Omniscient Overlaps - Physics and Eastern Wisdom

Fritjof Capra's work has to be mentioned first and foremost; before even having the internet, he somehow assembled an astonishing compendium of similarities between modern physics and ancient wisdom. 

Pressed for time (see link to newborn article), the below has been assembled via ChatGPT as a research tool to help map a rather interesting Venn Diagram that connects some curious data points over some considerable distance in time and space.

Sporadic spot checks of the content below left me content to publish this as is, though many grains of salt are suggested as the below will hopefully be refined over time, hopefully not through corrections so much as through confirmations. 

 "The Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads are ancient Indian scriptures that delve into spiritual wisdom, metaphysics, and philosophy. Though they are primarily spiritual texts, there are striking overlaps between their concepts and modern physics. 

Top 30 Overlaps between Physics and the Bhagavad Gita

  1. Unity of All Existence: The Gita speaks of a unified field of consciousness, akin to physics' concept of a unified field theory that seeks to explain all forces as one.
  2. Interconnectedness: Both emphasize interconnectedness—physics through quantum entanglement and the Gita through the idea of all beings being part of the divine.
  3. Conservation of Energy: The Gita’s teaching of the soul’s immortality parallels the law of conservation of energy, which states energy cannot be created or destroyed.
  4. The Observer Effect: In physics, the observer effect suggests that observation changes reality; similarly, the Gita stresses the role of perception and consciousness in shaping one’s world.
  5. Non-Duality: The concept of non-duality (Advaita) in the Gita aligns with the idea of the wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics.
  6. Karma and Cause-Effect: The Gita’s law of karma, which emphasizes cause and effect, parallels Newton’s third law of motion: every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
  7. Cyclic Nature of the Universe: The Gita describes the universe as cyclical, aligning with theories in cosmology about the cyclic nature of time and the universe.
  8. Multiple Realities: The Gita’s idea of multiple dimensions of existence aligns with the multiverse theory in physics.
  9. Time as a Relative Concept: Krishna’s discourse on time reflects relativity, where time is not absolute but dependent on perception.
  10. Invisibility and the Subtle Body: Similar to how physics describes unseen particles (like neutrinos), the Gita speaks of the unseen subtle body that underlies physical form.
  11. Transcendence of Space and Time: The Gita’s teachings on meditation transcend time and space, similar to how quantum physics considers non-locality.
  12. Nature of Reality: The Gita’s Maya (illusion) resembles the virtual particle theory where reality is not as solid as it appears.
  13. Field Theory: The concept of the field (Kshetra) in the Gita parallels quantum field theory, describing a fundamental underlying field that shapes existence.
  14. Energy Transformation: The Gita’s idea of transforming energies within oneself parallels thermodynamics’ laws of energy transformation.
  15. Quantum Consciousness: The Gita’s emphasis on consciousness resembles theories of quantum consciousness in physics.
  16. Entropy and Disorder: The Gita’s depiction of the degradation of dharma (order) mirrors the second law of thermodynamics and entropy.
  17. Subatomic Particles and the Soul: The Gita describes the soul as an atom-sized essence, similar to the atomic particles in quantum physics.
  18. Infinite Universes: Krishna’s vision of infinite universes aligns with the scientific theory of an infinite multiverse.
  19. Nature of Light: Krishna as a source of all light parallels light’s dual nature in quantum mechanics.
  20. Infinite Energy: The Gita speaks of infinite energy (Brahman), paralleling the concept of limitless energy in quantum fields.
  21. Matter and Consciousness: The interaction of Prakriti (matter) and Purusha (consciousness) reflects the mind-matter problem in quantum mechanics.
  22. Wave Function Collapse: The transformation through wisdom in the Gita is like the collapse of the wave function upon measurement.
  23. Cosmic Dance: Krishna’s cosmic dance is akin to particle interactions and field fluctuations in quantum physics.
  24. Observer as Creator: The Gita’s emphasis on the self as a creator of experiences parallels the idea that observation affects reality.
  25. Transmutation: The Gita’s idea of inner alchemy aligns with nuclear physics and transmutation of elements.
  26. Nature’s Rhythms: The Gita’s description of cosmic rhythms parallels physics’ exploration of periodic processes like oscillations.
  27. Dynamic Equilibrium: The concept of balance in karma reflects dynamic equilibrium in physical systems.
  28. Wave-Particle Duality and Illusion: The interplay of Maya and reality in the Gita mirrors wave-particle duality.
  29. Singularity and Creation: The description of creation emerging from a singular point resonates with the Big Bang theory.
  30. Field of Action and Reaction: The battlefield metaphor in the Gita parallels action-reaction fields in physics.

