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Vedic Physics: Scientific Origin of Hinduism
This is a reprint of the original 1999 edition with minor editorial changes. The Rigveda is the first book of humankind and the most sacred scripture of Hinduism. It also happens to be the most ill-understood book of our times. Despite the extensive study by academic and religious scholars, the purpose and meaning of the Rigveda and many ancient Hindu scriptures remain unclear. In this pathbreaking book, the discovery of the Rigveda as a book of ancient cosmology is described, and related to the seals of ancient Indus Valley Civilization, thereby challenging our perception of humanity.“The Vedas have always been lauded as containing the secrets of cosmogenesis. Raja Roy in his remarkable book shows how this is true not only from the yogic vison but according to the latest insights of modern physics. The book takes the reader on a vast panoramic journey through the universe of matter, mind and human history as well.”David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri)Director, American Institute of Vedic Studies“Roy presents a new framework for the understanding of the Vedic hymns from the point of view of physics and then he draws parallels with recent theories on the nature of the universe. We celebrate the new path he has hewn through the bush of old scholarship.”Professor Subhash KakOklahoma State University
268 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 21, 2021
Presently, except few, everyone is unaware about content of Vedas. Many think that it is just composition of abstruse hymns which are non-relevant today. By reading this book, one can understand that comprehension of Vedas will require right set of mind. Vedas can be understood as per level of consciousness for e.g. LeLi gangs will see only 'Brahminism' and persecution of 'dalits', Doniger's camp will see only phallus and non-Hindus will find idolatry so on.
The author is physicist and phd holder. Mr. Subhash Kak, another renowned physicist and indologist, writes forward of the book. So, their view of Vedas is completely different. Author explains entire Purusha Sukta, creation theory in terms of particle physics.
Readers may or may not agree with author, but denying the explanation as given by the author will not be easy. Last few chapters, which defy big bang theory and provide Vedic concept of cosmology, are worth of reading several times.
The author is physicist and phd holder. Mr. Subhash Kak, another renowned physicist and indologist, writes forward of the book. So, their view of Vedas is completely different. Author explains entire Purusha Sukta, creation theory in terms of particle physics.
Readers may or may not agree with author, but denying the explanation as given by the author will not be easy. Last few chapters, which defy big bang theory and provide Vedic concept of cosmology, are worth of reading several times.
August 10, 2020
It starts with a note from the author where from being a firm believer in God, he becomes a firm believer in science leaving all the concept of godliness behind. But how the search of purpose of all this, of the universe, of us begins his journey where he finds Science in gods and gods in Science gives a very good start to the book.
It might seem a little too promising in the beginning as indicated by the author. However, as one goes through chapters one by one, it all starts feeling a little lame, may be because we are a little too comfortable with our modern science and anything challenging that and trying to establish our ancient scriptures as some scientific papers feels unreal and difficult to accept. There are some points where one might feel as if the author is going out of the way just to prove his point, but then again neither I am a cosmologist nor a Vedic scholar, so who am I to judge?
However the last 20% of the book makes it worthy of all the time devoted on reading it. The way it challenges the widely accepted concept of The Big Bang theory and Hubble's idea of the universe looks really convincing and thought provoking. It all adds up at the end and gives a new way of seeing and imagining things.
*One might not like the writing style and fluency of the thoughts and might get bored in between. Start this book only if you have some personal interest in the subject.*
Interpretations made by the author can be completely true, even if not completely true, they are bound to raise some questions in the reader's mind, giving the reader a new perception of mythology, religion and concept of God. It is believed that ayurved and yoga are pure sciences, why not rigveda then? We have named it mythology may be because that Science is beyond our understanding.
"Ptolemy created a universe that lasted a thousand years. Copernicus created a universe that lasted a four hundred years. Einstein has created a universe, and I can't tell you how long it will last"
-George Bernard Shaw, quoted in this book as well
It might seem a little too promising in the beginning as indicated by the author. However, as one goes through chapters one by one, it all starts feeling a little lame, may be because we are a little too comfortable with our modern science and anything challenging that and trying to establish our ancient scriptures as some scientific papers feels unreal and difficult to accept. There are some points where one might feel as if the author is going out of the way just to prove his point, but then again neither I am a cosmologist nor a Vedic scholar, so who am I to judge?
However the last 20% of the book makes it worthy of all the time devoted on reading it. The way it challenges the widely accepted concept of The Big Bang theory and Hubble's idea of the universe looks really convincing and thought provoking. It all adds up at the end and gives a new way of seeing and imagining things.
*One might not like the writing style and fluency of the thoughts and might get bored in between. Start this book only if you have some personal interest in the subject.*
Interpretations made by the author can be completely true, even if not completely true, they are bound to raise some questions in the reader's mind, giving the reader a new perception of mythology, religion and concept of God. It is believed that ayurved and yoga are pure sciences, why not rigveda then? We have named it mythology may be because that Science is beyond our understanding.
"Ptolemy created a universe that lasted a thousand years. Copernicus created a universe that lasted a four hundred years. Einstein has created a universe, and I can't tell you how long it will last"
-George Bernard Shaw, quoted in this book as well
December 24, 2018
Knowledge warehouse
Too much of knowledge to digest at one go. This book needs repetitive reading. Indeed a master piece, an warehouse of vedic science. Simply and neatly explained. Thank you Raja Ram Mohan Roy for publishing this book and making such precious knowledge accesible to common man.
Too much of knowledge to digest at one go. This book needs repetitive reading. Indeed a master piece, an warehouse of vedic science. Simply and neatly explained. Thank you Raja Ram Mohan Roy for publishing this book and making such precious knowledge accesible to common man.
February 4, 2014
An unconventional interpretation of Rig-Veda
This book offers a new interpretation of Rig-Veda that is unconventional and perhaps a little outlandish. Each chapter deals with some basic concepts of physics and cosmology such as; the elementary particles, big bang theory, expansion of the universe, electromagnetism, matter - energy conversion, dark matter, quarks, evolution of elements, and matter and antimatter interactions. The author suggests that such physical phenomenon is predicted by Rgvedic hymns. He emphasize that the Vedic hymns of Purusha, especially Rgveda 10.90.1 is the fundamental hymn in understanding the Purusha as the creator, and Rgvedic God Brahmanaspati represents the expansion of the universe. The force of expansion (Indra) and contraction (Vrtra) operating at the edge of the universe is represented by the battle between God and the demon. Rgvedic God Vishnu is identified as the universe itself; the universe is known to be made of the Prithvi (earth), Antariksa (atmosphere) and Dayu (heaven.) Rgvedic God Vayu represents the field and the act of Yajna is considered as the process of matter - energy inter-conversion. Rgvedic God Savita is suggested to represent this inter-conversion. Satpatha Brahmana 6.21.1-4, Yajurveda 23.17, and Tittiriya Brahmana 1.1.4.5 signifies the equivalence of matter and energy. Rgveda 10.90.8 is taken as the hymn that supports the existence of Bosons and Fermions. Satpatha Brahmana 1.2.3.1-2, Rgveda 1.62.9; 2.10.2; Yajurveda 23.11-12; 23.56; 13.51, and Atharvaveda 9.5.7; 9.5.13; and 4.14.1 are suggested to predict the existence of quarks. Soma and Asvins are identified respectively as electric filed and magnetic fields. Rgvedic God Surya represents light, and Usha represents the cosmic dance of creation and annihilation of matter-antimatter particles. The author quotes extensively from Rgveda but his interpretation lacks substance. Because the physical and metaphysical elements are in Upanishads that was later expounded by the six schools of Hindu philosophy, notably Sankhya and Vedanta schools. Most scholars admit that Rgveda is known for various sacrificial rituals and few are recited at prayers and religious ceremonies. Rgveda praises several gods, mainly Indra, the heroic god of Rgveda, and also Agni, Mitra-Varuna and Ushas. Other non-major gods include; Savitr, Vishnu, Rudra, Pushan, Brihaspati, Brahmanaspati, Dyaus Pita (the sky), Prithivi (the earth), Surya (the sun), Vayu (the wind), Apas (the waters), Parjanya (the rain), and Vac (the word).
Nasadiya sukta, the hymn of creation found in Rgveda 10.129.1-7 is one of the very few hymns that elicit some metaphysical discussion with regards to the origin of the universe. Vedic scholars Ravi Prakash Arya and K. L. Joshi wondered about the controversial nature of this composition since it is directed against the basic concepts of Sankhya philosophy. Author Wendy Doniger describes this hymn is linguistically simple but conceptually very provocative that produced numerous scholarly commentaries. This hymn was probably meant to challenge the Vedic scholars to comment on the basic questions of cosmology, but the author barely comments on its significance.
