Science Meets Vedanta
by Jayant Kapatker
The scientific rigor, logic, and reasoning of the teachings of Vedanta, applied to some key concepts in science, will lead to the realization that they share common ground—in fact, that they are looking at the same Reality. The ancient Indian rishis had already discovered this Reality and expounded their findings in the various Upanishads and scriptures. We can learn much from Vedanta about science. For example, it helps us interpret Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and quantum physics correctly. The interconnection of science with Vedanta can bring about a dramatic change in the way we perceive and understand the universe. The focus of the podcast is to highlight these changes, which encourage us to question the conventional understanding of the universe. So, be prepared!
Episodes
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Understanding Silence, Experiencing Silence
In today’s episode, we explore an intriguing topic: “Understanding Silence, Experiencing Silence.” We will examine the true meaning of Silence and consider why complete thoughtlessness cannot be the final reality, since Awareness—the substratum of every experience—can never be negated. We will…
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Functioning of the Subtle Universe Within Us
In this episode, we’ll give a unique look at the subtle universe within us. Vedanta teaches that this inner realm contains the subtle forms of everything we experience. We’ll explore how the mind receives, processes, and projects these subtle forms as the physical world we perceive “out there.”...
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Looking Inside the Physical Body - What is there?
In this episode, we explore: What is truly within us? At first, we may think only of the physical body—the organs, muscles, bones, and systems that keep us alive. But Vedanta invites us to look deeper, beyond the physical body and even beyond space and time. As we turn inward, we discover the...
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How Gravity Really Works
In this episode, we explore How Gravity Really Works. We will look beyond the familiar idea of gravity as a force that pulls objects together and examine a deeper possibility: that force of gravity may arise from the slowing of time and the contraction of space. By connecting insights from modern...
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The True Meaning of Bhakti Yoga
In this episode, we explore the true meaning of Bhakti Yoga. We will look beyond the common understanding of Bhakti as external worship or devotion to a distant God, and examine how Vedanta guides us toward a deeper form of devotion. True Bhakti is not only love for God outside us, but also love,...
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Can anything travel faster than light?
In this episode, we explore a fascinating question: Can anything travel faster than light? Modern science tells us that no physical object can reach or exceed the speed of light. Yet our experience of Awareness seems to operate differently. Whether we look at something nearby or gaze at a star...
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Understanding the Fabric of Space
In this episode, we will try and understand the idea of a fabric of space. This is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood concepts in modern physics. If this fabric cannot be found as a physical material spread across space, then what exactly is it? This episode explores this question...
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Who is Seeing the Tree?
In this episode, we explore a simple but profound question: who is truly seeing, hearing, feeling, and experiencing the world around us? At first, it appears that the ego is the observer of all experiences. But Veydaantaa invites us to look deeper and discover that the true Observer is not the…
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Role of Ego and Genetics in Human Beings
This episode explores the relationship between ego, genetics, and the deeper structure of human existence from a Vedantic perspective. Vedanta explains that every living being is shaped by subtle inner forces that influence the body, mind, and personality. In human beings, this structure becomes...
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Are We Robots?
In this episode, we explore a striking question: Are we robots? The answer may surprise you. We are not robots, yet the people we perceive around us may, in an important sense, appear to be like robots. This is a surprising conclusion, but one that follows from the line of reasoning we will...
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Who Really Chooses the Words We Speak?
In this episode, we’ll explore how speech happens. What is the process behind speaking? Who Really Chooses the Words We Speak? Because speaking comes so naturally to us, we rarely give it much thought. Yet, as we will see, the process of speech is remarkably complex and is guided and managed by...
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Self-Awareness (or Brahman) Is the Ultimate Black Hole
In this episode, we’ll discuss Self-Awareness (which is synomous with Brahman) is the ultimate Black Hole. We will argue that black holes, in a fundamental sense, depend on Self-Awareness—and that Self-Awareness can be understood as the ultimate, or first, “black hole.” By comparing certain...
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Understanding the Mind - The Vedanta Way
The mind indeed is mysterious. Nobody has seen it, but we know it exists. We have thoughts, perceptions, and emotions, and we know all this happens in the mind. So, it does exist, but where does it exist, how does it function, and how and why was it created? This episode is based on the...
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World Is Mithya (False)
In this episode, we’ll discuss the often-quoted statement in Vedanta that the World is Mithya. The Sanskrit word mithya is translated as “unreal,” “false,” or “not real.” Some take the idea a step further and interpret it to mean that the world is an illusion—reasoning that if something is…
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Cosmic Wonders Unveiled: The James Webb Space Telescope
In this episode, we’ll discuss the amazing discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope. These discoveries have shattered the foundation of the Big Bang theory. They have discovered that the universe is much larger than it seems. The age of the universe is 13.7 billion years, but they have...