Top 30 Overlaps between Physics and the Upanishads

  1. Brahman as Unified Field: The Upanishads’ Brahman, the ultimate reality, resembles the unified field in physics that underlies all existence.
  2. Quantum Vacuum and Akasha: Akasha (space) in the Upanishads aligns with the concept of the quantum vacuum, the backdrop of all physical reality.
  3. Particle-Wave Duality: The Upanishads’ description of reality as both formless and formed mirrors particle-wave duality.
  4. Superposition and Non-Duality: The idea that the self is both individual and universal matches quantum superposition, where particles exist in multiple states.
  5. E=mc² and Sat-Chit-Ananda: The equation E=mc² reflects the Upanishadic view of existence (Sat), consciousness (Chit), and bliss (Ananda) as interconvertible.
  6. Indra’s Net and Quantum Entanglement: The metaphor of Indra’s net, where all is connected, is similar to quantum entanglement.
  7. Observer-Centric Reality: The Upanishads’ view of consciousness as primary aligns with the observer-centric nature of quantum mechanics.
  8. Illusion of Separation (Maya): The Upanishadic Maya resembles physics’ holographic principle, where apparent separation is an illusion.
  9. Microcosm-Macrocosm: The concept that the microcosm reflects the macrocosm aligns with fractal geometry in physics.
  10. Ether and Quantum Fields: The idea of ether as a pervasive medium is akin to quantum fields.
  11. Conscious Universe: The Upanishads’ assertion that the universe is conscious resonates with the idea of a conscious universe in some interpretations of quantum mechanics.
  12. Matter-Energy Interchangeability: Upanishadic teachings on the fluid nature of existence parallel the interchangeability of matter and energy in physics.
  13. Space-Time Fabric: The Upanishads’ description of space as fluid and interconnected aligns with the space-time fabric in general relativity.
  14. Dark Matter and Prana: Prana (life force) resembles the unseen yet pervasive dark matter and energy in physics.
  15. Relativity of Time: The Upanishads discuss time as relative, akin to Einstein’s theory of relativity.
  16. Zero-Point Energy: Brahman, as the source of all potential, mirrors zero-point energy, the lowest possible energy state of a quantum system.
  17. Creation from Nothingness: The idea of creation ex nihilo (from nothing) in the Upanishads aligns with quantum fluctuations from the vacuum state.
  18. Infinite Potentials: The Upanishadic concept of unmanifest potential aligns with quantum physics’ potential states.
  19. Symmetry and Balance: The Upanishads’ emphasis on balance mirrors symmetry principles in physics.
  20. Field Theory of Consciousness: The Upanishads’ view of consciousness as a field is analogous to modern theories of a consciousness field.
  21. Light and Knowledge: The symbolism of light as knowledge in the Upanishads resonates with the role of light in revealing particle behavior in physics.
  22. Hidden Dimensions: Upanishadic teachings on hidden realms parallel the concept of extra dimensions in string theory.
  23. Holistic Reality: The view that everything is part of a whole mirrors the holistic perspective of quantum physics.
  24. Observer Effect in Meditation: The Upanishadic focus on the observer in meditation parallels the observer effect in physics.
  25. Atomism and Anu: Descriptions of the smallest units of existence (Anu) in the Upanishads resemble atomic theory.
  26. Dynamic Equilibrium of Opposites: The interplay of opposites (like Rajas and Tamas) mirrors dynamic equilibrium in physics.
  27. Subtle Energy Channels and Quantum Tunneling: The flow of Prana through Nadis resembles quantum tunneling, where particles pass through barriers.
  28. Cosmic Order (Rta): The principle of Rta, cosmic order, aligns with physics’ search for laws governing the universe.
  29. Infinite Cycles: The Upanishadic view of endless cycles aligns with cyclic models of the universe in physics.
  30. Cosmic Sound (Om) and Vibrational Theory: Om, the primordial sound, resonates with string theory’s vibrational nature of particles.

These overlaps reveal a profound convergence of ancient metaphysical ideas and modern scientific understanding, highlighting how different lenses can view the same fundamental truths.