Hindu God Siva, the Cosmic Dancer, is narrated in Hindu Puranas as Nataraja, is invoked as the perfect personification of the dynamic universe. At the most fundamental level, the existing matter and antimatter particles collide, annihilate and are recreated spontaneously, and the author Fritjof Capra sees this in parallel with the cosmic dance of Siva, in his acclaimed book "The Tao of Physics." At first, it seems outlandish but his views are allegorical. However the author of this book takes his views too far to interpret the Rgvedic hymns as literal description of the basic concepts of physics and the creation of the universe. The author has maintained a certain level of continuity while discussing physics as he moves from chapter to chapter, but it is limited by its antiquity. Recent advances in the understanding of physical reality through the laws of physics were not properly applied.
This book offers a new interpretation of Rig-Veda that is unconventional and perhaps a little outlandish. Each chapter deals with some basic concepts of physics and cosmology such as; the elementary particles, big bang theory, expansion of the universe, electromagnetism, matter - energy conversion, dark matter, quarks, evolution of elements, and matter and antimatter interactions. The author suggests that such physical phenomenon is predicted by Rgvedic hymns. He emphasize that the Vedic hymns of Purusha, especially Rgveda 10.90.1 is the fundamental hymn in understanding the Purusha as the creator, and Rgvedic God Brahmanaspati represents the expansion of the universe. The force of expansion (Indra) and contraction (Vrtra) operating at the edge of the universe is represented by the battle between God and the demon. Rgvedic God Vishnu is identified as the universe itself; the universe is known to be made of the Prithvi (earth), Antariksa (atmosphere) and Dayu (heaven.) Rgvedic God Vayu represents the field and the act of Yajna is considered as the process of matter - energy inter-conversion. Rgvedic God Savita is suggested to represent this inter-conversion. Satpatha Brahmana 6.21.1-4, Yajurveda 23.17, and Tittiriya Brahmana 1.1.4.5 signifies the equivalence of matter and energy. Rgveda 10.90.8 is taken as the hymn that supports the existence of Bosons and Fermions. Satpatha Brahmana 1.2.3.1-2, Rgveda 1.62.9; 2.10.2; Yajurveda 23.11-12; 23.56; 13.51, and Atharvaveda 9.5.7; 9.5.13; and 4.14.1 are suggested to predict the existence of quarks. Soma and Asvins are identified respectively as electric filed and magnetic fields. Rgvedic God Surya represents light, and Usha represents the cosmic dance of creation and annihilation of matter-antimatter particles. The author quotes extensively from Rgveda but his interpretation lacks substance. Because the physical and metaphysical elements are in Upanishads that was later expounded by the six schools of Hindu philosophy, notably Sankhya and Vedanta schools. Most scholars admit that Rgveda is known for various sacrificial rituals and few are recited at prayers and religious ceremonies. Rgveda praises several gods, mainly Indra, the heroic god of Rgveda, and also Agni, Mitra-Varuna and Ushas. Other non-major gods include; Savitr, Vishnu, Rudra, Pushan, Brihaspati, Brahmanaspati, Dyaus Pita (the sky), Prithivi (the earth), Surya (the sun), Vayu (the wind), Apas (the waters), Parjanya (the rain), and Vac (the word).
Nasadiya sukta, the hymn of creation found in Rgveda 10.129.1-7 is one of the very few hymns that elicit some metaphysical discussion with regards to the origin of the universe. Vedic scholars Ravi Prakash Arya and K. L. Joshi wondered about the controversial nature of this composition since it is directed against the basic concepts of Sankhya philosophy. Author Wendy Doniger describes this hymn is linguistically simple but conceptually very provocative that produced numerous scholarly commentaries. This hymn was probably meant to challenge the Vedic scholars to comment on the basic questions of cosmology, but the author barely comments on its significance.
Hindu God Siva, the Cosmic Dancer, is narrated in Hindu Puranas as Nataraja, is invoked as the perfect personification of the dynamic universe. At the most fundamental level, the existing matter and antimatter particles collide, annihilate and are recreated spontaneously, and the author Fritjof Capra sees this in parallel with the cosmic dance of Siva, in his acclaimed book "The Tao of Physics." At first, it seems outlandish but his views are allegorical. However the author of this book takes his views too far to interpret the Rgvedic hymns as literal description of the basic concepts of physics and the creation of the universe. The author has maintained a certain level of continuity while discussing physics as he moves from chapter to chapter, but it is limited by its antiquity. Recent advances in the understanding of physical reality through the laws of physics were not properly applied.
January 10, 2019
What a remarkable book! Over the years, there have been quite a bit discussion about vedas. They have made everyone curious about why those books are held with that much regard in India. This book shows why it is.
Till now I knew about spiritual and psychological interpretation of them. But this books takes a completely different angle. It argues that rigveda, oldest of vedas, is a handbook of cosmology.