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Distinct Domains for Classical and Quantum Physics
In this episode, we’ll demonstrate that classical physics and quantum physics operate in distinct domains—classical physics governs the tangible, physical world, while quantum physics pertains to the more subtle universe made up of waveforms in the mind. Although this may sound remarkable, we…
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Are We Looking at the Same Trees?
If we look at space in terms of how much time light takes to reach us, a new perspective regarding the world opens out. Many hidden mysteries come to the fore. We begin to see that each one of us doesn’t exactly see the same object but see different versions of the same object. This indicates how...
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Why Happiness Never Lasts—and Where to Find It
In this episode, we undertake a careful examination of happiness. Each of us experiences brief moments of happiness, yet we desire this happiness to be lasting and uninterrupted. When it inevitably fades, it gives rise to dissatisfaction and frustration. To address this, we will explore the true...
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Multiverses: Yes, They Exist
This episode argues that the multiverse does indeed exist, but not in the form commonly proposed by mainstream scientific theories. Rather than speculative parallel worlds, we present a more precise and coherent interpretation of the multiverse grounded in a proper understanding of concepts…
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Understanding the difference between Brahman and Ishvara
In this episode we will discuss the difference between Brahman and Ishvara. Brahman and Ishvara are often used interchangeably, but are they truly the same? While their fundamental essence is identical—both rooted in Awareness, the underlying reality of everything—their functions and modes of...
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Understanding the Universe of Waveforms
In this episode, we delve into an intriguing notion that there is a fully functional universe composed of waveforms. While this concept might initially seem strange, we present it as the core reality of existence. We’ll explore how a fully operational universe of waves exists and functions within...
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Big Bang—A Fresh Perspective
According to scientific understanding, the Big Bang occurred approximately 13.7 billion years ago, marking the origin of our universe. The prevailing theory suggests a point of singularity erupted with extraordinary force, giving rise to the countless galaxies that populate the cosmos. Despite…
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Mind as a Projector: Step-by-Step Exploration
In our previous episode, “Universe Is a Projection of Our Mind,” we delved into multiple viewpoints to illustrate that the universe isn’t an independent entity existing “out there.” We offered several insights explaining why the universe we experience is a projection of our minds. If you haven’t...
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The Large Hadron Collider and the Vedantic Perspective
In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at the progress made by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), as well as its limitations. The LHC has led to the observation of numerous new particles, sometimes referred to as the “particle zoo.” Despite these exciting discoveries, however, the LHC has yet to...
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Universe IS A Projection of Our Mind
According to Vedanta, the universe we experience as being “out there” is a projection of our own mind. This is the exact inverse of the scientific model, in which external physical objects give rise to internal mental representations. Clearly, these two viewpoints are fundamentally opposed—only…
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Who Is Ishvara? Where Is Ishvara?
Many of us ponder the questions: Who is Ishvara (God)? Where is Ishvara (God)? There is a diversity of beliefs highlights that there is no single, universally accepted view of Ishvara. With so many perspectives, it’s easy for confusion and misunderstanding to arise. The key lies in gaining…
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Who Am I?
Today’s episode promises intrigue and reflection as we delve into the profound question, “Who Am I?” Though it may appear straightforward, this inquiry reveals layers far deeper than first glance. Together, we’ll unravel the misconceptions about our identity—examining what we are not—before…
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Understanding Time and its Powers
In this episode, we will try and understand time. Time is very much part of our life, and we take it for granted. However, time is an extraordinary force, weaving its way through every aspect of our daily existence. Its influence is both immediately visible and subtly hidden, shaping our...
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Mind vs. Brain – Who’s in Charge?
In this episode, we’ll explore how the brain and the mind play unique but interconnected roles. Many people believe that the brain is the source of all thought and action, with the mind merely taking a back seat. However, we’ll challenge that notion and reveal that it’s actually the mind that…
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Principles of Karma Yoga
In this episode, we delve into the principles of Karma Yoga, a fundamental aspect of Vedanta teachings. Of all the spiritual paths described in the scriptures, Karma Yoga is particularly notable for its role in fostering inner peace and mental clarity. It acknowledges the inevitability of action…
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Connecting Quantum Physics and Vedanta
At first glance, quantum physics and Vedanta may seem to occupy entirely separate realms. Quantum physics is firmly rooted in the scientific tradition, while Vedanta is often viewed as a spiritual philosophy. On the surface, these disciplines appear to deal with very different subjects. However,...
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Awareness—The Infinite Energy Source
Energy is essential for the universe to be created, to expand and to function. The universe itself is unimaginably vast, containing billions of galaxies, each filled with billions of stars. The sheer amount of energy required to sustain and manage all of this is truly beyond our comprehension.…
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Understanding Self-Awareness
In this episode, we embark on an exploration of Self-Awareness. At its essence, Self-Awareness is the core of who we are. This Awareness is the most potent force in existence, forming the foundation of reality itself, embracing everything—living or non-living—within the universe. It is the...