Quotes from the Bhagavad Gita

  1. Unity of All Existence:
    • Quote: "I am the same in all beings; none are hated or dear to me." (Bhagavad Gita 9.29)
    • Parallels: Unified field theory in physics, seeking a single underlying force.
  2. Interconnectedness:
    • Quote: "He who sees the Lord dwelling equally in all beings, never perishes as he sees the Oneness everywhere." (BG 6.29)
    • Parallels: Quantum entanglement shows particles connected across distances.
  3. Conservation of Energy:
    • Quote: "As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones." (BG 2.22)
    • Parallels: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
  4. The Observer Effect:
    • Quote: "The self-controlled soul, who moves among objects, with senses under control, free from attachment and aversion, gains peace." (BG 2.64)
    • Parallels: Observation affects outcomes in quantum mechanics.
  5. Non-Duality:
    • Quote: "He who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is intelligent among men." (BG 4.18)
    • Parallels: Wave-particle duality where particles act as waves and particles.
  6. Karma and Cause-Effect:
    • Quote: "For whatever action a great man performs, common men follow." (BG 3.21)
    • Parallels: Newton’s third law, actions have equal and opposite reactions.
  7. Cyclic Nature of the Universe:
    • Quote: "At the end of the millennium all material manifestations enter into My nature, and at the beginning of another millennium, by My potency, I create them again." (BG 9.7)
    • Parallels: The cyclical model of the universe.
  8. Multiple Realities:
    • Quote: "All this universe is pervaded by Me in My unmanifest form." (BG 9.4)
    • Parallels: Multiverse theories in physics.
  9. Time as a Relative Concept:
    • Quote: "I am time, the great destroyer of the world." (BG 11.32)
    • Parallels: Time’s relativity in Einstein’s theory.
  10. Invisibility and the Subtle Body:
    • Quote: "The soul is invisible, inconceivable, immutable, and unchangeable." (BG 2.25)
    • Parallels: Invisible particles in physics like neutrinos.
  11. Transcendence of Space and Time:
    • Quote: "Those who are beyond the dualities that arise from doubts, whose minds are engaged within, who are always busy working for the welfare of all living beings, and who are free from all sins achieve liberation in the Supreme." (BG 5.25)
    • Parallels: Quantum physics’ non-locality.
  12. Nature of Reality:
    • Quote: "Deluded by the three modes (goodness, passion, ignorance), the whole world does not know Me." (BG 7.13)
    • Parallels: Virtual particle theory and the illusion of solid reality.
  13. Field Theory:
    • Quote: "The body is called the field, and one who knows this body is called the knower of the field." (BG 13.1)
    • Parallels: Quantum field theory.
  14. Energy Transformation:
    • Quote: "Know that which pervades the entire body is indestructible." (BG 2.17)
    • Parallels: Laws of thermodynamics.
  15. Quantum Consciousness:
    • Quote: "The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: 'I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge, and forgetfulness.'" (BG 15.15)
    • Parallels: Theories of quantum consciousness.
  16. Entropy and Disorder:
    • Quote: "When righteousness declines and unrighteousness prevails, I incarnate myself." (BG 4.7)
    • Parallels: Entropy and disorder increase in physical systems.
  17. Subatomic Particles and the Soul:
    • Quote: "The soul is smaller than the smallest and larger than the largest." (BG 13.16)
    • Parallels: Subatomic particles in quantum mechanics.
  18. Infinite Universes:
    • Quote: "I see in Your body, O Lord, the entire universe, with all its multifarious divisions." (BG 11.13)
    • Parallels: The multiverse theory.
  19. Nature of Light:
    • Quote: "Of lights, I am the radiant sun." (BG 10.21)
    • Parallels: Light’s dual nature in physics.
  20. Infinite Energy:
    • Quote: "I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me." (BG 10.8)
    • Parallels: Limitless energy in quantum fields.
  21. Matter and Consciousness:
    • Quote: "Material nature and the living entities should be understood to be beginningless." (BG 13.20)
    • Parallels: Mind-matter interaction.
  22. Wave Function Collapse:
    • Quote: "When a man perfectly controls his mind and engages it in the self, he is said to be of steady intelligence." (BG 6.18)
    • Parallels: Wave function collapse upon observation.
  23. Cosmic Dance:
    • Quote: "I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all creation." (BG 10.20)
    • Parallels: Particle interactions and fluctuations.
  24. Observer as Creator:
    • Quote: "He who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am not lost to him." (BG 6.30)
    • Parallels: Observation affecting reality.
  25. Transmutation:
    • Quote: "He who sees the imperishable amid the perishable, he alone sees." (BG 13.27)
    • Parallels: Transmutation in nuclear physics.
  26. Nature’s Rhythms:
    • Quote: "Among seasons, I am flower-bearing spring." (BG 10.35)
    • Parallels: Oscillations in physical processes.
  27. Dynamic Equilibrium:
    • Quote: "Perform your duty equipoised, abandoning all attachment." (BG 2.48)
    • Parallels: Dynamic equilibrium in systems.
  28. Wave-Particle Duality and Illusion:
    • Quote: "The embodied soul does not engage in actions nor causes others to act." (BG 5.14)
    • Parallels: Wave-particle duality.
  29. Singularity and Creation:
    • Quote: "Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread." (BG 7.7)
    • Parallels: Big Bang theory.
  30. Field of Action and Reaction:
    • Quote: "Better one’s own duty though devoid of merit than the duty of another well discharged." (BG 3.35)
    • Parallels: Fields of action and reaction.