There have been many attempts where people try to connect new science invention to older spiritual books. But issue with those attempts are, they all look superficial and backward. But in this book author not only shows how vedas have very similar theory as big bang theory, he also shows how to address the short comings of theory with the ideas provided in vedas. So this book goes even beyond what's the latest science is.
Before reading this book you need a good understanding of big bang theory model. Luckily I read "A Brief history of time " (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...). It is good book to read before you attempt read this one.
Kudos to author to bringing Universe and Vedas together.
Till now I knew about spiritual and psychological interpretation of them. But this books takes a completely different angle. It argues that rigveda, oldest of vedas, is a handbook of cosmology.
There have been many attempts where people try to connect new science invention to older spiritual books. But issue with those attempts are, they all look superficial and backward. But in this book author not only shows how vedas have very similar theory as big bang theory, he also shows how to address the short comings of theory with the ideas provided in vedas. So this book goes even beyond what's the latest science is.
Before reading this book you need a good understanding of big bang theory model. Luckily I read "A Brief history of time " (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...). It is good book to read before you attempt read this one.
Kudos to author to bringing Universe and Vedas together.
June 12, 2020
Pathbreaking
A civilisation that gave birth to the most original language sanskrit couldn't have been
painstakingly preserving non sensical verses for the sole purpose of perceived holy rituals, once you acknowledge that, you know there is more, much more than the simplistic translation of vedas, you want to unravel the code and Raja Ram Mohan shows the way! It is a brave and salute worthy effort and hope such learned souls continue to lead the way!
A civilisation that gave birth to the most original language sanskrit couldn't have been
painstakingly preserving non sensical verses for the sole purpose of perceived holy rituals, once you acknowledge that, you know there is more, much more than the simplistic translation of vedas, you want to unravel the code and Raja Ram Mohan shows the way! It is a brave and salute worthy effort and hope such learned souls continue to lead the way!
December 29, 2024
I would love to have a conversation with this author I read the Rgveda once, and maybe I had read the others. They did not make sense. There was a mention of karma, but it really said nothing about it. I loved how he said that Maya did not mean illusion. I could never believe in Maya when I was in a Hindu sect. And after my own experiences in meditation, I could not believe in karma. From reading this book, it seems to me that the
vedes are about cosmology.
vedes are about cosmology.
May 15, 2017
refreshingly original a must read
wonderful read and an amazing insight into the advanced physics coded in the vedas,a must read for everyone interested in cosmology
wonderful read and an amazing insight into the advanced physics coded in the vedas,a must read for everyone interested in cosmology
May 9, 2018
Awesome book!
Clears lots of misunderstanding about cosmology in logical ways. Kudos and thanks to writter. I felt like watching a movie like avenger. Indra, surya, vishu,etc
Clears lots of misunderstanding about cosmology in logical ways. Kudos and thanks to writter. I felt like watching a movie like avenger. Indra, surya, vishu,etc
October 31, 2019
Amazingly! well narrated
This book reveals why vedas are considered the most sacred scripture of Hinduism and also shows how the insight of modern physics were well coded long back!
This book reveals why vedas are considered the most sacred scripture of Hinduism and also shows how the insight of modern physics were well coded long back!
August 8, 2023
This is a must read in learning about the Vedas. Excellent read
May 14, 2021
The writer makes his readers to think the ancient literature in an another way. The writing is very much interesting.
June 2, 2016
This is an excellent book with an innovative and scientific approach of explaining the Rig Veda, one of the most sacrosanct body of knowledge of Hindus. Many of the western scholars have literally interpreted the meaning of Vedas that resulted in a set of blasphemy (Aryan Invasion theory being the most prominent one among them).
The entire cosmogenesis secret contained in the Rig Veda has been explained by the author in terms of modern Physics which sounds plausible and puts at rest the wrong interpretations done so far.
The entire cosmogenesis secret contained in the Rig Veda has been explained by the author in terms of modern Physics which sounds plausible and puts at rest the wrong interpretations done so far.
March 1, 2019
Today's Hindus have forgotten the science behind old stories, which they often called superstitions. I believe this is the must-read book to recover the scientific reasoning behind our practices. Most of the modern scientific discoveries are based on assumptions or singularities which scientists want to get rid of. This book helps answer all of those questions, showing there was a time that is more superior and advanced than us. We are just searching for smooth pebbles at the seashore, while an ocean of truth remains in front of us unexplored.
April 15, 2019
Interesting on the cosmology of Hinduism
October 19, 2016
it was nice but these apparent meaning is really holds good don't know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
A scientific approach to Hinduism.. Great book if you are really interested to know what, who, and why in Hinduism.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews