Hannah Grace
If you get overwhelmed when you hear the term ‘Quantum Physics’, you’re not alone. Aside from those well-acquainted with the field by profession or by passion, the average person has little to no information about it. Quantum Physics is a complex subject. It has become even more popular recently, thanks to an award-winning film portraying the life story of Stephen Hawking. He is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist who changed the way we’ve always seen the universe. Science and spirituality are two different realms, but you’ll find out in this article how they can be connected.
What is Quantum Physics?
In simple words, this branch of physics uses a theory called Quantum Mechanics, to understand nature through the smallest scale of atoms and subatomic particles. Unlike Classical Physics, it goes beyond logic and physical laws. Max Planck, a German theoretical physicist, discovered Quantum Physics during his black body experiment in 1900. He obtained results that didn’t follow the laws of Classical Mechanics-he learned that the black body (a surface that absorbs all incident electromagnetic radiation) emits energy in individual units (quanta) and in wavelengths. In addition, other physicists, like Einstein, used his study, leading to the progress of Quantum Theory.
The Link Between Quantum Physics and Spirituality
A number of religious or spiritual leaders already recognize the role Quantum Physics plays in their discipline. The Dalai Lama, leader of Tibetan Buddhism, said that “Quantum Mechanics and Spirituality can shake hands with each other on how they view the world.” He conceived this thought after the late Raja Ramanna, an Indian nuclear physicist, told him about the writings of Nagarjuna, a Madhyamaka (Indian Buddhist School of Thought) philosopher. Drawing from the Madhyamaka thought that nothing has a permanent nature, Nagarjuna presented two truths: the conventional and the ultimate truth. Conventional truth is knowing that something exists, while ultimate truth is recognizing that it has no inherent existence. This is similar to the wave-particle duality in Physics which states how a quantum entity can be described as either a particle or a wave.
Uncertainty Principle
Werner Heisenberg formulated it in 1927, stating that the more precisely a particle’s position is determined, the less precisely its momentum can be known and vice versa. For example, in measuring the speed of a car using light, when you shine the light on the car, you are pushing photons (particles of light) onto the vehicle. The photons’ momentum would affect the momentum of the car and change its speed. There’s a limit to what we can know about nature. This goes in line with most religious doctrines and psychic teachings.
Energy/Light
The universe is a massive field of energy. Moreover, energy’s purest form are wave forms of probability that exist within an infinite field of probabilities. Albert Einstein most famous equation, E=mc² proves how everything is comprised of pure energy or light. Energy and mass are interchangeable; they are different forms of the same thing. Therefore, Cosmos->Universe->Galaxy->Earth->Individuals->Organ Systems->Cells->Molecules->Atoms->Subatomic Particles = Energy (light), which is an essential part of spirituality.
The Observer Effect
This theory suggests that the mere act of observing a phenomenon changes that phenomenon. As previously discussed, objects are not in physical form before observation, they are in a field of probability. What we see is a product of our own mind. Because of this analysis, faith works whether you believe in a god or in god-self. Trusting in a higher power or in your own capability enables you to achieve your goals. Indeed, beliefs and convictions rule one’s life.
On the whole, science and spirituality complement each other. They have major differences, but they share a few points of view. Probing the laws of Quantum Physics is one of those. They are two such interesting, immense worlds you must explore.
Sources:
- www.dalailama.com
- www.physicsworld.com
- www.universityherald.com/articles/74305/20170429/quantum-physics-and-spirituality.htm
- www.iuemag.com/july2014/sc/quantum-physics-and-spirituality.php
- medium.com/swlh/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle-4bb915c57614
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