| Which is more fundamental: Matter or Mind?
Modern science assumes that the ultimate reality is material, whereas many metaphysical teachings hold that the ultimate essence of cosmos is mind or spirit. Two views apparently in clear opposition. The persuasive influence of Western science seems to have ruled in favor of the materialist view. But one thorny problem remains: How could dead, inanimate matter ever manifest as subjective experience?
Integrating physics, psychology, philosophy and mysticism, Peter Russell, argues that we are on threshold of revolution in worldview even more profound and far-reaching than that initiated by Copernicus 500 years ago. All the pieces for the new worldview are in place. Nothing new needs to be discovered. All that is required is for us to put the pieces together and explore the new picture of the cosmos that emerges.
When we do we arrive at a radically different worldview—one in which the fundamental essence is consciousness. With consciousness as primary, everything remains the same and everything changes. Mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry remain the same—although some of the paradoxes of relativity and quantum theory become less puzzling, and light takes on a special significance.
The hard problem then becomes not how does mind emerge from matter, but how is the experience of matter created in the mind. That is answered not through physical science, but through the inner science of direct inner knowing—the path that many mystics and spiritual adepts have taken.
Peter Russell
Peter Russell is a fellow of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, of The World Business Academy and of The Findhorn Foundation, and an Honorary Member of The Club of Budapest. At Cambridge University (UK), he studied mathematics and theoretical physics. Then, as he became increasingly fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind he changed to experimental psychology. Pursuing this interest, he traveled to India to study meditation and eastern philosophy, and on his return took up the first research post ever offered in Britain on the psychology of meditation. His principal interest is the deeper, spiritual significance of the times we are passing through. He has written several books in this area -- The TM Technique, The Upanishads, The Brain Book, The Global Brain Awakens, The Creative Manager, The Consciousness Revolution, Waking Up in Time, and From Science to God. |