From Shiva to Schrödinger
Book Review
Dear Friends,
This week, I’ve been reading From Shiva to Schrödinger, a book my wife gifted me on Mahashivaratri this year. I want to share a few key insights from the book in this post. The book is divided into three main sections:
Trika Shaivism
Quantum Mechanics
The similarities between the two
It explores some fascinating questions, such as:
How is ancient Shaivism connected to quantum mechanics?
Why is reality so complex, and how does our understanding of consciousness keep evolving?
What is quantum entanglement, and how does it relate to these ideas?
From Shiva to Schrödinger serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern science, shedding light on the deeper mysteries of the universe and the self.
Contents
Section - I - Duality vs Non-Duality
Ultimate Reality, Pratyabhijñā
Section - II - Quantum Mechanics & Entanglement
Section - III - Trika Shavism vs Quantum Mechanics
Section - I
The subject-object binary is based on dualism, which separates the mind (subject) and the physical world (object). The debate on duality vs non-duality is explained clearly in our Indic Philosophy.
Advaita Vedanta challenges this dualism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of subject and object. Adi Shankara teaches that the self (jiva) and the universal self (Brahman) are ultimately non-dual, with the illusion of separation arising from ignorance. Advaita explains the self through the Pancha Koshas (five layers of existence):
Physical Body (Annamaya Kosha) – The tangible, material body.
Energy Body (Pranamaya Kosha) – The life force or breath that sustains life.
Mental & Emotional Body (Manomaya Kosha) – The mind, emotions, and thoughts.
Wisdom Body (Vijnanamaya Kosha) – The higher intellect and awareness.
Bliss Body (Anandamaya Kosha) – The deepest layer, associated with pure joy and unity.
The true self transcends these layers and is ultimately one with universal consciousness (Brahman).
In Trika Shaivism, the path to transcendence involves uniting the subject and object. This dissolution happens because Shiva, through his Nigraha Shakti (power of concealment), veils his true nature. The key practices include
Direct Perception - It encourages practitioners to move beyond conceptualization and engage in direction experiential realization.
Awareness as Ultimate Subject - 112 meditation techniques that guide practitioners toward the realization of non-dual awareness.
Tantric Practices
Bhakti
In Trika Shaivism, the concepts of Anuttara, Prakasha, and Vimarsha are fundamental to understanding the nature of ultimate reality:
Anuttara (अणुत्तरा) – The Supreme Reality
Anuttara means "the highest" or "the absolute."
It represents the ultimate, transcendent reality—Shiva in his formless and infinite state.
It is beyond all dualities, concepts, and limitations.
Prakasha (प्रकाश) – Pure Consciousness (Light of Awareness)
Prakasha refers to the self-luminous nature of Shiva, the light of pure consciousness.
It is the unchanging, ever-present awareness that illuminates all experience.
Without Prakasha, nothing could be known or perceived.
Vimarsha (विमर्श) – Self-Reflection (Dynamic Power of Awareness)
Vimarsha is the self-reflective, dynamic aspect of consciousness—the Shakti (energy) of Shiva.
It represents the power of self-awareness and the ability to recognize one's nature.
Through Vimarsha, the universe manifests as a play of consciousness.
Pratyabhijñā in Trika Shaivism
Pratyabhijñā means "recognition" and is the key philosophy of Trika Shaivism. It teaches that liberation is not about attaining something new but about recognizing one's true nature as Śiva.
Core Ideas:
Śiva is both the experiencer and the experienced—the universe is not separate from Him.
Ignorance (Avidyā) causes forgetfulness of our divine nature.
Recognition (Pratyabhijñā) leads to liberation—the moment we realize we are Śiva, we are free.
This path is direct and immediate, requiring only self-awareness and recognition of the ever-present Śiva within.
Section - II
This section of the book is more technical, focusing on key differences between classical physics and quantum mechanics
Classical physics: Energy is treated as continuous.
Quantum mechanics: Energy exists in discrete packets (quantization) and exhibits wave-particle duality.
The concept of non-locality and instantaneous correlation is introduced as cosmic entanglement.
There is a cosmic entanglement between every atom in our body and atoms that are light-years away. Since all matter originated from a single explosion (the Big Bang), in a way, the atoms in our body are still linked with distant atoms across the universe. This connection can be understood as part of a vast quantum web that binds the cosmos together.
Quantum entanglement challenges classical notions of reality, suggesting a deep interconnectedness between all things. It implies that existence is not isolated but intricately connected beyond space and time. The act of observation may influence quantum states, raising questions about consciousness’s role in shaping reality. New research suggests entanglement imposes limits on wave-particle duality, linking it to information conservation. Additionally, entanglement challenges deterministic cause-and-effect, hinting at non-local influences on decision-making. It also supports the Many-Worlds Interpretation, suggesting multiple realities coexist. Furthermore, entanglement blurs the line between observer and observed, implying that perception actively shapes reality. Overall, quantum entanglement not only reshapes science and technology but also expands our understanding of consciousness and the nature of existence.
Section III
Trika Shaivism and quantum mechanics both investigate reality, consciousness, and the relationship between subject and object. While their approaches differ, they share common ground in concepts like entanglement and nonduality. The wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics parallels Shiva’s dance of creation, dissolution & Shakti, while the uncertainty principle reflects the non-absolutism in Trika Shaivism.
Trika Shaivism vs Quantum Mechanics
Exploration of Consciousness
Trika Shaivism offers detailed insights into different states of consciousness.
Practices like meditation, mantra recitation, and contemplation help transcend ordinary awareness.
Consciousness and Unity
Trika Shaivism recognizes the fundamental oneness of consciousness.
All beings are interconnected and inseparable from the source.
Quantum entanglement supports this idea by showing the interconnection of particles beyond distance.
Self-Transformation and Consciousness
Trika Shaivism emphasizes transformation through inner awareness.
Conscious participation and observation play key roles in shaping reality, akin to quantum mechanics' wave function collapse.
Conscious agency affects both individual and group transformation.
Non-Dualistic Consciousness
Trika Shaivism highlights the non-duality of reality.
Opposites are seen as expressions of the same underlying unity, similar to quantum mechanics' wave-particle duality.
Consciousness and Ethics
Trika Shaivism values the divinity and worth of all beings through consciousness.
Quantum mechanics suggests that conscious actions influence the broader web of existence through entanglement.
Interconnections Between Trika Shaivism and Quantum Physics
Despite originating from different traditions, both fields offer insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and existence.
They invite contemplation beyond conventional boundaries, fostering a holistic view of existence.
Thank you for reading and for being here with me. I always love to hear from you in the comments. Please like, share and subscribe.
With love and hopes for wholeheartedness.
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