How the Universe Works - Philosophical Idealism.pptx

The SlideShare slide show does funky things to the slide formatting, a few slides are wrecked by its slide show, and important animations do not work. But, the downloaded pptx and the Dropbox slide show are good, see link below.

My attempt to explain how the metaphysics of the universe works using speculative philosophy and physics. I use the philosophy of idealism, consciousness primary, along with support from modern physicists who support this argument. I propose that the basis of the universe is non-dual monistic idealism. Using the Buddhist metaphysics of an unconditioned basis of being (“infinite” space-time & potential) we see how monistic idealism plays out in the non-random rules, structure, and repeating patterns of a manifested & conditioned universe. I also propose that the unconditioned basis-of-being is the Gödel "X" (unrecognized complexity) factor that explains the existence of the manifested conditioned universe per his ontological proof. Idealism can also explain the structural theodicy and suffering of the manifested universe, it is not a problem of “evil” but of ruthlessness for a purpose. Idealism also refutes a personal “conditioned” theistic God as Absolute or Ultimate, but does not refute (allows) spiritual power and meaning in the world. I include my Neoplatonic-like cosmological proof of “God” as the unconditioned basis of being, a terminal ontological “ground-state” (as “brute fact”), as being a non-theistic source of the universe. It is a long pptx, but it is a big subject.

Dropbox allows the use of PowerPoint for the web where the slides and animations works: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3hfspuwlbwe7b5ohk1e3z/How-the-Universe-Works.pptx?rlkey=r8cva0e0twgcbu9atrxre7w7i&st=18d5mgta&dl=0

1. How the Universe Works© Philosophical Idealism And People Systems To (more or less) A Vision Of Speculative Philosophy & Physics © 2019 By: Sanford Schoolfield Slideshare /Dropbox: Slideshare browser slide show animations will not work & formatting messy, Dropbox use “open in” PowerPoint for the web & needed animations will work. If interested download & read slide notes. Most of the slides have significant notes that adds more detailed explanations (see slide animation & notes) According to Thomas Hertog , “Stephen Hawking came to the conclusion that the Universe is an evolving system that operates according to Darwinian principles that drive the world (universe) toward higher complexity …” self-organizing feedback click here for YouTube video or click article link above Image credit: http://www.basicknowledge101.com/subjects/space.html “I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness” physicist Max Planck Baruch Spinoza: “Nothing in Nature is random. A thing appears random only through the incompleteness of our knowledge” – Modern “Big Data” analytics is proving this more and more! Link Click Here

2. A Gödel Complexity Factor? *Important To See Slide Notes Some scientist & many philosophers see a need to identify an metaphysical/ontological basis-of-being a *terminal “ontological ground-state” (as brute fact) that provides context for space-time, for quantum physics to playout, for the spontaneity of quantum phenomenon, and for observer initiated wave collapse A basis-of-being that is “as if” infinite, eternal, and unconditioned (uncaused & “unbounded”) of unmanifested potential that is the source of “mind,” consciousness, & “observer ” as well as the manifested universe “ The Universe Is Not Locally Real ” – 2022 Nobel Prize Physics; A Aspect, J Clauser , & A Zeilinger – favors Bohr & observation Mathematician Sir Roger Penrose : “Consciousness must be beyond computable physics… the presents of consciousness is not an accident” – believes in panpsychism We will be talking more about how the above relates to mathematician Kurt Gödel later Conscious Universe: Panpsychism consciousness emergent, bottom up, (my) Idealism consciousness primary, top down (ontological)

3. Crazy Ontology To quote physicist Werner Heisenberg “Not only is the universe stranger than we think, it is stranger than we can think” and physicist Niels Bohr “Your theory is crazy, but it’s not crazy enough to be true.” I believe in the strange and crazy universe of Heisenberg and Bohr, that it is capable of far more strangeness than we give it credit, that it can do things that will astound us – and do it all “naturally.” I believe in a natural universe that is crazy enough to be true. A crazy self-aware universe that exists in/of a field of consciousness where consciousness is primary, conserved, shared, interactive with feedback loops, and where consciousness exists by itself as an intrinsic property Image used with permission: ©Phillip Langer, http:// robolotion.deviantart.com /art/Torus-Universe-435715355 “The stuff of the world is mind stuff” physicist Sir Arthur Eddington (slide animation) Einstein said “I no longer believed in the known God of the Bible, but rather in the mysterious God expressed in nature…that nature and God are somehow One ” (as in Spinoza’s God)

4. Kashmir Shaivism Complex Ontology YouTube Link: A Universe of Consciousness, Donald Hoffman, Ph.D. YouTube Link: This Cyclic Model of the Universe Has Cosmologists Rethinking the Big Bang Image used with permission: ©Phillip Langer, http:// robolotion.deviantart.com /art/Torus-Universe-435715355 A torus universe with cycles of Buddhist cosmological epochs: Dissolution Nothingness (Void, potential) Creation (similar to “Big Bang” like event) Duration, and repeat again… No violation of the conservation laws – an open system from our perspective “Consciousness cannot be counted for in physical terms, for consciousness is absolutely fundamental… Quantum physics reveals a basic oneness of the universe… in truth, there is only one mind.” physicist Erwin Schrodinger Mahavairochana : Primordial “Cosmic” Buddha of Esoteric Buddhism (animation)

5. Entropy: Simpler math & hot uniform plasma to cooling, differentiation, & complexity = mathematical “chaos.” Mathematics ignores purpose & meaning in life/consciousness. Math: Simpler & More Uniform Math: Complex Image credit: Rhys Taylor, Cardiff University Actually a Negentropy ( Entaxy – “towards order”) Directionality of Time Or Big Inflation (Creation Event) (animation) “…our cosmos must be a ‘participatory’ phenomenon requiring the act of observation--and thus consciousness itself.” physicist John Wheeler Arthur C Clarke: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” My variation: Any sufficiently advanced (complex) metaphysical/ontological structure of the universe & it’s basis-of-being is indistinguishable from magic (from our perspective). A philosophical equivalent of Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems.

6. The self organizing universe evolves towards ever greater specialization and energy efficiency, so does life/human systems Time as the sequence/process of causation unfolds new meanings and purpose as it flows, the speed of causation = speed of light Simple Complex (Teleological) Evolution of Universe & Directionality of Time & Causation Same “Ur” Pattern as Evolution of Life & Evolution of Civilization – slide has animations “Nothing in Nature is random” Open (energy/information) System Thermodynamics (Normal Space Negentropy & Black Holes Entropy = Equilibrium?) Purpose of the universe is to optimally realize its potential? “Existence is the realization of potentiality in ever more emergent ways…existence is this process of evolving” Philosopher Tim Freke The divine is engaged in harmonizing the multiplicity of the universe into new richer more complex forms of order – paraphrased from A.N. Whitehead

7. Physicist Burkhard Heim’s 6 (or 8 or 12) dimensional universe: Order (structure) and evolution are intrinsic to the universe as seen in biological and cosmic evolution. Entelechy: The realization of potential. Hawking saw the same evolution process in the laws of physics and the universe. (animation) 6 Dimensions in Color: https://www.youtube.com/@6DinColor Link Einstein wrote : “This is hard to make clear to those who don’t experience it, since it does not involve an anthropomorphic idea of a God…” The individual feels “the nobility and marvelous order which are revealed in nature and … seeks to experience the totality of existence as a unity full of significance … It seems to me that the most important function of art and of science is to arouse and keep alive this feeling in those who are receptive.” He felt moved by the “beauty of the eternal, the unfathomable,” he wrote in 1939.

8. Self Organizing Negentropy ( Entaxy ) 1 st Big Bang-Like Event (Torus?) 7 th Leading To Complex Life The universe is an open system with access to absurdly vast energy to drive negentropy/organization. The universe has the same evolution “Ur” pattern as biology & life, evolves from simple to complex: With entropy (heat loss & complexity) the universe gets more sophisticated and energy efficient. 2 nd Hot Uniform Plasma 3 rd Plasma Cools (Falls) To Hydrogen 4 th Hydrogen Forms 1 st Gen Stars Creates Organics and Metals 5 th 1st Gen Stars Explodes 6 th Stars With Planets & Organics More Stars Explode Exploding stars seed & spread materials for planets and life William Blake: “ Eternity is in love with the productions of time ” “T he universe does not just evolve, i t remembers.” Quantum Memory Matrix theory: https ://phys.org/news/2025-09-fundamental-universe-dark-energy.html#google_vignette

9. We live in a world gone mad I hope this PowerPoint contributes to a more rational understanding of the universe See the universe without theistic and atheistic delusions To invalidate radical theism that is perpetrating so much pointless violence and intolerance To promote a better understanding of how the universe , our world , our religions , and our civilizations work To understand this ppt you will need to have a basic understanding of philosophical idealism, theological theodicy (the problem of “evil,” actually a ruthlessness), and some familiarity with classical mystical religious experiences – spiritual “feedback loops” Yes, it is a little long, but it is “How the Universe Works!”

