A book by Fritjof Capra, a physicist of some standing and a professor at the University of California, first published in 1975, revised in 1983, and subtitled “An exploration of the parallels between modern physics and Eastern mysticism.” The book has three parts: The Way of Physics; The Way of Eastern Mysticism; and The Parallels. It has been enormously popular, selling in large numbers, clearly striking a chord with the public and with many scientists, and being translated into several languages.
Capra explains in his preface that, while sitting on a beach ruminating on the constitution of matter and on cosmic rays, “I ‘saw’ cascades of energy coming down from outer space, in which particles were created and destroyed in rhythmic pulses; I ‘saw’ atoms of the elements and those of my body participating in this cosmic dance of energy; I felt its rhythm and I ‘heard’ its sound, and at that moment I knew that this was the Dance of Shiva, The Lord of Dances, worshiped by the Hindus”. And later: “It was followed by many similar experiences which helped me gradually to realize that a consistent view of the world is beginning to emerge from modern physics which is harmonious with ancient Eastern wisdom.”