Understanding the nature of our reality has been one of the biggest endeavors of mankind. Since times immemorial, we have tried to make sense of the reality that we exist in.

Over a period of thousands of years, we have managed to come really far. We now understand more than we ever have. We even understand the fundamental forces that govern our universe to an impressive degree.

However, there is still a lot more to uncover. In fact, we have barely even scratched the surface. In our quest to understand it all, we have propounded all sorts of theories. We have even looked at religions and ancient spiritual texts to find answers.

One such theory that some scientists have talked about and also has a basis in ancient Hinduism, is that the universe might be a conscious entity. If this is so, it could literally change how we view reality.

A Conscious Universe?

A new model for the universe called Integrated Information Theory (IIT) was put forward by scientists a few years ago. It attempts to quantify and measure consciousness itself. It also suggests that the universe and everything in it (even sub-atomic particles) experience consciousness.

The details of the theory are too technical to explain in a short article. So, if you want to read more about it, you can do so here. Basically, the theory relies on a value called phi that represents the interconnectivity of a node. The node can be a region of the brain, a machine, or even just an atom. A high value of phi represents higher consciousness.

A similar concept has been present in Hinduism since ancient times. According to the texts, the whole of the universe is a single conscious entity. This entity has been called different names in different eras. However, the concept remains the same.

Modern-day spirituality seems to be calling this universal consciousness "Shiva". It is also propounded in Yogic scriptures that the physical reality we observe today came into existence due to the union of this "Shiva" and a cosmic form of energy called "Shakti".

Personally, I find this really interesting. Modern-day physics suggests that there is something called dark matter and dark energy which combined, make up 96% of the universe. Could it be that the dark matter is Shiva and the dark energy is Shakti that Hinduism has been talking about for eons?

I really hope that scientists can figure out the true nature of our reality. It would answer so many of our questions and we will be better for it. It would also do wonders for our technological status which could, in turn, make our lives much better.