The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism by Fritjof Capra (PDF)

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A special edition of the “brilliant” best-selling classic on the paradoxes of modern physics and their relationship to concepts of Eastern mysticism (New York Magazine) The Tao of Physics brought the mystical implications of subatomic physics to popular consciousness for the very first time. Many books have been written in the ensuing years about the connections between quantum theory and the ideas of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, but Fritjof Capra’s text serves as the foundation on which the others have been built—and its wisdom has stood the test of time. Its publication in more than twenty-three languages stands as testimony to its universal applicability and its enduring significance. This special edition celebrates the thirty-fifth anniversary of this early Shambhala best seller that has gone on to become a true classic. It includes a fresh cover design and a new preface by the author reflecting on further discoveries and developments in the years since the book’s original publication. “Physicists do not need mysticism,” Dr. Capra says, “and mystics do not need physics, but humanity needs both.” It is a message of timeless importance.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This review is for informational purpose only. I was listening to Chidambara rahasya (essence of Lord Shiva as Nataraj in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu India), when the discourse master mentioned this author and book (discourse master was Sri Samavedha Sanmukha Sarma). It is commendable that Western (and European) scientists are interested in Eastern Philosophy.1. Book is dated (1975), except for preface (5th edition)2. In the preface author makes this statement: Sanskrit atman and Latin anima … they all mean “breath” of life. That is not correct according to Hindu philosophy and Vedanta literature. Prana / Breath (prana shakti) is 5 types – Prana, Apana, vyana, Udana and Samana (see any yoga book). But “atman” or atma is “chaitanya” is the divine spark in us (this is not a fire or electric spark) -think about it as consciousness that is omnipresent in all living beings.3. I particularly read the section of cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. Ok, nothing great. Trivial explanation. Modern authors : hindu Veda/Vedanta authors speakers give an excellent idea of Cosmic Dance of Shiva, and not this author.4. Buddhism or its philosophy does not consider dimension of space (shoonya vadi). Adi shankaracharya debated these Buddhists during those times and proved to them the existence of a cause/effect that is termed as truth or brahman. That is called “self”, atma, brahman. The entire Hindu philosophy hinges on only one truth / finding – that there is only one thing/self/atma/braham in this universe. This has become many.5. Watch Professor Brian Cox video Wonders of Universe, or Cosmos (Netflix) – you’ll understand the complex physics that this author is explaining. The modern authors explain physics and cosmology and universe (Mr. Capra’s book is not updated with respect to big-bang theory dating ).6. Amazes me how on earth that Hindu sages found out that there is only one thing (advaitha -no two things) in this universe that can manifest in many shape and forms. Long before any culture had any ideas about this concept that matter and energy are same (science tells this from 1915+, Einstein relativity theory), Hindus knew this 5000 yrs or before. These sage heard that sound / vision in deep meditation or turiya avastha (Vedas).Other information on Hindu philosophy for interested folks.Watch Professor Brian Cox’s Wonders of universe. You’ll realize that one needs a special equipment to see the origin of universe (light waves and radio waves, special telescope and special equipment to record radio waves at different end of spectrum). He is explaining science. Read Shankara’s advaitha tatwa. They closely match – at the highest level, all matter and energy in universe is one and same, but due to density ripples, same thing is seen differently (as stars, planets, life etc). This universe’s primordial sound is captured using special equipment by scientists.So in a similar manner, if we are to experience that “self” in us, then we need special equipment (call it samadhi phase). So Shankara always talks metaphysics and adwaitha (another indirect word -there are no two things, why not say, there is only one thing?)Finally note: The more science advances , advaitha siddhanta of Vedas (and clarified by Adi shankaracharya in his works) will be proven again and again. (statement by Swami Vivekananda). Think about this profound statement – No other religion or country can make this statement except Hindu philosophy (sanatana dharma). That is because the entire brahmanda (universe) starting from any (atom) is made of same material. This is what science tells us (2004, 2001 Big Bang theory, proof that all matter in us, animals, trees, banana, rocks, space and stars has same origin)Anubhuti: Is feeling the actual “aparoksha” , getting that experience. Reading a book is understanding its “artha” formation of sentences, meaning, etc. But “feeling” is different and that is what Sri shankara is referring to.Dristantha versus Siddhanta (seeing and forming opinion versus logic, experience based realization) -Most world religions (except hindu philosophy) is based on a story -Drishtanta (there is hell or heaven, you do this, you get hell or heaven, do not do this, convert non-believers to its own religion, other people are useless, no karma, if you do bad, you can go to some person and confess, and somehow things go away – all this based on human logic).Whereas – Hindu philosophy is based on Siddhanta and experience (darshana – people / rishis , Ramakrishna, Ramana Maharishi recently). Logically Shankara shows that there is something out there beyond your senses that can be experienced. That something out there is the “truth” and to experience that you need special equipment.

