Manifestation, Quantum Reality & Yogic Practice

Nagraj Chincholikar, Vivek Maheshwari

This study explores the conceptual relationship between the Yogic doctrine of Pariṇāmatraya—the threefold process of transformation through dharma (धर्म), Lakshana (लक्षण), and avasthā—and selected principles in modern physics, particularly quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and entropic dynamics (Patañjali, 2019; Wheeler & Zurek, 1983). While these traditions emerged in very different intellectual and historical contexts, both are concerned with a common question: how change occurs within an ordered reality. The analysis undertaken in this study suggests that Pariṇāmatraya can be interpreted as a sophisticated ontological framework for understanding transformation. In this framework, dharma (धर्म) may be compared with the persistence of underlying structures and conservation principles that govern physical systems (von Neumann, 1955; Bennett & DiVincenzo, 2000). Lakshana (लक्षण), understood as the temporal transformation along with characteristic marking a particular phase of transformation, bears interesting similarities to emergent properties and measurement-related phenomena that become manifest under specific conditions (Zurek, 2003; Schlosshauer, 2007). Likewise, avasthā, which refers to the changing condition of an entity through time, invites comparison with thermodynamic evolution and the irreversible processes associated with increasing entropy (Boltzmann, 1896; Prigogine & Stengers, 1984). The purpose of these comparisons is not to suggest that classical Yogic thinkers anticipated modern scientific theories in a literal sense. Rather, the parallels point to a shared concern with continuity, change, and temporal development. By bringing these perspectives into dialogue, the study highlights the possibility that ancient philosophical models and contemporary scientific frameworks may offer complementary insights into the nature of transformation. Such a comparative approach opens new avenues for examining the relationship between persistence and novelty, order and change, and the temporal unfolding of physical reality.

Henry Pierce Stapp

Alex Hankey, Richard L. Amoroso, Peter Rowlands +1 more

D’Espagnat’s proof that the universe is not a ‘strongly objective reality’ demands that all physical processes are reconsidered in that light. D’Espagnat suggests a ‘Veiled Reality’ as a suitable alternative. The most economical way to achieve that is to demand that ‘information production’ at a quantum level creates the basis for self‐consistent perception of a world of macroscopic, ‘manifest’ entities, as opposed to self‐existent objects. Such a ‘manifest reality’ fulfils both Wheeler’s attempt at an ‘IT‐from‐BIT’ programme, and Zeilinger’s suggestion that ‘information is primary’.

Philip C. Jackson

Ulrich Mohrhoff

Sunil Thakur

In this paradigm shifting paper, we show that the physical world is manifestation of a non-physical objective reality that exists absolutely, manifests relatively, and behaves relationally. We show that all the phenomena observed in the quantum world manifest themselves more eloquently even in the macro world. Things do not have any pre-existing values even in the macro world, but things do have predictable values even in the quantum world.