The Observer Effect

Quantum physics is finally catching up with spirituality.  We now have a glimpse of the reality of all phenomenon and may be able to satisfy this who crave for a more clinical line of reasoning.  In quantum physics, the observer effect is the theory that the mere observation of a phenomenon changes the phenomenon or reality.  And if the outcome of an event has not been observed, it exists in a state of superposition, which is being in all possible states at once.  The most puzzling fact about quantum mechanics is that the outcome one obtains is dependent on how and whether one observes the individual quanta (the smallest indivisible chunk that matter is made of) that is part of the experiment.  Depending on the type of equipment and measurement used to detect, particles have the capacity to display either “particle” or "wave" features.  This is the famous wave-particle duality where the true reality of a quantum system is neither a pure particle nor a pure wave.

In spirituality, we know that all phenomenon is fundamentally empty of any intrinsic existence, and is impermanent, non-singular and dependent arising.  Like in an experiment, when we observe something (whether it is a person, event or object), we first put our focus and attention onto it.  Then through our conscious awareness, we put our own labels and interpretation on them. A natural corollary to such definition and perception will be the birth of feelings and sensation.  Whether they are positive or negative, it then gives rise to craving, attachment or resistance.  The final product?  Suffering.  

Not all of us are science-minded, but the understanding of the mechanics that constitute the fabrics of the universe does provide some understanding for us to make the right choice for ourselves; and knowing that the right choice will create a more desirable outcome and potential happiness.

Understanding the Ego

Since it is the ego which has brought us here to have this human experience, it may appear to be an inescapable fact that we will identify with our body, mind and thoughts.  This is, of course, only true if we are referring to the attachment to our dreamy existence prior to waking up to the realisation of our true nature -- the non-dualistic oneness. 

It thus makes sense for us to understand how the ego behaves in order to recognise that we are acting out of it so that we can be the kind observer.  It is predominant to know that the ego always leads us to a sense of separation the very moment we start to see “me” as the subject and an individual entity.  This naturally gives rise to “others” from which all the suffering comes.  There will be comparison and differentiation, and hence judgement and the need for validation.  There will be an urge to be superior and important, and hence inadequacy and the feeling of vulnerability.  Let us look at the ego with courage, see through it and embrace it with space and open-heartedness.  With practices to stabilise in our true Self where stillness is in the background, the ego will naturally dissolve by itself.

Knowing Ego

Most people have a negative connotation of ego.  It implies a sense of self-importance that most often come at the expense of others.  When you describe someone being egoistic, there is even a suggestion of someone being selfish and preoccupied by oneself.  Though the word ego plays the most important in the human psyche and is widely studied in spirituality studies, there is an irony.  When we are asked to examine our ego, a lot of us will shy away from the word fearing that we will be perceived as self-centred people who do not care about the well-being of others.

This is because we do not have the right understanding of the word ego in spirituality.  Here ego means our innate identification with our self and our thoughts.  With its roots in Latin, ego literally means "I".  We are all susceptible to this identification as we believe that we are the "I" in this body with this mind.  The letting go of this ego can only happen when we can give up such identification.  This is not to say that we need to vanish form the surface of the Earth before we can transcend our ego.  But we need to develop a deeper understanding that we are beyond just "me" and "my thoughts".  With attachment to "me" and "my thoughts", there will always be separation and judgement which bind us to this dualistic world.  Being humans, this is a phenomenon that we cannot escape.  But is this really a Catch 22?  It will not be when we go deeper into our awareness and can see there is a much bigger "I" beyond this human body, in which there is only infinite wisdom, light and abundance.