The Theory Of Everything: Science Meets Spirituality
The Theory of Everything (TOE) is the best hypothesis we have to explain how the Universe works from a scientific perspective. The theory combines several other theories such as the theory of relativity, unified theory, quantum mechanics, and more. TOE is thought of as an ultimate theory that offers a single framework, explaining how the physical aspects of the Universe are all connected at a subatomic level. The Theory of Everything is rooted in String Theory, which proposes that every fundamental particle takes the form of a microscopic string shape.
This means that on a subatomic level everything and everyone is connected, a theory that confirms the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. In non-dualist schools of thought, it is taught that we are all one, and each of us is connected to the divine life force. Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit salutation that is translated to mean “The Divinity in me honors the Divinity in you.” This sacred greeting is a respectful acknowledgment that we are all a manifestation of the sacred source. Essentially, our journey towards enlightenment is all about embodying the God Energy and aligning with our higher selves.
If we are all made up of sacred energy that takes the form of microscopic strings, then the Theory of Everything is a milestone in terms of a scientific explanation of spirituality. In Vedanta, the world of the senses is referred to as the Maya and thought to be an illusion of consciousness. To transcend the metaphysical mirage, we need to raise our level of consciousness and become aware of the spiritual realm. But it gets more complicated than that, with the Theory of Everything suggesting that we do indeed live in a Multiverse.
Scientists who advocate TOE believe that the big bang was the result of two universes colliding to form a single universe. It is thought that there are up to eleven alternate dimensions, and the reason we are not fully aware of them is that they are too small for us to see. While classical and quantum physics explain the world of the senses, finding a unified description has proved challenging for scientists. It was Stephen Hawking who first discovered a formula that combined these two branches of physics, which ultimately lead to the Theory of Everything.
Hawking discovered and defined what is now known as “Hawking Radiation,” which is considered to be one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century. His findings revealed an interplay between quantum phenomena and general relativity, by illuminating the mysteries of black holes. Essentially, Hawking found that black holes are like effervescent tablets, in the sense that they both fizzle out over time. This discovery was revolutionary, as it was previously thought that black holes were made of matter so dense that nothing could escape from them.
Instead, it is now known that black holes do radiate energy, however, this process can only be explained at a quantum level. Quantum physics states that what seems to be empty space, is not actually empty. This discovery explains the opening line of the Hymn of Creation, which states “Then nothingness was not, nor existence then.” If everything in existence (including empty space) is made up of energy, then we are all a manifestation of the same energy. Quantum theory has shown that this energy displays a process of simultaneous creation and destruction on a subatomic level.
The Theory of Everything relies heavily on Hawkings’ discoveries and is often referred to as “the mathematical formula of the cosmos”. Everything in the observable universe has been worked into one mathematical equation, from every cell and star to the proposed 11 dimensions. This means that science has pretty much proven the existence of alternate realms, as well as divinity itself. With this understanding in mind, it brings a whole new perspective to the nature of reality, forming a bridge between the spiritual and physical realms.
As we journey through the Maya, let us strive to remember that we are all connected to the divine. In every moment let us try to remember the Theory of Everything, which explains the divinity within ourselves and others.
