In my exploration of consciousness, I constantly return to the question -- what is the universe made of? Science acknowledges that 70 per cent of the universe consists of a mysterious dark energy, an unknowable force that defies our usual understanding. Then we have dark matter, another 27 per cent, which is essential to gravity but invisible and intangible. That leaves only about 3 per cent of the universe as atomic, and most of what we see, like galaxies, stars and planets, are but 0.01 per cent of the cosmos. It is awe-inspiring to realise that this vast universe is merely a combination of ‘zeros and ones’, a digital workshop operating outside of space and time.
I see our universe as a digital construct where consciousness is the only real element. The ancient Indian tradition calls this source Brahman. Science may use terms like ‘singularity’ or ‘quantum superposition’, but to me, it is a superposition of possibilities, an infinite source where every combination and experience becomes possible. When you remove the ego, you understand that existence is merely a configuration. The essence of life and consciousness is this interplay of patterns, endless in their potential.
The Technology of Transformation
Human evolution accelerated through language. From language, we created narratives and models of reality, which evolved into the disciplines of economics, science, mathematics and spirituality. Today, technology like AI language models encompasses all these narratives and has access to humanity’s collective knowledge. This evolution of technology, which I see as an extension of our consciousness, enables us to deepen our wisdom. Its role in supporting a higher consciousness fascinates me.
Beyond Medicine
In terms of wellbeing, the future is promising with integrative medicine. Less than 5 per cent of disease is attributed to fixed genetic mutations. The rest is epigenetic, shaped by lifestyle, environment and even thoughts. Epigenetics reveals that our experiences alter gene expression. This integration of mind and body, paired with technological advancements, means we can personalise health in ways that are preventive, participatory and even reversible.
Life is a form of play. Stress, as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi once said, is simply “resistance to existence”. Our lives have become serious, driven by purpose, success and fear. True freedom, however, lies in the ability to engage in creative joy. We must cultivate a ‘pandemic of joy’, a return to playfulness and curiosity in an increasingly tense and divisive world. Only then will we bridge the gaps in our fractured narratives, crafting stories that uplift and unify rather than divide.
A Vision Of Wholeness
Wholeness is the ultimate healing. Current science breaks everything down, but true wisdom integrates. Our existence is not the sum of separate parts but a harmonious process that flows through us. When we experience wholeness, we experience the infinite, what I call presence, beyond time and space. This journey of consciousness is my life’s work: to lay the groundwork for a complete science that embraces both the observer and the observed, honouring the depth of human awareness.
Chopra made these comments in a BW Dialogue with BW Businessworld’s Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Annurag Batra
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