Quantum Field Theory Like Model Of Consciousness In Jainism - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Quantum Field Theory like model of consciousness in Jainism" by Surendra Singh Pokharna, focusing on the key concepts and analogies:

The paper proposes a model of consciousness within Jainism by drawing strong analogies to Quantum Field Theory (QFT) principles, particularly as applied to solid-state physics phenomena like superfluidity and superconductivity.

Core Jain Concepts Presented:

Six Elements: Jainism posits that the universe comprises six fundamental elements: Dharmastikay (medium of motion), Adharmastikaya (medium of rest), Akashastikaya (space), Pudgalastikaya (matter), Jeevastikaya (living beings with souls), and Kala (time).
The Soul (Jiva): The soul is considered the fundamental constituent of all living beings. A pure, liberated soul possesses infinite intuition, knowledge, bliss, and power.
Karmas: Worldly souls are entangled with material particles known as "karmas." These karmas obstruct the inherent infinite qualities of the pure soul. The theory of karmas describes the interrelation between soul and matter.
Spiritual Evolution: Jainism outlines a process of spiritual evolution where individuals aim to liberate the soul from karmic attachments. This evolution involves following specific rules and engaging in practices like chanting, meditation (samayik), and various forms of fasting.
Fourteen Stages of Spiritual Evolution (Gunasthānas): The text mentions fourteen progressive stages of spiritual development that a soul traverses, progressively shedding karmas to achieve purity. These stages are described in depth using numerous parameters.
Types of Knowledge: Jainism describes five types of knowledge, including extrasensory perception like telepathy and clairvoyance.

The Quantum Field Theory Analogy:

The central thesis is that Jain concepts can be understood through a QFT-like lens:

Ground State vs. Excitations:
- QFT Analogy: In QFT, a highly ordered vacuum state exists at low temperatures. Elementary excitations arise from this ground state, and their number increases with temperature.
- Jainism Analogy: A pure soul represents the highly ordered ground state with infinite potential. Karmas are analogous to the elementary excitations that disrupt this pure state, obscuring the soul's intrinsic infinite qualities.
Karmas as Excitations:
- Nature of Karmas: The text details that karmas are material particles that infect the soul. They have characteristics like Nature (different species obscuring knowledge, intuition, producing feelings, etc.), Number (varying quantities), Lifetime, and Intensity (determined by passions).
- Properties from Excitations: Just as different elementary excitations (phonons, rotons) in systems like superfluid helium contribute to distinct properties, the different "species" and quantities of karmas manifest various characteristics in living beings.
- Phase Transitions: The concept of phase transitions in QFT, where a system shifts between different states (e.g., different phases of helium), is likened to the Jain concept of spiritual evolution through the fourteen Gunasthānas. Each stage represents a transition towards a less karmically influenced state.
Number of Excitations and Disorder:
- QFT: The number of elementary excitations dictates the level of disorder in a system at a given temperature.
- Jainism: The number and type of karmas vary between individuals and within an individual over time, reflecting their mental state and stage of evolution. The text specifies rules for the distribution of karmas among different categories, affecting an individual's characteristics.
Lifetime and Intensity:
- QFT: Excitations have a definite lifetime due to scattering and interaction. Their energy determines their properties.
- Jainism: The lifetime of karmas depends on their interaction with existing karmas, which in turn influences passions. The "intensity" of karmas, determined by "rasa" (juice) linked to passions, is analogous to the energies of excitations.

Evidence for Higher Consciousness and Knowledge:

The paper presents examples suggesting that Jain traditions point towards advanced states of consciousness and knowledge acquisition:

Remarkable Memory: The extraordinary memory of Swami Vivekananda and the Jain practice of "Shatavadhan" (the ability to recall 100 discrete pieces of information presented sequentially) are cited as examples of highly ordered consciousness states. These states are associated with improved memory and the presence of fewer "elementary excitations" (karmas) in the brain.
Estimation of Smallest Particles: Ancient Jain scriptures contain tables of measurement for length, starting from the smallest perceivable particles of matter. Statistical analysis of these tables suggests an estimated size for the smallest particle (avasannasannaskandha) around 2.9 x 10⁻¹¹ cm. This value is remarkably close to the sizes of modern atoms and nuclei, implying that Jain acharyas may have accessed knowledge through advanced telepathy (avadhijnana) or other non-conventional means.
Consciousness, Information, and Qubits: The paper connects modern neurobiology and computer science, suggesting that human consciousness processes information. It proposes that the brain might operate on quantum principles, with neurons and tubulins potentially acting as quantum bits (qubits). This aligns with the Jain concept of a pure soul possessing infinite knowledge, as the brain, when operating in a highly ordered, "de-coherenced" state, could theoretically access vast amounts of information.

Conclusion:

The author argues that Jainism's rational and scientific methodology, particularly its theory of karmas and the concept of spiritual evolution, can be meaningfully interpreted through the framework of Quantum Field Theory. The paper suggests that Jain practices might lead to highly ordered states of consciousness, enabling enhanced cognitive abilities and potentially access to knowledge beyond conventional scientific means, as evidenced by historical accounts and ancient scriptures. The study encourages serious consideration of Jain concepts by the scientific community.