Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 69

Atom in Modern Science
51
and the planets are governed by the same laws as falling apples. The most fundamental difference between Newtonian physics and quantum mechanics is the fact that the latter is based upon observations (measurements). It constitutes a philosophy of science, unlike any before it. Bohr's principle of complementarity addresses the underline relation of physics to consciousness. Likewise, Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle demonstrates that we cannot observe a phenomenon without changing it.
BOHM'S PHYSICS
David Bohm, Professor of Physics at Birkback College, University of London, proposes that quantum physics is based upon a perception of a new order. According to Bohm, instead of starting with parts and showing how they work together (the Cartesian division), we must start with the whole.
Bohm's theory is, thus, compatible with Dr. Bell's theorem as stated above. Bohm asserts that the most fundamental level is an unbroken wholeness. All things, including space, time and matter are forms of 'that-which-is'. There is an order which is enfolded into the very process of the universe. But that enfolded order may not be readily apparent. Bohm points out, "Description is totally incompatible with what we want to say." Actually both being and non-being are 'that-which-is'. There is nothing which is not 'that-which-is'. This way of looking at Reality requires a new instrument of thought, and raises the question of consciousness' of the observer. Such requirement upon which Bohm's physics is to be based may not be as much of an obstacle as it first appears, because there already exists a number of sophisticated psychologies, distilled from 2500 years of practice and introspection, whose sole purpose is to develop this 'thought-instrument'.
These psychologies are what is commonly called 'Eastern Mysticism' of 'Eastern Religions'. All of them in general and Jainism2 in particular are compatible in a very fundamental way
1. See, p. 2 2. We shall elaborate this comparison is chapter III.