Principles of Quantum Mechanics from Bhagavad Gita

Principle-1: Kinetic nature of the universe

 

Dr. Sudhirdas Prayaga

          Quantum mechanics originated in 1900 with Max Planck demonstrating that energy is emitted in discrete packets or ‘quanta’. Many of the principles of Quantum Mechanics can be found in Bhagavat Gita written over 2000 years ago. I will go over 7 of these principles in my next few postings.

          Mechanics is the study of motion. Quantum Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with interactions of subatomic particles. According to physics, quantum is the smallest quantity or particle which is involved in an interaction. Based on our current scientific understanding Quantum Mechanics tries to explain the nature of reality by mathematical description of these subatomic particle interactions.

The Bhagavad Gita provides a philosophical framework for understanding the nature of the observer and the nature of the observer’s interaction with rest of the universe. This is akin to what modern physics and Quantum theory propose, a description of observations, the subject, and the object of observations. 

Quantum Mechanics describes the nature of physical reality through kinetic interaction of subatomic particles. It assumes that these subatomic particles are in constant motion and interaction (science has no answer to the question why it is so), without which there is no existence.  Similarly, Bhagavad Gita also says that nothing in the universe can remain motionless because of the nature of their qualities or ‘gunas’.  Ancient Indian philosophers (or scientists) had already recognized this fact.

nahi kaschit kshanamapi jaatu thishtatyakarmakrit

kaaryate hyavascha karma sarvah prakriti jairgunaih … Bhagavat Gita 3.5

          Vedas teach us that everything in the universe is in constant motion, except the Brahman or the Akshara or the supreme consciousness. Anything that is in motion should be in comparison to something immovable, for the universe that is the immutable Akshara or Isvara. Now Quantum Mechanics also agrees with this concept, that everything in the universe is in constant motion, from subatomic particles to cosmic bodies. Gita says that the whole universe functions due to yagna (or action) by the supreme consciousness (Akshara).

           karma brahmodbhavam viddhi brahamakshra samudhbavam

tasmat sarvagatham brahma nityam yagne prathishtitham … Bhagavat Gita 3.15

           I will post more quantum mechanics principles that can be found in Bhagavat Gita in next few editions. This is Dr. Sudhirdas Prayaga signing off. Thank you for reading this article. My other articles can be found on my blog: ‘prayagaprinciples.blogspot.com’.

 

A Yoga Prescription for Good Health and Longevity

  

Dr. Sudhirdas Prayaga

           International Yoga Day is June 21^st to promote physical and mental well-being.  On this International Yoga Day please take a stand to be healthy if you are not already. Various factors contribute to good health. These include mental health, physical fitness, heathy food, quality of air you breathe, etc. Some of these are within your control and some are not.  Yoga is one such activity you can do within your control with minimal investment with great benefit. I thought this is a good opportunity to explain some of the benefits of yoga in our health for those who are still sitting on the sidelines.

           Yoga is India's timeless gift to humanity. A healthy body, a calm mind, and a compassionate heart can help create better person, strong family, compassionate communities, and a better world. Most people assume yoga means a bunch of physical exercise and helps you to keep fit. Yes, yoga is that and more. 

           Let’s look at some of the definitions of yoga in ancient texts.  In Bhagavat Gita Krishna says that balance of body and mind is yoga (Bhagavat Gita 2:48).

             sidhyasidho samobhootva samathvm yoga uchyate (Gita 2:48)

           The definition of yoga according to Pathanjali Maharishi in ‘Yoga sutra’, over 2000 years ago, is control of mind.

                yogas chitta vritti nirodhah (Yoga sutra 1.2)

           So, lot of importance is given to mind over matter in yoga.  In fact, Vagbhata Acharyan in his classic Ayuvedic text ‘Ashtanga Hridayam’ indicated that 'ragas' are responsible for majority of our 'rogas' or ailments (Ashtanga Hridayam, Suthrasthanam 1.1). 'Ragas' are psychological feelings, probably unique to humans, caused by the dualities in mind such as love & hate, attachment & detachment, generosity & greed, pride & envy, etc. Yoga sutra mentions eight limbs or steps in achieving the desired goals by yoga.

     1.     Yama – morality, and social ethics

2.     Niyama – personal disciplines

3.     Asana – physical exercises

4.     Pranayama – breath exercises

5.     Pratyahara – withdrawal of all senses from external objects

6.     Dharana – concentration or mind fullness

7.     Dhyana – meditation or internal awareness

8.     Samadhi – attaining bliss

           Doing Asanas or physical exercises alone without following Yama and Niyama may not be as effective.  Similarly, one may be missing out on full benefits of yoga if you are not practicing Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana. There are numerous scientific studies that support yoga’s health benefits. You can test the benefits of some of these techniques yourself at home with a simple Oximeter available at local store immediately (read my other articles on how to do this). 

