Samādhi – A quantum perspective
When we speak of samādhi, are we referring to a single state or a process comprising multiple states of concentration? I tend to think it’s a process involving many states or layers. Once we pass through the gate of absorption, the quality of samādhi gradually deepens, intensifying stage by stage—from mild to good, to better, and sometimes the reverse. This is a continuous transformation of quality. As discussed earlier, non-technical factors, particularly the mental residue that arises from the Subconscious and Unconscious, also subtly influence the quality of absorption.
Can we use concepts from neuroscience, psychology, and quantum physics to describe these meditative states? After many conversations with Brother Alpha, and my own readings, I’ll give it a try. As always, let me make it clear: I only extract what seems relevant and helpful to explain my lived experience in meditation. What I don’t understand in these fields is vast and immeasurable.
+ In quantum physics, each atom consists of a nucleus (neutrons and protons) surrounded by electrons orbiting around it.[1] Each atom carries its own energy and vibrates in a specific wave pattern. The combination of different atoms forms our physical body—and since those combinations vary, so do our physical forms.
+ Suppose we view mental states as mental atoms that make up our consciousness, our self, our soul, our thoughts, our awareness. For simplicity, let’s call all of these “the Self.” According to Abhidhamma, there are around 89 types of mental states (or 121, depending on how you classify them). Each state consists of two components: the core or main force (Citta – let’s call this the TV nucleus), and the supporting factors (Cetasikas – we’ll refer to these mental concomitants as TS electrons). Each mental state contains different structures, varying in the number and type of TS, with distinct energies (karma forces) and modes of functioning.[2]
+ Because of their different structures and energy levels, these mental atoms vibrate at different frequencies and wavelengths: from dense to subtle, from low to high, from fast to slow, and from short to long.[3] Mental atoms associated with Realms of Unhappiness[4] are heavier, oscillate more rapidly, and have shorter wavelengths than those associated with Realms of Happiness[5]. The same gradation applies when comparing Happy Realms with Form Realms, Formless Realms, and the Supramundane. In the Supramundane, mental atoms become extremely light, serene, with extremely long—or even flat—wavelengths, their oscillations approaching zero.
+ Here’s the key idea I propose: All 89 mental atoms co-exist and collectively constitute the Self.[6] But we’re often unaware of the more refined or wholesome atoms, because they’re drowned out by the louder, more dominant mental atoms of the Desire Realm. The interaction between inner energies and external conditions shifts the positioning and dominance of these mental atoms.[7]
+ When we exert intense focus on meditation objects—letters, numbers, mental calculations, and structured arrangements—we intentionally direct a high-frequency energetic charge into the mental atoms of the Desire Realm (short wavelength, high frequency, low amplitude). This added energy forces those restless atoms to oscillate with greater amplitude or at higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths[8]. When the pressure exceeds their tolerance, they break apart, collapse, or disintegrate. Put differently, the Self becomes lighter, having shed some of its heavier atoms. Moreover, the collapse of these restless atoms creates an impelling force that propels the Self beyond an invisible threshold separating the Desire Realm from higher dimensions.[9] To further illustrate this, we might borrow the concept of Quantum Tunnelling. When the mental atoms of the Desire Realm are disrupted or dissolved, the remaining Self consists of lighter, subtler atoms, oscillating at higher amplitudes and longer wavelengths. Due to the wave-particle duality of quantum systems, the Self—both wave and particle[10]—can tunnel through the energetic barrier.[11] Depending on which group of mental atoms dominates (Form Realm, Formless Realm, etc.), and the wave nature they express, the Self may tunnel farther—deeper—into a different reference frame: samādhi.
+ Based on my personal practice, I observe that in the early phase of samādhi, its quality builds gradually—mirroring the slow passage of the Self through this quantum tunnel. The spread and intensity of bliss (Pīti) also evolves gradually, through stages like Saturation and Soaking. During this period, if some restless mental atoms “revive” (having merely fainted—not fully died 😊), or if they arise anew from the Subconscious or Unconscious, then the Self is pulled back across the tunnel—returning to the Desire Realm. In the later phase, when samādhi deepens, the stillness becomes more profound, and the Self becomes firmly established on the far side—within what Brother Alpha calls the Meditative Consciousness System. The Self continues to grow lighter.[12] Bliss shifts to the stage of Fulfillment, and occasionally, Overflow. I don’t know exactly which samādhi layer I’m in. I only know that residual dust from the Subconscious and/or Unconscious remains[13]—and sometimes I start to feel overwhelmed, as if I can’t breathe. So no, I haven’t yet reached the stillness that Brother Alpha has (let alone “gone beyond” samādhi!). That’s okay. No rushing. Just steady, gentle, patient perseverance on the path.
