Quantum and the Lotus

Quantum and the Lotus, as described earlier in a previous blog, is about a conversation between science and Buddism. Appropriately deliberated between a scientist turned monk and a Buddist-born astrophysicist. In a nutshell, both authors acknowledge the limits of western science/technology and advocate 'contemplative science' as a path to further discovery and transformation.

Just a couple of highlights: I was fascinated about the story of reincarnation and past lives. Shanti Devi, born in 1915 I think it was, in India. Who at the age of 10 (again, if I remember correctly) had very distinct memories of being married, and constantly described names and places that her parents/people around her had no knowledge of. Finally, from frustration of her parents not believing her, she ran away and did actually find her husband and relatives from her previous life. This was such an astonishing story that even Ghandi came to visit to talk with her. It was not mentioned in his biography!

I was also encouraged and in agreement to the monks' attestation that contemplative science could be "proven," if one applied himself to the method. I was pleasantly surprised when he described the meditation 'experiment' in the traditional western empirical format.

Hypothesis - Attachment to ego is source of all our troubles

Method - Analysis of ego and its effects (Analytical meditation aka vipassana)

Experiment - Application of contemplation/introspection

Result - Elimination of attachment and afflictive emotions.

Matthieu continues to argue - True, the results are not tangible as what one might expect in a peer review. However, the effects of the experiment can clearly be seen by how one has changed and the new qualities he emanates. - His way of being, his actions, his words. Only someone who attempts to conduct this experiment on his own mind will see the results (So will his peers). He uses the Dalai Lama as an example, and celebrities who have had the good fortune to come into his presence, that are visibly affected by his radiance instantly.

Even though I found several chapters of this book difficult to read and comprehend, it was fascinating and thoroughly informative. One chapter describing the Big Bang and the expanding universe just blew me away and gave me whole new dimension for my mind to ponder when looking into that sunset. It's certainly one for my bookshelf!

I'm now reading 'The Paradox of Choice - Why more is less,' by Barry Schwartz.