Quotes from the Upanishads

  1. Brahman as Unified Field:
    • Quote: "Brahman is infinite, and this universe is infinite." (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.1.1)
    • Parallels: Unified field theory in physics.
  2. Quantum Vacuum and Akasha:
    • Quote: "All that we see in this world is enveloped by space (Akasha)." (Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1.1)
    • Parallels: Quantum vacuum as the backdrop of reality.
  3. Particle-Wave Duality:
    • Quote: "As a spider emits and withdraws its thread, as herbs grow on the earth, as hair grows on the head and body of a living man—so from the Imperishable arises this universe." (Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.7)
    • Parallels: Wave-particle duality.
  4. Superposition and Non-Duality:
    • Quote: "Thou art That." (Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7)
    • Parallels: Quantum superposition.
  5. E=mc² and Sat-Chit-Ananda:
    • Quote: "From bliss, all things are born; by bliss, they are sustained; toward bliss, they move, and into bliss, they return." (Taittiriya Upanishad 3.6.1)
    • Parallels: Matter-energy equivalence.
  6. Indra’s Net and Quantum Entanglement:
    • Quote: "He who perceives all beings in the self alone"


"The overlap between Taoism and modern physics is another rich area of exploration. Taoist philosophy, with its focus on the nature of reality, balance, and the dynamic interplay of opposites, resonates deeply with many concepts in contemporary physics. I'll present 30 overlaps between Taoism and physics, accompanied by relevant quotes from Taoist texts (primarily the Tao Te Ching and the Zhuangzi).

Taoism and Physics Overlaps with Quotes:

  1. Unity of All Things:

    • Quote: "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao." (Tao Te Ching, 1)
    • Parallel: Physics seeks a unified field theory that could explain all forces in nature but cannot fully articulate it within current knowledge frameworks.
  2. The Tao as the Underlying Reality:

    • Quote: "The Tao is empty, yet inexhaustible, like an abyss!" (Tao Te Ching, 4)
    • Parallel: The quantum vacuum is seen as the underlying reality, empty but full of potential energy.
  3. Non-Duality and Wave-Particle Duality:

    • Quote: "Being and non-being produce each other." (Tao Te Ching, 2)
    • Parallel: Wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics where particles exhibit both existence (wave) and non-existence (particle).
  4. Relativity of Time:

    • Quote: "Time is a created thing. To say 'I don’t have time' is like saying, 'I don’t want to.'" (Zhuangzi)
    • Parallel: Einstein’s theory of relativity shows that time is not absolute, but relative to observers and the speed of light.
  5. The Observer Effect:

    • Quote: "The Tao never acts, yet through it all things are done." (Tao Te Ching, 37)
    • Parallel: The observer effect in quantum mechanics, where observation impacts the outcome of events.
  6. Cyclic Nature of the Universe:

    • Quote: "All things return to their origin." (Tao Te Ching, 16)
    • Parallel: Theories in cosmology propose a cyclical universe, where expansion and contraction repeat endlessly.
  7. Conservation of Energy:

    • Quote: "Returning is the motion of the Tao." (Tao Te Ching, 40)
    • Parallel: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed—a fundamental principle of physics.
  8. Balance of Opposites:

    • Quote: "The ten thousand things carry yin and embrace yang. They achieve harmony by combining these forces." (Tao Te Ching, 42)
    • Parallel: The balance between forces like matter and antimatter, and the symmetry in physics.
  9. Entanglement and Interconnectedness:

    • Quote: "The sage does not accumulate. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself." (Tao Te Ching, 81)
    • Parallel: Quantum entanglement, where particles remain connected regardless of distance.
  10. The Void:

    • Quote: "We mold clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that makes the vessel useful." (Tao Te Ching, 11)
    • Parallel: In quantum physics, the void or vacuum is filled with fluctuating energy, giving rise to particles.
  11. Action in Inaction (Wu Wei):

    • Quote: "The Tao does nothing, but leaves nothing undone." (Tao Te Ching, 48)
    • Parallel: Quantum superposition, where particles exist in multiple states until measured, suggests passive potential until interaction.
  12. Quantum Field Theory:

