This essay forms part of a series that will explore Tom Campbell’s My Big TOE (Theory of Everything) in relation to the insights of philosophers, scientists, and indigenous cultures, whilst examining its alignment with the core tenets of ancient scriptures and religions. By weaving together these diverse perspectives, the series seeks to reframe the timeless wisdom of the past through a scientific model, providing a contemporary lens on enduring truths. In this instalment, we focus on how My Big TOE (MBT) offers a modern explanation of the spiritual principles found in Hinduism and, in particular, Buddhism, translating their profound teachings into a rational, scientific framework.
Consciousness as the Bedrock of Existence
In Hinduism, Brahman is the ultimate reality—an all-encompassing consciousness that transcends and unifies the cosmos. The material world is described as Maya, an illusion that obscures this deeper truth. Similarly, Buddhism introduces sunyata (emptiness), asserting that phenomena lack independent existence and arise through interdependence, pointing to a reality rooted in awareness rather than physicality. Another Buddhist concept, vijnana (consciousness), underscores that awareness is central to experience, shaping how reality is perceived.
MBT echoes these ideas by positing that consciousness is the fundamental essence of reality, and the physical universe is a virtual construct—a computed simulation designed for consciousness to interact, learn, and evolve. This aligns with Brahman as the source of all existence and supports sunyata and vijnana by framing reality as a non-inherent, interconnected system shaped by conscious perception. Campbell’s use of virtual reality as a metaphor provides a scientific analogy for these ancient concepts, making them accessible to a modern audience whilst preserving their profundity.
The Illusion of the Self
Hinduism’s concept of Atman describes the individual soul as eternal and ultimately one with Brahman. Self-realisation involves recognising this unity. In contrast, Buddhism’s doctrine of anatta (no-self) rejects a permanent self, viewing personal identity as a transient illusion that fuels suffering. Liberation (nirvana) comes from dissolving attachment to this false sense of self. Additionally, the Buddhist concept of skandhas (the five aggregates—form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness) explains the self as a composite of impermanent processes, further emphasising its illusory nature.
MBT offers a synthesis of these perspectives through its concept of Individual Units of Consciousness (IUOCs). IUOCs are distinct expressions of a larger consciousness system, possessing individuality within the simulation but remaining part of an interconnected whole. This mirrors Atman as a unique yet unified aspect of Brahmanand aligns with anatta and skandhas by treating personal identity as a temporary construct, not an ultimate truth. By framing the self as a functional unit within a virtual reality, MBT provides a rational model that reconciles these seemingly divergent views.
Karma, Rebirth, and the Evolution of Consciousness
Both Hinduism and Buddhism emphasise karma—the law of cause and effect where actions shape future experiences, often across multiple lifetimes through rebirth. Life is a process of spiritual growth, aimed at breaking free from samsara, the cycle of suffering and reincarnation, to achieve moksha (liberation in Hinduism) or nirvana (enlightenment in Buddhism). In Buddhism, the Noble Eightfold Path (right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration) provides a practical guide for generating positive karma and progressing towards liberation.
In MBT, life is a series of virtual experiences, referred to as experience packets, designed to facilitate the evolution of consciousness. Each choice and action generates feedback within the system, influencing future states of being—a process akin to karma. The concept of multiple “lives” or incarnations parallels rebirth, where consciousness cycles through different experience packets to refine its quality, measured by reducing entropy (disorder) through love, compassion, and wisdom. Campbell’s model reinterprets these spiritual ideas as mechanisms within a learning simulation, offering a scientific explanation for personal and collective growth that aligns with the Noble Eightfold Path’s emphasis on ethical conduct and mindful choices.
Reality as a Construct
The Hindu concept of Maya portrays the material world as an illusion that veils the reality of Brahman. Similarly, Buddhism teaches that reality is impermanent and illusory, encouraging practitioners to transcend appearances to attain enlightenment. The Buddhist concept of pratityasamutpada (dependent origination) further illustrates this, showing that all phenomena arise from causes and conditions, lacking inherent reality.
MBT directly supports this by proposing that the physical universe is a virtual reality, not an objective truth. This scientific perspective validates the ancient insight that our sensory experience is a construct, providing a modern equivalent to Maya and Buddhist impermanence and pratityasamutpada. By describing reality as information-based and computed, Campbell offers a framework that demystifies these ideas whilst affirming their essence.
Spiritual Growth in a Scientific Framework
Hinduism and Buddhism view life’s purpose as spiritual development—overcoming ignorance, ego, and attachment to achieve liberation. Practices like meditation, ethical living, and self-inquiry guide practitioners towards this goal. In Buddhism, dhyana (meditative absorption) and prajna (wisdom) are key practices for cultivating insight into the nature of reality and achieving enlightenment.
MBT reframes this journey as the evolution of consciousness within a virtual “school.” The objective is to lower entropy by cultivating qualities like cooperation, empathy, and understanding—values that resonate with the ethical teachings of both religions, including Buddhist dhyana and prajna. Unlike traditional paths that emphasise mystical or devotional elements, MBT focuses on measurable progress within a system, offering a secular yet compatible interpretation of spiritual growth.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
Whilst MBT shares profound similarities with Hinduism and Buddhism, its scientific foundation sets it apart. By grounding its ideas in information theory, virtual systems, and empirical exploration, MBT invites testing and verification, unlike the faith-based or experiential approaches of these religions. Additionally, MBT eschews rituals, deities, or cultural practices, focusing solely on the mechanics of consciousness and reality.
This universality makes MBT a powerful tool for reinterpreting ancient wisdom. For Buddhism, in particular, MBT’s emphasis on interconnectedness, the illusory self, and personal evolution through mindful choices closely mirrors the teachings of the Buddha, including sunyata, anatta, skandhas, the Noble Eightfold Path, pratityasamutpada, dhyana, and prajna, recast in a language that resonates with today’s scientific mindset.
Conclusion
Tom Campbell’s My Big TOE provides a modern explanation of Hinduism and Buddhism by translating their core insights into a scientific model of reality. Its concepts of consciousness as fundamental, reality as a virtual simulation, and life as a series of experience packets align with Brahman, sunyata, karma, and the pursuit of liberation. By offering a rational, testable framework, MBT honours the wisdom of these ancient traditions, particularly Buddhism’s rich framework of concepts, whilst making their truths accessible to a contemporary audience. In doing so, it fulfils the aim of this series: to interpret the wise words of the past through a scientific lens, revealing the enduring relevance of Hinduism and Buddhism in a modern world.
Written and produced by Stephen Griffin
