The Self-Aware Universe

Goswami utilizes findings from recent experiments in quantum physics to provide ample evidence of his assertion that old assumptions based on material monism are out-dated and no longer valid. Goswami points out that: we live in a non-local universe, where everything is interconnected to everything else at the most fundamental level; we cannot hope to observe anything without affecting what we are observing; we can only predict the outcome of events in probabilities (not certainties); and there is something much more to this universe than just the matter and energy we can measure.

With a brilliant mind and warm heart, Goswami guides the reader on a wonderful journey. We discover objects that exist in two places at once, effects that precede their causes, the implications of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and the Schrodinger's cat thought experiment, and the fascinating world of paradoxes and tangled hierarchies.

At the end of this journey, we find ourselves wondering who we truly are. Goswami writes, "the self of our self-reference is due to a tangled hierarchy, but our consciousness is the consciousness of our Being that is beyond the subject-object split. There is no other source of consciousness in the universe. The self of self-reference and the consciousness of the original consciousness, together, make what we call self-consciousness."

I highly recommend this enchanting book!


Great re-thinking of the implications of quantum physics!   December 1, 2003
Robert Anderson (Pacific Northwest)
50 out of 53 found this review helpful


Most books that explore the intersection between science and spirituality seem to be written by non-scientists who explain some basic scientific principles and then extrapolate wildly to support their spiritual viewpoint.

Goswami, a physics professor, approaches it from the other direction. He carefully lays out a scientific theory - essentially that matter is a phenomina of consciousness rather than vice versa.

In the process he navigates through various topics in physics, mathematics, religion, and philosophy in order to provide the necessary components for us to get a grip on his theory of "monistic idealism" which he proposes as an alternative to the current "material realism" (matter is all that is real) which pervades scientific thought today.

I don't want to imply that I'm stupid, but the only fault I found with the book was that much of his jargon and scientific references went right over my head - so I came away with a good understanding of his theory, but also with the impression that much of it's depth and subtlties were lost on me.

I'm not sure how this book was received by the author's peers (if at all) but he impressed me as a "blow-the-lid-off-the-subject" type of scientist who is willing to ruffle feathers and push beyond the traditional limitations of his field to integrate various disciplines in a search for a truth that doesn't just look right on paper but also jives with human experience and the soul.

Well worth reading.



Absolute must read   July 28, 2005
A. Paulson
14 out of 20 found this review helpful

This book teaches science in a way that is at once understandable and usable in one's life-as an observer and creator in life. The deep connection between all of the Creator's creation on multiple levels of thought and physical existence are explored. The connection that has been ruptured in western thought between science and spirituality is woven back together in this book. I highly recommend this book.


I love this book!   October 25, 2006
John Johnston (Everett, WA USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Goswami merges science and spirituality like no other. You don't need to possess a scientific mind to follow most of his argument. The universe is indeed self-aware and Goswami proves that fact, merging east and west in way that makes perfect sense.


Good book on Mind, Matter, and Spirituality   June 1, 2000
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

There is not much I can add to the extremely thorough reviews already written, but I wanted to add my five stars to this remarkable integration of science, consciousness and spirituality. Although Goswami is hardly the first to attempt to link physics and spirituality, he goes beyond mere analogy and includes more science than some of the other efforts. I found the book thought-provoking and highly readable, with one caveat: the introductory chapters (first 20 pages or so) were a little tedious. Once he gets into the meat of the book, it's a fun read.