Free Video Newsletter

Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science

Learn more ...
3 emails a week
  • 1.866.227.9843
  • About LifeSpa
  • Contact
  • Login
  • Newsletter

John Douillard's LifeSpa

Ancient Wisdom meets Modern ScienceAyurveda + Natural Health News

Menu 
  • HOME Back to front page
  • STORE Health Products
    • SHOP NOWTake me to the store
    • Shop Health TopicTake me to products by health topic
    • Shop Body Type (dosha)Take me to products by body type
      • Take the Body Type Quiz
      • Kapha (Spring)
      • Pitta (Summer)
      • Vata (Fall / Winter)
    • Read the Catalog
  • LEARN Articles & Videos
    • Libraries
      • Videos
      • eBooks
      • Podcasts
      • Recipes
      • Health Quizzes
    • Article Library
      • Recent Articles
      • Browse by Category
      • Article Index A-Z
    • Own It
      • eCourses
      • Books
      • DVDs
    • Events
      • Podcasts
      • Cleanse Events
      • Events & Workshops
  • CLEANSE Ayurvedic Detox
    • Colorado Cleanse – 14-Day, At-Home Digestive Detox and Lymph Cleanse
      • Group Colorado Cleanse
      • Anytime Colorado Cleanse
    • Your Favorite Ayurvedic Cleanse: LifeSpa’s Short Home CleanseFree Instructional eBook
    • Safe Liver and Gallbladder Cleanse
      • Free Instructional eBook
      • Watch the Podcast “Safe Liver Cleansing”
    • 6-Step Lymph Detox Plan
      • Create-Your-Own Lymph Detox Kit
      • Learn More
    • Kaya Kalpa Cleanse
  • CONSULT Ayurvedic Medicine
    • More Information
      • Hours & Location
      • Testimonials
      • New Patient Paperwork
    • Ayurvedic Consultations with Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAPConsultations In-Person, via Phone or via Skype
      • About Dr. John Douillard DC, CAP
    • Ayurveda
      • What is Ayurveda?
You are here: Home / Mental Health + Mood / Meditation / Part 1: What is Quantum Consciousness?

Part 1: What is Quantum Consciousness?

by John Douillard on April 11, 2019 | 16 Comments

Quantum Physics Meets Vedic Science

Where do we come from? Who are we and how do we explain the secrets of the universe that have plagued scientists for thousands of years?

Interestingly, some of the unifying theories of the universe resemble principles from ancient Vedic writings. While most pressing questions regarding the universe still remain unanswered and many of the theories unproven, much progress has been made. One theory that suggests the quantum field is in fact consciousness was believed to be true by two Nobel prize winning scientists. One was Max Planck—the father of quantum theory.

In this article we will explore the ancient Vedic wisdom when compared to modern quantum theory in an attempt to support the case that consciousness may in fact be the basis for quantum field theory.

Exciting, right? First, let’s see what Einstein had to say about this.

Quantum Principles

In 1935, Albert Einstein discovered something called “quantum entanglement,” which he called “spooky action at a distance”: the behavior of atomic particles change simultaneously and instantaneously over long distances—even light years apart. This discovery supports the notion that on a subtle level, our actions can create a ripple in the quantum  field and affect particles on the other side of the planet. We are all connected. One physicist described it like this:

“Entanglement is the unusual behavior of elementary particles where they become linked so that when something happens to one, something happens to the other, no matter how far apart they are.”1

Before I attempt to describe this phenomenon in Vedic terms, let me list some of the basic (but very weird) rules of quantum physics:2

  1. Quantum objects (microscopic particles like electrons, protons, and photons) can be both wave and particle. This is called Wave-Particle Duality.
  2. Quantum objects can be in more than one place at a time. This is called superposition.
  3. You cannot simultaneously precisely know more than one physical property of a quantum object (such as location and momentum). This is called the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
  4. Quantum objects can affect one another instantly over huge distances. Einstein called this spooky action at a distance or entanglement.
  5. You cannot measure anything without disturbing it, making quantum mechanics subjective. Quantum objects change when observed.

While each of these five rules are amazing, I want to focus of the fourth and fifth first. Actions of an electron are changed by observation and any electrons that it are entangled with it, no matter how far apart, change instantaneously when the first electron is observed—these electrons can even be light years away.2,3,4

Confused? This YouTube video by physicist Philip Ball may help you better understand how this happens.

lifespa image, rejection, sad man holding flowers

We Recommend

Finding Peace Through Grieving: Understanding Sadhaka Pitta

The Famous Double-Slit Experiment

The double-slit experiments are perhaps some of the most famous in physics. Initially, they were designed to determine if light was a wave or particle.

Researchers discovered it can be either! What made the study famous was the surprising ingredient that caused the light to take form.

