The Concept of Quantum Ayurveda:
The term “Quantum Ayurveda” was coined by a young wellness entrepreneur named Mohammad Aqeel Syed, also known as Sufir Sri, who has a background in both science and business management. Along with a team of Ayurveda and Yoga enthusiasts, they studied ancient Indian texts such as Charak, Sushuruta, Ashtanga Hridaya and Patanajali’s Yoga Sutra in relation to the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics, as well as the work of scientists such as Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, Werner Heisenberg, Paul Dirac, and Stephen Hawking. Sufi Sri was particularly drawn to Erwin Schrödinger’s work and his interest in ancient Indian scriptures.
QUANTUM MECHANICS
Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the behaviour of matter and energy on a subatomic level. It is based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains how particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, and how they can interact with one another through forces such as electromagnetism.
The Quantum connect to Ancient Indian Knowledge:
Erwin Schrödinger, a renowned physicist, developed a theory called quantum mechanics that challenged traditional views of reality. According to Schrödinger, particles can exist in multiple places at once, information can be exchanged faster than the speed of light, and the reality we perceive is a projection of our consciousness. Interestingly, Schrödinger found that ancient Indian texts, such as yogic and Upanishadic literature, contain philosophical ideas that align with the implications of quantum mechanics. These texts argue that the observer and the observed are one and the same, and that the ultimate reality is the Brahman. Schrödinger believed that the concept of wave function in quantum physics also supports this idea, as it suggests that reality only exists when it is observed and that an observer creates reality.
AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to health and wellness. It is based on the belief that the mind, body, and spirit must be in balance for a person to be truly healthy. To maintain this balance, Ayurveda focuses on diet, lifestyle, and the use of natural remedies.
The principles of Ayurveda are guided by the Seven Principles, which are:
- The Five Elements: According to Ayurveda, the universe is made up of five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) that are also present in the human body. These elements combine to form the three doshas.
- The Three Doshas: Ayurveda recognizes three fundamental energies or “doshas” that govern the functions of the body: vata, pitta, and kapha. These doshas are thought to govern everything from digestion and metabolism to mental processes and emotional well-being.
- The Subtle Tridoshas: In Ayurveda and Yoga, prana, tejas and ojas are known as the subtle and master form Tridoshas, three energies or principles that govern the functioning of the body and mind. Prana is the vital energy, tejas is the energy of vitality and radiance, and ojas is the energy of immunity and strength. Keeping a balance of these three energies is crucial for good health and well-being.
- The Subtle Trigunas: In ancient Ayurvedic and Yogic philosophy, Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva are three fundamental qualities or gunas that constitute the nature of the universe and everything in it. Rajas represents activity and passion, Tamas represents inactivity and dullness, and Sattva represents balance, harmony and purity. These gunas are in a constant state of interaction and balance, and one guna dominates at any given time.
- The Concept of Agni: Ayurveda recognizes the importance of Agni, the digestive fire, for metabolism and maintaining overall health.
- The Seven Tissues principle: In Ayurveda, the seven dhatus (tissues) are rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja, and shukra – they are seen as stages of metabolism and imbalances in these can lead to health issues.
- The Seven Chakras: According to Ayurveda and Yogic psychology, there are seven energy centers in the body known as the chakras, namely Muladhara, Svadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajna, and Sahasrara. These chakras are associated with specific organs, emotions, and spiritual states. When all of them are open and in balance, it leads to optimal physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Yoga and meditation are practices that can be used to balance these chakras.
The following compares various scientific advancements to Ayurveda:
The concept of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, which are believed to govern the functioning of the human body and mind, can be likened to the wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics. These doshas are said to be responsible for different bodily functions such as digestion, metabolism, and immunity. When these doshas are in balance, good health is achieved. Like subatomic particles that can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, depending on how they are observed or measured, the doshas also display properties of balance and imbalance.