How the Universe Works - Philosophical Idealism_Short.pptx
SanfordSchoolfield
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63 slides
Oct 13, 2025
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About This Presentation
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.
The full length version of this pptx has 120 slides (link slide 62), ...
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.
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.
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/zvin9ti08rmvh5a3jwuau/How-the-Universe-Works_Short.pptx?rlkey=uuai67nmfmsgibbrgw2pu9a5u&st=3ii56g3m&dl=0
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)
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.
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
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.
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
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!”
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
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.
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.”
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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 )
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.
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
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)
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)
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
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)
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 .
“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)
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
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)
“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).
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)
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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"
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!
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
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
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
“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”
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”
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
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.
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
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”
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
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?
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…
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
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.”
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
“If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear as it is, infinite” William Blake ( animation ) For full length version of this presentation: https:// www.dropbox.com / scl /fi/g7ubfflicp2daqj8k52yl/ How-the-Universe-Works.pptx?rlkey =0h5qfsg7io3356kmbv6kpuw3h&st=23tiqopj&dl=0
Well … is this crazy enough to be true? “Nothing in Nature is random”