10. My little project book collection on my sofa, yes those are stacks of LPs behind them. Idealism is a minority opinion in physics, but see the slide notes for physicist and other Ph.D.'s that support some form of idealism. See notes for a complete list. (animation) “The stream of knowledge is heading towards a non-mechanical reality; the Universe begins to look more like a great thought than like a great machine… we ought rather hail it (mind) as the creator and governor of the realm of matter” physicist Sir James Jeans “No phenomenon is a phenomenon until it is an observed phenomenon” physicist Niels Bohr Idealism, mind/consciousness primary, started in ancient Greece/India and continued as a leading philosophical school with the German Idealist well into the mid 1800s. Interesting fact: A carbon atoms boundary shell is one part matter, actual (collapsed) subatomic particles, per 500 trillion parts empty space – the solidity of matter is an “illusion.” Convergence (books listed in notes) from different disciplines (physics, philosophy, psychology, & esoteric/mystical religions) pointing toward a common (similar) explanation would be expected of a truthful/final endpoint

11. 4 Premise in 3 Parts My ChatGPT “book” on this topic Premise 1 : The universe is an expression of nondual monistic idealism - “full idealism” the entirety of the manifested conditioned universe is ontologically based on the unconditioned/consciousness Premise 2 : The quantum vacuum of unconditioned (w/o conditions or limits) infinite potential* is the basis of consciousness, the mystics refer to this conscious passive field of potential as the Void, it is both scientific and experiential. The infinite potential MUST express itself into the manifested conditioned reality. *See animation & notes Premise 3 : This reality must have the non-random complexity and tools needed to express this infinite potential, e.g. life, intelligence, etc. A (infinite potential) = B (expressed complexity) Premise 4 : Idealism explains theodicy (teleological, systematic, relentless ruthlessness, suffering of all/everything – not actually “evil”) Lastly, possible conclusions : The Void/universe is a conscious complex system and has purpose or meaning (possible or proposed conclusions to unknown or not fully understood Gödel complexity factors) “In a certain sense, everything is everywhere at all times.” Alfred North Whitehead Void = objective quantum vacuum of infinite potential + subjective experience of infinite nothingness (darkness, abyss, & watery abyss), infinite space-time, infinite consciousness, and infinite potential in mystical experiences, the Hindu/Buddhist formless realms in Samadhi.

12. Part 1 : Idealism A.N. Whitehead’s Panpsychism? (see animation & notes) Consciousness is primary (first), the material universe is “as if” secondary (actually codependent) Observer needed for wave collapse & manifestation, as per physicists John von Neumann & Eugene Wigner, see notes* Idealism is a minority opinion in physics, but has had many well-known proponents Idealism can explain “spooky” things, both spiritual & quantum physics Can explain the religious theodicy problem Panpsychism is crazy, but it’s also most probably true Physicist Tom Campbell on consciousness Is The Universe Conscious? http://www.quantumgravityresearch.org Does Consciousness Exist Outside of the Brain? Greek: Anaxagoras Einstein’s writings on religion , and the quote of his that really caught my eye went: “A human being is a part of the whole, called by us ‘Universe,’ a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue of true religion.”

13. My thesis: The universe is nondual (dual aspect) monistic idealism, Void = quantum vacuum of infinite potential + consciousness, slide has animation “Nothing in Nature is random” Passive Void of Infinite Potential Observer Depth & Transpersonal Psychology Dean Radin’s Idealism (up to 35 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h9rUffjiow A psychologist doing physics on consciousness, see notes

14. John Hagelin Ph. D Physics Harvard; “Infinite Silence” creates “Infinite Dynamism” YouTube Slide , see notes A: Infinite Potential, must be un-manifested (unconditioned, see definition in slide notes or slides 25 to 29) B: Becoming (conditioned things, see slide notes or slides 25 to 29) A must = B full expression of potential, italics my added notes on slide Void = Infinite Silence Quantum “foam” bubbling up “bubbles” of particles, manifestation, & “disturbances” creating universes from the vacuum of infinite potential

15. My Premise: The Universe is Nondual Monistic Idealism Nondual, a single unified basis of being , possibly based on the universal quantum entanglement of quantum monism , with expressed/manifested polar aspects necessary for creativity and innovation Monistic, a single unified basis-of-being that is NOT a manifested (conditioned) thing, e.g. theistic God Idealism, consciousness (arises from quantum entanglement?) is primary and necessary to manifest phenomenon However, like panpsychism and Buddhist thought this should not devalue the “reality” of individual minds and experiences, it is mistaken to simply believe in “one mind” Consciousness being primary goes “all the way up and all the way down” and is nondual, you cannot divide things that are in and things that are not in consciousness

16. Quantum Monism Heinrich Pas: blogs.scientificamerican.com “According to quantum monism, the fundamental layer of reality is not made of particles or strings but the universe itself—understood not as the sum of things making it up but rather as a single, entangled quantum state .” “Taking quantum mechanics seriously predicts a unique, single quantum reality underlying the multiverse…which indicates that our observable universe can be traced back to a single quantum state, usually identified with the quantum field that fuels primordial inflation…” Consciousness? Idealism? Hegel’s Idealism sought to rationally explain Infinity (the One) My Note: The quantum field(s) is the interface between the Void (potential/absolute) and the universe (manifested/relative), the Void expresses itself through the quantum field. Similar to the idea of the 3 Kayas in Buddhism, with Sambhogakaya being the interface that has a two way (entangled) relationship to the manifested.

17. Andrei Linde, Professor Physics, Stanford University, Co-Creator of Inflation Theory: “On the evidence, our universe was created not by a divine being, but by a physicist hacker.”* “Submission” to your “all powerful” A dvanced B eing (AB) Creator! *Non-random physics & structure required of infinite potential “birth” Link: Consciousness relies on quantum entanglement

18. But, Andrei Linde on Consciousness Quotes from his paper listed in notes: “ Without introducing an observer, we have a dead universe, which does not evolve in time. Does this mean that an observer is simultaneously a creator?” & “Is it not possible that consciousness, like space-time, has its own intrinsic degrees of freedom , and that neglecting these will lead to a description of the universe that is fundamentally incomplete?” & “Is it possible to introduce a ‘ space of elements of consciousness ,’ and investigate a possibility that consciousness may exist by itself , even in the absence of matter, just like gravitational waves, excitations of space, may exist in the absence of protons and electrons? Will it not turn out, with the further development of science, that the study of the universe and the study of consciousness will be inseparably linked , and that ultimate progress in the one will be impossible without progress in the other?” Idealism

19. More Idealism/Panpsychism Physicist Gregory Matloff argues that a “proto-consciousness field” could extend through all of space . Stars may be thinking entities that deliberately control their paths. Put more bluntly, the entire cosmos may be self-aware. "In principle, some purely physical systems that are not biological or organic may also be conscious.” New York University philosopher and cognitive scientist  David Chalmers is a proponent . Physicist Sir Roger Penrose introduced a key element of panpsychism with his theory that consciousness is rooted in the statistical rules of quantum physics as they apply in the microscopic spaces between neurons in the brain. Idealism/Panpsychism

20. Astrophysicist Bernard Haisch Book: “The God Theory” (animation) He proposes that the infinite potential of the quantum vacuum + consciousness = “God” (my passive “Void”) “ Haisch proposed that the the quantum vacuum with the quantum fields that permeate all of empty space produce and transmit consciousness , which then emerges in any sufficiently complex system with energy flowing through it. And not just a brain, but potentially any physical structure” ( e.g. *plasma, star, etc. ). My Note: Those who experience the Void in deep meditation or death (N.D.E.) describe it as a state of super consciousness (with no “self” or ego), see slides 98 to 100 notes in full pptx, not in this “short” pptx Idealism *Universe 99% plasma “…the mind (consciousness) itself is unproduced, unconditioned, immutable and timeless…” “ The Matrix and Diamond Mandalas in Shingon Buddhism ” see slide 31 notes

21. Physics Is Pointing Inexorably to Mind Bernardo Kastrup : blogs.scientificamerican.com “… (Max) Tegmark is correct in considering matter—defined as something outside and independent of mind—to be unnecessary baggage. But the implication of this fine and indeed brave conclusion is that the universe is a  mental  construct displayed on the screen of perception. Tegmark’s “mathematical universe” is inherently a mental one, for where does mathematics—numbers, sets, equations—exist if not in mentation?” “As I (Bernardo Kastrup) elaborate extensively in my new book,  The Idea of the World ,  none of this implies solipsism. The mental universe exists in mind  but not in your personal mind alone.  Instead, it is a transpersonal field of mentation that presents itself to us as physicality—with its concreteness, solidity and definiteness—once our personal mental processes interact with it through observation. This mental universe is what physics is leading us to , not the hand-waving word games of information realism.” Idealism/Panpsychism

22. Dr. Dan Siegel MD, Professor Psychiatry: Optimal Psychiatric Self-Organization Emerges with integration, the linkage of differentiated parts (as seen with Hegel, Bloom, Berlin, etc.) Integration is the basis of mental health (as seen with culture and society) Consciousness (subjective experience) is needed for change (flow of time and consciousness needed) Consciousness/ obervation is needed for energy to move from potential/possibility (passive, “as if” unconditioned) to actuality (active/conditioned) Dr. Siegel calls the field of possibility “A Plane of Possibility” Idealism/Panpsychism

23. Duality & A.N. Whitehead Process Metaphysics & Panpsychism English mathematician & philosopher from 100 years ago Argues for the immanent unity of mind & nature Consciousness/mind must go all the way up and all the way down (coherent/holistic) to avoid the pitfalls & conflicts of duality – “full idealism” All things exist in/of a unified field of consciousness, some things are “disassociated” from the field others are not If you say some things are/in conscious(ness) and some things are not (as just manifested nature/material objects) you must be able to prove this duality – who can? Where is the dividing line? All-In-Consciousness can be consistent with mystical and Eastern religions that propose some form of nondual monism, pantheism, and panentheism (slide animation & notes) Idealism/Panpsychism Why “disassociation”? My best answer is that it is ontologically required by the polar opposite nature of an unconditioned infinite “One” (unity) source vs. a conditioned finite (multiplicity) manifested universe. The local consciousness emerges dominate and the unconditioned root consciousness is suppressed, but still remains (seen in depth & transpersonal psychology) as required to avoid a dualism. This root consciousness can reemerge by realization or awakening.

