Schrödinger’s Cat Paradox in Quantum Physics through Samkhya Philosophy Lens
Someone knows if the cat is alive or dead or both at the same time
Someone knows if the cat is alive or dead or both at the same time — Image by Author.
With this article I have tried to explain some fundamental concepts of the ancient Samkhya philosophy, one of humanity’s most ancient philosophical systems, using as a narrative device the famous “Schrodinger’s cat paradox” devised by the physicist Schrödinger.
The Samkhya philosophy is based on a dualistic vision of reality, distinguishing between Purusha — the cosmic Spirit, the infinite consciousness — and Prakriti — the phenomenal Nature, the matter in constant change. Every element in the world derives from the dynamic interaction of these two poles.
In my article, I tried to correlate this metaphysical perspective with some principles of quantum mechanics, in particular the principle of superposition and indeterminacy, which describe the paradoxical behaviour of atomic particles.
The suspended fate of Schrödinger’s cat, simultaneously alive and dead until observed, offered me a powerful analogy to describe the illusory nature of the phenomenal world according to Samkhya philosophy: a succession of discrete forms that hide the underlying continuity of the infinite Consciousness, Brahman.
However, contrary to a mechanistic interpretation, I tried to give a transcendent perspective to quantum mechanics. I used it as a metaphor for the eternal dance between Consciousness and Nature, between Unity and Multiplicity. The cat itself embodies this perspective, suspended between the anguish of the individual and the trust in the infinity of its soul.
I hope in this way to have made some ideas of the fascinating Samkhya thought more accessible to the modern reader, which invites one to see beyond the veil of appearance to rediscover one’s true spiritual essence—a universal message expressed with the immortal words of one of humanity’s most ancient philosophical systems.
Transcending the phenomenal world
Imagine the universe as an infinite ocean of pure consciousness, without boundaries or limits. In this ocean an island emerges, a kingdom of wonder and illusion perceived through the limited senses: it is the phenomenal world, the realm of Prakriti, mutable nature.
On the island, we see trees, rocks and animals. Among these, a cat with a soft coat advances aimlessly, enraptured by scents. Suddenly a dazzling light envelops it: it is inside a transparent box with impenetrable walls. At the same instant, a radioactive atom activates a lethal device.
The cat is now suspended between life and death. This is the world to mortal eyes: a kingdom of ephemeral forms, ruled by chance. But in the box the cat is not alone: there is Pramatri, the eternal Witness, the pure consciousness that shines in all beings.
Pramatri is Purusha, the Universal Soul, which observes the dizzying spectacle of Prakriti motionless. Purusha embodies pure being, infinite awareness and eternal bliss. He is the silent spectator of the cosmic phenomenal game.
According to the ancients, what we call matter is Bhutas, the external manifest elements. The eternal element is Akasha (ether): every other element derives from it. With Akasha, there is Prana, the primordial energy. Prana and Akasha interact and generate phenomenal multiplicity. At the end of the cosmic cycle or Kalpa, everything dissolves and returns to them.
In the beginning, when there was not yet creation, Prana existed as “anidavâtam”: literally “non-vibrating atom”, that is motionless. Then, with the succession of Kalpas, Prana began to vibrate, generating the elements from the primordial substance Akasha with its blows.
In the box, the cat’s fate hangs in the balance: he is simultaneously dead and alive, like the electron that exists everywhere until it is observed. This is the illusion of the phenomenal world: discrete forms that conceal the underlying continuity, (adhistana), like particles emerging from the quantum void. In Samkhya philosophy, adhistana refers to the “support” or “basis” upon which the gunas (the three fundamental qualities of nature, namely sattva, rajas, and tamas) manifest. Adhistana is seen as the underlying substratum or field where the gunas interact and manifest their effects.
Yet in this ocean of possibilities shines the beacon of consciousness: it is Prana, the vital breath that animates matter. Prana connects Purusha and Prakriti, spirit and nature. It is the life that throbs in the void, the intelligence that guides every form.
In the box, the cat waits for a living paradox. His fate is uncertain, yet consciousness in him is awake. He knows he is both particle and wave, individual and cosmos. He fears death but trusts in the eternity of the spirit.
Such is existence: a balance between the forces of becoming. A dance between the shadows of the senses and the light of awareness. A box enclosing infinite possible worlds. And throughout all this, the stillness of the Witness, Pramatri, embraces everything with his loving gaze.
In the final dissolution, every phenomenal form dissolves, like the cat, the box, and the entire manifest universe. Only remains the ocean of pure consciousness, Purusha, the fundamental and immutable reality. And in that instant of eternity, the cat, in its nature of Purusha, realizes: that life is a dream, and death too is an illusion because consciousness is beyond every transient and mutable phenomenon.
Notes:
Akasha: In Indian philosophy and cosmology, Akasha (also spelt as Akash or Aakash) is considered to be the fundamental element or “tanmatra” that makes up the essence of the universe. It is often translated as “ether” or “space” in English.
Akasha is believed to be the first and most subtle of the five elements, from which the other elements (air, fire, water, and earth) are formed. It is considered to be the medium through which all other things exist and move and is often associated with sound and vibration.
In some interpretations, Akasha is seen as the repository of all information, including memories and experiences, and is sometimes described as a kind of cosmic consciousness or field of awareness.
Kalpa: In Hinduism and Buddhism, Kalpa refers to a long period (aeon) related to the lifetime of the universe. A Kalpa is a complete cycle of creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe, and is equivalent to 4.32 billion human years in the Hindu tradition. Kalpa is equivalent to 12 hours of the Creator God, Brahma.
Prana: Prana is the vital energy or life force in Hinduism and Buddhism, which pervades the whole universe and is responsible for life and consciousness. It is also associated with breath and respiration, which are the main means of acquiring and maintaining prana in the body. Prana is an essential component of life and is often associated with the subtle energy body and the chakras.
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