The study found that behavioral patterns photons follow when they pass through a barrier with two slits predictably change when observed or measured compared to when they are not observed. These studies have been repeated for decades and the results suggest that the process of observation changes the observed.3,4

Weird, right? Just having someone observe the experiment changes the experiment.

The quantum understanding of the double-slit experiment is summed up in a 2005 essay by RC Henry, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University: “A fundamental conclusion of the new physics also acknowledges that the observer creates the reality.”

How Did the Double-Slit Results Change When Observed?

In the double-split experiment, when unobserved photons were shot at a barrier with two slits, they pass through and shapeshift from particles to quantum waves, interacting with themselves. When they hit the backstop screen on the other side of the double slits, the photons demonstrate wavelike patterns, not particle patterns.5-7

To better visualize this, the waves created in this experiment would look like tapping two spoons in a still pool of water—you would get two sets of waves that would interfere or interact with each other and themselves.

The mystery of this experiment is that when there are detectors to determine if the light was waves or particles, the experiment results dramatically changed.

When there were detectors “observing” the photon, they did not change into a wave! The observed photon particles shot through the slits like bullets and pounded the backstop without ever becoming a wave.

The researchers unplugged the detectors but left them in place and repeated the experiment. With the detectors unplugged (so not detecting or observing anything), the photons shot through the slits became a wave once again, as in the original experiment!5

Vedic Science Attempts to Explain How Observation Changes the Observed

Related to the results of the double-slit experiments that say the observer changes the observed, Vedic science describes this phenomenon with reference to a trinity: a concept common to many religions. In Vedic science, the observer, the observed, and the process of observing comprise the structure of three that make up the one whole underlying field of consciousness—a Vedic theory very similar to today’s Super Unified Field Theory and String Theories.

These three Vedic attributes of observation may help us understand quantum entanglement and maybe even how the universe got started. Once again, the three are:

  1. Observer, aka rishi or knower
  2. Observed, aka chandas or the known
  3. Process of observation, aka devata or process of knowing

According to Vedic science, once the observer observes, the observed changes. We saw this in the double-slit experiment. After being observed, the object changes. Unobserved is a different state than observed.

We Recommend

049: Ayurvedic Psychology with Dr. David Frawley & Dr. John Douillard

Unified Field of Consciousness

The quantum rules one and two listed above suggest that quantum particles can be both a wave and particle at the same time, while existing in two places at once. Weird, I know!

Einstein suggests that light waves are actually many photon particles creating an electromagnetic field or the photoelectric effect.

When these particles function as a wave, they seem to display quantum principles (as our quantum rules have described), but when they behave as particles, they seem to function more like what we know as classical physics.3,4

Quantum Field Theory is a currently accepted theory suggesting that suggests at the most fundamental level, the universe is not made up of particles, but different types of waves that can express themselves as particles, thus becoming a desk or pencil.

The theory suggesting that quantum waves at a more fundamental level are unified is called the Super Unified Theory. Others, taking this one step further, have theorized that the super unified field is in fact conscious or consciousness. It is thought to be bubbling with creative potential; it is the source of everything; it’s pure potentiality and was there before the Big Bang.

Although unified field and related superstring theories have yet to be fully embraced, they are still contenders. The notion that the source of the universe is actually structured in consciousness, which could be the God we all seek, is not new to Western science. Max Planck, originator of quantum theory and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918, said the following:

“I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything we talk about postulates consciousness.”

Eugene Wigner, who also won the Nobel Prize in Physics, said, “It will remain remarkable in whatever way our future concepts may develop that the very study of the external world led to the scientific conclusion that the content of the consciousness is the ultimate universal reality.”

Hooked? Stay tuned for Part 2!

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP is the author of seven health books (including bestselling Eat Wheat and The 3-Season Diet), seven online courses (including new Yoga Journal course Ayurveda 201 on Ayurvedic Psychology), and numerous free eBooks. He is a former NBA nutritionist and creator of LifeSpa.com—with thousands of free articles, resources, and videos. LifeSpa is a leading wellness resource, with nine million+ YouTube views and over 130k newsletter subscribers.

References

  1. https://www.universetoday.com/109525/quantum-entanglement-explained/
  2. https://youtu.be/q7v5NtV8v6I
  3. https://www.ecronicon.com/ecpp/ECPP-07-00297.php
  4. https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a22280/double-slit-experiment-even-weirder/
  5. https://youtu.be/LW6Mq352f0E
  6. https://youtu.be/GzbKb59my3U
  7. https://youtu.be/Iuv6hY6zsd0

Related Articles


Brainwave Benefits of Yoga for Stress, Anxiety + Depression
lifespa-image-woman-meditation-yoga-smile
Train Your Nervous System for a Longer Life: Meditation + REST Protein
lifespa image, ayurvedic eye treatment, ghee glass jar deep spoon
Top 10 Ayurvedic Life Hacks
Doctor John LifeSpa Podcast_Button_Ayurveda-101-201_OCTOBER-2019_thumbnail
091: Ayurvedic Lifestyle + Psychology with Dr. John Douillard

Categories: Meditation Tagged: mental health, video

Comments

  1. Eppaik Yeffen says

    July 24, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    This is what I don’t understand: if the particles location and momemtum are not isolated simultaneously, how can the wave and particle be the same process, simultaneously?
    Nima Arkani-Hamed says humans are made out of atoms; David Kaplan says the atoms are misconstued as taught in education; how do I turn my confusion into knowledge? I think we agree, confusion is not knowledge.

