Albert Einstein
How can science inform our view of the world and spark our practice of compassion?
One fundamental flaw in the way we live is our day-to-day view of phenomena and reality as permanent, independent, and singular.
In this frozen view of reality, we are often preoccupied with self and blind to the impact of our actions upon others.
Modern science is revealing a completely different view of reality - the incredible range of interconnectedness that actually exists within the universe.
Recognizing this interrelatedness dissolves our sense of separation and leads to greater compassion.
The practice of meditation is another way to dissipate the artificial barriers between ourselves and others. Meditation naturally gives rise to our fundamental good heart.
The practice of compassion is another form of meditation. We begin cultivating compassion for those close to us. Then we gradually widen the circle of compassion to include those toward whom we feel neutral, and eventually including those we dislike – until we have embraced the entire universe.
Sunday Reflection: Science and Spirituality
For the reflection this week, I’ve chosen the following quotation from Albert Einsein, which weaves together the views of science and spirituality.
“A human being is part of a whole, called by us the “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion is his consciousness. The delusion is a kind of prison of us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” – from Ideas and Opinions by Albert Einstein
Exploring Science and Spirituality
If you are interested in science and spirituality, you might enjoy visiting The Mind and Life Institute.
The Institute: “…seeks to understand the human mind and the benefits of contemplative practices through an integrated mode of knowing that combines first person knowledge from the world’s contemplative traditions with methods and findings from contemporary scientific inquiry. Ultimately, our goal is to relieve human suffering and advance well-being.”
How does science inform your view of the universe? How are you widening the circle of compassion?
You might also like:
- Sunday Reflection: A Net of Brilliant Jewels
- Sunday Reflection: How Wide Is Your Love?
- Sunday Reflection: A Letter from the World of Emptiness
If you liked this article, please share it with others via you social media networks. Thanks so much! Sandra
Beautiful post, Sandra! I love your approach to life. Thank you for including the quote and pic of that brilliant man. Have a gorgeous Sunday
Thanks Naomi. It’s very kind of you to say so. Hope you have a beautiful Sunday too.
Since both science and spirituality are a part of the Universe means they are interconnected. They are not opposites as some people want to make us believe. I think you need to be spiritual to do good science and both Einstein and Dalai Lama are good examples of the connection between science and spirituality. Through spirituality we have long been able to go beyond what is here on earth and science has now made it possible to do it also practically by allowing humans to go out in space.
Hi Tom,
I like your key point that science and spirituality are opposites as many people believe. I’ve always found so much beauty, mystery, and magic in science myself. Just looking at a cell is mind-boggling! Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts.
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Sandra,
As I read this, I’m drawn to a thought that has had a deep impact on me in the last year or so…
…we are all connected…
And in that, when I let this thought more deeply penetrate my soul…I DO feel deeper compassion for every living thing, for that which I don’t fully understand, for that which I may not fully agree with.
And the other piece of this, for me – is that when I feel that deeper compassion, I also just feel deeper peace within my own life.
Mmmm…wonderful thoughts to let just soak in deeper to my being…
Lance,
I love the way that you emphasize how interconnectedness brings us more inner peace too. I concur that compassion needs to go beyond whether we agree. That’s what makes it true compassion.
I love Albert Einsein quotes. He is so balanced and his insights, truthful.
His quotes are truly amazing! Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Sandra! I love this quote from Einstein! It’s really profound when he says that we experience ourselves as something separated from the rest, like an optical delusion that keeps us in a prison.
It’s best when compassion embraces the whole universe otherwise we are fostering “special relationships” in which we provide love according to certain rules, likes, and dislikes.
Nice thougths for this Sunday! Thanks for the inspiration. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
I was really drawn to this idea of an optical delusion myself. There is so much in this quote. Thanks for highlight how real compassion goes beyond the boundaries of “special relationships.” Good thoughts for today. Thank you!
Hi Sandra, I love Albert Einstein’s quotes! Studying science can definitely help you see the interconnectedness in the world, on a tangible level. Studying spirituality can help you feel the interconnectedness in the world, without necessarily knowing it on a tangible level.
Thus, the melding of science and spirituality would provide a complete experience of interconnectedness.
Lynn, I really like how you phrased this – science helps you see the interconnectedness and spirituality helps you feel it. Cool!
Quantum physics is just recently validating that which Einstien and other great,visionaries already knew with the discovery of the Zero Point Field, nonlocality, and other mind blowing properties. Lynne McTaggart’s book “The Field” tells of these and totally changed my perception of reality. We ARE all interconnected and science is now proving it.
Meditation physically changes the brain and changes the energy or vibrations given off. Again, this is all being validated by science. This, in turn, does effect everyone else on the planet and the whole web of life. Just by changing our thoughts to ones of compassion and kindness, we CAN change the world. Powerful stuff.
Debbie,
Thanks for telling us about all this. I love hearing new information and resources on science, the brain, and meditation. When this is widely understood, it could make such a big shift in the world. Yes, powerful indeed! I’m so glad you added to the conversation.
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Far too little is written about science and spirituality. I really appreciate your article. The most fascinating field of scientific study is, in my opinion, quantum physics. It appears to prove, at every turn, the connectedness Einstein spoke about and is providing increasing evidence that everything we experience as form, is really just energy. Fantastic!
Hi there, I am so glad you enjoyed the article. I’ve always been fascinated with science and spirituality too. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm.