Opinion | Diné thought in quantum theory

Diné thought in quantum theory
By Harold G. Begay

Quantum physics theory, a realm where the intricacies of particles and waves are examined, offers a most profound parallel to traditional Indigenous philosophies. Our Native teachings, grounded in centuries of wisdom and observation, provide a unique lens through which to understand these scientific paradigms. This intersection between Native Indigenous philosophies and modern inquiry is not merely theoretical but deeply practical, revealing profound truths about the nature of existence and our place within it. Through the synthesis of Diné teachings and quantum physics, we uncover a dynamic framework that emphasizes balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness, interdependency, and relationality, of all life forms. As we bridge these realms, we create a rich tapestry that not only honors our heritage but also offers innovative insights that enrich contemporary scientific dialogues.

Reclaiming the Native lens

For too long, our Indigenous Native philosophical constructs have been articulated through foreign lens. We as Native peoples must recapture and articulate our authentic, bona fide philosophical constructs through our own Native lens. Our culture, rich in tradition and depth, has the potential to illuminate the path to understanding the universe, our place in the universe bridging sacred traditional wisdom and modern scientific inquiry. By revisiting our Native philosophical constructs through a lens untainted by external interpretations, we can explore the symbiosis of our heritage with contemporary scientific paradigms. This synthesis not only affirms the validity of our ancestral knowledge but also enhances its relevance in today’s world.

By embracing our Indigenous philosophy, we open the door to a harmonious integration of traditional earth-based, natural world wisdom and contemporary scientific exploration. Our Diné teachings emphasize the significance of maintaining balance and harmony within oneself, the environment, and our natural world. This holistic approach, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life forms, aligns seamlessly with the principles of quantum physics, in the super-positioned particle, the uncertainty principle in the wave-particle duality quantum theory. The act of weaving a Navajo rug, for instance, contains an intentional gap, symbolizing the infinite possibilities and the notion that one’s thoughts must never be confined, that there is always an opening, in Navajo, the concept of an opening, “Ch’ii honit’ii’,” symbolizing hope, creation. This concept of cognitive flexibility is echoed in the quantum super-positioned particle physics theory, where focusing exclusively on one thought displaces others, reflecting the dynamic nature of human consciousness. As we delve deeper into this integration, we find that our Indigenous knowledge, rich in spiritual reverence and scientific insight, offers profound contributions to understanding the complexities of the universe and our place within it.

The quantum principles within Diné thought

For academic discourse at the most peripheral level, Diné thought, in bona
fide authentic traditional knowledge, concepts of interconnectedness, interdependency, and relationality, play heavily into discreteness and enlightenment, a new direction in the ever-evolving quantum theory and physics. In this discourse on Diné thought, philosophy, at the most basic level, there are two constructs that are most applicable from quantum physics theory: one, the “super positioned particles” of nature whereby a laser focus on one particle amid a random swirl of particles results in the collapse of the contextual random swirl of particles, i.e., prayer-songs; and two, the “quantum physics of duality,” as approximating that one cannot exist without the other, that there is in nature mutually dependent opposites that takes on remarkable properties of cohesion, balance, harmony, in Navajo, Alch’i Sila.

With the wave-particle duality, if equivocated with Alch’i Sila, one entails measurement

(Alch’i), posited as discrete, while the latter exegesis (Sila), as interdependent and flowing, as enlightenment, and that parallels the Diné thought and teaching of Alch’i Sila. Or that this concept of Alch’i Sila is predicated on the need to look at the forest to understand the tree, equally, to look at the tree to understand the forest, or at its most fundamental level, that essentially you cannot understand one without the other, i.e., that good is meaningless without evil, etc., or that the whole is greater (interdependent-flowing) than the sum of its parts (discrete). This sacred Native (Navajo) fundamental thought is very much in line with the uncertainty principle and the wave-particle duality in quantum physics, where the basic concept comes from the notion of quantum complementarity, or that you cannot understand one without the other.

