Theoretical physics exists to describe and understand the physical universe. Mystical teachings exist to describe and understand all of existence, far greater in scope than the physical universe alone. They overlap in their description and understanding of the physical universe, and at this level, they have been in apparent conflict for many centuries.

Physics considers physical existence to be completely real, and mystical teachings claim it is illusion. Long ago, in order to resolve just such issues, the study of physics took the position that if two different descriptions of the same system seemed to be in conflict, there must be an interpretation of each theory which shows them to be mutually consistent if they are both true. This assumption is called the Correspondence Principle.

No such interpretation could be found until the development of quantum mechanics. However, before we explore this quantum mechanical interpretation, we will discuss and answer the question of What are We? The answer will also relate How We Explore the Universe. Knowing what we are and how we function is essential to determining the fundamental nature of what is real. Once we have answered the question of what we are, we will address three other fundamental questions:
WHERE ARE WE?
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
WHY ARE WE HERE?

At this point, we will have developed an Understanding of Our Purpose, and How to Attain It. The need for this is characterized perfectly by a statement attributed to Buddha, in that Meditation without Understanding is Blind. In other words, if one is blind, finding what is sought will be extremely difficult.

The principle is to develop an understanding of how the universe works, and how consciousness operates within the universe. One can then utilize this understanding to attain complete freedom within the universe.