    The Renegade Report – Jordan B Peterson & David Benatar

    Reply
    • LifeSpa Staff says

      July 30, 2019 at 10:09 am

      I would refer you to the work of Ervin Laszlo to help you understand how particles can be both vibrations and perceived by us as particles.

      Reply
  2. Vela says

    June 24, 2019 at 9:56 pm

    Dr Rudolf Steiner has written 350 volumes on Spiritual Science. All we need to do it to explore his works. All the questions are already answered. One day our scientists will come to what he already brought to the word.
    But I like that dr Douillard uses the word consciousness and tries to explain this matter through materialistic notions which are the only ones accessible to majority at the moment.
    I really appreciate dr Douillard’s work and seeking mind! Always new and useful content that helped me heal. Thank you for bringing all of this to the world!!

    Reply
  3. Martha says

    April 12, 2019 at 2:01 pm

    Read “The Tao of Physics” by Fritjoff Capra. You might find it interesting

    Reply
  4. Helene says

    April 12, 2019 at 6:48 am

    It seems that the debate is not over.
    http://www.danko-nikolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Yu-and-Nikolic-Qm-and-consciousness-Annalen-Physik.pdf

    Reply
  5. Sefirah Ellyon says

    April 11, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    An important consideration for the double slit experiment is that of resonance. My theory is that the act of observing such as with s device is not a “distraction” as was posed, but it a demonstration of the particle resonating with that which is the instrument of observation. If an enlightened Rishi, for example , or perhaps an experienced meditator who regularly experiences samadhi, were to observe the experiment, I pose that there is the potential for the particle to go back to its more earlier emanation—its more subtle, less manifest version of itself.

    I further pose that if we had a group of humans in samadhi, we’d be able to measure the resonance as (perhaps!!) the particle de emanates to wave and to its less manifest form before that, whatever that may look like. —I suspect a more subtle ether space quality.

    This is s very useful line of inquiry, John, and I appreciate your putting this out there.

    Awareness indeed!

    Reply
  6. angelo says

    April 11, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    Dr. John, you (and Dr. Chopra) have been teaching me Ayurveda since 1988 (MIU, Fairfield Iowa) and I celebrate your new, in-depth exploration into the mind- blowing esoteric side of Vedic knowledge!
    Though credit for the West’s introduction to Ayurveda and Vedic wisdom must go to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, he tended to downplay the rather intense, metaphysical aspects of this tradition of knowledge.
    We know the quality of experience (the observed) is reflective of the level of consciousness (the observer) and that consciousness is a field. Thus, this experiment with photons may only have shown how subatomic particles- which share their own field of awareness, were affected by this particular collective of researchers and their “imprinted” technology. Regarding Einstein’s theory of Entanglement as applied to the missing glove; perhaps entanglement shares similarities to what we know as the Law Of Attraction.
    Who has ever looked at a single glove and not wondered about the missing counterpart? I suggest the importance of a matched “pair”, may be embedded into the field of collective consciousness and a lone glove may in effect represent an “unbalanced” equation
    BTW, I think there is something more fundamental than consciousness, yet less fundamental than “God”; that would be the One Mind of all souls, that needed a mechanism- consciousness, to interpret an inexhaustible Universe of form and diversity.

    Reply
  7. Diana Funk says

    April 11, 2019 at 1:12 pm

    Dr John, you are so in tune.To find a doctor, a health professional who is well versed and diversified in knowledge, is a breath of fresh air. I have always suspected the connection of the Vedic teaching and the quantum field in science. As well Vedic medicine resonates with microbiology. So grateful for all you do.

    Reply
  8. Noelle Olson says

    April 11, 2019 at 10:36 am

    I noticed that when I say something (the shooting of partcle) in a mirror – the result is much more straighter.

    Now if I said these things or someone else said the same thing to me.. the result would be much more wavier – as I would not be involved consciously at all or much less involved if not saying the thing in a mirror and observing myself.