24. The Middle Way In Buddhism it is taught that absolutes and extremes are wrong – the universe operates in the “Middle,” thus… Extreme theism wrong, extreme atheism wrong With Scientific Pantheism*, Spinoza’s God, panentheism, and non-theistic religions in the “Middle” A non-theistic religion is one that has no personal God and no god who is separated from us by dualism – a “god nature” is in all, a step up from pantheism, e.g. “ buddha nature” or “ christ nature” Mystical/experiential religions are often non-theistic with a passive “Godhead” (Void of infinite potential) who does not intervene directly * See notes

25. Buddhism & Unconditioned (see notes) Buddhism teaches that there must be an unconditioned basis of reality (nirvana, inclusive of the passive Void of infinite potential) or there would be no escape from the conditioned manifested world of samsara (suffering): “ O’bhikkhus ( monks ), there is the unborn, ungrown, and unconditioned . Where there not … the unconditioned , there would be no escape for the born, grown, and conditioned” (Udana 8:3, full quote in notes) This is the foundational metaphysical logic of Buddhism, if you don‘t understand this then you do not understand Buddhism “The spiritual life is the ‘noble quest’ of the conditioned for the unconditioned,” see “ What is the Dharma?: The Essential Teachings of the Buddha” By Sangharakshita , Chapter 5 “ The Mystery of the Void ” In Buddhism the Void (field of “Great Emptiness”) is called maha-shunyata and also “ asamskrita-shunyata ” which is the “ voidness (emptiness) of the unconditioned” (empty of all conditioned aspects of being )

26. Unconditioned & Conditioned Spinoza’s Substance & Finite Modes Can also be described as, Absolute (Hegel’s Infinite) & Relative (Hegel’s Finite) Or David Bohm’s Implicit hologram-like whole “all-in-all” (Esoteric) & Explicit (Exoteric) Quantum vacuum (as infinite potential to be) & manifested “conditioned” universe (born of prior causes and conditions) Non-oppositional & interpenetrated “Two sides of same coin,” if one exists the other MUST exist In normal life the conditioned/relative obscures or hides the Unconditioned/Absolute Can be resolved as nondual, the process of resolving this relationship has “spiritual power” and meaning A conditioned thing (a manifested “Creator God” or a God being) cannot be Ultimate or Absolute “Nothing in Nature is random” (animation) *Animation See Slide 27 & 31 Notes *“existence is the reverse side of Voidness and Voidness is the reverse side of existence.” This applies to the “one vs many” problem as well, it is ontological.

27. Unconditioned & Esoteric Buddhism Must be metaphysically/ontologically “as if” (as brute fact) Infinite potential, an unconditioned thing can only be in potential (quantum rest state - a moment of infinite potential) from our “perspective” & not manifested, finite, or a god “being” As the only actual/existing thing (as quantum vacuum/fields), all manifested/conditioned things are impermanent (“empty”) Passive (transpersonal/nonpersonal) Eternal, “unborn of a cause” Nothing can be “outside” or separated from it (no dualism) Cannot be involved in “conditioning” cause and effect relationships (involves choices, changes, & this or that) Cannot be defined by definitions, names, or any other limiting qualities, e.g. this (good) but not that (bad) “as if” = absurdly vast, non-conceptual (e.g. no time, nonlinear time), or any actual or “potential” (theoretical) infinity to functionally be enough (absurdly vast energy & space/time) to “power” our universe/system, see slide notes

28. Greatest Possible “God” MUST be unconditioned, w/o conditions or limits and can only “exist” as an un-manifested field of potential – “unborn of a cause,” see notes All theistic “Gods” are conditioned or limited which places conditions on their being, actions, and/or on us; Manifested, a “being,” Jesus, old man in the clouds, etc. “Good” but not “bad” (a limitation) Acts with a purpose, reason, intent, will, judges, makes laws, etc. based on conditions/causes Responds to causes and conditions, such as reward and punishment, salvation, mercy or wrath, etc. Talks to and responds to prophets, such as Moses, Muhammed, etc. (only a conditioned god can do this)

29. Summary of Conditionality (my ChatGPT conversation) Theistic God , It only takes one aspect to make it conditioned, see notes CONDITIONED QUALITIES* (LESSOR) UNCONDITIONED QUALITIES (GREATER) CONDITIONED (BORN) BY PRIOR CAUSES 1 “UNBORN OF A CAUSE” LIFE, SUFFERING, AND DEATH 1 - FINITE “AS IF” INFINITE & ETERNAL EMPTY OF INHERENT EXISTANCE INHERENTLY EXISTING (ACTUAL) REACTS TO CONDITIONS & CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS LAWS, ANGER, MERCY, WRATH, REWARD, JUDGEMENT, & PUNISHMENT 1 TRANSCENDED OF THE PROCESS OF CAUSE AND EFFECT (UNAFFECTED) DIVISIBLE OR COMPOUNDED INDIVISABLE & NOT COMPOUNDED CHANGING, ACTIVE, “ ACTIVATOR ,” & AGING 1 UNCHANGING & PASSIVE DUALITY/POLARITY, SUCH AS GOD AS OTHER & GOOD VS EVIL (MAKES WAGERS W SATAN) NONDUAL, TRANSPERSONAL RESPONDS TO CAUSES AND CONDITIONS 1 PASSIVE POTENTIAL (TO BE ALL) MATERIAL, FORM, MANIFESTED 1 (WALKED IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN) NON-FORM AND NOT NON-FORM: NON-CONCEPTUAL, TRANSCENDED OF TIME PERSONAL GOD BEING 1 (TALKS/INSTRUCTS) EXPRESSED IN ALL/EVERYTHING CONDITIONED SALVATION 1 (IMPOSSIBLE, SEE NOTES) UNCONDITIONED CONTINUITY (REQUIRED)

30. Hua-yen fivefold system of dialectic in Verdu’s “ Dialectical Aspects in Buddhist Thought” See kuscholarworks.ku.edu Popular Buddhism (Stupa worship) – the affirmation of both unity (mind) and multiplicity (nature as dharmas-elements) as mutually exclusive ( oppositional ) and impenetrable , i.e. as dualistic Theravada/Hinayana – the negation of unity ( subject/mind ) and the affirmation of multiplicity ( dharmas-elements, objects ) Yogachara – the affirmation of unity ( subject/mind only ) and the * negation of multiplicity (dharmas-elements, objects ) – Idealism (*mind understood as an absolute in itself &/or dualistically is an error) From Steve Odin’s “ Process Metaphysics and Hua-yen Buddhism, ” my added italics

31. Buddhist Dialectic Madhyamika – the negation of both unity and multiplicity. The negation of the negation, emptiness of emptiness (an affirmation), leads to– Hua-yen – (Japanese Kegon ) the affirmation of both unity ( One/Absolute/Unconditioned/whole ) and multiplicity ( part/conditioned/differentiated ) as being mutually interpenetrated and harmonious (nondual monistic idealism ) – “Totalism" Image: https://childrensyoga.com/indras-net-all-is-one-one-is-all/ The great Korean Hua-yen ( Hwaom in Korean) master Uisang in his work the “Ocean Seal” says: “In One is All, In Many is One, One is Identical to All, Many is Identical to One” (see notes)

32. Verdu : “Dialectical Aspects in Buddhist Thought” page 106, see slide notes “Nondual Monistic Idealism” Consciousness (Idealism) Primary Synthesis Rational Unity Devine Syzygy Path to Void = Unconditioned U nconditioned/ C onditioned & U nity/ P lurality: Interpenetrated (animation) *Atheistic Western Buddhism *Void = literal “emptiness” A repeating pattern A repeating pattern Yogachara Tibetan Rangtong Tibetan Shentong & Zen Stupa Worship Theravada Tantra Totalism U/U -self C/P -self Non-Duality Monism buddha nature = unconditioned aspect of being Duality Duality Duality Duality “save us” “save me” “save us” “save us” “save me” Shantideva & Tsongkhapa are misunderstood as denying the absolute/unconditioned as existing or “real.” What they are actually criticizing is dualism , seeing the unconditioned as existing and the conditioned as empty, one an affirmation and the other a negation. Any affirmation of one vs. the other is false. In reality they are codependent .

33. “Wisdom Two Buddhist Commentaries ” (WTBC, see notes) On Shantideva’s “The Way of the Bodhisattva” A single cause can only have a single effect that is of the same nature as the cause (A = B) - a single cause cannot result in something “other” than its own nature - this implies a nondual relationship (WTBC - pages 105, 107, 115, & 235) If a result is fully present in its cause then a causal relationship cannot actually be said to exist between them for they are of the same nature (nondual). In this regard the cosmos is not the result of a “cause,” but will be spoken of as if it is “caused” (WTBC - page 105) “ Every producing cause brings into existence things like to itself before the unlike” Proclus (Neoplatonist philosopher)

34. Shantideva “Wisdom Two Buddhist Commentaries” (WTBC) An existent (unborn and unconditioned) thing cannot become non-existent (born of a cause, empty, and conditioned) - it cannot lose its unconditioned quality. If an existing (unconditioned) thing could become (as if) non-existent (conditioned), then it would possess the nature of both the existent (unconditioned - buddha nature) and non-existent (conditioned - empty) simultaneously - as if “coexistent/codependent” (interpenetrated binary) natures - for the unconditioned nature cannot be born, changed, or uncreated (WTBC – Root Text line 148 & 149 and pages 117 & 118) Parmenides and the “Goddess of the Night” (Void mysticism) My Trataka Single Pointed Meditation, see notes & picture animation

35. Uncaused Universe (animation) The conditioned universe does not have a “cause” per se, it is an intrinsic necessary state of the bimodal/binary unconditioned/conditioned nature of reality – of the quantum vacuum of infinite potential (quantum rest state “0”) manifested into actuality/action/motion (“1”), just like the other polar opposites (like night/day or male/female) necessary for creative becoming We have two co-natures which are interdependent – a rest “0” state and a “1” motion state The universe is simply required to exist , because one exists the other must exist, “two sides of the same coin” There simply is NO “first cause ,” no “mover” There is NO act of “creation,” intent, or will involved or required “Unity (0) is not mere negation of distinction (1) , but the absence of difference in diversity (0/1/1/1…) .” – Mark Dyczkowski , The Doctrine of Vibration (my comments in parentheses) Apeiron (Greek) the perfectly divine unconditioned infinity (passive, unchanging) must produce its polar opposite; a finite conditioned perfectly (maddingly) imperfect manifested universe (active, changing) with structural theodicy by ontological necessity, Ananke (Greek)

36. “0” Rest State In deep meditation and/or at death the active noisy “monkey mind” stills and we “flash” into the “0” rest state of infinite potential, pure consciousness and unity of quantum entanglement, see Itzhak Bentov’s “ Stalking the Wild Pendulum ” This “0” rest state is experienced as a featureless “void” of no sensory perception (nothingness, darkness, night, formless, the abyss, or watery abyss) Genesis: “…was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep” This can be utterly terrifying to those unprepared , who grasp to a sense of self and ego, animation If the self/ego is “let go” it transforms into a wondrous super consciousness of infinite space-time Plotinus – Neoplatonist Void mysticism , see notes Idealism My Trataka Wall Dot Meditation, see picture animation & notes The experience of the Void can be a mix of characteristics; nothingness, emptiness , chaos, disorienting, terrifying , timeless , infinite space-time, infinite consciousness, infinite potential , unity , monistic (ALL!), powerful , etc. and a continuum of experiences from “ bad ” to “ good ” & both/neutral . Individual experiences can be any mix and any point on the continuum. Buddhist say there are 32 ways (levels) to experience the Void (emptiness).

37. A Modernized Neoplatonic Cosmological Proof Similar to Greek Plotinus “ creatio ex deo ” – “deo” god-like = “apeiron” & “ dynamis ” The quantum vacuum of infinite potential (Greek “ dynamis ”) = mystical experience of the “Void” (the One) of infinite space-time The quantum vacuum is metaphysically (logically) unconditioned as “brute fact” & “as if” eternal (beyond knowable causation), infinite, unchanging, passive , trans/non-personal , etc. The quantum vacuum being infinite potential & unconditioned ( without limiting conditions on itself) is capable of producing ANY necessary conditions for the universe to exist The unconditioned MUST (Ananke) have a conditioned expression of itself (universe) or else it would be limited or conditioned – a self-contradiction * Notes (this is NOT a choice , e.g. of a “God”) Consciousness (observer) and the directional flow of time are required for there to be something (universe) rather than nothing – they are intrinsic necessary conditions (see Planck, Wheeler, Linde, Wolf, Goswami , etc.) This is an metaphysical argument. The universe's non-random structure designed for life and consciousness is a logical necessity (logical & structural sophistication) of an “as if” infinite potential birth. It is NOT intelligent design, not causal, but “ontologically necessary” (Ananke as necessity & flow of time) Idealism (animation)

38. Cosmology If the unconditioned void/quantum fields must express itself into a manifested reality, then there is more going on than just our observable/manifested universe There will be additional complexity , such as multiverses, extra dimensions, “buddha fields,” or “consciousness fields,” “higher” or advanced beings (ABs), or “higher realms” etc. The levels of complexity could be (must be?) astounding! Mysterious, “magical,” surprising , & DMT entities Alan Watts on Cosmic Consciousness of Jesus The Jesus imagery added by poster; Watts was a Zen Buddhist teacher (a “Totality” & buddha nature school) Hypatia: Neoplatonic philosopher of Plotinus’ teachings My Trataka Candle Meditation, Closed Eyes Afterimage, see notes E8 model of reality in 8D to 3D

39. Common Worldwide Creation Story Components & Science Parallels Big Bang: Georges Lemaitre, Physicist Catholic Priest First there was Void , nothingness (q-vac & potential) A creator/storm god blows wind (spirit) across the “waters of the deep” (fluctuation in quantum fields), resulting in a disturbance, see notes Creation comes from this disturbance (Big Bang-like event) often involving a “sacrifice” of one of the twins or one of a pair Other components, sea diver (into “water” Void, from which “land” emerges), *bird scouts (water birds crossover between “water” and land), man made/from dirt/earth – see notes A tree of life/world holds the world together and holds up the sky, often man emerges from the tree base/roots (from earth) Depth psychology and experiences of the Void noetically informs of this process , expressed in cultural/worldly context Creation image: https:// pixels.com /featured/ iroquois -creation-myth- ernest - smith.html Egyptian Bennu* Alternative Greek perspective: Ananke (necessity) and Time as the primordial twin serpents coil around the cosmic egg and squeeze it until it bursts forth into creation.

40. Common Creation Stories: Creator God The Void can be experienced as “good” or wonderous (infinite space-time & potential) or “ bad ” ( chaos, terrifying, & disorienting) Most people, the human creators of these stories, will experience the “bad” Void w/o training, knowledge, and wisdom, see animation A creator/wind/storm god defeats “ chaos ” and brings order and rule to a manifested universe Creator god myths are based on two realities; the “bad” Void as “chaos” & the all pervasive systemic structural theodicy (unfair/unjust suffering) of all/everything – of the universe The creator god is supposed to save us from the bad/chaos, but demands we worship him perfectly , devoutly, and correctly, no mistakes, errors, or complaints allowed or you will be punished harshly* see notes (as theodicy apologetics) If bad things happen it is your fault due to imperfect worship , not your all-loving, all-powerful, & all-good god’s fault The judgmental, fearful, wrathful, & condemned to hell by default creator god religions were literally created by “God’s” rejects, by the unworthy, denied entry into the “good” Wondrous Void. They see the finite, manifested, and humans as flawed, imperfect, in “original sin.” These are the religions of blood rite scarifies and atonement to appease God, see notes.

41. The Divine as Whitehead’s Process Flow The inauthentic theistic tribal gods of the old world, be they Greek, Roman, Jewish, or Muslim were about victory and triumph over adversity, protection, & the success/supremacy of their god/tribe/state These gods were were to defeat chaos and bring order to the world and the “righteous” success of their god/tribe Religion literally always fails used in this way/meaning, current Christian Nationalism & Islamic Fundamentalism see religion in this way Socrates and Plato were right to reject all tribal gods as insufficient – as too “small” (constrained by “tribal” causes & conditions) Authentic spirituality/religion sees the world/universe as a process flow where good and bad are part of the greater system dynamics driving us towards a personal and/or collective goal or purpose It must be a universal and a non-tribal based belief system Spirituality/religion can have real world effects used in this way The universe rewards individuals who attain aspects of its end state goals of low entropy, maximum realization & consciousness, and complexity through qualities like love, compassion, interconnection, cooperation, etc. Zen Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh

42. How Consciousness Affects The Universe Idealism implies that there is a common field of consciousness as a component of the basis of reality Provides for an observer field for things to happen, for potential to manifest All things are connected to this common basis for the manifested universe Self-organizing complex systems display intelligence & purpose – a drive towards improved performance This complex system is interactive and has self-correcting or self-adaptive feedback loops The Void/universe/human consciousness field is a complex system, complex systems have positive & negative self-correcting feedback loops See slide notes for more info on the physics and theology of the Void (field of infinite potential) Idealism Physicist Tom Campbell: “…consciousness evolves patterns and gives those patterns meaning…” & “…the whole point is to lower it’s (information) entropy...” via more sophisticated, cooperative, and efficient systems.

43. Return Collectively: Cyclical “Big Bang,” Big Crunch, or Torus Universe Return Individually: Mystical or Spiritual Attainment Parallel paths: Universe & human consciousness. Both evolve towards higher degrees of complexity, coherence, and efficiency. Characteristics like love, compassion, unity, justice, etc. lead to a more efficient solution to the universe/life (lower entropy) – more on this later The Universe is going somewhere, doing something (directionality of time & causality), it is “ designed” (intended) for consciousness with life (humans) being a “tool” in its implementation. Thus, consciousness may not be limited to living beings/things – Idealism . (animation) “Nothing in Nature is random” Human: Corrective Feedback Loops Human: Spiritual Experiences N.D.E. “Heaven” & “Hell” (or purgatory) Temporary (nonlinear time) lucid dream-like state of consciousness loop. Not an actual place or thing, see slide 100 notes. Consciousness Continuity Continuity Continuity After profound mystic experiences there is a passion, an imperative, for compassion and justice Entropy Simple Entaxy Complex You are here

44. Cosmic Consciousness Feedback Loops , see notes There are several “classical” mystical experiences ( my experiences ): Samadhi ( jhana 5 to 7) the Void of Infinite Space-Time in deep meditation (e.g. nothingness, Ayin/Ein Sof ) &/or in death (N.D.E.) Samadhi ( jhana 8 or 9?) , pure abiding & pure awareness The “ ground luminosity ” (white light) in sacred (tantric) sexual union and/or death (N.D.E.) Another is the Cosmic Consciousness of unity or oneness with the universe (monistic quantum entanglement?), it is Noetic , it informs with a profound “deep” understanding of the oneness & interconnection of all things (nondual monism) Profound peacefulness ( saints and mystics are “peaceful,” opposed to violence and war ) Joy or bliss They informs us of all the things we would associate with our best and highest consciousness and behaviors, Bertrand Russell on mysticism “The inspirer of whatever is best in mankind"

45. But, Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems (notes) The theorems states that  in any reasonable mathematical system there will always be true statements that cannot be proved , proving basic arithmetic either fails to be  consistent  or fails to be  complete ,   thus The complete governing patterns/rules of a system cannot be “reasonably” seen from within the same system His theorems goes from a statement about axiomatized systems to epistemological when it is seen as applying to or relevant to other mathematical problems/models (which it is) and to the real world repeating patterns of the universe (which it does). @kd6613 “ … there will always be truths about the universe that lie beyond proof, yet not beyond reason or evidence.” We often see a principal/pattern on a small/local scale (in this case math/axiomatic logic) then recognize it on a larger scale (universe) above us, e.g. entropy, steam engine to universe Looking “up” at a metaphysically/mathematically (bigger) complex system our understanding of the patterns/rules of our universe will be incomplete from our perspective As a way to see the complete “big picture” you need to be one level above looking “down” on the system The universe is full of patterns!

