What is it About Physics?

As I mentioned in my last post, The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav is the simplistic break down of quantum physics into terms that the average person can understand. Luckily for me, in order to attempt the piecing together of the relationship between Buddhism and Physics, I need a foundation of the physics aspect also. Very early on, Zukav makes it clear that physics is not some mystical, complicated force that only "scientists" can understand, but it is an explanation of how the world around us works, even if, on a microscopic level. There is something to be said about the natural order of things, and there is a correlation between the natural order and Buddhism. Even though Buddhism is a relatively established religion, the goal which many serious Buddhist set for themselves, such as reaching Enlightenment and finally Nirvana is technically unknown to everyone that hasn't accomplished this task, and yet they are still pursued. Zukav, in trying to define  Wu Li masters, states, ". . . we will use the word 'physicists' from now on to mean those physicists who are also scientists, that is, those physicists (people) who are not confined by the 'known'" (17). Therefore, like Buddhist, Physicists are also out to understand that which is beyond ordinary knowledge.

Zukav also attempts to briefly explain the core of this book stating that, "This book is about physics. Therefore, all it contains is a description. It cannot contain the experience itself" (17).
Like Buddhism, physics can be described, but until the person goes out of their way to experience physics or Buddhism first hand, there is no way to truly know the essence of each. There is a reason why Buddhism is a practice. It is something which requires action, and without action, one can not hope to achieve relief from suffering. I think this is one of the reasons why sitting would be a good idea. I could read about sitting and study sitting, but I will not be able to experience the relief first hand otherwise.