 Some of these benefits include:

• ·       Mental health
• ·       Weight loss
• ·       Lower heart rate
• ·       Lower blood pressure
• ·       Reduce fats and cholesterol
• ·       Improved immune function

           Now the question arises, if you follow these, does it guarantee good health and longevity?  This works for most diseases’ states.  Diseases can be largely classified into four categories. 1. Psychological, 2. Infectious, 3. Metabolic, and 4. Genetic. These recommended practices will help with the first 3 categories. A good part of the first 3 categories is in your control. Most genetic diseases are introduced in your genetic makeup before your birth or by foreign chemicals or viruses such as cancer. Focus on those that are in your control.

           In conclusion, Yoga is not just one thing, there is something for everyone. And this is about your health. Everyone should identify their starting point, just practicing few asanas daily may be a good place to start. 20 minutes a day will give you lifelong benefits. Important thing to be consistent, persuasive and honest to yourself. This is Dr. Sudhirdas Prayaga signing off. Thank you for reading this article. My other articles can be found on my blog: the ‘prayagaprinciples.blogspot.com’.

 

6 Ways to Survive the Current Nipah Virus Endemic

 Dr. Sudhirdas Prayaga

           Currently there is a resurgence of Nipah Virus (NiV) infections in many parts of the world.  An ‘epidemic’ is the spread of an infectious disease, usually localized in an area are called ‘endemic’. Currently, the risk posed by NiV to cause a major epidemic is limited. Recently India reported many cases of this virus infection.  So, I thought it may be time to repost some of the information I had posted in the past about surviving infectious diseases.

How to be healthy and keep healthy

To be healthy or keep healthy means to keep all arms of your immune system in good working order which will protect you from any infections. As we all know, in a population only few get very sick and may die of infections, many are in the average range getting sick and recover. Depending on the type of infectious agent, most may not show any symptoms of disease. This range of variation is mostly due to variation in the health of our immune system and immune responses.  What we need is a balanced immune response for optimum health.  Here is how to get there.

Strategies to survive this infection cycle

 1. Maintain optimum immune health. Nothing is more important than keeping good mental,      physical and immune health for a long and healthy life.  As the saying goes, a well-oiled           machine works well, it is imperative we keep our body agile for long term performance.  How   to know if you have optimum immune health and how to attain it are discussed in my     other postings.

2.     Keeping distance and avoiding public places. Direct contact with an infected person is often the cause of disease transmission. Avoid crowded public places such as social events, bus stations, railway stations, airports, etc.  Avoid going to hospital if it is not urgent.  Typically, infectious diseases are acquired from others.  Many people may have been infected but do not have or shown symptoms and may be carrier of the infectious agent.  So, if you are immune compromised or over age 50% it is better to avoid crowded areas.

3.     Use personal protective equipment (PPE).  Rigorous use of masks and sanitizers will cut down on infecting ourselves and others by over 90%.  Wash your hands and face regularly, especially whenever you return from crowed places.

4.     Use anti infection cocktails. The commonly available Ayurveda based mix of ginger, turmeric, lemon have been shown to be effective to various extents to control infections. Simple cocktails made with locally available ingredients may be as beneficial, if you know what to use.  Scientifically for example, Shogaol, a chemical present in gi ger, is found to have anti-infective properties. Similarly, Withaferin-A, a chemical present in Ashwagandha, is also shown to have an immune modulatory effect.  Here is a suggested recipe - to a glass of warm water (about 250mL) add a quarter teaspoon Turmeric powder, half teaspoon Ginger powder and half teaspoon Ashwagandha power, mix well and drink early in the morning.  

5.     Use of Anti-Viral Medication. Although there is no FDA or WHO approved medication available for Nipah currently, there are few drugs in preclinical testing which may work in extreme cases.

 6.     Avoid source    s of contamination. Such as fruits which may have come in contact            with bats, fruits such as mangoes, guava, with compromised surface integrity. These are          eaten by pigs and other livestock’s. NiV infection is a serious but rare zoonotic disease            transmitted to humans through infected animals (such as bats), or food contaminated with        saliva, urine, and excreta of infected animals. It can also be transmitted directly from                person to person through close contact with an infected person.

      Remember, you are solely responsible for your health. Taking appropriate action based on your health condition is the way to survive this disease. Act before it is too late.  Although this article is written specifically for Covid-19, these recommendations may also work for most other infectious diseases. These are only suggestions; you should consult with your doctor before taking appropriate action based on your health. This is Dr. Sudhirdas Prayaga signing off. Thank you for reading this article. My other articles can by found on my blog: the ‘prayagaprinciples.blogspot.com’.