The Tao of Physics Fritjof Capra Wildwood House 1975

The Tao of Physics

Fritjof Capra

Wildwood House 1975

A Ph.D holder in Physics,  Capra  explores two diverse perspectives – the rational and the spiritual trying to see if the twain shall meet. 

Modern science is the art of understanding life  by looking at the dynamics of it  with clear and logical insight – that of a scientist’s. What if Eastern mysticism which has for 2000 years before science rationally explained everything, stated the unified nature and harmony existing in the universe we live in. 

He begins by showing how ever since science began to establish its theories and postulates , the  Cartesian division has had major implications for science. Descartes’ philosophy has been the driving force behind the scientists understanding of nature. For the scientist, the mind has had always had an edge over matter. But this has always led to conflicts between conscious will and the involuntary instincts. 

We all believe what we see – the multiplicity of things; but, for the truly enlightened, the multiplicity disappears. And, this is what Capra intends to co-relate and prove with evidence from the world of science.  

 Eastern mysticism has always held the dynamic view that time and change are essential features of the universe. The Yin and Yang of the Chinese mystics which stand for the natural balance, unity and inter-relation of all things and events are shown as the natural order of symmetry found in science and the natural world around us. 

So, how does Capra relate to this as a scientist? 

He takes up the basic principle of science – all material objects are made of atoms – these atoms link to form enormous variety of molecular structures which are not rigid and motionless, but oscillate according to their temperature and in harmony with the thermal vibrations of their environment.  This co-relation is something that I can accept – because, I believe it answers my question of where I am and what I am. I know that if one is pure, he/she reaches the purest form called God. After reading the book, I now know if one’s atoms are of the purest intensity, vibration and frequency, then it becomes one with the vibrations and intensity of the purest atoms of particles found in the universe – something which I can call God? 

His explanations are unblemished  and the parallels , most striking. To a Western mind, bringing together the mind and the matter is rather difficult; however, to someone who is beginning to understand the truth behind the  ultimate degree of oneness with a form that I call God, Capra is absolutely believable and what’s more, scientifically valid.

So, when this degree of oneness is realised, then all of mankind will cherish all forms of life around us and respect all beings - animate and inanimate, as part of and extensions of oneself.  And, this is what Capra addresses at the end.

I liked the book for its desire to take us from our intention 'to dominate and control nature to an attitude of co-operation and non violence – an attitude of spiritual traditions’. 

Chitra Lakshimi's Book Cellar - Reviews and More Reviews: The Emperor of all Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Chitra Lakshimi's Book Cellar - Reviews and More Reviews: The Emperor of all Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

The Emperor of all Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

There is something indefinably sad about cancer ... is it because there is pain and suffering of a magnitude never seen before in an illness ever to have afflicted mankind? Or is it because, the oncologist and the patient are drawn inexorably toward a circle of chemo, remission or relapses?  Or is it because one sees the human body totally and completely under the hold of the oncogen, weakened, debilitated and mortally afraid? Or is it because, one sees the courage and hope of the two human beings supported by the body of academics and biologists, as they battle it out against this demon?

Dr.Siddhartha Mukherjee in this graphic biography of cancer traces the recorded history of this malady as none ever has, right from the moment when an Egyptian Queen decides to defy breast cancer by having her slave hack her breast off to the time when everyday today  researchers are studying this sickness under the microscope and coming up with stronger and more definite ways to hit back at this sickness. 

There is anger against this persistent, stubborn, devious and ever evolving illness; there is also a swelling sense of admiration, pride and strength,  when one reads this book. There is anger because the writer points out how the disease has been outsmarting  human efforts at all times by genetic alterations of proteins and cells at every step of the way. There is solid admiration because one cannot even remotely imagine the toil, labour and guts that goes into the research every day  to find a solution to cancer and Mukherjee brings it all right before our eyes. 

Reading his book is like watching a clash of the Titans - God Cancer on one side and God Scientist on the other, as each tries to out-manoeuvre the other, trying to find the Achilles' heel in the other, tripping, falling, rising,  victorious one second and loser the next. 

A minute record, capturing every heart breaking moment in the history of man's battle against this malady, the book makes you understand why science has made our existence safer, stronger and more protected than ever before. 

One must read this book to understand how scrupulous and detailed the author's research has been to bring out this record of cancer. However, what could've been a dry litany of a disease has turned into a powerful historical record and a moving testimony to the power of a doctor to kill the cancerous cells, lessen the pain or prepare the patient for a composed acceptance of the inevitable.

Brilliant in its composition and absolutely objective in its presentation, it is a masterpiece of scholarly writing made interesting and page turning by simply avoiding sentiment and by not  playing to the gallery. You cry, not because there are touching scenes of frail and sad moments , but because you realise how much effort has gone on, unknown to the ordinary human being, to bring this emperor of maladies on to its knees before the human power to compassionately think, rationalise, study and resolve this , this, cruel, cruel illness of all. 

Thank you, Dr.Mukherjee.

@Chitra Lakshimi 2012. All Rights Reserved. 

P.S. I Love You.

A best seller in Irish book stands, 'P.S.I Love You', Cecilia Ahern's first book, made for easy week long reading. 

Essentially the story of a widow living through the first year of sorrow and grief, it becomes something more than that, when Holly starts receiving envelopes her husband has addressed to her every month for the year.

That is the twist in the tale that keeps one going through the pages, in anticipation of the hero's loving rejuvenation of his grieving wife's life. It is to see the heroine emerge from her sadness, ready to accept that life has to go on. It is also about hope and the power of the human mind to adapt to and accept terrible losses that one can face in life.

The story is about getting over loss and pain, learning to live your life by accepting distressing changes, finding that life just doesn't end when someone close to you dies and getting back to the realities of life with the support of loved ones. A good story, unusual story line and a close peek into the physical and mental trauma of a woman who loses her husband and a man who lovingly resurrects his wife's life after his death - all the necessary drama, albeit a little surfeit,  is there to make you go through the pages.  

The book wasn't exactly addictive; at some point, it even became predictable; too soapy and sentimental in print, the book nevertheless helped me pass time in a vague emotional bond. 

I could not but help recall the movie based on this - Hillary Swank and Gerard Butler, bringing to life the two characters in a way that the book didn't. 

The tighter narration of the story, coupled with some breath taking  chemistry between the two actors and the visual brilliance of the Irish landscape made the movie more memorable than the book. I mean, if I'd read the book first, I might've forgotten about it in a week or two - but the movie, who can forget, Butler prancing around doing a stripper act and Swank, drowning in the sorrow of the memories so fully and tearfully with so much genuineness...Sometimes, movies make classics of books. This is one. 

©Chitra Lakshimi 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Image courtesy : Amazon.com