Overview of
The Way from Science to Soul

Where did I come from? What am I doing here? What happens after I die? Do I have a soul? Is there really a God? Are there worlds I do not see? Why are there wars? We have all asked ourselves such questions. Often, we find no answers and we give up. Mystics—and in their way, scientists—are the ones who have stayed with these simple, difficult, compelling questions. Their answers form the subject of this book.

Those answers are embedded here within a cosmology that seeks to incorporate the significant aspects of all of existence—nonphysical as well as physical, spiritual as well as scientific—into a unified whole. This cosmology is similar in many respects to the world views given in the major spiritual systems and religions. However, the most consistent understanding of quantum mechanics provides a more detailed picture of the connections between the physical and nonphysical worlds than has been available before. Also, our current understanding of the workings of the brain adds valuable knowledge. Therefore we need to modify the traditional world views to incorporate this new, well-grounded scientific wisdom into a unified cosmology. 

What should a cosmology explain? I suggest the following (with the mystic's views on physical and nonphysical existence kept in mind): 

1. It should make clear the overall goal of existence—why that which exists was brought into being.

2. It should explain the structure of the physical universe, and why that structure is as it is.

3. It should give a perspective on the nonphysical aspects of existence, and explain how they mesh with the physical aspect.

4. It should explain the nature and role of emotions.

5. It should explain why there are so many apparently negative aspects of existence here—selfishness, coarseness, sloth, anger, violence, disease, pain—along with the positive aspects.

6. It should address death, and birth.

7. It should offer insight into the nature of biological life.

8. It should give a perspective on the functioning and role of the human brain, and why such an exquisite instrument has come into being.

9. Finally, it should give a perspective on humanity's role in existence, on the potential for human beings, and on how to attain that potential. 

Almost all these issues are discussed in part 1 of The Way from Science to Soul.

2. Physics.

From the point of view of most physicists, quantum mechanics is simply a mathematical scheme that gives an amazingly accurate description of nature. The question we are interested in, however, is what that mathematical scheme implies for the nature of our world. After explaining the central mysteries of quantum mechanics in part 2 of the book, we show that quantum mechanics is an incomplete theory. The only way to complete it is to suppose we each have a nonphysical aspect—an essential part of us that lies outside the physical world. 

The arguments given in the book to support this conclusion are accurate and straight-forward, but there are technical details that a scientist will find necessary to complete the reasoning. These are given in section II of this web site.

3. The Brain.

Part 3 of the book is a summary of how the brain works. This shows what is going on physically "behind the scenes" when we think and act our way through daily life. It lays the foundation for a more detailed understanding of how the physical and nonphysical mesh, and it is necessary for a full understanding of how spiritual meditation practices work. 

4. Metaphysics

Spiritual teachers of all ages have given descriptions of what the nonphysical world is like.  These were often given in terms appropriate to the time and place in which the teacher lived, but one can discern a commonality in them.  The central, common core of these systems, modified to fit in with the findings of modern science, is given.  This knowledge is essential for making sense of our lives and it is the first step in gaining experiential knowledge of the nonphysical world.

5. Spiritual Practices.

The aspiring mystic - the person who is not satisfied with physical existence alone - is also not satisfied with a conceptual cosmology (metaphysics); he or she wants experiential knowledge of the higher planes of the nonphysical world.  To help gain this expereince, a core group of practices, designed by both ancient and modern spiritual teachers, is given in part 5 of the book.  These practices are meant to draw you closer to the heart of Earthly life, not distance you from it.  They help you to attain your potential by changing the functioning of your nonphysical Mind so you can consciously experience the nonphysical planes while still alive.  This is of great importance, for once you have experienced those planes, which are closer to the shattering beauty of the One, your viewpoint is changed - ecstatically change - forever (really forever).

6. Spirituality and Personality

FInally in part 6 of the book, we consider the development of personality.  Spirituality does not exist in isolation from society; its goal is a more truly satisfying life for all.  But if we look at this considerably less than perfect world around us, flawed personalities are at the heart of almost all its problems, from materialism to fanaticism to isolation and loneliness.  The only real way to solve these problems is to find some means or structure that encourages people to grow in a healthy way - to have a deep understanding and appreciation of others, to be aware of beauty, to not be bound by limiting, inaccurate concepts, to think creatively, and to have the strength to defend their view of a more harmonious society.  As a start in this direction, we give guidelines for the development of the personality of the adult, plus a few remarks for parents and teachers.