Vedic Model of Mind

Jun 1, 2021 | Article

Abstract

The Vedic model of mind is a ‘consciousness-based’ approach in which consciousness is primary to nature. It contrasts with the ‘unconscious-based’ approach that places mind in the unconscious brain underlain by insentient random quantum fields. Advances in quantum physics to deeper levels, and in psychology toward higher development, converge on the Vedic model. Adding to the ‘objective’ third-person indirect experimental method the first-person direct experiential method is extending modern science to this more coherent model. These advances, the Vedic model of mind, and some of its practical applications are overviewed in this paper.

Introduction

Modern science involves observing the natural world through our ordinary senses. We then apply our abstract reasoning to build theories that help explain and predict the orderly functioning of what we observe to be the real world. Experience and reason are the established means to gain knowledge in modern science. To protect against unreliable subjectivity inexperience and reason, the ‘objective’ approach relies on consensual validation – which is based on inter-subjective agreement among scientists. Historically given little consideration, it is now increasingly recognized that scientific consensus depends on the level of functioning or developmental state of contributors to the consensus. Experience and reason are common processes in the ordinary waking state of consciousness.This state is a representational or reflective mode of knowing characterized by a separation of objects observed and the observer. It is the basis for the assumption of the independence of object and subject that has been a fundamental principle in scientific methodology. Though experiencing objects as separate from the observer is assumed to be ‘given by nature,’ dualistic object-subject independence is imposed upon nature by ordinary waking experiences. Given this epistemological approach, it is not surprising that modern scientific experimental methodology is fragmented into matter/mind duality with ‘objective’ object/subject independence, and that the relationship of mind to matter has been extremely difficult to address in modern science.

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Evidence of Vedic Renaissance: From Veda to Modern Science and Back

Mar 2, 2021 | Article

Abstract

Advances in modern science applying the reductive approach of probing smaller time and distance scales have led to recognition of the importance of holistic approaches. This paper overviews the completely holistic approach of Veda and how modern science is linking to it. Part I explores how Veda connects to quantum field theories for a more coherent understanding of the process of phenomenal diversity emerging from unity. Part II explores how Vedic Yoga applies systematic means for direct empirical experience of unity.

Introduction

Modern science has brought us a long way out of the irrationality of preceding millennia to the doorstep of a unified understanding of nature – a remarkable achievement. Now, the next step toward ultimate unity is underway in research on the unified field as a theory of everything. However, this monumental progress has revealed the need to address the relationship between subjective mind and the objective world it observes to formulate a coherent unified understanding. This is leading to reconsideration of ancient approaches for their relevance to modern scientific research that is now attempting to link objective matter, subjective mind, and consciousness.
This paper examines cutting-edge scientific theories in light of the ancient knowledge of Veda. This vast knowledge system as an ancient science predates faith-based religions drawing from it. Its methods are increasingly recognized to be complementary to evidence-based modern science. Part I investigates the emergence of diversity from ultimate unity according to the Vedic account. It discusses how contemporary quantum theories connect subjective mind and objective matter, and how research on matter, mind and consciousness inexorably is pointing to the Vedic account. Part II examines Vedic Yoga as more inclusive systematic means to gain reliable knowledge.

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Non-Duality, Trinity, Quinternity, Unity

Mar 1, 2021 | Article

Abstract

This paper summarizes progress in theoretical physics toward a more unified view of nature, and shows that this progress inexorably is linking to the ancient holistic account of Veda. The Vedic account addresses key dilemmas still widely considered needing to be resolved. The 10 Mandalas of Rk Veda – non-duality, trinity, quinternity, unity (10th to 1st) – integrate force fields in quantum and cosmological theories with the holistic 3-in-1 Vedic model of gross local relativistic spacetime, subtle nonlocal spacetime, and infinite unified field.

