Warning: This is a theory, I do not hold any weight in this idea and wholly expect difference of opinion.


Theory of Consciousness

If god exists along with the theory of the expanding and contracting Big Bang, then either all beings in the universe are worshiping a different part of the same being or god and the universe are an intrinsic part of one another. Meaning, (following the theory of multiple expanding and contracting universes) the god (of this universe) only extends as far as this universe does, and what we perceive as consciousness (and singularity) is a mere part of the whole (we are conduits of this universal perception). If this god exists now, then god can transcend the destructive force of the inevitable collapse of the universe as we know it (because it has happened before and will happen again). Therefore we as a god, or a universal consciousness are evolving by spreading material randomly, and possessing the evolution of the chemical process therein.


Explanation: As a magician I have decided to take it upon myself to learn the popular ideas of modern science, I do believe in the big bang, god(s), spirits, plant & animal consciousness, and much more. My goal is to try and take a look at things from a different point of view so I can exponentially gain insight about the world around me as scientific world has taken it. My "now I want a pony" is: perhaps if I understand their language I can try and explain mine.

Arthur C. Clarke once wrote, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Perhaps science is a similar fashion.

This post has been edited by Dancing Coyote: Feb 18 2009, 12:33 AM

I would like you to expound upon this idea a little more, if you are able to. I have considered a very similar idea in the past, and to some extent still do - that is, that God and the Universe are intrinsically one, and that the evolution of our universe is part of that.

To me it seems that consciousness as we experience it is just one range of consciousness, and that all plants, animals, even base matter with not apparent 'life' have consciousness as well, down to atoms and subatomic particals. It seems to me that we define consciousness classically according to the human experience, when ours is simply a possible a relatively broad spectrum of consciousness in comparison. Our individual consciousness is comprised of that of our individual parts, from the systems and tissues of the body, to the cells that compose them, to the molecules that compose them, and so on down the line to the very fabric of reality, which I'm inclined to believe is itself conscious as what we might consider 'God'.

I've personally become worn out on the idea of God. It tends to imply either a benificent of malicious - or a combination of the two - ruling entity of some kind who has a personal stake in creation. A more balanced idea, that is a more reasonable one according to my own experience, is that this 'God' is neither benevolent or malicious - that it simply is, either a byproduct of the cosmic cycle, or the cosmic cycle as a by product of the activity of that completely neutral and ultimately uncaring consciousness. Its like nature - nature just is; it doesn't mean you harm, but it's not there to coddle you personally either. If a tornado kills you, it doesn't mean anyone or anything had it out for you, that's just part of existing in a place with an atmosphere. Likewise our experience in life, 'good' or 'bad' to our perspective, on every level, is just a consequence of the environment we exist in that we call reality.

I have always like the idea of comparing the relationship of the individual consciousness and the universal consciousness, to the relationshp between the individual consciousness and that of the parts that compose a living being (in this case a human being). Although I'm aware of my body, and parts of it are more intimately connected and aware of others than i am as a being, my body is not necessarily aware of me. Ideally the process of transcendence will expand that connection so that I am more fully aware of every part of my being, and it is likewise aware of me, that we become truly unified as it were; and in turn perhaps the goal of this universal consciousness is to become unified.

It seems that in the past century this has been a kind of trend in scientific development - we're becoming more aware of the 'body' that we exist in and perhaps in turn - or even the cause of that - that universal being is becoming more intimately aware of us, more integrated.

And I feel intuitively that this is reflected in higher terms as well - that the relationship we have with this 'God' of our universe is similar to the relationship that Conciousness has with an even greater Pan-Multiversal Consciousness that may have in turn the same relationship with an even greater Consciousness, and so on to the point that contemplating it just becomes tedious and maddening.

That although we consider our 'God' to be all powerful, it is only relative to our own capability, and that this 'God' may feel the same about that greater being of which it is but a part.

Maybe we are Gods of lesser universes, and we don't even fully understand, scientifically, the true extent and nature of those universes or how to manipulate them. Whatever exists there may be asking the same questions in it's own way, though not in a way we would recognize - a cosmic 'trial and error' process on the subatomic scale of some sort. Those tiny dimensions do have a degree of unpredictability.

