Exploring the Illusion of the Universe: A Shamanic Perspective
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Koan
In this discussion, we will explore the second part of the koan introduced in my earlier piece, Introduction to Shamanism. For those interested in the initial segment of the koan, you can find it in Koan Part 1: The Sun is a God...
The phrase "The Universe is an illusion" is perhaps the most straightforward aspect of this koan to convey to others, especially given the 2022 Nobel Prize awarded for demonstrating that the universe lacks local realism. Individuals familiar with the underlying physics can validate this through repeated experimentation, while those less acquainted often place their trust in the experts. While this helps identify who may be correct, it can also lead to misconceptions or unverified assumptions. Thus, before diving deeper into my reflections, let’s clarify what "The Universe is not locally real" actually signifies, as it presents a logical puzzle.
To better articulate this concept, it’s essential to rephrase it as "The Universe cannot be both local and real." This statement leads to at least four potential interpretations:
- False: The Universe is both local and real.
- Undetermined: The Universe is not local, but it is real.
- Undetermined: The Universe is local, but not real.
- Undetermined: The Universe is neither local nor real.
In essence, claiming that the Universe is "real" suggests that all its properties were established at the moment of its creation. Drawing from a classic koan, one could say that if a tree falls in the forest and no one is present to witness it, it indeed makes a sound. This concept illustrates what physicists define as "reality"—the idea that, irrespective of observation, events occur as they do.
When physicists refer to the Universe as "local," they imply that fundamental forces exert influence within a limited range. To use the tree analogy again, a tree falling in an Asian forest does not imply a tree in America will fall simultaneously, unless there’s a significant cascading effect. Thus, locality in physics denotes a logical sequence of interactions where sufficient energy and mass transfer occurs.
When you encounter the phrase "The Universe cannot be both local and real," it signifies that we have concluded, based on our current understanding, that these two qualities cannot coexist. In our tree analogy, we have only managed to ascertain that some trees seem to fall simultaneously on different continents, but this only occurs under observation. It does not imply we have proven the Universe is unreal.
Now, at the risk of disappointing those who supported my claim that "The Universe is an Illusion" due to the Nobel Prize, I must clarify that your confidence in this assertion may be misplaced. Allow me to regain your trust in the following sections rather than simply relying on an unearned victory.
Distinguishing Between Illusions
It is crucial to differentiate between "the Universe is an illusion" and "the Universe is an illusion." The emphasis on "an" suggests that what we perceive as the Universe is merely one of numerous illusions. Adherents of Hindu beliefs who meditate on Brahma understand this notion, or rather, they accept our limitations in grasping it fully. This can often be summarized as "there are many truths, and all are true," although a more in-depth explanation can be found by studying the concept of Satyam.
To briefly explain, Brahma symbolizes the amalgamation of energies and forces that gave rise to the Universe, encompassing everything that preceded it, exists within it, and may persist beyond it. This includes all entities' capacities and limitations to understand themselves and that which is external. Consequently, a conceptual koan arises whenever any single entity endeavors to describe Brahma. As I mentioned in Part 1, a koan serves as a snapshot of a singular cross-section of the vast cosmos, attempting to encapsulate the entirety of existence, with countless potential observations available.
Consider this analogy: if you were to slice a baseball in half and photograph each section, both images would reveal similar shapes and colors, yet the finer details would differ due to the randomness of material distribution. Despite having the same cutting angle, each observer would perceive unique characteristics of the baseball.
This phenomenon can also be observed in classical physics, particularly with light. Each rainbow witnessed by any observer is a uniquely composed visual effect arising from light refracting and reflecting off particles. Each individual views a rainbow from a specific angle, leading to a perception that is exclusive to them. While it may be possible to capture a photo of the rainbow or confirm its existence with a nearby observer, the rainbow itself remains elusive, as it cannot be physically approached or mapped in a useful manner.
In classical physics, we gain insights into the notions of locality (the relationship between observer and observed) and reality (the predetermined nature of existence). We can formulate additional theories and tests to predict phenomena like rainbows. Thus, we create a reference framework for our understanding of the world, allowing us to navigate our lives without being overly concerned with the extreme scales beyond our perception.