(End of Part 8/11)
Notes:
[1] https://www.cronodon.com/AtomTech.html.
[2] For instance, one of the 89 mental atoms is Greed-Mind Type 1. Its core component (TV nucleus) includes: Joyful Feeling, Wrong View, and Intrinsic Energy (meaning it arises independently—not triggered by external suggestion). Its concomitant elements (TS electrons) consist of 17 mental factors: Contact, Perception, Volition, One-Pointedness, Vitality, Attention, Initial Application, Sustained Application, Determination, Effort, Joy, Craving, Delusion, Shamelessness, Recklessness, Distraction, and Greed. Of course, each of these TS electrons carries different energies. For example: One-Pointedness is negative (< 0, unwholesome), Effort is neutral (= 0), Greed is very high (> 0, unwholesome). Another mental atom, such as the Initial Impulse Mind of the First Form Jhana, has 35 components: 5 TV nuclei: Initial Application, Sustained Application, Joy, Happiness, One-Pointedness, and 30 TS electrons, including: Faith, Mindfulness, Moral Shame, Moral Dread, Non-Greed, Non-Hatred, …, Wisdom Faculty. Two mental atoms may share identical structures but differ in energy dynamics and function. For example, both the Initial Impulse Mind of the First Form Jhana and its Resultant Mind share the same 35 mental concomitants, but the first generates wholesome energy and karma, while the second merely experiences the result.
[3] See https://brainworksneurotherapy.com/what-are-brainwaves for types of brainwave activity.
[4] The Unfortunate/Unhappy Realms include: Hell, Animal, Hungry Ghosts, and Asura.
[5] The Wholesome/Happy Realms include: Human, Four Great Kings, Trayastrimsa (Thirty-Three Gods), Yama, Tusita, Nirmāṇarati (the realm of the gods who delight in creation), and Paranimmita-Vasavatti (the realm of the gods who lord over the creations of others).
[6] These 89 mental atoms overlap (superimpose), which causes the Self—as an integrated entity—to produce non-uniform oscillations and wavelengths: sometimes high or low, short or long, strong or weak, and often chaotic. Still, the assumption of a unified Self implies that within each person's consciousness lies both wholesome and unwholesome elements—hell and supramundane realms, all coexisting. The real challenge is how to disentangle, eliminate the unwholesome mental atoms, and nourish the higher, supramundane ones.
[7] For example, when we see delicious food, Greed-Mind may arise and take over leadership of the Self. Or when someone offends us, Anger-Mind takes charge. Conversely, during successful Form Jhana practice, a wholesome mind from that group may gently take over the Self, allowing it to enjoy rapture and bliss.
[8] See https://www.cronodon.com/AtomTech.html Also, refer to the first video in Note 10.
[9] In engineering and signal processing, there's a concept called (Signal to Noise Ratio, SNR), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signal-to-noise_ratio. If we divide mental atoms into two categories—Signal Group (Form, Formless, and Supramundane minds) and Noise Group (Desire Realm minds)—then before training, our SNR is low due to mental noise. Through meditation and elimination of mental distractions, SNR gradually increases. At a certain point, when the signal is strong enough, the Self begins to synchronize with the frequencies of the Higher and Supramundane Realms. This interpretation also aligns with research in psi functioning (extrasensory perception?) and altered states of consciousness (e.g., hypnosis). See Tart, C.T., 1978. Psi functioning and altered states of consciousness: A perspective. Psi and States of Awareness, 180–210.
[10] See https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/quantum-physics/atoms-and-electrons/v/de-broglie-wavelength; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8FTr2qMutA.
[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_tunnelling; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF7dDt3tVmI.
[12] When the mind becomes more still, we may be creating a more conducive environment for higher mental atoms to resonate with their corresponding meditative states. Or perhaps, in doing so, we’re gradually draining impulsive energy from the Self, reducing the amplitude of its overall oscillation—approaching stillness.
[13] I should probably observe and study this matter more deeply.