Quantum connections
Once again, science restates the practical wisdom of the Dharma.
Some of you may be familiar with quantum entanglement, which California Institute of Technology describes as:
‘When two particles … become entangled, they remain connected even when separated by vast distances.’
If that doesn’t sound like the central Buddhist notions of interconnection and dependant arising (things arise based on conditions; when the conditions cease, that thing ceases to arise), I don’t know what does.
I’ve been bowled over the last few weeks with a few of these entanglements, connections that cause me to stop and pause, step outside of the me-world and let go (with a bit of relief) into the us of connection. Just to give you a sense of what I mean.
* while recently in India, I was due to share a hotel room with a fellow Triratna Order Member (you know who you are) and it turns out I lived on the same street in Sydney that she does now – but in 1997-9!
* after being waved to a seat on the New Delhi subway by a fellow passenger, it emerged this person was a Buddhist follower of the late Dr Ambedkar, with whom Triratna has a strong connection
* sitting down on the plane returning from India, the passenger next to me was a long-time colleague of one of my partner’s closest friends
Phew! Whether you call it synchronicity, coincidence or entanglement, these glimpses of reality are not something to be pushed aside or forgetten but precious examples of how we are each part of a collective, the shared dance that is this human life in all its ebbs and flows.
Thank you to all the particles with whom I entangle…
With a bow
Maitripushpa
