A Theory of Continuous Creation by Duane Elgin
from:
© Duane Elgin, March 1988. Originally published “The Living Cosmos” in ReVision: The Journal of Consciousness and Change, Volume 11, Number 1, Summer 1988.
Two Contrasting Images of Reality
Our cosmos is a profoundly interconnected organism
that has worked continuously to maintain its existence since its birth some 14
billion years ago. Despite the vast
scale of our cosmos, its entire scope (of matter-energy and space-time) is
assumed to be continuously regenerated in a flow of manifestation that proceeds
at a pace revealed by the constancy of the speed of light.
It is important to differentiate this theory of "continuous creation
of the whole cosmos" from a now largely abandoned theory describing the
"continual creation of atomic
matter." The latter theory
describes a steady-state cosmos where atoms are slowly generated at a rate just
sufficient to offset the dispersion produced by the expansion of the universe,
thereby yielding an average density throughout. In contrast, this view of continuous creation describes a
process whereby the totality of the cosmic system, including the fabric of
space-time, is continuously regenerated at a rate revealed by the constancy of
the speed of light—a vastly larger, more inclusive, and more complex process.
Before developing this new theory, it is useful to establish a frame of
reference by noting key features of the traditional
scientific view of the cosmos:
o
The general picture that emerges from mainstream science is that our cosmos is
made from debris left over from the big bang.
Microscopic particles floating through immense reaches of empty and
lifeless space have coalesced into swirling galactic clouds of matter that, in
turn, have spawned planetary systems which now provide a platform upon which
life may occasionally emerge and evolve.
o
In the traditional scientific view, all of the matter now found in the cosmos is
assumed to have emerged when the cosmos burst into existence.
Having come into existence out of nothing—a "vacuum
fluctuation"—it is assumed that matter-energy and space-time will
continue to exist for an indeterminate period of time without requiring further
support.
o
The speed of light is
assumed to be the limiting speed of existence.
Because nothing can travel in excess of this speed, distant locations are
effectively disconnected from the earth (for example, even with signals
traveling at the speed of light, other galaxies are millions of light-years
away, thereby preventing any meaningful physical connection).
o
The observing or
self-referencing capacity is assumed to be rare and found primarily in humans
and a few other "exceptional" life forms.
o
Relativity theory
assumes there is no "cosmic now" that binds the cosmos into a single,
temporal whole. Instead, all time
is relative to the position of the observer.
In contrast to the traditional scientific view, here are key hypotheses
made by the theory of continuous creation:
o
Instead of a loosely connected, four-dimensional universe, this theory
assumes our universe is a seven dimensional, self-organizing system that is
fully connected with itself.
o
Instead of existing effortlessly, continuous creation cosmology assumes
the cosmos has worked, moment by moment, since its birth to maintain itself.
o
Instead of the constancy of the speed of light being a limiting barrier,
this fact points to the process whereby the entire fabric of the
cosmos—matter-energy and space-time—is being "woven together" as a
single resonance pattern.
o
Instead of restricting self-referencing potentials to humans and a few
other life forms, the theory of continuous creation assumes that observing or
reflective potentials are present throughout the cosmos.
A self-referencing capacity is assumed to be "built-in" and
used by systems at every scale—from the atomic to the human to the cosmic.
o
Instead of rejecting simultaneity, a "cosmic now" is assumed to
operate in the fifth through seventh dimensions.
With these three additional dimensions, continuous creation theory is
able to describe a unified reality of flowing movement.
Although the premises of continuous creation theory differ from the
traditional scientific paradigm, these are complementary and not competing views
of reality. The relativistic model
works in four dimensions and the continuous creation model is assumed to work in
seven dimensions.
This model may provide useful insights into a number of key issues in
contemporary physics and cosmology. For
example, the seven dimensional model: 1) describes the observer as a pervasive
and co-equal partner in the dynamic construction of reality, 2) suggests new
insights into the nature of inertia, 3) describes a new level of simultaneity
that, in turn, may provide insights into the paradoxical results of Bell's
theorem, and 4) suggests that Planck's constant may be a conversion factor for
orchestrating the precise manifestation of reality as a flow-through system.
