Quantum Consciousness — Non Dual Eyes

In a laboratory in Vienna, a physicist measures a particle and inadvertently alters the state of its twin on the other side of the globe. In a monastery in Tibet, a monk meditates and feels a profound connection to the entire cosmos. These seemingly unrelated events might be two sides of the same coin-glimpses into a universe where consciousness isn’t just an observer, but the very fabric of reality itself. Welcome to the mind-bending world of quantum consciousness, where the boundaries between mind and matter dissolve, and the cosmos itself might be one vast, expanding thought.

More Than Meets the Eye

When we gaze at the night sky, we’re looking at a universe in constant motion. Since the groundbreaking discoveries of Edwin Hubble in the 1920s, scientists have known that our universe is expanding. This expansion, often likened to the inflation of a balloon, bears a striking resemblance to the growth of a sphere from a single point.

But what if this expansion represents more than just the spreading of matter and energy? What if it’s also the unfurling of consciousness itself?

Particles of Awareness

Imagine each particle in the cosmos as a tiny spark of consciousness. This idea might seem far-fetched at first, but it resonates with an ancient philosophical concept known as panpsychism. This view suggests that consciousness is a fundamental and ubiquitous aspect of reality, present in varying degrees throughout the universe.

As Alan Watts, the British philosopher, beautifully put it: “You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself.” This poetic perspective invites us to see ourselves not as separate from the cosmos, but as integral parts of its ongoing exploration and expansion.

The Time

In this expanding sphere of consciousness, time takes on a new meaning. Rather than being a separate dimension, time becomes intimately linked with the universe’s growth. Each moment is a pulse in the cosmic heartbeat, a measure of the universe’s ongoing expansion.

This view aligns with modern physics, where time and space are woven together into the fabric of spacetime. As our cosmic sphere grows, time flows forward, marking the rhythm of existence itself.

Individual and Universal Consciousness

To deepen our understanding, let’s turn to the wisdom of ancient Indian philosophy. In Hindu thought, two key concepts emerge: Aatman (the individual soul) and Brahman (the universal consciousness or ultimate reality).

If we apply these ideas to our expanding sphere model, each particle of consciousness (Aatman) is a unique expression of the greater whole (Brahman). As the Chandogya Upanishad famously declares, “Tat Tvam Asi” or “That Thou Art,” suggesting a profound unity between the individual and the universal.

This unity is further illustrated in another Upanishadic verse: “As a single lump of clay is known by knowing a single clod of clay, so is all that is known by knowing one clod of clay.” In our cosmic model, understanding the nature of a single point of consciousness can reveal insights about the entire expanding sphere.

Every Part Contains the Whole

The idea that each part contains information about the whole finds a surprising parallel in modern physics through the holographic principle. This concept suggests that the entire universe can be understood as a kind of hologram, where the information about the whole is encoded in each part.

This principle not only aligns with our model of an expanding sphere of consciousness but also provides a scientific framework for understanding how individual consciousnesses (Aatman) can reflect and be part of the universal consciousness (Brahman).

Evolving Consciousness

As our universe expands, so too might the complexity and interconnectedness of consciousness within it. This evolution of consciousness could be seen as the universe’s way of understanding itself more deeply over time.

The anthropic principle in cosmology suggests that the universe’s fundamental constants seem fine-tuned for the emergence of life and consciousness. Could this be because the universe, as an expanding sphere of consciousness, is inherently structured to support and develop awareness?

New Perspective on Reality

By viewing the universe as an expanding sphere of consciousness, we open ourselves to a profound interconnectedness with all of existence. This perspective bridges ancient wisdom and modern science, inviting us to see ourselves not as isolated individuals, but as integral parts of a grand cosmic dance.

As we contemplate our place in this expanding sphere, we might find wisdom in the words of Alan Watts: “We do not ‘come into’ this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree. As the ocean ‘waves,’ the universe ‘peoples.’ Every individual is an expression of the whole realm of nature, a unique action of the total universe.”

In embracing this view, we may discover a deeper appreciation for the mystery and wonder of existence, recognizing that each moment of awareness is a precious gift — a unique perspective through which the universe experiences itself.

As we continue to explore and understand our cosmos, let us remain open to the possibility that consciousness itself may be the key to unlocking the deepest mysteries of existence. In doing so, we may find that the greatest frontier of exploration is not just the outer reaches of space, but the inner realms of our own awareness.

Originally published at https://nondualeyes.in on August 24, 2024.