With Native philosophical constructs and mathematical formulation in quantum physics theory then, we can delve deeper into the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics and Indigenous wisdom. Both frameworks invite us to explore the nature of reality, emphasizing the significance of observation and the interconnectedness of all things. They challenge us to embrace uncertainty and appreciate the dualities that define our existence. By integrating these profound teachings into our daily lives, we cultivate a mindset that values growth, harmony, intentionality for a healthier world, and healing. This journey is not just about intellectual pursuit but about transforming our approach to life’s complexities, fostering personal and collective resilience, and paving the way for a richer understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Through the lens of Indigenous philosophies, we uncover a profound truth: that the act of observing and interacting with the world is not merely passive but deeply participatory, shaping the very fabric of existence. This perspective aligns seamlessly with the principles of quantum physics, which suggest that the observer is an integral part of the observed reality. Within Native teachings, every action, thought, and intention carries purposeful weight, a reminder that the interconnectedness of all things demands mindfulness and reverence. In the weaving of a Navajo rug, again, the intentional gap is not only a metaphor for infinite possibilities but a testament to the power of intentionality in forging pathways of hope and creation. By embracing this interplay between spiritual wisdom and scientific exploration, we are called to live with greater intentionality, fostering compassion, resilience, and an unyielding sense of purpose that reverberates through our lives and the collective consciousness of the world.

Indigenous knowledge and cosmic exploration

By bridging the earth-based, oceanic ecosystem, and the cosmic order, Native, Indigenous wisdom, values, and teachings, with the cutting-edge concepts of quantum physics, we foster a holistic understanding that transcends conventional boundaries. This synthesis not only illuminates the profound connections between Indigenous knowledge and scientific inquiry but also offers a transformative lens through which we can approach the challenges of modern existence. Both paradigms invite us to embrace the inherent uncertainties of life and recognize the intricate interdependence of all things. Through this integrated perspective, we can cultivate a deeper sense of harmony and balance, appreciating that our actions and intentions ripple through the fabric of reality, shaping both our personal journeys and the collective experience. This convergence of thought underscores the importance of intentionality, resilience, and adaptability in navigating the complexities of our world, ultimately enriching our understanding of ourselves and our place within the cosmos.

Given a depth of perspective, it helps to leave home, cross philosophical boundaries, continue one’s scientific journey into and explore the vast cosmic ocean, then come home, and you will gain a deeper understanding, cultivate a greater appreciation for, and value, the home planet that we walk on, the “pale blue dot, that’s us, that’s home.” This journey of scientific exploration not only broadens our horizons but also deepens our connection to the very essence of existence. By engaging in the vast expanse of the universe, the philosophical constructs, we uncover profound truths about our place within it, seeing our home and our home planet with renewed clarity and respect. This scientific voyage enriches our perspective, and upon returning, we carry with us a heightened awareness of the delicate equilibrium that sustains life on Earth. The exegesis of this thought, the scientific exploration, is from an Aerospace Engineer of Navajo descent, our late brother, who led one team of aerospace engineers, with planetary scientists, galvanized the Voyager 1 And Voyager 2 into deep space probes exploring interstellar space (Where Are Voyager 1 and 2 Now? – NASA Science; Deep Space Network, or DSN.).

With Hozhogo Iiná, the Protection Way and the Blessing Way of Life, T’áá Diné Be’iina’ Bindii’a’, this approach encourages mindfulness and respect, nurturing a profound connection to the Earth, the oceanic ecosystem, the cosmoses, and inspiring sustainable practices that protect and preserve our natural resources, our natural world, for future generations. This holistic perspective fosters a deep respect for the intricate web of life and the environment that sustains us, and how we in turn sustain our environment, our natural world. By embracing this interconnectedness, interdependency, and relationality, we gain invaluable insights into the delicate balance of ecosystems and the role we play within them. It helps to leave home, cross philosophical boundaries, digitally explore the vast cosmologies, then come home, and we will gain a deeper understanding, cultivate a greater appreciation for, and value, the home planet that we think on (Nitsihakees), that we live on (Iiná), that we gather on (Alka’ana’ooniil), that we rest on (Sihasin).

Pointedly, Native peoples have their own evidentiary path in sustaining the migration of Indigenous Native knowledge from generation to generation. This profound understanding, cultivated through exploration and reverence, echoes through the teachings of Native Indigenous cultures. It is a testament to the enduring wisdom that the interwoven narratives of land, the oceanic ecosystem, the cosmos, and life are shared across generations, shaping the very fabric of Native indigeneity. These contributions are not merely accolades, but beacons guiding us towards a future where education is a harmonious blend of cultural heritage, scientific inquiry, and environmental stewardship. This synergy illuminates the path forward, inviting us to reconnect with our roots and to honor the interconnectedness, the interdependency, and the relationality of our existence, ultimately fostering a sustainable and enlightened worldviews.

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