Well i've ranted long enough. I would like to hear more, so hopefully you have more to say on this subject.

Peace

This post has been edited by Vagrant Dreamer: Feb 18 2009, 02:21 AM

I like the idea that the whole universe is simply a way for this inter-universal being to think, and evolve through experience and that everything we see around us (and most things we don't) are a bi-product of a thought process. And we can tap into that being's higher consciousness at any time because we are an intricate part of that being as well (we are not special snowflakes but because we are a part of the machine we can also experience the whole, the machine also gives us physichal tools to experience it as well).



In this theory, which I failed to mention. The reason for conflict is change. Without conflict or motion, there would not be change. And I was hesitant to use the word "God" because of how loaded that word is in western culture, as well as how the influence of the Catholic church and Christian dogmas cloud our thoughts about the nature of the idea of the perceived entities(s).



Well with the idea of reincarnation, we are consistently incarnating in a new and ever changing environment. If we're lucky language will evolve in such a way that communication between the world will be a very simple thing and our American perceived 'enemies' will be our neighbors. As spirit in body, we are ever present with that being I think it simply takes the realization and the willingness to communicate. The idea that we will transcend out of this "muck" into something "holy" and "good" is nice but I'm not entirely sure if it has a righteous place when you think about it's entirety. Looking around you, you don't see things transcending into a new place without any problems whatsoever. Buddha said “Life is suffering.” but I think we take this out of context in the ideals of western culture because another mantra is "I hope I die a horrible, and painful death." knowing if you die and wake up in "heaven" you aren't disappointed. So "Life is suffering." may be another, I'm not going to be disappointed if I expect suffering sort of thing. According to the theory, we eventually do become unified and start the process all over again, this time with more collective insight.



Someone once told me, "Christianity does not create Christs, Buddhism does not create Buddhas, these people are uncontrollable!"



This is exactly the end means I was trying to portray, I'm glad I've been clear enough for at least one other being to understand my thought process. Thank you.



Your "rant" was exactly what I've been stalking the forums for, imagine all this insight whacking you upside the head in one revolutionary spin-cycle all at once and trying to write it all down before it all evaporates.

Dancin' Coyote

This post has been edited by Dancing Coyote: Feb 18 2009, 05:38 AM

I think its great you wish to expand your knowledge. In doing so I think you would benefit looking into some eastern philosophies, if you have not already. I think you'll find that while we are just now starting to understand quantum physics, Buddhist have theorized about such things for thousands of years!

Beautifully said; enough for me to understand. Talking about it will be forever on the Story of Creation.
Not so sure about the Big Bang though --not saying for certain because we will never know the entire
story. I will never, totally except scientific discoveries or theories. I love astronomy. We will never visit
all galaxies or flow into other dimensions. Unless you are spiritually advanced or practicing astral projection.

Good thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I am majoring in science - well, I was - but my true love is metaphysics, philosophy, esoteric studies, and the like; so it's always fascinating to consider them both together.


I love Buddhism and I love quantum physics, but I think it is a misunderstanding of both to say they have much in common. Buddhism is a spiritual practice; quantum physics describes physical reality at a tiny level. I haven't read a Buddhist text yet that tells me about the behavior of subatomic particles, or how the spin of one particle is affected by impact with another...

This post has been edited by Vilhjalmr: May 7 2009, 11:04 PM

Exactly, they may have said similar things but the context is completely different.

Right on. To use an example from my (possibly mistaken) understanding: Buddhism: things are empty of meaning because they are impermanent. Physics: things are empty of material because atoms are mostly empty space. I believe this would come as something of a surprise to most ancient Buddhists! People tend to conflate these concepts, though.

You may be interested to know that I just read an article about "universe evolution", saying something very similar to your original post; although in this conception it is not God but black holes that are forming new universes - which means universes are being selected for black-hole-formation...?!

(Also, the quote in your signature is one of my favorites. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) But is sufficiently advanced magic indistinguishable from technology?)

This post has been edited by Vilhjalmr: May 8 2009, 02:45 PM

The reverse is also true. Just look at the mechanism at work on that level and you'll find a machine or something similar.