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.

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Transcript

Hello and welcome to Science Meets Vedanta—a platform dedicated to delving into the core principles of Vedanta and uncovering the remarkable connections between scientific inquiry and ancient wisdom. I’m Jayant Kapatker, author of the book Science Meets Vedanta.

Each week, inspired by insights from my book, we’ll journey through a range of topics aimed at deepening your understanding of the essential teachings of Vedanta. Along the way, we’ll also examine scientific concepts and demonstrate how the wisdom of Vedanta can offer new and meaningful perspectives. Be sure to join us as we embark on this enlightening path together!

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.

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