These and other speculations suggest that the continuous creation model
may be potentially useful as a source of insight for mathematical theories.
As background, this model is based upon an intuitive understanding of
reality informed by ten years of self-directed study into contemporary physics
and cosmology. While I have
attempted to build a rigorous logic for this theory, the descriptions are
metaphorical rather than mathematical. It
is my hope that this work will interest persons with mathematical and scientific
skills in developing a detailed physical model with predictive descriptions.
We turn to develop this theory and to suggest a few of its possible
implications for physics, cosmology, and philosophy.
SECTION I: THE
CONTINUOUS CREATION MODEL
Basic to the continuous
creation model of reality is the
distinction made between the terms "cosmos" and
"hyper-universe:"
o
Cosmos—Refers to a seven
dimensional, self-organizing system—a "giant body" of matter-energy and space-time that
is continuously regenerated at a rate that is intimately connected to the
constancy of the speed of light.
o
Hyper-universe—Refers to the
"hyperdimensional ecology" of eight dimensions and beyond that is the
context within which the cosmos exists and out of which it is born.
This is assumed to be a field of unlimited life-energy.
In other words, the terms "cosmos"
(or "universe") will be used to refer to a self-bounding system of
dimensionally restricted scope while the term "hyper-universe" will refer to the dimensionally unlimited
context out of which the cosmos is drawn. It
is conceivable that the hyper-universe contains an infinite number of uniquely
different dimensions—each providing a new context for extension, appreciation,
and learning.
Hyper-universe and Cosmos
"Hyper-universe" (1st
Dimension plus
The cosmos is assumed to be of
limited age—some 14 billion years old—while the hyper-universe
is assumed to be of infinite duration or age.
Continuous creation theory assumes the cosmos has been created by contracting the unbounded life-energy of
the hyper-universe into a
self-organizing and self-referencing system.
Like a cloud that is drawn from, and exists within, the earth's sky and
atmosphere, our cosmos is drawn from,
and exists within, a hyper-universe
of potentially infinite dimensionality. Our
cosmos is a self-bounding
process—it's like a "cloud" of matter-energy-space-time that
continuously coalesces from the "atmosphere" of the dimensionally
unbounded hyper-universe.
To describe the continuous creation of reality, we require more
spaciousness than is provided by four dimensions.
Within a four dimensional view, it is difficult to account for a cosmos
that emerges from "nothing," is pervasively in motion, profoundly
connected with itself, instantaneously self-referencing, and immersed in a
hyper-universe of unlimited dimensionality.
Fortunately, this is a pioneering time for physics and the restrictive
boundary of four-dimensional thinking has already been broken. Physicists are developing new models that go far beyond four
dimensions—for example, ten dimensional mathematical models and "superstring"
theories. Despite the absence
of mathematical formulation, this model is offered as grist for the mill in this
new dimensional dialogue. The
author hopes that the dimensional logic and language of this theory will provide
a catalyst for the development of a corresponding seven dimensional mathematics.
Because this process view of reality is built upon new patterns of
relationship among dimensions, we turn to consider the nature of
dimensionality and reality.
Dimensionality and Reality
Dimensions are assumed to represent far more than sterile mathematical
terms or simple "open space"—they are the organizing frameworks
within which reality presents itself and evolves itself.
Because each dimension has characteristic qualities and potentials, a
"dimensional language" is required to describe the spectrum of
dimensional functions and their interrelations.
Here are the basic
assumptions the theory of continuous, cosmic-scale creation makes about the
nature of dimensions:
1) Dimensions are the building blocks of reality. Dimensions are the living geometry in which, and through which, reality is created. Johan Kepler remarked: "Geometry provided God with a model for the Creation." There is no reality without dimensionality. The miracle that anything exists at all is a miracle that depends upon the existence of dimensions to provide the context within which "things"—including the fabric of space-time—can become manifest.
