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No. 1

Modern physics and ancient Indian wisdom: on the metaphysical foundations of science

Liberal Arts in Russia. 2019. Vol. 8. No. 1. Pp. 3-23.
Get the full text (Russian)
License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0
https://doi.org/10.15643/libartrus-2019.1.1
Sidorova-Biryukova A. A.
M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
1 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia
Email: asidorova@mail.ru
Kazaryan V. P.
M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
1 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia

Abstract

The authors of the article assert the existence of deep coherence between the ideas of modern physics and Indian classic philosophy. Similarity can be noticed on several different levels: between the main prerequisites, methods, conclusions, and the ethical features of both systems. This correlation is illustrated by a considerable amount of examples, some evident and some more arguable, but always remarkable keeping in mind the distance and apparent difference between these two systems of views. Along with the well-known parallel ideas, such as the world entity, relative and subjective character of space and time, discreteness of matter, cult of symmetry, which are given a new evidence, some new echoes are revealed including the fundamental role of electromagnetic radiation and the “God Light” in the world creation, the echoing avidya and virtual reality concepts, meditation and amazing findings of neurophysiology about abstract thinking, and some ethical correlations. The coherence discovered is interpreted as an indication of a “cipher of transcendence” as Karl Jaspers put it that can be a key to reality. A brief overview is given of both Russian and foreign studies concerning the ideological coherence of modern science and traditional Eastern teachings. The conclusion discusses a broader perspective of contemporary interrelations between western science and eastern spiritual practices. An essential positive role of the east-west dialog and their integrative collaboration is substantiated for making progress in solving some of the modern problems of western society, such as harmful consequences of globalization, excessive consumption, dominance of material values over spiritual ones, etc. Just as the ideas of Eastern philosophy appeared to be useful for interpreting the latest achievements in physics, the approaches and methods of the traditional Eastern worldview can be helpful in counteracting the problems of western civilization.

Keywords

  • • parallels
  • • Indian philosophy
  • • yoga
  • • Tao of physics
  • • metaphysics
  • • ciphers of transcendence
  • • knowledge

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