Tesla and Vivekananda: Physics Meets Metaphysics

This episode analyzes the pivotal, non-technical discussion between Nikola Tesla and Swami Vivekananda in the mid-1890s, which centered on connecting Vedantic cosmology with advanced physics concepts. Vivekananda introduced Tesla to key ideas like Akasha (the subtle substrate) and Prana (the universal life force), which the inventor believed could mathematically frame his intuitions about energy, vibration, and the unification of physical forces. This exchange profoundly influenced Tesla’s philosophical language and strengthened Vivekananda's conviction that Vedantic principles could be expressed in scientific terms, elevating the global respect for India's philosophical heritage. However, the sources emphasize that Tesla never delivered the rigorous mathematical proof equating matter and energy, which was later formulated independently by Albert ...