    • Quote: "The Tao is great; it flows in every direction." (Tao Te Ching, 34)
    • Parallel: Quantum fields that permeate all of space, influencing the behavior of particles everywhere.
  13. Indeterminacy:

    • Quote: "He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know." (Tao Te Ching, 56)
    • Parallel: Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle in quantum physics, where certain properties of particles (like position and momentum) cannot both be known precisely.
  14. Symmetry Breaking:

    • Quote: "Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness. All can know good as good only because there is evil." (Tao Te Ching, 2)
    • Parallel: Symmetry breaking in physics, where a perfect symmetrical state gives rise to the asymmetries in the universe.
  15. Self-Organization and Complexity:

    • Quote: "The Tao is like a well; used but never used up." (Tao Te Ching, 4)
    • Parallel: Self-organizing systems in physics, like the spontaneous emergence of order from chaos.
  16. Relativity of Space:

    • Quote: "Shape clay into a vessel; it is the space within that makes it useful." (Tao Te Ching, 11)
    • Parallel: The relativity of space in physics, where spatial relations depend on the observer’s frame of reference.
  17. Dynamic Equilibrium:

    • Quote: "Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power." (Tao Te Ching, 33)
    • Parallel: Systems in equilibrium in physics, where forces balance out dynamically.
  18. The Tao as the Flow of Energy:

    • Quote: "The great Tao flows everywhere, both to the left and to the right." (Tao Te Ching, 34)
    • Parallel: The flow of energy in fields and currents throughout the universe, such as electromagnetic waves.
  19. Quantum Fluctuations:

    • Quote: "The Tao is like a bellows: it is empty yet infinitely capable." (Tao Te Ching, 5)
    • Parallel: Quantum fluctuations in a vacuum, where particles pop in and out of existence.
  20. The Infinite Potential:

    • Quote: "There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born." (Tao Te Ching, 25)
    • Parallel: The singularity before the Big Bang, from which the universe emerged.
  21. Non-Locality:

    • Quote: "The Tao is everywhere but invisible, intangible, unfathomable." (Tao Te Ching, 14)
    • Parallel: Quantum non-locality, where particles influence one another instantaneously over vast distances.
  22. Transformation of Matter:

    • Quote: "Tao gave birth to one. One gave birth to two. Two gave birth to three. Three gave birth to all things." (Tao Te Ching, 42)
    • Parallel: The process of particle formation in physics, where elementary particles lead to the creation of all matter.
  23. Wave Functions and Potential:

    • Quote: "The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done." (Tao Te Ching, 37)
    • Parallel: The wave function in quantum physics represents all possible states until an observation is made.
  24. Emptiness and Fullness:

    • Quote: "Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still." (Tao Te Ching, 16)
    • Parallel: The quantum vacuum, which appears empty but is full of energy.
  25. Complementary Forces:

    • Quote: "When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad." (Tao Te Ching, 2)
    • Parallel: Complementarity in quantum physics, where two seemingly opposing aspects, like wave and particle, coexist.
  26. Uncertainty:

    • Quote: "Those who have knowledge, don’t predict. Those who predict, don’t have knowledge." (Tao Te Ching, 38)
    • Parallel: The inherent uncertainty in quantum mechanics, where predictions are probabilistic.
  27. Entropy:

    • Quote: "He who knows does not boast. He who boasts does not know." (Tao Te Ching, 24)
    • Parallel: The second law of thermodynamics, where systems naturally move toward disorder or entropy.
  28. Flow of Time:

    • Quote: "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." (Tao Te Ching, 73)
    • Parallel: The flow of time in physics, especially the idea of time as a dimension along which events occur.
  29. Illusion of Solidity:

    • Quote: "The Tao is like a vast, flowing river, fluid and elusive, yet containing all things." (Tao Te Ching, 43)
    • Parallel: Quantum mechanics shows that solid matter is mostly empty space with fluctuating energy fields.
  30. Non-Linearity:

    • Quote: "The sage acts by not acting, teaches without speaking." (Tao Te Ching, 2)
    • Parallel: Non-linear systems in physics, where small inputs can lead to large, unpredictable effects.

Taoism offers a way of viewing the universe as inherently interconnected, ever-changing, and beyond complete human understanding. The Taoist emphasis on embracing paradoxes and finding harmony through balance echoes the findings of quantum physics, where particles can be in two states at once, and energy can emerge from "nothing." Both systems suggest the need to transcend rigid concepts and recognize the fluidity of existence."