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.
The Tao is Thermodynamics
Lao Tzu understood far-from-equilibrium physics 2,500 years ago. The Tao Te Ching is a thermodynamics textbook. Mind = blown.
Wu Wei: The Science of Effortless Action
The Taoist concept of 'non-doing' isn't laziness—it's alignment with natural flow. Dr. Bob's concept of flow meets ancient Chinese wisdom.
Why the Tao Can't Be Named
'The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.' Lao Tzu was describing far-from-equilibrium dynamics. The physics of the ineffable.
Flow State: Where East Meets West
Csikszentmihalyi's flow state. Dr. Bob's flow concept. The Taoist flow of the Tao. They're all describing the same thermodynamic phenomenon.
The Water That Wears Away Stone
'Nothing is softer than water, yet nothing can resist it.' The Tao Te Ching's most famous teaching is pure thermodynamics. Here's why.
Buddhism and the Arrow of Time
Impermanence. Non-attachment. The Buddha understood entropy. Buddhist philosophy as a practical guide to living with thermodynamic reality.
Why Eastern Religions Got It Right
Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism—they all point to flow, impermanence, non-resistance. Western science is finally catching up. The convergence.
The Bhagavad Gita and Adaptation
'You have the right to action, but not to the fruits of action.' Krishna was teaching thermodynamic wisdom. The Gita as a guide to flow.
Zen and the Art of Far-From-Equilibrium
Zen koans break your rational mind to access flow. Dr. Bob's work explains why this works. The neuroscience of enlightenment.
Dr. Bob's Flow vs. The Tao
Dr. Bob talked about 'flow' constantly. He was channeling 2,500 years of Taoist wisdom through a scientific lens. The connection explained.
Meditation is Thermodynamic Training
Meditation isn't woo-woo—it's training your brain to access flow states. The science of why sitting still changes everything.
The Yin-Yang is Wrong (Sort Of)
Balance is a myth. But the yin-yang symbol contains a deeper truth: constant flow between states. The thermodynamic reinterpretation.
Cannabis and Enlightenment
Sadhus in India. Rastafarians in Jamaica. Cannabis has been used for spiritual practice for millennia. The ECS connection to transcendence.
Why Attachment Causes Suffering
The Buddha's first noble truth, explained through thermodynamics. Attachment is resistance to flow. Resistance to flow is suffering. Simple.