46. 2D eye level same as board – seen flat, edge on. Unable to see patterns & “up” jumps/movements. Effectively our view of the universe, we do not see the pattern. I tie these two aspects of Gödel’s logic together to frame a similar argument that there must be an additional * complexity factor, “Gd,” that is “above” us that we do not see . We will be coming back to Gödel later … (notes, animation) *Gödel proposed a theistic God as the answer to the basis-of-being problem in his ontological proof (necessary being) of God, but a non-theistic god-like thing, the Buddhist/mystic unconditioned Vacuum/Void, works as well as the basis-of-being, see notes Gödel himself felt a need to address the “Gd” basis-of-being problem – to explain HOW/WHY we are here “Gd” Example: Consciousness precedes man, present from the source of the universe, thus we will never find its origin (proof) in “local” causes like the human brain 3D eye level above board – able to look down and see patterns & up movements of game pieces

47. Part 2 : How Universe’s Non-Random Patterns Play Out In Life This non-random structure is a consequence of a universe born from an “as if” infinite potential birth – it must have consciousness, life, intelligence, and non-random structure, etc. Simply stated, the manifested universe born of an “as if” infinite potential birth must have the conditions (physics), “tools,” & complexity needed to express this potential (A = B) Negentropy & directionality of time/causality are part of the non-random universe’s patterns This applies not just to physics, but to how normal everyday life plays out Seen in power laws, ratios, scaling laws, repeating self-similar patterns, symmetry, “Big Data” analytics, etc. “Consciousness is an information system, it evolves by lowering it’s entropy ” Physicist Tom Campbell The full length version of this pptx has 120 slides (link slide 62), I have edited it down to 63 in this short version. The Intro and Part 1 are given in full, while Part 2, Part 3, and Conclusions have been edited down. “Rather than the laws of physics being fixed in time, they emerge progressively in ways related to their effectiveness at achieving particular goals implying, in contrast to conventional physics, the involvement at a fundamental level of meaning and purpose .” & “… this new perspective differs from the usual one in that in this picture we do not live in a meaningless universe, but one where purpose has a major role, and this has profound implications.” Physicist Brain D. Josephson, see notes

48. Howard Bloom in “The God Problem: How A Godless Cosmos Creates” Non-random patterns & tools: G.W.F. Hegel “dialectic”: thesis + antithesis = synthesis (rational unity of expressed polarity) The rational unity of polar opposites (repeating pattern) plays a critical role in the creative process Self-similar patterns , repeat themselves over and over, e.g. atom/solar system & fr actals Applying old (“Ur”) patt erns to new processes, mediums, & materials = translation , can create something new “Nothing in Nature is random”

49. How the Universe Creates & Solves Problem G.W.F. Hegel “dialectic”: thesis + antithesis = synthesis (rational unity) Rational Unity of Opposites , Synthesis : interplay between opposite or opposing “forces” or opinions – male/female, hot/cold, light/dark, good/bad, alive/dead, conservative/liberal, for it/against it, etc. Polarity between opposites plays a critical role in the creative process, classic example: The universe really, really, really likes synthesis/unity creative magic, the divine syzygy, see slide notes

50. Polarity of Opposites; Non-duality “Unity is plural and at minimum two” R. Buckminster Fuller Synthesis plays a key role in esoteric (mystical) religions; non-duality Knowing and recognizing how polarity works important to understanding the universe “ Enlightened Duality ” used in tantric practices as a powerful tool to drive one to non-duality Ultimately duality is unified polarity, nondual, this is an important realization in mystical religions Can be used as a tool in marriage, i.e. female = skill & male = means > skillful means Physicist Niels Bohr coat of arms: Contraria sunt complementa "opposites are complementary" See slide notes (animation)

51. The Universe Synthesis (unity/integration), repeating patterns, and translation play key roles in problem solving and creativity in the universe The entire universe can be modeled as self-similar repeating fractal patterns – iterations (lots & lots) needed for patterns to emerge Fractal z = z^2 + c “Nothing in Nature is random”

52. Iteration Do something long enough something will emerge; something new/large patterns/structures Lay enough bricks and you have an apartment complex for thousands of people Samurai sword, months of folding and hammering creating thousands of layers of steel which in turn creates a new steel crystal with amazing properties The divine is engaged in harmonizing the multiplicity of the universe into new richer more complex forms of order – paraphrased from A.N. Whitehead

53. The power of ratios, patterns, and iteration in the universe: Humans are at the event horizon between the very small and the very large – allows us to see both ways. Follows the “ golden ” phi ratio. We see both ways Scaling Law Ted Talk: Sean_Gourley_on_ the_mathematics_ of_war “Big Bang” Atom Sun Galaxy Universe Graph: Nassim Haramein , Scaling Law for Organized Matter phi ratio 1.618 symbol “Nothing in Nature is random” ⍺ = 1/137 fine structure constant Self-Organizing Criticality

54. Another scaling law: Sub-linear means that double size requires only .75 more energy, promotes efficiency More Scaling Laws Ted Talks: Geoffrey West, The surprising math of cities and corporations “Nothing in Nature is random”

55. Goes up approx 1.15 on average, promotes efficiency, for good & bad = “Nothing in Nature is random”

56. Cites then the Universe: The first cycle collapses, the second cycle uses the “waste” of the first to start higher up, then the third, etc. When Islam “closed the book” in the 1300s (& Ash’arites victory over the Mu’tazilites ) leading to radical conformity enforcement no innovation was allowed to adapt or rebuild – centuries of decline & poverty before oil money allowed the adoption of Western technology to rebuild People systems: Evolving to higher efficiency, view as slide show (animation) “Big Bang” Plasma Cools Hydrogen 1 st Gen Stars Explodes Organics & metals Leading to Stars with Planets Leading to Life - You Each step innovates/creates using the waste of the previous collapse Cities Example: WW II cites rebuilt using “waste” of destroyed remains Evolution Ur Pattern “Nothing in Nature is random” Simpler Complex

57. Even This: Mathematics of Love Automatically reject the first 37% then accept the first partner that exceeds the first 37%, this is observed in nature by animals as well as humans. Ted Talk: Hannah Fry, The Mathematics of love “Nothing in Nature is random”

58. Other Ted: Mathematics & The World Even In Normal Life We Live in a Computational Universe Hans Rosling : The best stats you’ve ever seen Hans & Ola Rosling : How not to be ignorant about the world Michael Green: What the Social Progress Index can reveal about your country (see notes) George Smoot: You are a Simulation & Physics Can Prove It Max Tegmark : Consciousness is a mathematical pattern Mariano Sigman : Your Words May Predict Your Future Mental Health “Nothing in Nature is random”

59. Is the universe random? Conventional physics says yes, but remember the cold logic of math ignores purpose and meaning This may well be true with quantum physics and theoretical physics , but In the actual universe of manifested phenomenon patterns emerge as seen in “Big Data” analytics– e.g. the “ Laniakea ” supercluster of galaxies The manifest universe does organize itself with repeated self-similar patterns, more efficient than chaotic randomness These patterns play a key role in the evolution, purpose, and meaning of the universe Actual randomness at the quantum level is necessary for creativity, allows creative “magic” Image credit: “Interstellar” film, black hole in movie “Nothing in Nature is random”

60. Brain neural network Laniakea supercluster of galaxies – does plasma cosmology & electric universe theory have some merit? Hum… have we missed something? VS You are here In biology structures form along current flow called the “organizing field of life” “Nothing in Nature is random” - The universe is full of patterns, order, and structure ⍺ = 1/137

61. Universe Random, Hum… “Jewel at Heart of Quantum Physics” geometry of “jewel” simplifies calculation of particle interactions - specifically the scattering amplitudes Illustration by Andy Gilmore Star Tetrahedron, the smallest physical thing: the universe is not just computational, but geometrical? “Nothing in Nature is random”

62. So, if not random… Given that the universe operates using repeating self-similar patterns with scaling laws could not this also be applied to the qualities of life, intelligence, and consciousness? “As above so below” Would these qualities be top down driven? Remember Spinoza’s “nothing in nature is random” The patterns of organization observed from top to bottom of the universe points to this conclusion The universe has the “organic” quality of impersonal “intelligence,” Scientific Pantheism, or “Spinoza’s God” Einstein’s “God” was the impersonal intelligence of the universe (per David Bohm)

63. “ Nothing in Nature is random” & Determinism Creativity & innovation leading to maximum order, consciousness, & complexity a principal meaning of the conscious universe (more on this later), so We have “local” (relative/open) free will/choice in the manifested universe to be non-karmic or non-habitual necessary for creativity & innovation allowed by conditions and circumstances. Thus we have “constrained choice” with a few “surprises,” an asymmetrical relationship with … We do not have ultimate free will (absolute/closed) We have no choice but to go along with the flow of the universe and its purpose in the long term. In the end there is only one collective fate awaiting us, individual or collective return to source/unity This could take a limited number of lifetimes for a mystic, saint, or Buddha or drag out to the very end “Big Crunch”

64. Patterns of Evolution: Civilization Howard Bloom in “The God Problem” As societies/cultures become larger they get more sophisticated, complex, & differentiated (specialized – just like the universe) Simple societies, e.g. tribe, may have two general roles, male/female, and three or four specialized roles e.g. chief, hunter, shaman, & healer, etc. A complex society differentiates & specializes – e.g. Albert Einstein’s pants (see slide notes) The universe/civilization evolves towards greater specialization, efficiency, and complex meaning, NOT just mathematical entropy

65. Patterns of Evolution: Civilization The differentiation and specialization creates continuous integration challenges and problems – tension between groups, as seen in many modern issues, such as immigration & LGBTQ rights Successful integration leads to “health:” MLK “…arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice” i.e. integration for previously “out” groups Unsuccessful integration leads to separation and fragmentation ( disfunction/disunity ) Societies/cultures respond like living organisms, if one part is ill (disfunction) the health of the whole is affected Social science sees the same negentropy (increased specialization & efficiency) in human systems as in the universe