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Understanding Ignorance– As Taught by Vedanta
In this episode, we will explore the concept of Ignorance as explained in Vedanta. In Sanskrit, the term for ignorance is “avidya.” Here, “vidya” means knowledge, so “avidya” signifies the lack of knowledge, or ignorance. Of all the topics addressed in Vedanta, ignorance holds special importance...
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Understanding Motion: Unraveling Nature’s Greatest Illusion
In this episode, we’ll explore the fundamental concepts behind motion and movement. Motion is part of our daily experiences—everywhere we look, something is moving. But what actually causes things to move? And how does motion occur? The answers might surprise you, as they challenge our…
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Physical Body You See Has No Mind!
Have you ever wondered whether a physical body could exist without a mind? At first glance, this might seem impossible, but this question opens a fascinating area of exploration. In this episode, we will delve into this intriguing topic and unravel the subtle relationship between physical bodies...
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Understanding the Pancha (Five) Koshas (Sheaths) as Taught by Vedanta
In this episode, we’ll explore the concept of the five koshas as presented in Vedanta. If you have some background in Vedanta, you may already know that every living being is made up of five layers, referred to as the pancha (meaning "five") koshas. The word "kosha" comes from Sanskrit and means...
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Doctrine of Karma
In this episode, we offer an in-depth exploration of the Doctrine of Karma as taught by Vedanta. While it is true that the doctrine of Karma functions as a belief system, it is supported by reasoning and provides insight into many of the mysteries we encounter in our everyday lives. One of the…
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Mathematical Proof for Hubble Constant
In this episode, we aim to provide mathematical proof for the Hubble Constant, shedding light on the correct structure of space. In 1929, astronomer Edwin Hubble observed that distant galaxies appeared to be moving away from Earth, a discovery he made by analyzing their light through telescopes....
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The Power and Essence of Knowing
In this episode, we will explore the Power and Essence of Knowing. Yes, Knowing holds a supreme position—it is truly the master. While it may seem simple to say that Knowing is simply “to know,” there is a much deeper dimension to this concept. For students of Veydaantaa, Knowing is synonymous…
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Connecting Dark Energy with Space
In this episode, we will explore the connection between dark energy and space. Scientific research suggests that dark energy constitutes about 79% of the total energy present in the universe. It is referred to as "dark" because it cannot be directly detected, yet its presence is undeniable.…
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Three Forms of Reality or Awareness
In this episode, we will explore the concept that Awareness is the fundamental Reality underlying all existence. It serves as the foundation for everything in the universe. This Reality expresses itself in three distinct forms: 1. Self-Awareness 2. Reflected Awareness 3. Refracted Awareness.…
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Perception Process Taught By Science Is Incorrect
This episode centers on a provocative idea: the perception process as traditionally explained by science is fundamentally flawed. While this may seem like a daring claim, it is one we believe is justified. The scientific explanation of perception is riddled with limitations, inaccuracies, and...
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SatChitAnanda, Brahman Vs, Self-Awareness
In this episode, we will explore the meanings of SatChitAnanda, Brahman, and Self-Awareness. For students of Vedanta, SatChitAnanda and Brahman are commonly referenced concepts. Vedanta teaches that these two terms are ultimately identical. However, upon closer examination, differences between…
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Quantum Physics - Overview
In this episode, we present a non-technical introduction to the intriguing world of quantum physics. Grasping its fundamental concepts is essential, for in many respects, quantum physics and Vedanta share and speak the same language. The focus of this episode is to highlight the essential and key...
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My Spiritual Journey
In this episode, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and share the story of my spiritual path. My journey began in 2004, when I first attended Vedanta classes at the Arsha Bodha Center in Somerset, New Jersey—a traditional ashram established by Swami Tadatmananda, dedicated to imparting...
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Einstein's Theory of Relativity
This episode explores Einstein’s theory of relativity. As we move forward in this series, you’ll notice that one of the most profound bridges between Vedantic philosophy and modern science lies in grasping the essence of Einstein’s ideas. To facilitate this connection, it’s important to first...
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Science Meets Vedanta - Podcast Trailer
My name is Jayant Kapatker, and I am a graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. I have been a passionate student of Vedanta for over 25 years. Also, I am the author for a recently published book – Science Meets Vedanta. Over the years, I’ve received numerous requests from readers...
About this show
The scientific rigor, logic, and reasoning of the teachings of Vedanta, applied to some key concepts in science, will lead to the realization that they share common ground—in fact, that they are looking at the same Reality. The ancient Indian rishis had already discovered this Reality and expounded their findings in the various Upanishads and scriptures. We can learn much from Vedanta about science. For example, it helps us interpret Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and quantum physics correctly. The interconnection of science with Vedanta can bring about a dramatic change in the way we perceive and understand the universe.
The focus of the podcast is to highlight these changes, which encourage us to question the conventional understanding of the universe. So, be prepared!
Hosted by
Jayant Kapatker