The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism By Fritjof Capra

 

The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism By Fritjof Capra

A friend lent this book to me and said read it. I was shocked. A non–fiction on a subject “physics” of which I am not conversant. Today I just remember this one statement “every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” which I studied in school. How can I read this book I asked my friend? Moreover the Author is new to me. My friend was insistent and asked “do you have energy”, I said “yes”; “do you believe that we are made of matter” I said “yes”; you like spirituality isn’t it”; Yes I replied. Then he said “then you should read this book because you replied to all my questions in affirmative.” Hence I was compelled to read this book. In the end did I enjoy this book, the answer to that is also a big YES. I liked the book for its intelligent content, for its comparisons, and for the explanations given by the Author. Before starting the book I researched a bit about the author Fritjof Capra. I visited his webpage, very impressive. He is a doctorate from Vienna, a scientist, educator, and author on science and values in society. Impressed by his webpage I started reading the book. This book synthesis knowledge on quantum physics and eastern mysticism, “The purpose of this book is to explore relationship between the concepts of modern physics and the basic ideas in the philosophical and religious traditions of the Far East.” The book is filled with quotes; the Author’s comparative arguments are very interesting. Frankly speaking I had to read and re-read some of the passages to understand the details I must admit that some pages are a drag and you surely need concentration and patience to read this book. Some interesting takeaways form this book is:

 ·         Subatomic particles do not exist but rather show 'tendencies to exist', and atomic events do not occur with certainty at definite times and in definite ways, but rather show 'tendencies to occur'.”

·       When the mind is disturbed, the multiplicity of things is produced, but when the mind is quieted, the multiplicity of things disappears.

·         The natural world, on the other hand, is one of infinite varieties and complexities, a multidimensional world which contains no straight lines or completely regular shapes, where things do not happen in sequences, but all together; a world where—as modern physics tells us—even empty space is curved.

·         Fishing baskets are employed to catch fish; but when the fish are got, the men forget the baskets; snares are employed to catch hares; but when the hares are got, men forget the snares. Words are employed to convey ideas; but when the ideas are grasped, men forget the words.*

 In conclusion the Author states that "Science does not need mysticism and mysticism does not need science, but man needs both.", which is the “Absolute Knowledge” that a reader derives from this book. This is not a book for a casual reader. It will only interest those who like spirituality and are able to understand the abstract comparisons.