TATTVAJIJNASA Vol. 4 – Scientific and Spiritual Quest for Ultimate Reality

1) Authors

a) Dr. Freeman J. Dyson, Emeritus Professor, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, USA, Templeton Prize Laureate 

b) Dr. Gerald L. Schroeder, PhD Earth Sciences and Physics, M.I.T, USA 

c) Dr. T. D. Singh, Founding Director, Bhaktivedanta Institute

d) Dr. Roshan Tiwari, IISER Kolkata Alumnus

e) Dr. Subhash Kak, Oklahoma State University 

2) Brief Description of the book

Whth great pleasure we bring ou the fourth volume of Tattvajinasä-Scientific and Spiritual Quest for Ultimate Reality, the magazine of the Bhaktivedanta Institute.

We are blessed to live in a universe so perfectly designed for all of us to dwell in, and not only dwell but also marvel at the knowns and yet-unknowns that this universe holds. It’s a perfect avenue for inquiry (ijnasa). The interesting feature of this inquiry is that it eventually involves us too, inadvertently. We and this universe seem to complement each other, and that could be
the reason for this inquiry loop. Is there no way out of this loop? But then that might demand our transcending the realms of this universe with expanded horizons. That might also require us
to transcend our own selves. Is there a wisdom out there that has done these transcending jobs already? If so, then our inquiry has found an immediate direction and it would require aligning
ourselves to that wisdom.

The articles in this volume do stir such inquiring fervor of ours, in the way that they produce a cascade of further inquiries while resolving the original ones. For instance, the very first article,
which is a dialogue between renowned theoretical physicist Freeman Dyson, and Vasudeva Rao, President of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, along with Varun Agarwal, Director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, takes us through a number of avenues, ranging from a spaceship and dark matter to the quantum world, and much more. Dyson is known for his work on quantum
field theory, astrophysics, nuclear physics, among other areas of research. Dyson himself is a confessed traveler across the many dimensions of science.

The second article is dedicated to the life and works of saintly-scientist Blaise Pascal. The author Roshan Tiwari, IISER Kolkata alumnus, has wonderfully brought forth the exemplary
portrait of Pascal, which reveals Pacal’s benign, divine and scientific fervor – a personality who delved deep into the metaphysical world. Pascal is certainly one of the torchbearers on the
path of science and spirituality we ought to revere.

The third article is a contribution by Gerald L. Schroeder, Ph.D from MIT, and an author of many wonderful books. Here we get a hint of a metaphysical stalker, which Schroeder calls an
Intelligent Mind’. We are not alone. It could have been a comfort-assuring conclusion sounding fact only if it had not been revealed that this stalker is the one that might be keeping us moving.
And, the fourth article, penned by Prof. Subhash Kak is imbued with a fervent spirit of inquiry, wherein Kak traverses through the realms of computer science, mathematics and physics in his
attempt to shed light on the nature of consciousness. By addressing the challenges and paradoxes in these various topics, through his analysis, Kak seeks not only to expand our understanding
but also to provoke in us deeper contemplation, inviting readers to embark on a journey of inner discovery alongside him.

Finally, we have also included in the exclusive section titled, ‘The Eternal Axioms’, a monologue by Dr. T. D. Singh, founder director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute. Dr. Singh outlines the
nuances of perfect prayer and reminds us that in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, we should always equip ourselves with this prayerful mood.

We hope that your journey through this volume would be meaningful and fruitful in your journey of inquiry, and eagerly look forward to receiving your feedback, comments and suggestions.

We sincerely acknowledge the editorial assistance provided by Srimati Vrindapriya Devi Dasi, Sriman Rajesh Pandit, Srimati Radha, Sriman Bhaskar Kumar, Sriman Sakshi Gopal Das, Sriman Satyabrata Panigrahy, and Srimati Premalatha Rajendiran. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the well-wishers, friends, other correspondents, and colleagues for their input and encouragement. Last but not least, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the authors who have contributed to this magazine.

3) Topics Covered

• Origin of Life 
• Physics of Mind 
• Ultimate Source of Creation 
• Realm of ‘Existence’ 
• The Journey of ‘I.Q.’ 
• Mystifying Presence of Consciousness 
• Mind-Brain Duality 
• Making Way Into the Scientific Circle 
• From Mathematics to Metaphysics 
• The Mystical Experience 
• Pascal—The Mystic 
• Big-C and The Vedic View of Consciousness
• Creativity and Consciousness 

4) Preview Magazine: Here