the universe is severed into a subject vs. an object, into one state which sees When the universe is severed into a subject vs. an object, into one state which sees vs. one state which is seen, something always gets left out. In this condition, the universe vs. one state which is seen, something always gets left out. In this condition, the universe ‘‘will always partially elude itself.will always partially elude itself. ’’ No observing system can observe itself observing. The No observing system can observe itself observing. The seer cannot see itself seeing. Every eye has a blind spot. And it is for precisely this reason seer cannot see itself seeing. Every eye has a blind spot. And it is for precisely this reason that that at the basis of all such dualistic attempts we find only: Uncertainty, at the basis of all such dualistic attempts we find only: Uncertainty, Incompleteness!Incompleteness!””

David Bohm:David Bohm: ““The notion that all these fragments are separately existent is evidently an illusion, The notion that all these fragments are separately existent is evidently an illusion, and and this illusion cannot do other than lead to endless conflict and confusion. this illusion cannot do other than lead to endless conflict and confusion. Indeed, the attempt to live according to the notion that the fragments really are Indeed, the attempt to live according to the notion that the fragments really are separate is, in essence, what has led to the growing series of extremely urgent separate is, in essence, what has led to the growing series of extremely urgent crises that is confronting us today. crises that is confronting us today. Thus, as is now well known, this way of life has Thus, as is now well known, this way of life has brought about pollution, destruction of the balance of nature, over-population, world-wide brought about pollution, destruction of the balance of nature, over-population, world-wide economic and political disorder and the creation of an overall environment that is neither economic and political disorder and the creation of an overall environment that is neither physically nor mentally healthy for most of the people who live in it. Individually there has physically nor mentally healthy for most of the people who live in it. Individually there has developed a widespread feeling of helplessness and despair, in the face of what seems to developed a widespread feeling of helplessness and despair, in the face of what seems to be an overwhelming mass of disparate social forces, going beyond the control and even the be an overwhelming mass of disparate social forces, going beyond the control and even the comprehension of the human beings who are caught up in it.comprehension of the human beings who are caught up in it.””

Albert Einstein: Albert Einstein: ““A human being is part of the whole, called by us A human being is part of the whole, called by us ‘‘UniverseUniverse’’; a part limited in ; a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely but the striving for such achievement is, Nobody is able to achieve this completely but the striving for such achievement is, in itself, a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.in itself, a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.””