Sadhguru revealed the profound secret of Zero in both mathematics and spirituality for the first time. He wrote this article long ago, shortly after returning from Gyangunj.
Article | July 22, 1987
Sadhguru: Zero, a number representing nothingness, has remained a profound enigma in the history of mathematics and philosophy. Before Aryabhata and Brahmagupta formally introduced it, the concept of nothingness and the geometric representation of zero existed in Bengal's Nigam Tantro. Its shape resembled a small 'o'. Trikonmiti (Trigonometry), which has its roots in Nigam Tantro, along with Patiganit (Arithmetic), Beejganit—now known as Algebra—and Porimiti (Mensuration) all originated from this tradition. Algebra, as we know it today, spread from ancient Bengal to the Arab world. The village of Panchmura, near Bishnupur District in West Bengal, is the place where Beejganit was first Invented.
Zero is not the absence of value; it is the presence of infinite possibility.
At first glance, zero seems to be the simplest of concepts—a void, a state of nonexistence. Yet, beneath this simplicity lies an infinite possibility, making zero one of the most profound and essential ideas in human thought. The very notion of zero is intertwined with infinity, wholeness, and the very fabric of reality. It is the bridge between nothingness and everything, between the finite and the infinite. The concept of zero not only transformed mathematics but also altered our understanding of the universe, our place in it, and the metaphysical meanings behind existence and nonexistence.
In this article, we will explore zero's mathematical significance, its philosophical dimensions, and its cultural and scientific implications. We will delve into how the concept of zero has been perceived in ancient civilizations, how it emerged in mathematics, and its profound implications for understanding space, time, and infinity.
Zero is where the finite meets the infinite, a doorway between existence and eternity.
Origins of Zero: A Historical Perspective
Before Aryabhata and Brahmagupta formally introduced it, the concept of nothingness and the geometric representation of zero existed in Bengal's Nigam Tantro. Which we call Shunyo. Its shape resembled a small 'o'. Trikonmiti (Trigonometry), which has its roots in Nigam Tantro, along with Patiganit (Arithmetic), Beejganit—now known as Algebra—and Porimiti (Mensuration) all originated from this tradition. The complete wisdom of mathematics or Ganit in Bengal is around 75000 years old. Algebra, as we know it today, spread from ancient Bengal to the Arab world. The village of Panchmura, near Bishnupur District in West Bengal, is the place where Beejganit was first Invented.
The history of zero is as much a journey through time as it is a journey into human consciousness. Zero, as a numerical concept, did not always exist. Early civilizations did not need a representation of anything. For instance, ancient Egyptians and Greeks had complex numbering systems, but the concept of zero was absent. To them, numbers were for counting things that existed—animals, people, or goods. The idea of needing a symbol to represent nothingness was foreign.
The first known use of a symbol for zero appears in ancient Mesopotamia. Around 300 BCE, Babylonian astronomers used a placeholder symbol, a small pair of wedges, to indicate the absence of a number in positional notation. This was not yet the full concept of zero as a number but rather an early understanding of zero's utility in positioning numbers in a base-60 system.
However, the full understanding of zero as both a placeholder and a number came from ancient India, where it was given the name "Shunyo," meaning emptiness or void. Indian mathematicians in the 5th century CE, such as Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, formalized the concept of zero and integrated it into arithmetic and algebra. Brahmagupta was the first to formulate rules for operations involving zero, including the groundbreaking notion that zero could be subtracted from itself and the result would still be zero.
It is from India that the concept of zero spread through the Arab world. By the time the number zero arrived in Europe through translations of Arab mathematician Al-Khwarizmi’s works, it revolutionized the Western world's mathematical thinking.
Zero is the most powerful number because it represents both nothing and the potential for everything.
Zero as a Mathematical Construct
In mathematics, zero is unique. It is neither positive nor negative, neither a simple absence nor an infinite expanse. Zero occupies a paradoxical position—it both exists and doesn't exist in the same breath.
Zero as a Placeholder: One of Zero’s most crucial roles in mathematics is that of a placeholder. Without zero, our numbering system (the decimal system) would not function as efficiently. In positional notation, zero allows us to differentiate between numbers like 10 and 100. It creates structure and scale within the numeric system. Without zero, we would revert to cumbersome systems like Roman numerals.
Zero in Arithmetic and Algebra: Mathematically, zero holds certain properties that seem intuitive but have deep implications. Adding or subtracting zero from any number does not change that number. However, multiplying by zero collapses everything into nothingness—this simple act is a powerful concept that illustrates the zero's transformative nature. Dividing by zero, however, leads to undefined outcomes, symbolizing the concept’s deep entanglement with infinity and the limits of mathematical logic.
Zero and Infinity: Zero and infinity are two sides of the same coin. The inverse of zero is infinity, and this duality plays out in calculus and physics, where approaching zero often involves dealing with infinite quantities. Zero and infinity form the boundaries of mathematical systems, setting the limits for what is calculable and knowable.
In calculus, for example, limits and integrals often explore what happens as a value approaches zero or infinity. These concepts have been central to modern physics, especially in theories related to spacetime, the expansion of the universe, and the nature of black holes.
