The Hidden Domain:
Common Elements In David Bohm's Physics, The Perennial Pholosophy and Seth

By Norman Friedman

Preface

In writing this book on the quantum wave function I have drawn from many sources, primarily physicists, mathematicians, philosophers, and Seth. Here I would like to say a few words about Seth, the discarnate entity channeled by Jane Roberts, the poet and novelist who produced more than fifteen volumes from the channeled Seth material. In researching my previous book Bridging Science and Spirit, I came across a comment by a physicist who noted some similarity between the description of a concept in quantum theory called Heisenberg's potentia, which is described by the wave function, and a domain described by Seth. After studying this material in depth, I realized that Seth's ideas pertaining to physics originated from an intelligence with both a knowledge of science and a clear message about the nature of reality and human experience. I have utilized this unusual source throughout—wherever the information seems helpful and appropriate.

Understanding the wave function normally requires sonic background in advanced mathematics. Since the vast majority of readers do not have such a background, I shall attempt explanations using images, metaphors, and analogies; these are solidly grounded in science to keep distortions to a minimum. Thus, this book is free from mathematical formulas except for one section, which requires some understanding of high school algebra.

In spite of my efforts to explain complex concepts in simple terms, I am aware that those without a science background may find some portions of this book (particularly Part 2) quite challenging. These portions are necessary to provide a firm scientific basis for the modeling interpretations and philosophical speculations that follow. My suggestion to readers who are having trouble is to read lightly (or skip) sections that are too difficult and continue on to those which are easier to grasp. Chapter 13, especially the summary, should be helpful. If you get the gist of what is being said—even though you may not completely follow the reasoning—you may well be rewarded with some satisfying insights into the nature of reality, ideas that are developed in Parts 3 and 4. For those wishing greater depth, the footnotes provide additional information regarding some of the scientific material.

If we are to comprehend the implications of modern physics, it is advisable to understand the problems that arose in classical physics which necessitated the development of relativity and quantum theories. To this end, the first part of the book offers a historical background on the world of Newton, followed by an overview of relativity and quantum theories. The second part of the book presents a detailed discussion of the wave function and its philosophical meaning. Part 3, Models of Reality, examines concepts both from physicists who have made contributions in this area and from Seth.

In the final part of the book, I allow myself to range freely and widely in considering how the models of reality discussed relate to disciplines outside science. It is my view, however, that the only scientific tool we have for understanding the level underlying time and space is the wave function, and it is to a nonmathematical examination of this hidden domain that the book is devoted.

Copyright 1997 by Norman Friedman. Published by The Woodbridge Group, Eugene, Oregon. All rights reserved. Copyright contents may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher.

Introduction

Quantum theory tells us that all matter—and any part thereof—is associated with an unusual wave, a wave designated by the mathematical formulation called the wave function. The wave function has unquestionable accuracy and usefulness; but, oddly enough, the wave it describes cannot be detected by any ordinary means—which makes it not only enigmatic, but literally not of this world. We are therefore faced with the notion that there exists an entire realm of reality that ties outside our experience of the material world yet is intimately connected to it, an idea that is well established though still only vaguely understood by physicists.

Our knowledge of the wave function forces us to leave behind the comfortable thought that our three-dimensional world is all there is and that it changes through time in comprehensible and predictable ways. Instead we must acknowledge that, considered in its most fundamental aspect, that of elementary particles, our world requires a second level consisting of potential states, described by the wave function, which are brought into three-dimensional reality by an act of observation—an idea many consider metaphysical. (At least, this is the traditional view of many physicists, consistent with the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum theory.) So, while classical theory attempted to banish the mystical and the mysterious from physics, quantum theory has reinstated such notions in the form of abstract mathematical formalisms—one being the wave function—which address a reality that often seems to contradict our normal experience.

The wave function describes the state of an electron (or any larger system) in terms of the possibilities open to it. All these possibilities coexist with a certain probability of coming into being, of entering our "real" world. Unlike some scientists, who believe the wave function is merely a mathematical formulation used for computation, I take the position that it is an accurate description of that unseen level of probabilities, a domain which I consider to be the fundamental source from which our objective world unfolds.

If we accept this idea—that the underlying level must be taken at face value as an essential ingredient in any total concept of reality—then we are presented with some fascinating challenges, for we are confronted with a strange world consisting of infinite choices available to us from a timeless realm filled with a vast supply of unmeasurable energy. This book is about that realm of possibilities and probabilities—the unseen level of reality designated by the wave function.

Nick Herbert, a creative thinker and writer on the subject of quantum physics, sees the world as composed of one thing, something he calls "quantumstuf£"

One remarkable characteristic of the quantum world is wholeness. The realm of the wave function is not made up of separate parts, but is totally interconnected, interpenetrated, and intermeshed. Assuming everything is made of one substance, then each of us is part of some infinite, invisible web; what happens in one part of the universe reverberates everywhere, and strong instantaneous influences at some deeper level take place between distant points.

When quantum theory informs us that an "act of observation" is needed to manifest, or make "real," a particular state from all the possible states that exist simultaneously in the world of the wave function, this implies that consciousness plays a major role in creating our reality. Though we have not yet learned how to incorporate consciousness into our science, I am convinced that we must come to terms with its primary importance.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the unseen realm of the wave function is that it contains an incomprehensible amount of energy, which we have no way of measuring. I shall consider what this energy might be and speculate on its nature as a vast reservoir of light, not unlike that described by many mystics.

I shall also examine such familiar concepts as motion, space, time, and matter and show how they can be understood in a broader context when viewed through the prism of the wave function. From the perspective of classical Newtonian physics, we are accustomed to seeing our reality as consisting of matter which obeys certain laws within our three-dimensional world of space and time. A different view—and a more complete picture—is possible when we also understand matter while it is still in the domain of the wave function as potential—as elusive as its nature in that context seems to be.

To talk about reality while ignoring that unperceived "other" world is like an iceberg describing itself with no awareness of the ocean from which it originated. Thus, we shall examine in some detail (though nonmathematically) that underlying ocean from which our reality arises, the home of the wave function₁ the realm I call The Hidden Domain.
 
 

*Full bibliographic references are given at the end of the book.

Copyrighted 1997 by Norman Friedman. All rights reserved.
 
 

"Norman Friedman explores the nature of reality in a way that unifies scientific and spiritual perspectives. The Hidden Domain offers fascinating insights into our world and ourselves."
               —Walter Eckhart, Ph.D., Professor, The Salk Institute

"Norman Firedman's outstanding explination of the 'hidden domain' helps us all shape our own reality more consciously. Seth readers will thrill at this scientific corroboration of Jane Roberts' unique life work."
               —Elizabet Sahtouris, Ph.D., Evolution Biologist and author of EarthDance

"Unless modern western science can embrace the concept that consciousness is primary, it will remain trapped in a repetitive maze. The Hidden Domain helps us move down the path toward development the art/sciences of quantum biology and quantum physics. This book is of immense value."
               —Herbert G. Lebherz, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry, San Diego State University

"This important book is a bridge to a new millennium in which the divisions of science and spirituality, intellect and intuition, will harmonized."
               —Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Prayer is Good Medicine

"Norman Friedman is able to anticipate and methodically deal with all the questions I ever wanted to ask about quantum mechanics but never did for fear I would be unable to understand the answers. For that I am most grateful."
               —Montague Ullman, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Emeritus,
                        Albert Einstein College of Medicine, N.Y.