Step into the fascinating realm where quantum physics intersects with yogic culture. Delve into an enthralling dialogue between a quantum physicist and Sadhguru, as they juxtapose the Pauli Exclusion Principle with the mystical concept of duality. A captivating journey into the core of existence awaits.
Question: A well-accepted principle of quantum mechanics is the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which stipulates that pairs must always consist of one with spin up and one with spin down. What is your view on that from a yogic perspective?
Sadhguru: We generally refer to this as the fundamental duality in existence. One element is spinning clockwise and the other is spinning anticlockwise, which you describe as up and down. The entire creation, which we perceive as physical reality, occurs between these two. If this spin ceases, then there would be no creation as such.
This is often referred to as Shiva and Shakti. And within our bodies, it is known as Ida and Pingala. It is a clear experience within us that Ida spins anticlockwise, while Pingala spins clockwise. There are yogic systems that could reverse this process. If you reverse the rotation of one, the other naturally follows suit.
This duality in existence is the symbolism behind Ardhanari, where Shiva is depicted as half man, half woman. It does not imply that physically, he became half woman, half man. Instead, it represents the inner structure of creation within us, where one part is spinning clockwise and the other anticlockwise.
The left side, known as Ida, represents the feminine aspect. In terms of quality, the anticlockwise direction is considered feminine, and the clockwise direction is masculine. This holds true for every aspect of creation, including the planet itself. The way we perceive it, the physical creation of who we are is just a piece of the planet. The nature of the planet and the rest of existence has manifested itself in the body because it is the same process.
On the planet, when you turn a tap in the northern hemisphere, water circulates clockwise. If you do the same in the southern hemisphere, it circulates anticlockwise. The contradiction of these two forces is what holds everything together. Without this contradiction, the spin of the planet itself would result in its destruction. Therefore, from a yogic perspective, gravity as force in the conventional understanding does not exist. It is the contradiction of two forces that binds everything and keeps it intact. This contradiction of forces within our body is what holds the body together.
If you want to shed this body, you simply need to hold one part in the same place and reverse the spin of the other part. This may sound like conjecture, but there have been actual situations where yogis were locked in a room from the outside, and only their clothes remained; the body was gone.
I have said this before: no one will have the trouble of organizing four people to carry me to the grave; I will walk to it myself, and I will not even leave the body behind. If you keep one part as it is and reverse the spin of the other, the body will dematerialize itself, going from material to non-material.
Question: In quantum mechanics, a branch of physics, many areas of study lack deterministic science, meaning they deal with possibilities rather than absolutes. An essential aspect of quantum mechanics is dualism, which involves a point and a counterpoint. A disturbance in one part of the system affects another part. Some even argue that if dualism were to disappear, the universe would lose its structure, as they think the structure of the universe is dependent upon dualism. Can you comment on that?
Sadhguru: In the yogic culture, we have known all this for thousands of years. If you look around in existence, you will not even completely understand a leaf of a tree, even if you study it for the rest of your life. The way you approach it right now, there is no way to know it. The only way for the nature of existence to become apparent to you is if you become nonexistence.
Essentially, the idea of part and whole is a concoction of the human mind. This distinction is necessary for survival. Without this duality, creation would not be possible. For this discussion to occur, both you and I are required. If we were to sit here as one entity, there would be no conversation. Whether it is a verbal dialogue or an entire cosmic activity, both require the presence of two.
The whole aspect of mysticism is to sink into oneself because all creation permeates from there. If you do not accept that there is a different way of knowing beyond the methods and methodologies you are currently employing, you are likely to remain stagnant.
Without this duality, creation would not be possible.
Mystics, both from the past and possibly in the present, all agree, even though their approaches may differ. A specific mystic may have his own unique approach and understanding, but he would not dismiss another’s method. This is because they believe that every atom in existence is a doorway to Shiva. The choice of which door to open is entirely up to you.
In our experience, space is always seen as something that you can expand or shrink. Time and space are the making of our mind. We say that the cosmos is an endless scape; at the same time, it can be stored in a mustard seed, because time and space are stretchable, and they can also be rolled up and put inside a tiny seed. I think science has made similar observations.
Every piece of creation is a doorway to the creator. But the easiest piece for you to open is yourself because you have the greatest access to yourself. How and from which direction of your being you approach it is up to you. Only if let us say after 500 years someone forms a religion in my name, then it becomes a case of “This is it.” “This is it” is a statement of those who are ignorant; no mystic has ever said that.
This is the fundamental nature of Yoga and mysticism: Only if you become absolute nonexistence, will you know existence.
