Gurmat and Ontological Reality – Consciousness as the Ground of Reality
In Gurmat (Sikh philosophy), the ontological foundation of reality is rooted in Paratama (Universal Consciousness), which serves as the ultimate ground of existence. This consciousness is expressed as Ongkaar—the vibrational essence of creation—symbolizing the unstruck cosmic sound (Anhad Naad). Ongkaar represents the primordial vibration that gives rise to infinite manifestations of the cosmos through vibratory phenomena.
These vibrations, interpreted as Akash (ether), resonate as electromagnetic waves, forming the substratum of material and immaterial existence. In this framework, Akash acts as the medium through which consciousness expresses itself in a dynamic and interdependent interplay of energy and form.
Gurmat thus presents an ontological model where Paratama (Consciousness) is not separate from its manifestations but inherently immanent, self-expressing through Ongkaar as the creative, sustaining, and dissolving forces of the universe. This paradigm invites an understanding of reality as vibrational, interconnected, and infused with divine awareness.
To explore reality through an ontological model, we aim to uncover the nature of existence itself, delving into questions like: What truly exists? What is the essence of consciousness? How is all of existence interconnected? This inquiry can be approached both scientifically and through spiritual teachings from traditions such as Gurmat (Sikh philosophy), Buddhism, and Sufism. By integrating these perspectives, we gain a model of reality that not only accommodates scientific rigor but also enriches it with experiential insights.
Science and the Ontological Model
In scientific exploration, ontology is concerned with identifying and categorizing the fundamental elements of reality. Quantum physics, for instance, challenges our common sense understanding of matter, showing that at the smallest scales, particles behave in ways that are interconnected, non-local, and probabilistic. The universe appears more like a vast web of relationships and probabilities than a collection of fixed, isolated objects. From a scientific standpoint, this means that consciousness, observation, and energy interact in ways that are still not fully understood but seem intrinsic to reality itself.
Science, therefore, offers a framework to investigate reality with precision and verifiability, though it remains limited in exploring subjective experience, purpose, or the nature of consciousness itself. This is where ontological insights from spiritual teachings become invaluable, offering depth and context to the scientific worldview.
Gurmat (Sikh Philosophy)
In Gurmat, the teachings of the Sikh Gurus describe reality as the One Consciousness, which permeates everything. This view sees the universe as interconnected, where the divine (referred to as Waheguru or Ik Onkar) is not separate from the world but is expressed within it. Human perception of separation or ego (Haumai) creates a limited experience of reality. By cultivating awareness, one can transcend this illusion, seeing oneself as part of a greater whole. The ontological aspect of Gurmat teaches that through meditation, humility, and service, one experiences Naam—the divine presence that connects all.
Buddhist Philosophy
Buddhist teachings also speak to the interconnected, interdependent nature of reality, often described through emptiness (Śūnyatā), which suggests that no phenomenon exists independently; everything arises through a web of causes and conditions. The self, as perceived, is also an illusion, with suffering arising from attachment to this illusory self. Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, aim to break down this false identification, helping individuals experience their innate Buddha-nature. Ontologically, this aligns closely with quantum concepts of interrelation and fluidity, suggesting that reality is a dynamic flow rather than a collection of static objects.
Sufism
Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, emphasizes experiencing divine reality through the heart and direct communion with the Beloved (God). Sufi teachings view the world as a manifestation of divine qualities, where every being is a unique expression of divine love. This experience is deepened through practices like dhikr (remembrance) and contemplation. In Sufi ontology, reality is seen as a continuous unfolding of divine consciousness, where individual existence is a mere reflection of the divine.
Integrating Science with Gurmat, Buddhist, and Sufi Teachings
The ontological model becomes complete by merging scientific inquiry with the experiential wisdom of these spiritual teachings. Science provides the methodologies to investigate and verify aspects of reality, while Gurmat, Buddhism, and Sufism illuminate the subjective experiences and states of consciousness that science cannot directly access.
- Interconnectedness: All three traditions teach that separation is an illusion, a concept mirrored in scientific fields like quantum entanglement and systems theory. Consciousness or awareness becomes the connecting link, suggesting that reality is a web of interdependent relationships.
- Subjective Experience: While science typically disregards subjective experience, spiritual practices demonstrate that states of consciousness are central to understanding reality. Meditation, prayer, and mindfulness are means to alter perception and dissolve ego, allowing one to experience reality directly as interconnected.
- Unity in Diversity: Gurmat, Buddhism, and Sufism each emphasize the experience of unity amid apparent diversity. Science, through concepts like field theory and relativity, supports this idea by showing that distinctions are contextual rather than absolute.
Through this integrative ontological model, reality is revealed not as a rigid, fixed structure but as a living process of unfolding awareness. Scientific exploration becomes enriched with spiritual insight, while spiritual teachings find grounding in empirical observations, forming a holistic view of existence as dynamic, interconnected, and imbued with meaning.
(c) Davinder S Panesar 2024