66. Sir Isaiah Berlin Modern British political philosopher There is no one solution to every problem , e.g. private/public, capitalism, socialism, Marxism, etc. Different problems/places require different types of solutions/patterns; social, political, & economic The “best” society is one which can integrate the greatest range of solutions and patterns , will be more efficient (specialization/integration) The greatest range of solutions (e.g. marriage) allows the greatest happiness – “different strokes for different folks” – increases actual/expressed liberty (“freedom”) Consistent with the pattern of the evolution of the universe towards specialization

67. How Civilizations Works – Behavioral Rules & Patterns All societies and cultures need rules (prescribed patterns of behavior) to function These rules should reflect the cultural values These rules promote a common and standardized bases for conducting its affairs/business An agreed upon cultural “reference point” These rules/patterns must be supervised & enforced either formally or informally Formal supervision is by institutions & bureaucracy

68. Society Change Management: Conformity Enforcers vs. Risk Takers Howard Bloom; author, psychologist, & sociologist “ Global Brain: The Evolution of Mass Mind… ” A basic principle of the universe is “creativity” The basic patterns we have seen promotes this creative process Without creativity & adaptation (successful change management) an organization or organism stagnates and dies – it’s more successful competition will win, e.g. Christian Europe vs stagnant (“closed book”) & slowly decaying Islam up to 1900s

69. Change: Conformity Enforcers vs. Risk Takers Global Brain – a bacteria colony has the “brain” power of a supercomputer Bacteria actively and intelligently engineer their own DNA to respond to changes so their offspring will survive Their response to risk & change governed by the interaction of conformity enforcers and risk takers in the colony – true of humans as well They survive by successful change management between the conformity enforcers and risk takers working together

70. Pattern of Change Management: Conformity Enforcers vs. Risk Takers All societies/organizations/cultures have these two types of role players (plus others) These roles can change based on issues The healthy role of conformity enforcers is to ensure successful strategies are not abandoned prematurely and new strategies are well thought out – well chosen Healthy role of risk takers is to try new things, places, and methods/strategies, find new solutions to problems, especially threatening problems

71. Bee Colony – Model Behavior 95% conformists and 5% risk takers Risk taker “bohemian” bees are free of all work obligations, they do what they want – they “chill out” They go out sightseeing, flying about, and come back to the colony and do a dance about their adventure which tells the others what they saw The unemployed conformist bees (yes this is correct) who have run out of work are depressed , eventually they will watch the bohemian bees dance The dance will communicate the pollen source distance and direction combined with the floral odor, If they see a dance they like they go out and start working

72. “Tail-wagging” and dancing to excite your observers… hum, an “Ur” pattern true of humans as well as bees The bohemian bees are fully supported by the colony, fed, while the unemployed conformist bees must humble themselves and beg for food (literally). The colony knows the bohemian free thinker bees are necessary for their survival.

73. System Failure: Conformity Enforcers vs. Risk Takers Change/challenges are inevitable & unavoidable Overactive conformity enforcers leads to stagnation and decline, unable to respond to change , e.g. Islamic Taliban, stuck in Middle Ages Unchecked risk takers can make bad decisions leading to systemic failure, e.g. Wall Street risky investments in derivatives A healthy culture needs a balance “synthesis, rational unity” to manage change successfully – checks and balances leading to intelligent decisions & compromise

74. Conformity Enforcers vs. Risk Takers World Wide Political Implications Cultural/Social/Personal Issues: Conservatives conformity enforcers (rules/thesis – government rules, e.g. marriage & abortion) Liberals/Progressives risk takers (free/antithesis – free of government rules in personal life) Financial/Political/Environmental Issues: Conservatives risk takers (free/antithesis – free of government rules, unrestrained capitalism/markets, “Citizens United,” Adam Smith, & “Laissez-faire”) Liberals/Progressives conformity enforcers (rules/thesis, government regulation for economic & political “justice,” “fairness,” or protection)

75. USA Politics The 1920s to early 1970s was a “golden age” in American politics with successful “rational unity” of “opposing” parties Watergate destroyed traditional Republican Party, rebuilt moving to right in late 1970s Gap between the two parties is getting wider, now NO “rational unity,” dysfunction Organisms/organizations that are stagnant and unresponsive to change/challenge will decline and die/fail The US is LESS politically functional now than the average bacteria colony Gap widest since the Civil War, see slide notes

76. Pew Study see animation & notes Both parties getting more liberal until Watergate, then Republicans “turn” to the “right” conservatism – gap too wide now for “rational unity” Wide gap = high entropy = unstable = collapse/failure The universe likes integration, synthesis, & unity, but punishes disunity, separation, & division – “divided we fall” This self-organization and evolution pattern includes political and religious ethics, morals, & codes of behavior towards more “just,” “inclusive,” cooperative, & integrated (us) standards, with the exception of Russia (primitive brutes), neo-fascist, far right political conservatives, & religious conservatives & fundamentalist who oppose new standards. Following universe’s pattern Not following universe’s pattern, opposed to “Omega Point” morals, “me” Following universe’s evolution pattern to “Omega Point,” “us” Tending towards Omega Point &/or optimal realization

77. Part 3 : Idealism Explains Theodicy The patterns of the conscious/idealism universe can explain suffering and theodicy But, lets start by looking at how Bloom’s “paleopsychology” explains that the patterns of bad “sinful” behavior predates humans, that War, greed, competition, domination, violence, etc. predates humans, it is not our fault, we did not cause “The Fall” The inherent theodicy of the universe explains the resort to a harsh, judgmental, & wrathful Old Testament God to make sense of the world

78. So, Bloom’s “Paleopsychology,” Universe’s Patterns The following human characteristics all have precursors in the simpler patterns of nature: persistence (iteration), intention or will (universe self-organizing for life), creative (new unexpected surprises), competition (atomic particles, bacteria), war/greed (bacteria), love (attraction/bonding/birds), hate/repulsion (like magnetic charge), unemployment & depression (“conformist” bees), dance (“bohemian” bees), choice & free will (electrons & “bohemian” bees), multiplicity/unity (light both particle and wave, nondual), intelligence (bacteria DNA, plants), cooperation (plasma, bacteria, bees), synthesis (rational unity of opposites, day/night, hot/cold, male/female), and others... see slide notes

79. Bloom’s “Lucifer Principle” Natural Born Killers: Humans Competition, conflict, greed, killing, & war both individually and between collective groups drives the universe toward higher levels of creativity, sophistication, & complexity This “Lucifer Principle” is inherent in the universe’s “design” – from the beginning, from the “Big Bang” No fallen angel, no failure of man, & no human sin caused this design feature of the universe from the beginning of time (literally)

80. “Paleopsychology,” Universe’s Patterns Both the “good” and the “ bad” qualities of human nature precede us in the universe, they did not start with us – preexisting , woven into the basic fabric of creation/universe itself, remember the polarity of opposites plays a key role in creativity Example charity, fruit trees produce far more fruit than needed for their own reproduction We did not cause “The Fall,” the “bad” is systemic in the universe as originally created and still in us today What humans do is to bring ALL of these together into one place: an intelligent conscience being “Nothing in Nature is random”

81. Paleopsychology , Universe’s Patterns What makes us unique is that humans with “high” conscious reflect the full range of the universe’s polarity – we can choose Most things in the universe only have a subset of these qualities &/or in limited capacity, but not us It could be said, that we are made in the universes image and the universe is both awesome and dangerous, but The universe functions as amoral, while humans seek morality, we seek justice – why? (a “ Gd ” complexity factor in play, shared consciousness feedback loop?) The human struggle is to be less instinctive & reactive (karmic) with more conscience choice of the “good” or “higher” qualities – more “awake” or “enlightened”

82. NASA Our Violent Universe Throughout the universe “bad” things have been happening from the beginning, pre-human Stars exploding and their planetary systems destroyed Gamma ray bursts Coronal mass ejections Black holes and stars eating other stars and planets In the planetary competition and battle for survival and dominance mass, gravity, and velocity are weapons used to determine winners and losers Humans did NOT invent war, greed, competition, domination , etc. – all have precursors in nature “ Paleoastronomy ” Universe’s Patterns:

83. History of Man & Universe At the time of the creation of the great religions our only history and reference point was ourselves – thus human center religion, apologetics, morals, etc. Now we can see 13.8 billion years of cosmic history, no where do we see our human centered God in action We see NO human centered creation We see NO human-like morality in the workings of the universe We see NO God intervention/action to make it moral/just We see at best an amoral, ruthless, and violent universe But, this amoral, ruthless, & violent universe is lush with water, organics, amino acids, etc. and at the same time it is “messy” in its implementation and often capricious The universe stumbles forward like a drunken man

84. Humans Humans are part of the natural system of the universe and, as such, follow the patterns of the system However, human morals deem some patterns as “good” and others as “bad” The universe itself functions as amoral from our perspective (both good and bad, polarity), some would say “ruthless,” as required for the dynamic to work its most efficiently to promote innovation & creativity Creativity (thus diversity) is a core principle of the universe A “ruthless” amoral universe allows the greatest creative freedom . A “good” biased universe would limit creativity. So, how does a bad (theodicy) biased universe affect us? It makes our struggle through life more difficult .

