This book reads like a new convert to a cult (“Nah, man, it’s just like a *philosophy*”) who swears it isn’t a cult had convinced one of my D student English 101 students to use ChatGPT to pen a treatise. The writing is repetitive and laughably grandiose when it is not a level of basic that will make you roll yours eyes. The Groundbreaking Theories are the same as you’d hear if you ever went to a dinner party featuring more empty wine bottles than guests. (“What if, like, the whole science thing was actually *God?!* I know, right? Though it’s actually Buddha. Let me be clear there.”) The author’s math is far from Drake’s Equation. Every time he writes “Infinite,” know he is treating that like the name of a deity.

I'm a sucker for a big question in a title, and is the a bigger question than Who Banged The Big Bang? Though from the cover and the general tone (and the fact that this is the kind of revelation I'd expect to be all over the news if discovered by a major scientist and their team), I wondered if we were in "Who Built The Moon?" territory. And we sort of are, except Who Built The Moon was heavy on the conspiracy theories and things "they don't want us to know". Prabha Khan wants us to know his theory, and to chase after The Infinite! And like any decent evangalist, he starts the book by praising his readership, pointing out that only the Rarest Of Humans Probe "The Infinite" (title of Chapter 1), using some rather impressively back of a fag packet maths to narrow down his audience to about 10 million people who are suitable to follow his method. But I don't want to follow a method, I just want to know who banged the big bang...

I have to add a word here that the concept of Infinity within itself I have always treated with a high degree of scepticism, so my dodgy theory radar was engaged almost instantly, particularly when I realised the use of the mathematical scientific term The Infinite is being used here very much as a synonym for Enlightenment. Indeed the more the book unfolds, the more it looks like an attempt to create a scientific and philosophical underpinning for Buddhism. Indeed there is one particular bit of slight of hand that is so brazen that its quite impressive, using the law of conservation of energy he proves that reincarnation must be real.

The book takes its time defining its terms, breaking the universe (and the body) into Gross Matter (physical stuff), Subtle Matter (stuff that acts) and Causal Matter (the potential to act). The body then gets split into all sorts of further subdivisions in a bit of a classic 18th century metaphysical way, to over explain (I got a Bishop Berkeley vibe from it all). But you do eventually get to who banged the big bang, and its a smart bit of extrapolation from his initial reincarnation position. Namely that before the universe formed, it existed in a state of potential (the causal universe). But there also existed all of the consciousnesses that would ever exist, and by virtue of consciousness they has the ability to act without matter, and thus will the universe into existence to then be able to manifest. So like in Who Built The Moon, the answer is US? We banged the big bang, or at least each of our consciousnesses put together. And therefore to seek The Infinite is to reach the state of consciousness where we no longer reincarnate and thus ascend to the state where again we could bang a big bang if a big bang needed banging. And quite a lot on yoga.

Not really for me, and certainly there was a lot of skin reading in the last half, but entertainingly inventive, and he doesn't appear to be asking for any money or getting you to join a cult.

Who Banged the Big Bang! by Prabha Karan delves into profound questions about the universe’s beginnings, existence, and the nature of consciousness. The book seeks to connect scientific curiosities with philosophical and metaphysical perspectives, offering readers a comprehensive exploration of topics that have plagued humans for centuries. This book specifically targets those interested in exploring the interdisciplinary intersections of science, philosophy, and spirituality.

There is a lot of information packed into a relatively short book. Definitely meant for a particular audience. However, not so out of reach for anyone curious enough to venture into the thought process of scientist and free thinkers, Even venturing into the territory of life before and after death. Which is usually not something discussed openly in scientific circles. There are just some concepts that are not easily discussed. For example that plants and animals do exhibit forms of intelligence and the ability to problem solve. Something academics have a hard time understanding unless they observe it for themselves. If your curious about this book and leave with more questions then answers. Just know there is nothing wrong with your intelligence. Your observations of the world around you have just been expanded just a bit more. Truly a book that can be read more then once because each time you would find something new to ponder.

This book is a thought-provoking dive into life’s biggest and most timeless questions—from the origins of the universe to the nature of consciousness. Prabha does a great job balancing scientific insight with philosophical wonder, making complex topics feel both approachable and deeply meaningful. I loved how it connected big-picture theories like the Big Bang and infinity with personal, human curiosity about life and death. It’s not just for scientists—it’s for anyone who’s ever paused to wonder *why* we’re here. The writing is clear, methodical, and encourages reflection without claiming to have all the answers. If you’re looking for a book that challenges your mind and stirs your spirit, this is a must-read.

I’m no physicist, I’m more of an editor, yoga teacher, and energy worker type, but I’ll admit I’m fascinated by quantum physics, dark matter and the mysteries of the universe. I thoroughly appreciate the way this book lays it out in a way that’s easy to digest. Especially enjoyed the first half on body, mind and intellect, that lead to the big bag theories which are absolutely fascinating! Impressively well written, and well rounded, I’ll have to pick up a copy for my daughter who’s studying astrophysics at university. She likes to step away from all the math equations for a minute and I know she’ll love the intellectual approach of this book as much as I did.

If you enjoy the exploration of scientific theory then this book will definitely be an interesting read for you. Not only is it interesting but educational and stimulating.  Asking and answering questions many of us have had for most of our lives regarding what happened before the Big Bang, what happened, during, the after, the results, what this means for the universe and us, and beyond.

The writing still is clinical but intelligent and educational and does not lack cultivating interest or giving the knowledge of things you may have always been curious about. The theories and information given are informative and give a new insight that hasn't been covered by many other authors and scientists.

I enjoy reading about scientific theory because I am a very science based person by nature.  So this was all in all very interesting read for me that gave me answers to previously unanswered questions I had regarding the Big Bang and all the theories behind and intertwined with it.

All together I recommend this book to any science minded individuals, because it's quite knowledgeable and interesting with factual and intellectual information given.