2016/05/06 by Anna Pokazanyeva · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Psychology · Medicine · #Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices #Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs #Theology and Philosophy of Evil #Monism #Metaphysics #Epistemology #Transpersonal #Spirituality #Spiritualities #Philosophy #Terminology #Medicine
paper · doi:10.1111/zygo.12259
openalex publication_date 2016/05/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
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.