Zero in Philosophy and Metaphysics
The philosophical implications of zero extend far beyond mathematics. Zero has been associated with the void, emptiness, and the concept of nothingness, all of which are key themes in metaphysical exploration.
Nigam Tantro and Zero: The Indian conception of zero (Shunyo) is deeply linked to Tantro, where emptiness (Shunyota) is a core concept. In Tantro, for example, Shunyota refers to the nature of existence itself—everything is interconnected, yet nothing has inherent existence. The words Shunyo and Shunyota come from the language Chandas. This concept of emptiness does not denote only the void but rather points to the potential for pulsation to vibration which arises from the void.
In the context of spiritual practices like meditation, zero can represent the mind's goal to reach a state of emptiness or stillness, where ego and desires dissolve, leading to a sense of unity with the universe. This metaphysical understanding of zero ties back into its mathematical properties—just as zero is the neutral ground between positive and negative numbers, in spiritual terms, zero is the neutral state between existence and nonexistence.
Western Philosophy and Zero: In Western philosophy, the concept of nothingness has also played a crucial role. For philosophers such as Aristotle, nothingness was paradoxical. How could "nothing" exist? Aristotle rejected the idea of the void, arguing that nature abhors it. However, later philosophers like Heidegger and Sartre embraced nothingness as a profound existential concept. Sartre, for instance, explored how humans create meaning in a universe that is fundamentally void of inherent meaning—much like how zero is a void within the numerical system, yet it allows for the construction of all other numbers.
Zero and the Infinite Void: Zero also leads to thoughts of the infinite. In cosmology, for example, the notion of a universe that emerged from nothing—a "zero-point" from which space, time, and matter unfolded—is a concept that continues to fascinate both scientists and philosophers. The idea of the Big Bang originating from a singularity, where all the matter of the universe was compressed into an infinitely small point (a kind of cosmic zero), resonates with both the scientific and philosophical understanding of zero as the source of infinite possibilities.
Zero in Science and Cosmology
In modern science, zero has become indispensable, especially in the fields of physics and cosmology.
Zero-Point Energy: One of the most exciting concepts in quantum physics is zero-point energy, the lowest possible energy state that a quantum mechanical physical system may have. Unlike in classical mechanics, where an object at rest has zero energy, quantum systems always have fluctuations, even at absolute zero. This idea suggests that even in the vacuum of space, there is a seething froth of virtual particles constantly popping in and out of existence. This zero-point energy could hold the key to understanding dark energy, which is believed to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe.
The Role of Zero in Cosmology: The entire universe, according to many cosmological theories, started from nothing—an infinitely dense point known as a singularity. Before the Big Bang, there was no time, no space, no matter—just a cosmic zero. From this point, the universe expanded and continues to expand into what seems to be infinite space. The nature of this zero-point singularity remains one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology, and understanding it could unlock the secrets of the universe's origins.
Zero in Culture and Symbolism
Zero has also taken on deep cultural and symbolic meanings. In many traditions, zero represents the idea of cyclical time and eternal return. The circle, often used as a symbol for zero, suggests wholeness, infinity, and the cyclical nature of life.
Zero in Tantro, Tantric Art and Mysticism: In Tantro, particularly in the Yantras, mandalas the circular form often represents the universe, the cosmos, and the infinite cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The circle is a visual symbol of zero—eternally without beginning or end. The use of zero in these contexts is more than just a mathematical convenience; it is a representation of the infinite possibilities of existence and consciousness.
Zero and Technology: The Digital Revolution
In the modern world, zero has become the foundation of technology and the digital revolution. Binary code, the language of computers, is built entirely on ones and zeros. The simple binary system, where zero represents an "off" state and one represents an "on" state, allows computers to perform complex calculations, process data, and even simulate consciousness.
The Power of Zero in Computing: In digital logic, zero has become the silent enabler of the information age. It is the building block of every digital communication, every piece of software, and every algorithm that powers modern society. From smartphones to supercomputers, zero is at the heart of it all.
Zero and Artificial Intelligence: As we move into the era of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the concept of zero continues to be pivotal. Algorithms use zero as part of their decision-making processes, and the understanding of zero in terms of probabilities, likelihoods, and even neural networks points to the infinite possibilities that zero enables in creating intelligent machines. It is not just a number; it is the foundation of the future of human progress.
Zero as a Gateway to Infinite Possibilities
Zero is not a paradox—a number that represents nothing, yet it holds the key to everything means not a paradox. In Nigam Tantro, The Number Systems starts from Zero, not from One. We call it Dharapat. Dhara means flow, From its humble beginnings as a placeholder in ancient tantro to its profound role in modern cosmology, philosophy, and technology, Zero has continually transformed the way we think about the world.
Zero is more than just a mathematical tool; it is a symbol of the infinite potential that lies within nothingness. It bridges the gap between the finite and the infinite, between existence and nonexistence, between the tangible and the metaphysical. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, zero will remain at the heart of these discoveries, a gateway to understanding the infinite possibilities that lie within the void.
In every aspect of human thought—whether scientific, philosophical, spiritual, or technological—zero has proven to be an indispensable concept. Its infinite possibilities continue to inspire wonder and curiosity, urging us to look beyond the surface of nothingness and see the boundless potential that lies within it. Zero, in all its simplicity, holds the key to the infinite.
