Integrating Quantum Mechanics and Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy: A Cross-disciplinary Approach to Construct a New Understanding for Reality and Knowledge

Abstract Book of the 13th International Conference on New Findings in Humanities and Social Sciences

Year: 2026

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Integrating Quantum Mechanics and Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy: A Cross-disciplinary Approach to Construct a New Understanding for Reality and Knowledge

Dr. Pattamawadee Sankheangaew, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sorawit Wongsaard, Assoc.Prof. Dr.Thawash Homthuanlom, Phrajaroenphong Dammatepo , Asst. Prof. Dr. Phramaha Narongsak Sudanto

ABSTRACT:

The research entitled “Integrating quantum mechanics and Mahayana Buddhist philosophy: a cross-disciplinary approach to construct a new understanding for reality and knowledge” has three objectives: 1) to investigate the development and principal concepts of quantum mechanics and Nagarjuna’s Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. 2) to conduct a comparative analysis of key concepts in quantum mechanics and Nagarjuna’s Mahayana thought. 3) to integrate salient concepts from quantum mechanics and Nagarjuna’s Mahayana philosophy in order to extend understanding of reality and Knowledge
Methodology
This research employed a qualitative approach, emphasizing documentary research. Data were analyzed through content analysis, philosophical analysis, and hermeneutic interpretation to elucidate conceptual affinities and divergences between the two domains.
Findings
Development and Key Concepts: Quantum mechanics has advanced the understanding of the nature of matter and reality at the Planck-scale microphysical level, introducing concepts such as uncertainty, entanglement, wavefunction collapse, and the role of the observer. These concepts challenge the fixed, absolute notions of reality characteristic of classical physics. Nagarjuna’s Mahayana philosophy centers on śūnyatā (emptiness) and pratītyasamutpāda (dependent origination), asserting the absence of inherent, permanent self-entities and emphasizing relational co-arising. Both traditions thus characterize reality as relational and dynamic rather than fixed and intrinsic. Integrating insights from quantum mechanics and Nagarjuna’s Mahayana thought yields a more holistic conception of reality and knowledge. Reality is reconceptualized as a relational, processual phenomenon arising from contingent conditions; knowledge emerges not solely from external observation but also from perception, lived experience, and the knower’s contextual situatedness. Such an interdisciplinary integration suggests fertile directions for cross-disciplinary inquiry and potential applications in understanding human experience, social phenomena, consciousness, and well-being. Nonetheless, the study recognizes the need for further empirical and applied research to substantiate and operationalize these integrative claims.
Conclusion
The integration of quantum-mechanical concepts with Nagarjuna’s Mahayana philosophy offers a promising interdisciplinary framework for rethinking ontological and epistemological assumptions. While methodological and epistemic differences remain, their convergences facilitate a complementary, relational understanding of reality and knowledge, warranting continued theoretical refinement and empirical investigation.

Keywords: Cross-DisciplinaryApproach; Quantum Mechanics; Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy; Reality; Knowledge