85. Humans Living in the ruthless universe creates problems & conflicts as we try to resolve our desired good behaviors from our natural bad patterns, e.g. greed, war, etc. We try to reject some aspects of polarity – we want the best (good) and reject the “worst” (bad) We do not like living in an amoral “ruthless” universe, so we find ways to cope – we create religions to construct an artificial (make-believe) world systems to affirm, justify, or comfort us How we cope with this conflict has VERY important effects on us personally, socially, culturally, and globally – as seen in Islamic teachings about unbelievers “ Kafirs ” where they simply adopt the “bad” (banditry, pillage, plunder, killing, rape, & slavery) and make it “good”

86. “Evil” the Theodicy Questions Pope: “learn how to weep” The universe is a brutal and ruthless place Survival of the fittest, to include cheaters, liars, & thieves Poverty, the rich get richer – greed and corruption is common & rewarded by “the system” Eat or be eaten Life feeds off life, something must die for others to live Injustice is common, justice uncommon Life is not fair War & senseless violence Disease, innocent children suffer & die False/inauthentic/erroneous religions False rigged economic and political systems

87. “Cosmological” Theodicy Questions Tyson: “…the universe wants to kill us…” A polarity of opposites that runs in equilibrium or balance has no theodicy problem – ideal/stable system behavior Natural systems that run out-of-balance, higher scientific entropy, crash/collapse then recycle/rebuild “higher up” on the evolutionary scale with more specialization – this is a “Ur” pattern true of humans on a spiritual path as well Our world system is out-of-balance with too much suffering & “evil,” Buddhist say “ dukkha ,” thus a theodicy problem The entire universe has this problem from the beginning ; nova, supernova, killnova , star CME, gamma-ray bursts, asteroid/comet impacts, etc. “Nothing in Nature is random”

88. Theodicy Questions The all pervasive systematic nature of this problem & pattern highly suggests that it is “ by design ” – that it serves some purpose in the universe’s “life” Is imbalance required to drive a faster evolution to greater specialization & meaning? To what? Is the universe evolving toward an “enlightened” balance point, like humans in similar circumstances? Can “Big Data” analytics give us any help understanding the teleological “ structural theodicy ” of the universe – is theodicy increasing or decreasing? Structural theodicy = the original “original sin,” see notes “Nothing in Nature is random”

89. Theodicy Questions Is suffering, theodicy, the price we pay for the evolution of the universe to greater specialization & meaning ? For maximum creativity? Or is it just a game/simulation of unknowable purpose? Is it Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s “Omega Point” of maximum complexity and consciousness (see notes)? The directionally of time/causality & entaxy in the manifested universe may indicate it is going somewhere, doing something As the (multi)universe grows, expands, or replicates (like a living organism) does it need to fill/promote “consciousness vacancies” in its structural hierarchy (per Buddhism and Bentov )? “If the universe is about realizing its own mental potential… it’s going to end up… a mental as well as physical phenomenon” Physicist Paul Davies

90. Speculation The void/universe is a learning/information system Each iteration of the cyclical universe can be thought of as a creative experiment or work of art (by drunken man) The system learns from prior cycles/iterations and… Uses waste of prior cycle to build better and more sophisticated solutions Each expression/cycle of the universe moves to maximum complexity and consciousness for that cycle , while it tries to improves on the process in the next cycle This matches a “logical design” universe that has non-random structure Has our universe benefited from an untold number of prior iterations to get to this point of “logical structure”?

91. More Theodicy Questions Why is it that the material manifested universe is amoral and ruthless, while Cosmic Consciousness wants us to be moral and good acting via its feedback loops? Why does the universe want us to manifest behavior, morality, that it does not manifest itself (at our level of reality)? Is this theodicy struggle needed to “grow” consciousness it needs/wants? Does morality, justice, love, etc. promote the desired outcome of maximum ordered (low entropy) & purposeful complexity and consciousness for the system/universe? See notes.

92. Possible Conclusions : Idealism With Structural Theodicy For A Purpose The omnipresent nature of structural theodicy in the universe suggests it serves some unknown purpose in the universe’s life I will propose two possible solutions I also discusses the implications for normative Abrahamic religions that incorrectly blame man for the worlds faults when it is actually “built-in” & structural “Crazy as it sounds, the idea that the Universe is intelligent is compatible with all we know so far”   Physicist Sabine Hossenfelder

93. Why do we believe in God? A conscious self-aware (but non-personal) universe that has a shared and interactive field of consciousness with us would be easily confused as a theistic “God” The interactive self-correcting feedback loops , each unique to the religion and cultural beliefs of a population, would look like the workings of a deity These feedback loops take on the “look and feel” of the belief system they are operating with, e.g. Christian Holy Mother Mary or Buddhist Tara/ Kuan yin This may have been advantageous 1,000 years ago, but now just causes confusion, misunderstandings, wars, violence, and is outdated – we kill each other over who’s feedback loop is the right one

94. Why do we believe in God? Do the cells in my body consider me to be their God? I miraculously provide food (organics) and water the cells needs I provide correcting mechanisms – I can take antibiotics to help the cells defeat an infection Just because I can do god-like things in my body system it does not make me God So it is with the living manifested universe and us A conscious universe may be struggling with “infections” and problems just like us and have limited means and resources to work with just like us – it is “conditioned” No conditioned thing can be “God” as Ultimate or Absolute, only an unconditioned thing can be Ultimate

95. Possible Gödel “ Gd ” Factors Structural theodicy argues against the “good” theist “God” – it turns “the design” argument around against itself, it does argue for A universe evolving towards some unknown state “X” with complexity “ Gd ” beyond our current recognition – theodicy as an impersonal by-product, and/or Advanced Beings (AB) simulation, game, or experiment with complexity “ Gd ” stress (theodicy) for a purpose The imbalanced structural theodicy of the universe virtually eliminates a theistic personal good God – where is he, why he doing such a bad job? Structural Theodicy is ontological, based on the nature of the universe’s polar manifestation, a perfect divine infinite vs. imperfect universe and the practical implications and affects of Idealism “Nothing in Nature is random”

96. OK, OK, here’s what I think: I do NOT believe in the supernatural All phenomenon* can be explained naturally, BUT not necessarily from within our perspective, you may need to be a system level(s) “above” us to understand, in “higher” dimensions/structures per Gödel Two options: We are in a living, conscious, but impersonal universe evolving towards something unconcerned with our small personal “cellular” fate (when I am optimistic) ABs control our universe/world “as if god” via software simulations and/or actual physical realities, we are just “lab rats,” could be multiple combos (when I am pessimistic – most of the time) “Nothing in Nature is random”

97. Living Universe – Nondual Monism? The first option is actually amazing, we may serve a greater purpose – there MAY be meaning to our suffering It provides an “ energy/consciousness/observer field ” that provides potential and opportunities for things to happen The living universe appears to function as an inclusive nondual monism as opposed to “exclusive monotheism” – it does not care what you call it, how many deities you have, or how you pray, it is NOT a personal “Jealous God” Christianity is a prime example, Jesus as the “God ” was incompatible with the traditional Jewish theology it was ascribed to, but the qualities of universal love, forgiveness, and peace has made it successful in practice because the name, “face,” history, and details do not matter Idealism

98. Living Universe – Nondual Monism? Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, etc. all can produce spiritually realized mystics & “saints” Thus the specific details are relative & flexible – somehow influenced by human (observer) beliefs & interactive Each religion has its own communication Point-to-Point-Protocol (PPP) with the shared interactive Cosmic Consciousness As human consciousness evolves our PPP evolves This flexibility would not be true if the theist revealed religions have a monopoly on truth – if their exclusive monotheist God existed in fact Only an inclusive interactive (influenced by the observer) monism produces this result – details are only a tool (PPP) that makes no difference in the end result

99. Living Universe – Panentheism ? Panentheism = Pantheism + Gödel factor “ Gd ” All the crazy theistic religions are competing, fighting, and killing each other literally over nothing that matters The normative monotheist religions each worship their own small (defined/limited) exclusive version of “God,” when in fact the universe’s living energy monism is an inclusive BIG, but non-personal, “God” – it has “room” for lots of stuff, often baffling, strange, or bizarre The experience and studies of N.D.E.s have proved this point, that it does not matter which god you believe in, as there is NO exclusive “Jealous God” – these N.D.E. findings needs to be talked about more – “hello” the universe is speaking!!! These N.D.E. findings are prophecy & witness in our age

100. Dr. Atwater N.D.E. Types Initial: Non-personal love & acceptance, adult 20% (“good” people who need little correction) Unpleasant/Hell-like: Adult 15% (“bad” needs correction) Pleasant/Heaven-like: Adult 47% (mostly “good” but still needs correction) Transcendent (Void): Adult 18% ( potentially “highest” good) So, 85% are “good” and 15% “bad” – do the math, this completely falsifies each of the theistic religions/sects claims to exclusivity to being saved 1 The Void/universe wants to “save” you, conserve your consciousness 2 after feedback loop processing, without the need for any theistic religion, you are already “saved” (a nonsectarian “Universalism”) "All you may know of heaven or hell is within your own self" - Edgar Cayce

101. Religions & Spirituality Religions and spirituality are about our interaction with the shared “ Cosmic Consciousness ” of the universe and its feedback self-correction loops (prophecy, mystics, N.D.E., & “heaven & hell”) The big theistic normative religions have done a horrible job of explaining and “managing” these feedback loops – they obviously do not understand them 1 Example: The teachings of Islam concerning Kafirs (unbelievers) is the opposite (evil – Bloom’s “Lucifer Principal”) of what the feedback loops wants us to be (good) – it tells them to lie/deceive, rape, steal, kill, enslave, etc.