2)
A dimension is open but not empty. Each
dimension is filled with invisible structure that constrains how reality
manifests itself (for example, the limiting barrier of the speed of light).
Each dimension has unique functions and organizing principles that
include both a "time aspect" and a "spatial aspect."
It is assumed the synergy of the two gives each dimension much of its
unique character.
3)
Dimensions are nested so interior dimensions fit exactly within more
embracing dimensions. The
interrelation of dimensions is analogous to a two-dimensional circle and
three-dimensional sphere that exactly overlap. A circle has total freedom to move within the context of a
sphere. Similarly, each dimension
provides complete freedom of expression for the unique qualities of other
dimensions. Dimensions are mutually
arising and non-interfering.
4)
Our cosmos is a self-organizing system that uses an interconnected
pattern of dimensional functions to create, maintain, and evolve itself.
There is an ecology among dimensions and, together, they work to provide
the dynamic platform upon which matter-energy and space-time can be concretely
and persistently manifest.
5)
Our cosmos works on the basis of an elegantly simple design that is
reflected in the symmetry among dimensions.
We can, for example, use our understanding of the three material
dimensions to make symmetrical inferences about the nature and function of the
three "observer dimensions."
6)
Continuous creation theory assumes our "cosmos" is a system of
seven dimensions that exists within a "hyper-universe" of unlimited
dimensionality. The possibility of
a hyper-universe with an infinite number of dimensions, each with a unique evolutionary potential, makes a seven dimensional cosmology
seem of much more modest scope. Given
the scale and complexity of the cosmos that has been created from a
"handful" of dimensions, it is stunning to consider that the deep
ecology of our hyper-universe may contain countless additional dimensions.
It is humbling to consider we are living at the very beginnings of
dimensional existence and evolution.
With this brief overview of dimensions as the active and intentional
geometry within which reality is constructed, we turn to develop a fuller
description of the seven dimensional model, and then to explore the relevance of
this model to contemporary physics and cosmology.
Symmetry of Material and
Mirroring Dimensions
The cosmology presented here makes radical simplifying assumptions based
on deep symmetries within the dimensional structure of reality.
Given these symmetries, the theory of a self-weaving cosmos is
approachable by anyone already familiar with relativity theory and
four-dimensional cosmology.
As already noted, a key simplifying assumption is that our dimensionally
unlimited hyper-universe generates a dimensionally limited, self-bounding system
comprised of three material dimensions and three mirroring dimensions.
Continuous creation theory postulates that three self-referencing
dimensions connect and reflect the actions occurring in three material
dimensions and, together, they work to dynamically generate our cosmos as a
self-organizing system:
o
Three material dimensions
(2nd-4th) give the cosmos concrete expression through diverse material
forms.
o
Three mirroring dimensions
(5th-7th) provide self-referencing feedback and connect the overall cosmos
into an integrated system.
Mirroring or self-referencing or observing dimensions involve much more
than the "consciousness" or reflective knowing of biological systems. Mirroring
dimensions are assumed to coordinate the flow of manifestation of material
reality by connecting the cosmos into a single, ecological system.
Where three material dimensions give fact, depth, and dynamism to
material existence, the three mirroring dimensions provide the cosmos with a
corresponding facticity, depth, and dynamism of self-referencing feedback and
ecological interconnection.
The three mirroring or self-referencing dimensions (5th, 6th, and 7th)
are assumed to perform two key functions in co-creating
reality.
1) Connective Function—Mirroring dimensions bridge the vast space-time distances of our cosmos and instantaneously distribute "operating information" throughout. Like a holographic plate where each part contains within it information about the whole picture, each part of our cosmos contains within it dynamically distributed information about the entire cosmic system. Through the operation of the referencing dimensions, a change anywhere is instantaneously registered as a change everywhere. The three referential dimensions coordinate the mechanics of manifestation at every scale to maintain the seamless and unbroken fabric of reality.