However, the ability of any observer is limited by their capacity to gather information. Like a ship sailing the ocean, anything beyond the horizon remains unseen unless specific conditions enable its visibility. If the Universe is indeed expanding at an accelerating pace, we may accept that we will likely never witness most of it, as it is moving away faster than we can extend our observational reach.
Even with light bending phenomena, our choice of light bands and timing affects what we can perceive. Unobserved phenomena remain unknown or can only be inferred from the limited data we possess. We can deduce relationships and provide evidence for reality, yet this is confined to the minuscule observations made by another observer.
The Observer's Effect in Quantum Physics
At the quantum level, our understanding of the Universe becomes even more abstract and verifiable. While in classical physics, we can reasonably predict the properties of a baseball, in quantum physics, the contents of a hypothetical baseball remain uncertain until it is opened. The act of observing itself influences the results, complicating our understanding.
Rather than reiterate complex concepts like quark spin, let’s return to the metaphor of falling trees. We might ask, "How do we know the trees are correlated?" Through numerous tests, we consistently arrive at the same astonishing conclusions: once a tree seed is sown, it will produce two corresponding trees that behave oppositely, regardless of distance.
Despite the uncertainty of each tree's growth location or type, they exhibit synchronous behavior: one falls in one direction while the other falls in the opposite direction at the same moment. If we were to separate the potential growth locations and send them into space, each would still display this peculiar behavior—provided they remain close enough. However, achieving such separation requires immense energy and distance.
Almost everything in existence is composed of these "trees" at a fundamental level, yet their intrinsic nature remains poorly understood. We can never observe a single tree in isolation; there are always multiple trees in a forest. Thus, our observations are inherently collective.
The notion that passive observation exists is increasingly challenged by our findings. The problem lies in the scale of measurement. To define any result, we must establish a specific volume of spacetime for observation, determined by the measuring instruments used. We also require collisions to extract useful information, which alters the state of what we aim to measure.
Imagine the smallest perceivable object is a billiard ball within a sphere of other billiard balls. The positions and attributes of the balls inside the sphere are unknown. To understand what’s inside, we must launch a cue ball into the sphere, leading to a collision that alters the state of the billiard balls. The act of observation, therefore, modifies our understanding of the object.
The World of Glass: Observer Bias
As I contemplate the Universe's illusory nature, I propose the concept of "The World of Glass," which I will explore further in a future article. This idea suggests that each observer faces finite limitations in their capacity to perceive due to their physical and instrumental constraints. Over time, these limitations fluctuate, influenced by the observer's interests, resources, and lifespan. This results in observer bias that shapes our understanding of the Universe both literally and metaphorically.
By choosing what to observe, an observer initiates the specific collision of information that defines the measured state. Until the observational bias shifts, reality will continue to favor the observer with new content. It is conceivable that the Universe's accelerating expansion correlates with increased observation, suggesting that conscious observation may unlock profound forces in the macrocosm. Each additional observer could contribute to the Universe's expansion rate.
As a Shaman, the selection of what to observe is as vital as deciding what to ignore. If observation itself is a creative force, let my focus be on the good. I must acknowledge that any understanding I possess regarding the cosmos, no matter how precise or provable, represents only a minuscule fraction of the universe's past, present, and future states.
Ultimately, we navigate our lives within a comforting illusion of a shared reality that aligns with our neighbors' consensus. This reality transforms as our focus shifts. For a long time, this was humorously referred to as "The Tinkerbell Effect," where belief could manifest reality. As we delve into quantum physics, we find that belief coupled with observation may indeed influence our reality.
In this video, "Anthony Aguirre: Cosmological Koans," the speaker discusses the philosophical implications of cosmology and how they intersect with our understanding of reality.
The second video, "Case 10 Joshu Sees Through the Old Woman (part 2)," explores deeper koans and their meanings, furthering our understanding of the interconnectedness of perception and reality.