102. Advanced Beings (ABs) Twilight Zone “To Serve Man” If ABs exists other than our future selves, e.g. aliens, then they will also be a product of imbalanced structural theodicy and share our weaknesses and faults - “Fallen” or amoral (like the universe itself) These amoral aliens would be like psychopaths As Stephen Hawking says, we should be afraid The universe is a competitive & hostile place Our only hope is that they have been more successful in taming and controlling their negative traits than we have – be more civilized, evolved, or spiritually advanced (probably not)

103. Universe as Simulation Most likely by our future selves Possibly by our future selves who have genetically enhanced themselves with higher intellectual capabilities, making what is impossible for us now possible for them (the Neil deGrasse Tyson argument) Ancestor simulations, games, or social/biological science experiments are possible reasons Most likely a one world anthropic simulation scaled as it goes to match our awareness level of the universe – detail only added when needed

104. Theodicy & Religion, see notes All theistic religions claim God is on their side and all the others are wrong, but The cold reality is that poverty, disease, injustice, earthquakes, floods, cyclones, volcanos, violence, etc. affects all – just open your eyes & see reality as it is The ruthless injustice of theodicy shows no mercy to any religion, none have God’s favor The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami showed no mercy to Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim alike – it made no difference If the revelations of the theistic religions were true it should have made a difference, it NEVER does The conscious universe only cares about our consciousness (as in N.D.E.), couldn’t careless about our material life/body

105. Theodicy & Jesus (see notes) Most people deny or ignore the pervasive structural suffering & death in the world around them, their eyes are closed In a universe of structural theodicy humans cannot be expected to be perfect (sinless), they will be flawed A theological argument can be made that Jesus “Son of God” came to us to live, suffer, and die as we do , to share our condition (showing love and compassion), and To show these “sins” in a morally “flawed” universe/system are not held against us (forgiven or corrected, see slide 100), & Our consciousness is conserved & continues after feedback loop processing, “life” after death (reincarnation, “reborn,” or “resurrected”) , as required by idealism This theology of Jesus tells us “ to hang in there ” and keep playing that there is purpose in our suffering

106. Why Christianity Can Work… for those inspired by the living Jesus (animation, see notes) “Love your neighbor…,” etc. provides a "higher” spiritual ethos more aligned with the purpose & goals of the universe (not seen in the Old Testament/Quran) – toward optimum realization or Omega Point. Jesus as the massager of this Evolved Ethos can be seen as a “messiah” This was seen in the “social gospel” & the teachings of doing righteous good “works” communicated with a “passion” and “love” message Over time this ethos has been diminished and replaced by simple “faith” & by “blood atonement” (blood rite/sacrifice) and recently, by conservative “John Wayne” political agendas/cultural wars Now you have Christians voting for Donald Trump, a man of gross immorality, Jesus of the Evolved Ethos would be appalled The harsh tribal gods of normative/orthodox Judaism, Islam, & “Old Testament” Christianity reflected an older ineffective physical power, fear, reward & punishment, blood sacrifice, & submission based ethos Saint Hildegard of Bingen Christianity at its best has had more spiritual effectiveness than normative/orthodox Judaism and Islam. The Sermon on the Mount, Sermon on the Plain, the beatitudes, & I recently attended some Baptist church sessions with some relatives, Jesus as messiah (Mark & Matthew) or prophet (Luke/Acts) of the Evolved Ethos was no where to be seen or heard, as if the living Jesus and his teachings did not exist. It was all about “hell” and blood rite salvation of the individual “me” (primitive tribal god teachings) – no mission or calling to improve the greater human condition.

107. Salvation & Theodicy (see notes) Seeing that “bad” events/things/behavior (“sins”) & structural theodicy is systemic in the universe’s creation – pre-human, then Christianity’s claims that Jesus was crucified to redeem mankind for our sins (our faults) that made things wrong in this world makes no sense, it was wrong pre-human Evidence supports this conclusion, Jesus’s crucifixion (blood sacrifice) made NO difference in the collective human condition, theodicy was unchanged If a “Redemption” took place it should be visible or identifiable in our records, a change in the collective human condition should have been seen, but All of the bad things continued unaffected : war, poverty, disease, suffering, natural disasters, injustice, etc. – as seen in todays world (same can be said about Muhammad or Moses)

108. Theistic Religions & Theodicy This is NOT just a Christianity issue All the Abrahamic Religions share this problem, that the imbalanced theodicy of the universe predates humans (just ask the dinosaurs), thus “original sin” and “The Fall” as human caused problems are invalid The human condition reflects the imbalanced (bad) theodicy of the universe, it is effect, NOT cause Humans as a whole species has nothing to apologize for, nothing to be redeemed, nothing to be forgiven We are a product of the environment/circumstances that created us, we reflect its faults of structural theodicy, e.g. greed, war, competition, etc. – as per St. Augustine, he got the effect right but the cause wrong?

109. Theistic Religions & God All of the normative theistic religions have placed “conditions” on being saved: Right religion, prophet, & God Right sect or denomination, worship, correct praying &/or language, conditional “salvations,” “Born Again,” converted, baptized, or “submission,” etc. Each imposed condition makes their God smaller and smaller , more restrictive, and “ lessor ” – a “conditioned” God A conditioned cause(s) cannot result in an unconditioned outcome, an eternal “saved” heaven or condemned hell (impossible) The inclusive nondual monism has NO such conditions – it is a BIG “God” with interactive details Theist error by worshiping a lessor conditioned god The mightiest “god” who directly affects us would be the conscious Sun (plasma, size, energy flow, & complexity)

110. Theistic Religions & God There is a Gödel complexity factor “ Gd ” at play here, but the structural theodicy of the universe informs us that it is not a personal theistic god who cares about us individually Who intervenes in accidents, disasters, & illnesses Who choses sides in wars and football games* Miracle-like (unexplained by us) events occur in an astoundingly complex system, but are exceptions It is as if the cosmos considers our death in this world to be of little concern, almost trivial, a non-event N.D.E. experiences shows that once dying we transition to a state that interfaces with the collective interactive consciousness – it then shows it (we?) cares

111. Possible Cosmology Spiritual Transcendent Void of Infinite Space-Time (unconditioned basis of being, passive Ein Sof , dynamis , etc.) The unconditioned MUST have a conditioned expression of itself (process metaphysics) Conditioned unenlightened apparent “Creator God” Spiritual experiences of man Seeks harmony & a return to origin/unity with “God”/Void (as in the mystics and saints – process metaphysics) Science Quantum vacuum of infinite potential to be ALL (physics – could this be more awesome?) Expressed material universe (“observer needed physics”) Conscious self-aware universe (observer physics & psychology) Collective interactive self-correcting feedback loops (“spooky” quantum physics with Jungian & Buddhist depth & transpersonal psychology) Universe seeks harmony & a return to origin/unity? Torus? (physics informed by process metaphysics with depth & transpersonal psychology?) We need to form a coherent science-spirituality on this (or a better) process flow “Nothing in Nature is random”

112. If Buddhism & Bentov is right… Life is a competitive spiritual (consciousness) game with winners and losers For every one winner there are millions (?) of losers The winners with more highly developed consciousness are “promoted” to the next game level (purpose of “Idealism-In-Action”) The losers are stuck going around and around in samsara – endless suffering (theodicy as by-product of idealism) A Buddhist bodhisattva declines the promotion to help fellow suffering beings

113. And, if consciousness is intrinsic and primary then… By definition consciousness is; Conserved (neither created nor destroyed) Shared (universal basis-of-being) Interactive (affected by experiencer/observer) Possible theodicy answer; The universe cares about consciousness – Idealism primary (it is a perfect universe from this perspective) The violent ruthless universe does NOT care about the material(ism); physical life, suffering, and death – just collateral damage in its evolution of consciousness Human morality and justice may be part of our collective self-correcting feedback loop and not “normal” for the universe?

114. So… bottom line I believe there is a complexity factor “ Gd ” that is in play, but we collectively have not properly identified it . We need to think “big picture” of the entire universe, not just of the human condition. To Gödel a personal God was the missing “X” complexity factor in the universe. However, It is definitely NOT a personal “good” theistic God – the universe itself gives witness to this. The “ Gd ” could be provided by software simulation, but … The “Gd” could be “spiritual” in the nature of the Wondrous Void with our “cosmic,” shared, interconnected, & interactive consciousness…

115. The Question Our task is to find complexity factor(s) “ Gd ” that can explain both conditions : The “good” experiences (e.g. love), spiritual nature of man (e.g. saints), N.D.E., and The ruthless, often violent, structural (imbalanced) theodicy of the universe They are both inherent in our universe Is theodicy a by-product of Idealism? A “good” theistic God is excluded by definition (structural theodicy) from this answer According to Thomas Hertog , “Stephen Hawking came to the conclusion that the Universe is an evolving system that operates according to Darwinian principles that drive the world ( universe ) toward higher complexity …” see notes for link

116. Conclusions With the “data” that we now have it is impossible to come to a conclusion as to the basis of being, which “Gd” factor is at play: e.g. simulation vs. conscious universe with a purpose Humans must be just, caring, and compassionate precisely because the ruthless uncaring universe is NOT, we are on our own: Spinoza: practice justice and loving-kindness The only thing we can trust is each other, relationships with other sentient beings trapped in this world system Do qualities like morality, justice, love, & compassion promote a low chaos (low entropy) & high efficiency solution to life, civilization, & the universe? Tom Campbell: “love is the nature of low entropy consciousness.”

117. The End On slide 10 notes I list some wonderful books that address a conscious universe, but They ALL fail completely on the structural theodicy problem ; the ruthless violent universe, a universe that does not give-a-damn about the material/living, that feeds off of its energy At best they say we are “learning” and “growing” to advance spiritually – some form of reduction to messy determinism, we have no choice but to “play,” we are trapped in the game. Why would the universe play this spiritual growth game? If we could start to figure out exactly what is going on it may begin to make some sense, the price we pay may be worth it. We currently live in remarkable ignorance about the “system” But, the simplest answer (Occam’s Razor) to structural theodicy is a simulation with theodicy for a purpose – a social science or biology experiment, or worse a game

118. “In a world where all is borrowed, and time like elusive dust seems to just slip through our fingers, all we really have are these precious moments where we can make fertile the soil in the garden of our hearts, that here love may make its home and here the mortal seed may flourish. Only love can free us from the womb of time for life like a magnificent mysterious cloud holds its shape and form only long enough for us to blink, and all our precious memories are but shadows of time that will drift away like fallen leaves returning to the emptiness from which they came. Thus we are, like innocent children flowering in the garden of the souls.” Azam Ali, Vas,“In the garden of the souls,” © Narada Production Inc. … as Spinoza thought…. or It is Albert Camus. We need to find the answers (slide has animations) Will a spiritual Evolved Ethos promote a higher level of order with lower entropy and with more effective and efficient organization as a result of Spinoza’s simple advice; practice justice and loving-kindness to your fellow sentient beings ?

119. “If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear as it is, infinite” William Blake ( animation ) For more on the Void see this presentation: https://www.slideshare.net/SanfordSchoolfield/voidrev2pptx

120. Well … is this crazy enough to be true? “Nothing in Nature is random”