The Bottom Turtle Podcast

The Many Worlds Interpretation of Buddhism

The Bottom Turtle Podcast Season 3 Episode 5

In this episode, Dr. Ray uses his knowledge of quantum physics to communicate his understanding of Buddhism.  The main idea is the concept of symmetries and how it relates to the realm of form in Buddhism.  One of the goals is to communicate how one stitches together conceptual worlds at the symmetries so they can imbue meaning on each other without a loss of information.  

In the case of Buddhism and  quantum mechanics, the main symmetry is the concept of superposition.  For the average person, superposition is understood through the famous Schrodinger's cat thought experiment where the cat is both dead and alive.  This idea of the cat being in a superposition of both dead and alive is at the heart of the confusing nature of quantum physics.  For the host, superposition in quantum mechanics is consistent with koans in Buddhism which are paradoxical riddles designed to bring people closer to enlightenment.  That is, it is to embody the paradox so that one can live in the world of A and not A at the same time.  Or in the case of Schrodinger's cat, alive (A) and dead (not A). 

So if you're interested in hearing a theoretical physicist's understanding of entering the realm of form in Buddhism and how it relates to the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, then check out this episode!

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