New Book Synthesizes Modern Theoretical Physics and Ancient Buddhist Philosophy.
MESA, Ariz. — For centuries, physicists and philosophers have pursued different avenues to understand the fundamental nature of the cosmos—one relying on particle accelerators and mathematical models, the other on deep introspection and mindfulness.
In his latest release, Inner Science: An Experiential Account of Buddha’s Wisdom, Mesa-based meditation teacher and author N.T. Hettigei presents that these seemingly disparate disciplines are arriving at identical conclusions.
The book contends that modern theoretical physics is increasingly corroborating insights first articulated over 2,500 years ago by Gautama Buddha. Drawing parallels between quantum theory and ancient metaphysics, Hettigei outlines how concepts such as the cosmic Singularity mirror the Buddhist doctrine of Emptiness (Śūnyatā), and suggests parallels between the Higgs Boson mechanism and the nature of human craving.
“The ultimate laboratory isn’t in Switzerland—it’s within you,” Hettigei said, addressing the tendency to look solely to external instruments like particle colliders for answers about existence.
Unlike mainstream mindfulness literature that emphasizes stress reduction or workplace productivity, Inner Science approaches meditation as an empirical tool for investigating reality. Hettigei structures the work not as an academic textual analysis of traditional Pali suttas, but as an experiential roadmap aimed at distinct audiences:
- Inquisitive Seekers: Readers seeking a rational, experience-based framework for spiritual concepts.
- Practicing Meditators: Individuals aiming to overcome plateaus in their contemplative routines.
- Scientists and Scholars: Researchers and academics seeking fresh perspectives, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and exploring parallels between empirical physics and contemplative science.
About the Author
A meditation practitioner and Sri Lankan Chartered Accountant, N.T. Hettigei lived in New Zealand for a decade before moving to the United States, where he has resided for the past 26 years. His spiritual insights are rooted in a profound experience during a meditation retreat in 1996 at the Bodhinarayana Monastery in Stokes Valley, New Zealand.
Hettigei balances this contemplative foundation with extensive analytical experience, having spent more than two decades in the U.S. corporate sector as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Dedicated to fostering inner and global peace, Hettigei is the founder of ancientpath.org and the Sages’ nth Foundation Inc., organizations established with the mission of creating anger- and hatred-free societies. Now retired from corporate practice, he also teaches meditation at the Arizona International Buddhist Meditation Center in Mesa.
Inner Science marks his latest release, following earlier titles including Explore Within: A Journey to Inner Peace and Beyond Our Self Image: The True Story of a Fictional Character.
The book is available now through major booksellers.