For thousands of years, Eastern traditions have taught practices for achieving flow states, transcending ego, and aligning with the natural order of the universe. Modern science is finally catching up. These articles explore the surprising connections between ancient wisdom and far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics—and what they mean for living a better life.
The Tao, dharma, wu wei, satori—these concepts point to something real that Western science is only beginning to understand. When Buddhist monks describe emptiness, they're describing the same dynamic equilibrium that physicists see in dissipative structures. When Taoist masters speak of flowing with nature, they're describing optimal adaptation to changing conditions. The language differs, but the underlying reality is the same.
These articles bridge East and West, showing how meditation, yoga, and contemplative practices work at the level of neuroscience and thermodynamics. We explore why flow states feel so good, how mindfulness reduces entropy in the brain, and why attachment causes suffering from a physics perspective. The goal isn't to reduce spirituality to equations—it's to show that spiritual insights and scientific discoveries are pointing toward the same truths.
Whether you're a longtime practitioner or simply curious about Eastern philosophy, these articles offer a fresh perspective on ancient wisdom through the lens of modern science.
Why Attachment Causes Suffering
The Illusion of Control You think you’re in control, don’t you? You’ve got your five-year plan, your retirement account, you
Cannabis and Enlightenment
You Think Enlightenment is About Peace and Quiet? Bullshit. You picture a guru on a mountaintop, right? Legs crossed, e
The Yin-Yang is Wrong (Sort Of)
Let’s get one thing straight: that neat little circle of black and white, the tidy symbol of “balance” everyone loves to slap
Meditation is Thermodynamic Training
Let’s get one thing straight: meditation is not some woo-woo, crystal-hugging, incense-burning nonsense for the perpetual
Dr. Bob's Flow vs. The Tao
You Think You Know Flow? Think Again. You've heard the term
Zen and the Art of Far-From-Equilibrium
Your Brain is a Liar Let me ask you something. Do you believe your thoughts? Do you trust that little voice in your Insights from Dr. Bob Melamede's framework.
The Gita's Secret: Why Krishna Was Teaching Thermodynamics
Krishna's teaching about detachment from outcomes isn't spiritual fluff—it's a masterclass in thermodynamics. The Bhagavad Gita is a user's manual for living in
Why Eastern Religions Got It Right
You think you need balance in your life? Bullshit. That’s right, I said it. The whole concept of “work Insights from Dr. Bob Melamede's framework.
Buddhism and the Arrow of Time
You Think You're In Control? Bullshit. You think you're in control? That's cute. You meticulously plan your life, your career
The Water That Wears Away Stone
Hook Have you ever felt like you're banging your head against a wall? You push, you shove, you scream, you try to force cha
Flow State: Where East Meets West
_The following is a guest post by Justin Hartfield, author of
The Tao of Cannabis
The Tao of Cannabis Stop Fighting, Start Flowing You think you’re in control. You have a five-year plan, a ten-year plan, a color-coded calendar, and a to
Wu Wei: The Science of Effortless Action
Stop trying so damn hard. Seriously. All that effort, all that struggle, all that grinding you’re so proud of? It’s Insights from Dr. Bob Melamede's framework
The Tao is Thermodynamics
You think you know how the world works? You think it’s all about balance, harmony, and finding some mythical equilibrium? Bullshit.