Introduction

Modern science rigorously pursues total knowledge of the laws of nature. Its primary methods are reasoning and ordinary sensory experience from the objective third-person perspective. Total knowledge is also pursued in the ancient Vedic knowledge tradition, emphasizing the subjective first-person empirical perspective. This paper proposes that the third-person perspective has advanced modern scientific understanding to the stage where first-person direct means to gain knowledge is being recognized as useful to address long-standing dilemmas about matter and mind.
The focus in objective science has been on reductive analysis of sensory objects, probing smaller and smaller time and distance scales and higher energy and temperature states to uncover the most fundamental constituents of nature. The range of scales can be summarized as follows:
Ultra-macroscopic levels:       ~cosmic expanse to Infinity?
Macroscopic levels:                  ~10–3 cm to ~cosmic expanse
Microscopic levels:                  ~10–4 to ~10–8 cm
Ultra-microscopic levels:       ~10–9 to ~10–33 cm (Planck length)
Unified field level                     ~Infinitesimal point to Infinity?

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Reconciling Realism and Idealism

Nov 1, 2019 | Article

Abstract

An approach to reconcile realism and idealism—and the ‘mind/body problem’—is proposed, based on examining the direction and key implications of progress in physics. The direction is from tangible ontological ‘objects’ such as particles to less tangible epistemological ‘processes’ and abstract ‘fields.’ Physical realism is associated with local wave-particle fields, and mental idealism with nonlocal wave fields. The concept of levels of space time is proposed to bridge local matter and nonlocal mind toward a rational, logically consistent model of how they causally interact.

Introduction

The job of physics used to be straightforward:
identifying consistent patterns of change in the natural world as laws of nature. Whether the objects measured really do exist—as well as what and where laws of nature are if they also exist was of little concern for ‘calculating’ physicists. In part, this was due to categorizing what is ontologically ‘real’ as a philosophical issue not answerable using the accepted methods of investigation. A strong case can be made that it also was due to tacit belief that the objects really are ‘real.’ These quotes of Einstein support the case:
The belief in an external world independent of the perceiving subject is the basis of all natural science (1965, p. 201).
An essential aspect…of things in physics is that they lay claim, at a certain time, to an existence independent of one another, provided these “objects” are situated in different parts of space…. Unless one makes this kind of assumption about the independence of the existence of (the “being-thus”) of objects which are far apart from one another in space—which stems in the first place from everyday thinking—physical thinking in the familiar sense would not be possible.
It is also hard to see any way of formulating and testing the laws of physics unless one makes a clear distinction of this kind (Dickson, 1998, p.
154).

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Holistic Interpretation of Quantum Theory

Mar 1, 2019 | Article

Abstract

This paper outlines a new interpretation of quantum theory (QT) to address how mathematical possibilities reduce to probabilities and then to a single definite classical result. In non-technical language, standard (Copenhagen), many-worlds, objective reduction, quantum probability, quantum information field, transactional, and neorealist interpretations are examined to exemplify progress to the holistic interpretation. It is a major step toward the comprehensive 3-in-1 ontology of levels of matter, mind and consciousness in Veda.

Analysis of Selected Quantum Theory Interpretations

Classical physics modeled particles as tiny inert building blocks of indivisible physical substances in conventional space, associated with ‘billiard ball’ linear causation. Further progress led to wave mechanics to describe more dynamic processes of change. Einstein linked space and time in relativistic spacetime, and established the equivalence of energy and mass (E=mc2). He also theorized physical objects curve spacetime – gravity – and that there is no deeper substrate than the relativistic gravitational spacetime field. But Einstein seems not to have resolved whether this spacetime field or the objects in it are more fundamental. This suggests he may not have appreciated the deeper significance of his profoundly integrating theories that the relativistic gravitational spacetime field is the medium or ‘aether’ of only the physical level of nature.
Increasing abstraction in particle interaction causal mechanics led to the theory of ‘virtual particles,’ and also to combining particle and wave mechanics into more abstract packets of energy – quanta. Toward this deeper integration, Einstein and colleagues identified these discrete packets of quantized energy as having both particle and wave properties at the same time (wavicles) – held to be a defining but very challenging principle of quantum theory (QT). Also, the tiniest measurable ‘bit’ or ‘slice’ of quantized energy was held to be at the Planck scale.

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