Mind Within Matter: Science, the Occult, and the (Meta)physics of Ether and Akasha

Abstract

The intersection between quantum theory, metaphysical spirituality, and Indian-inspired philosophy has an established place in speculative scientific and alternative religious communities alike. There is one term that has historically bridged these two worlds: "Akasha," often translated as "ether." Akasha appears both in metaphysical spiritual contexts, most often in ones influenced by Theosophy, and in the speculative scientific discourse that has historically demonstrated a strong affinity for the brand of monistic metaphysics that Indian-derived spiritualities tend to foster. This article traces the relationship between these groups with special attention to the role of Indian concepts and terminology. More specifically, it argues that Akasha-as-ether comes to operate in a manner that bridges gross matter (of which the individual mind is part and parcel) with the notion of a subtle material and transpersonal mind-a version of panpsychism allowing for a coherent quantum monism.The zero-point field of the quantum vacuum is not only a superdense energy field; it is also a super-rich information field-the holographic memory of the universe. . . . It makes sense to name this newly (re)discovered information field after ancient tradition's Akashic Field. The A-Field takes its place among the fundamental fields of the universe, joining science's G-field (the gravitational field), EM-field (the electromagnetic field), and the various nuclear and quantum fields. (Laszlo 2004, 56) If the preceding passage leaves the reader in a state of genre-confusion, it is with good reason. Ervin Laszlo-Hungarian philosopher of science, systems theorist, and incredibly prolific author-manages a nearly seamless transition from quantum physics into the occult and back again. Laszlo's Anna Pokazanyeva is a Lecturer in the Religious Studies Program,