⭐I learned a lot about physics which I appreciate but at some point so much of it went over my head and was hard to follow. Some of the parallels the author draws are a tad bit of a stretch. But I appreciate the spirit behind it and learning more about physics and eastern spirituality.

⭐I’ve read “The Tao Of Physics” two and one half times. The first time was fifteen years ago (the original paperback was a different edition, with a far more thought provoking cover). I then read this edition when it came out (I need to read it a third time, this time with more life experience to draw from). I’m sure most readers struggled with the technical dialogue and laws of physics throughout. I was more able to intuitively appreciate these tougher chapters than intellectually understand these sometimes very abstract and difficult theories and concepts. Mysticism at times can seem equally abstract and difficult when one has not expereinced specific “mystical” experiences or enough of life itself. However, I intuitively connected to the threads which Capra so painstakingly weaved into his book. I was not looking for the answers to the universe in this book. What I was hoping to find was guidance, and a springboard in which to think in a larger universe. And when I look back, I realize my awareness and receptiveness to a “universe”and “consciousness” which is infinitely larger and wiser than the human experience and consciousness does indeed exits. “The Tao Of Physics” opened a window or two for me, and the inertia in which I had formed my opinions and prejudices and, then, learned to see and feel and judge the world around me, seemed embarrassingly narrow, lacking and unwise. That was a great insight for this young man at that time. “The Tao Of Physics” remains one of those books and experience that initially changed me in a small way, that eventually evolved into a substantive life change in how I think and perceive the world around me, and my relationship to it.

⭐This is not for novices. There are several books of knowledge crammed into this one book which will change your outlook on the world if you understand it. It’s not light reading. It takes study, concentration, and reflection. But it’ll give you a deep insight into the nature of eastern religions which have an ancient connection to a previous civilization we’re only beginning to learn about.

⭐This is an amazing book to read if you want to see how some of the most important ideas in eastern mysticism and modern physics are converging. Actually, the “converging” is only taking place in our understanding: the concepts and worldviews of the two schools of thought are startlingly similar and have been for some time, and the author does a great job for the most part of drawing the parallels while not getting too technical with the modern physics stuff. I say “for the most part” because towards the end of the book (about the last two chapters) he basically says “screw the layman” and delves deeply into S matrix theory in a very technical, confusing, boring, and brain-overloading way. This is where he lost me; I wasn’t able to finish the book. But most of the book is a great read–one of the best on the subject in my opinion.

⭐Physics has certainly changed since I minored in it in college (BS in chemistry ’61) This book forced me to think entirely differently about physics and Eastern mysticism. Only 350pp but well worth the effort.

⭐Amazing work. Everyone should own a copy . . . . and read it !!

⭐This is a book well worth reading from cover to cover.And I especially liked the two prefaces and two afterwords, and the epilogue.There are no less than 60 mentions of scientists, mystics and scientific theories for those interested in further research.A book for every school library, one that may replace many many other more sectarian ones.

⭐I had heard a lot about this book. Fully satisfied and overwhelmed by the comparisons Dr Capra makes with ancient eastern religious texts. Must read for the modern generation. Abstract concepts of physics are explained in layman’s terms without any complex mathematical equations. Can be read again and again to ponder over the points raised.

⭐As great as when I first read it 30 odd years ago. More the much so now I know how right the author is. Very insightful and very well written. I recommend this to any body who wants to expand their mind.

⭐Flamboyant……. Nearly addressing almost all the fundamental questions prevailing in the scientific world.Recommending to all students and graduates who have scientific temper.

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