We are what our thoughts have made us.

Swami Vivekananda, Nikola Tesla, and the Meeting of Two Worlds: Vedanta Meets Western Science

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings have sparked inspiration across generations, but one of the most intriguing examples is his connection with the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla. At first glance, the worlds of spirituality and modern science might seem distant, yet the meeting of these two great minds reveals a fascinating convergence between ancient Eastern wisdom and cutting-edge Western science.

Vedanta and Western Science: Parallels Between Prana, Akasha, Energy, and Matter

When Swami Vivekananda met Nikola Tesla in 1896, their conversation wasn’t just a polite exchange of ideas—it was a collision of worldviews that reshaped Tesla’s understanding of the universe. Swami Vivekananda introduced Tesla to Vedantic concepts such as *prana* (the universal life force) and *akasha* (the ether, or the fundamental substance of the universe). To Vivekananda, everything in existence was an interplay of prana and akasha—energy and matter, as modern science might describe them.

Tesla, already a pioneer in the field of electricity and energy transmission, was mesmerized. He was searching for a deeper understanding of the forces that governed the physical world, and Vivekananda’s insights seemed to offer a new dimension to his scientific explorations. What the ancient sages of India called prana and akasha, Tesla recognized as corresponding to the Western concepts of energy and matter—two sides of the same coin.

Vivekananda’s teachings on *akasha* aligned with Tesla’s own theories about the ether—a medium Tesla believed could carry waves of energy across vast distances. The inventor had been toying with the idea that the ether might hold the key to wireless energy transmission, and here was an ancient philosophy that had been contemplating a similar idea for thousands of years. Tesla saw this not as mysticism but as science cloaked in different language. It was a moment of profound revelation: the wisdom of Vedanta offered a spiritual perspective on the scientific principles Tesla was exploring.

The Science of Thought: Force, Energy, and the Mind

If prana and akasha are the building blocks of the physical world, then thoughts, in both Vivekananda’s philosophy and Tesla’s work, are their counterparts in the mental realm. Just as energy can shape matter, thoughts can shape reality.

Vivekananda believed that thoughts are not mere abstractions—they are forces, as real as the physical forces studied in science. He often spoke of the "power of thought" as a tangible energy, one that shapes the individual and, by extension, the world. In his words: *“We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think.”*

Tesla, too, understood the profound implications of mental energy. He famously stated that he could visualize his inventions in their entirety, down to the smallest detail, before ever building them. For Tesla, thought wasn’t just a precursor to action; it was a force in itself, capable of bringing ideas into the material world. This ability to *see* the future, to shape it in the mind, was the very essence of creativity.

Here, the parallels between Vivekananda’s Vedantic philosophy and Tesla’s scientific mindset become even clearer. If thoughts are energy, as Vivekananda suggested, then focusing that energy can create transformative outcomes. Tesla’s inventions—his work with alternating current, wireless energy transmission, and even the possibility of harnessing energy from the atmosphere—were born from this very principle: harness the invisible force, and shape the visible world.

Shaping Reality: The Power of Thought in Human Potential

Both Swami Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla understood that thoughts, like energy, travel far and have the power to reshape the future. In Vedanta, the idea that we become what we think is a core tenet. It suggests that by cultivating the right thoughts—those that align with higher purposes, clarity, and vision—human beings can elevate themselves and their achievements.

Tesla’s life is a testament to this principle. His ability to focus single-mindedly on his vision allowed him to push the boundaries of what was possible in his time. He wasn’t just thinking up ideas; he was creating worlds through the power of focused thought. In his mind, science wasn’t about reacting to the world as it was, but shaping it through imagination and intellectual rigor.

For entrepreneurs and creators today, this connection between thought and reality is more relevant than ever. Swami Vivekananda’s words remind us that success begins with the thoughts we choose to cultivate. Tesla’s life shows us that when we harness the power of thought, we can manifest ideas that change the world.

Whether you are building a business, crafting a new product, or striving for personal growth, the message is clear: your thoughts are the raw energy from which all things emerge. By aligning your thoughts with a clear purpose, focusing them like a beam of light, you can shape your reality—just as Tesla did.

Conclusion: The Union of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation

The story of Swami Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla is more than just a meeting of two great minds; it is a profound illustration of how ancient wisdom and modern science can inform one another. Vedanta’s understanding of prana and akasha, and Tesla’s exploration of energy and matter, reveal that the universe operates on principles that transcend time and culture.

In both Tesla’s science and Vivekananda’s philosophy, we find a shared belief in the power of thought to shape the world. For anyone seeking to build something new—be it a business, a life, or a dream—this lesson is invaluable. The universe is, at its core, energy. And as Swami Vivekananda said, *“We are what our thoughts have made us.”*

Now, it’s up to us to take care of what we think and let our thoughts lead the way to new realities.

---

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prabhat Ayurvedic Pharmacy for their generous support and sponsorship of our newsletter. Their commitment to promoting holistic well-being aligns seamlessly with the values we strive to uphold in our community.

Prabhat Ayurvedic Pharmacy's dedication to excellence in Ayurvedic healthcare is evident in their products and services, making them a beacon of trust and reliability. With their support, we are empowered to continue delivering valuable content and insights to our readers, fostering a culture of wellness and enlightenment.

Visit them at : Prabhat Ayurvedic Pharmacy