kriyayogamalaysia

Oneness Explained – From Quantum Physics to Enlightenment and Neuroscience

By Desmond Yeoh SC

Modern science has uncovered a breathtaking truth—everything in the universe, from the vast galaxies to the tiniest grains of sand, is composed of atoms. These fundamental building blocks connect all matter, forming an intricate web of existence. The same atoms that make up the stars also reside within us, reinforcing the idea that we are not separate from the cosmos but an integral part of it.

Quantum physics takes this understanding even further, revealing that particles can exist in multiple states and influence each other across vast distances. This interconnectedness suggests that separation is an illusion—everything is part of a unified whole.

Long before microscopes and particle accelerators, enlightened masters arrived at the same realization through deep meditation and introspection. Figures like the Buddha, Laozi, and various mystics across cultures spoke of the interconnected nature of existence. Through profound inner experiences, they perceived the unity of all things, describing it as an ocean where individual waves are merely expressions of the same vast body of water. But how were they able to arrive at such an extraordinary insight without the aid of modern science? Perhaps the following story will shed some light on this mystery.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, had a life-altering experience when she suffered a stroke in her left hemisphere. In her book, My Stroke of Insight, she describes how the shutdown of her left brain allowed her right brain to take over, revealing a reality beyond the constraints of time and identity.

With her left hemisphere—the seat of logic, language, and ego—out of commission, she experienced a profound sense of peace and unity. She no longer felt like an individual separate from the world but rather an inseparable part of the universe itself. This experience mirrors the insights of enlightened masters, demonstrating that the perception of oneness is not just a philosophical idea but a neurological possibility.

The left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for constructing our sense of self. It takes past experiences and projects them into the future, creating a narrative that defines who we are. This is where the ego resides—the part of us that clings to identity, fears change, and seeks control.

In contrast, the right hemisphere exists in the present moment. It perceives reality as it is, without the filters of memory or expectation. When the left brain quiets down, the right brain reveals a world of interconnectedness, where boundaries dissolve and everything is part of a greater whole. Therefore, every one of us possesses an innate ability, through our right brain, to perceive the fundamental Oneness of the Universe—not as an abstract idea but as an undeniable experiential truth. This perspective is not reserved for mystics or scientists; it is within all of us, waiting to be uncovered.

Understanding that we are One with the universe is not just an intellectual exercise—it is a perspective that can transform how we live. By quieting the chatter of the left brain through meditation, mindfulness, or creative expression, we can tap into the present moment and experience reality as it truly is.

Science, spirituality, and neuroscience all point to the same truth: separation is an illusion. Whether through atoms, enlightenment, or brain function, the message is clear—we are not isolated beings but integral parts of a vast, interconnected existence.

So, the next time you look up at the stars, remember: the same atoms that shine in the cosmos are within you. You are not just in the universe—you are the universe.