    This reminds me when I did Ayahuasca (once) and when coming clearer after taking the dose I got to a mirror and I stood in front of the mirror and just consciously interacted with myself for the sole purpose of getting straight – sober – clearer and feeling a connection that was more instant .. then going to possibly talk to someone I did not know (and besides we were not allowed to talk till after the ceremony was over and most folks spoke Portuguese.
    Dr. John .. I am safe to say you would be uncomfortable being observed while you interacted with yourself in a mirror.

    Funny last night I came home from the hospital where I had left my sister to possibly die last night. And as I was feeling a bit like unraveling (better words?) I got home and looked in the mirror and said to myself Loudly.. TAKE CARE, TAKE IT EASY and BEHAVE YOURSELF. – The affect seemed to be straight as an arrow as I began to carry on with taking care, taking it easy and behaving myself.

    Oh, FYI – I believe that those 3 are all that G-d requires of us. Thank you

    Reply
  9. Tina Huston says

    April 11, 2019 at 10:13 am

    Oiy.

    Reply
    • Tina Huston says

      April 11, 2019 at 10:27 am

      But wait. If they unplugged the detectors, but the scientists are still the observers, wouldn’t the particles respond to the awareness that the scientists are still observers? Then we get into the question of particles responding to synthetic observers as opposed to organic observers? Right-handed and left-handed would be an organic manifestation. Was a frequency transmitted from the detectors? If so, that would be a cause of the particles to respond differently. Although, everything puts out a frequency, some more subtle than others, some more synthetic than others. Left and right-handed put out different frequencies, right? That opens up a whole can of worms for testing. Even then, the chaos of so many variables can’t be harnessed to test consciousness. I don’t think we’ll ever really know the mysteries of this world.

      Reply
  10. Christine says

    April 11, 2019 at 9:59 am

    Fascinating! Another shining example of the vastness of Vedic wisdom. Looking forward to your next mind expanding edition on this topic. Creating our own reality, of course I want to know more! You’re awesome Dr. D!
    Namaste!

    Reply
  11. Kathryn Cihak says

    April 11, 2019 at 9:40 am

    Observation is like “touching” the object with a thought…it is an interaction with intention…consciousness…action with a thought..

    Trying to amend my previous comment some…

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      April 11, 2019 at 3:56 pm

      I totally agree. There’s information in the space and we’re all connected and able to “touch” or interact even from a distance….IMHO!

      Reply
  12. Kathryn Cihak says

    April 11, 2019 at 9:31 am

    When I think about these things what always comes to mind is Mr. Wizard (dating myself here) (or at least I think it was him) and his example of a ping-pong ball released in a closed environment with other ping -pong balls. and how they interact…they cetainly interacted among themselves for quite awhile…sort of a crude example but gives cause for thought….
    Thank you for such an insightful program.

    Reply
  13. kellie urban says

    April 11, 2019 at 8:13 am

    thank you for the learning opportunity this a.m.! Nice item for comtemplation today!

    Reply

Speak Your Mind Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

9 million+ YouTube views
youtube video

Website Search

Store Search

Upcoming Events

lifespa image, silhouette growth heart light beams
Thu 12

Ayurveda 201: Six-Week Psychology eCourse

May 27, 2019 - May 27, 2021
Feb 28

Balancing Weight, Energy + Emotions @ Kripalu

February 28, 2020 - March 1, 2020
Mar 24

Colorado Cleanse

March 24, 2020 - April 6, 2020
john douillard sivananda
May 28

Ayurvedic Longevity @ Sivananda Bahamas

May 28, 2020 - May 31, 2020

View More…

Categories

  • Ayurvedic Beauty + Fitness
  • Circadian + Seasonal Lifestyle
  • Diet + Detox
  • Digestion + Lymph
  • Men + Women + Family Health
  • Mental Health + Mood
  • Other Health Topics

Media

Media-sidebar-button More>>

Sidebar IIN

Social

Inside Lifespa.com

  • 2018 LifeSpa Catalog
  • John in the News
  • New to Ayurvedic Body Types?
  • New to Ayurvedic Herbs?
  • New to the Ayurvedic Diet?
  • New to the Emotions of Ayurveda?
  • What is Ayurveda?

Support

  • Careers
  • Citations Policy
  • LifeSpa Gives Back!
  • Press Kit – Speaking Engagement Info
  • Online Affilate Program
  • Wholesale Partner Program

Contact us

John Douillard’s LifeSpa®
6662 Gunpark Dr E, Suite 102
Boulder, CO 80301

toll free: 1.866.227.9843
main: 303.516.4848
email: [email protected]

Online Scheduler

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of John Douillard. They are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and they are not intended as medical advice. They are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of John Douillard and his community. John Douillard encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

lifespa image, Top 50 Natural Health Websites 2013 Award Seal lifespa image, Top 100 Trailblazers in Yoga and Ayurveda
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Copyright © 2019 John Douillard's LifeSpa
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2019 John Douillard's LifeSpa Top