2)
Reflective Function—Our
cosmos cannot be self-organizing unless it has the capacity to know itself as an
operating system. The three
mirroring dimensions provide this essential knowing or self-referencing
capacity. This observing capacity
should not be equated with "biological consciousness" or knowing.
A self-referencing capacity is assumed to be universally distributed and
intensively used in ways that are appropriate for systems at every
scale—subatomic, atomic, molecular, human, planetary, and even the entire
cosmos. Because a significant
evolutionary advantage is conferred on those living systems most conscious of
and responsive to their environment, we should expect evolution to include
development of a self-referencing capacity throughout nature.
While it is stunning to consider that every level of the cosmos has some
form of reflective capacity, it is no more remarkable than to imagine, for
example, that our cosmos emerged in a big bang from nothing fourteen billion
years ago. If anything, it seems
less of a miracle to propose the cosmos contains a pervasive self-referencing
capability than it does to propose the cosmos is made from a vacuum
fluctuation—where "nothing" pushes on "nothing" to create
everything.
Material and mirroring dimensions are assumed to be mutually
interdependent and mutually supportive in co-creating and maintaining reality.
Mutual Interdependence of
"Objective reality" is a resonance
pattern or "standing wave" generated by the dynamic interaction of
material and mirroring dimensions. Both
sets of dimensions are required to weave together a unified material reality
that is infused with an observing potential.
These two sets of dimensions are intensely synergistic. Without the interference pattern of manifest reality neither
material nor mirroring dimensions could "exist."
Just as a mirror reveals the presence of an object and, conversely, the
reflection of the object reveals the existence of the mirror, so too do
mirroring and material dimensions mutually support the existence of
one another:
o
Without matter to push
against, the self-referencing dimensions would remain undisturbed and unknown.
Matter makes life specific, tangible, and undeniable.
The subtle feedback of the mirroring process is anchored by the concrete
reality of the material dimensions.
o
Without a self-referencing
capacity, matter would remain invisible to itself.
Without an observing potential, matter would never "know" of
its existence nor have the ability to "pull itself together" and
evolve to higher levels of self-organizing structure.
A meaningful and tangible reality is dynamically constructed from these
two sets of mutually interpenetrating and simultaneously arising dimensions.
Mirroring and material dimensions are intensely complementary and depend
upon one another completely. Trying
to understand the nature of material and mirroring dimensions separately is like
dismantling a tornado to discover its structure—and then, with the flows gone,
wondering where "it" went. Similarly,
it is only in the dynamic interchange of mirroring and material dimensions that
a meaningful reality emerges. Neither
set of dimensions is "superior" to the other. Material and mirroring dimensions are co-equal in creating a
self-organizing and self-referencing cosmos.
The mirroring or reflective process is assumed to always emerge in
conjunction with its material counterpart.
The mirroring process is not a freestanding presence but a transitory
process that is indivisible from its material "object." Both mirroring and material aspects emerge together from the
deeper life-source. We
require a new "observer physics" to discover the lawful properties of
the three referential dimensions.
Patterns of Dimensional Symmetry
Given dimensional symmetry, we can infer the geometric aspects of the mirroring dimensions from the geometrical aspects of the material dimension.
o
2nd/5th Dimensional Symmetry—The
second dimension provides the minimum space required for the bare fact of
material existence to present itself. Symmetrically,
the fifth dimension provides the minimum spaciousness for the self-referencing
interconnection that spans the cosmos.
o
3rd/6th Dimensional Symmetry—The
third dimension provides the geometric depth for the variety, texture and
fullness of form to be expressed. Symmetrically,
the sixth dimension provides the spaciousness necessary to connect the full span
and depth of the cosmos into a single ecological system that ranges from the
subatomic to the astronomical scale.
·
4th/7th
Dimensional Symmetry—The
fourth dimension provides the geometric space for objects to move independently
with respect to other objects. Symmetrically,
the seventh dimension provides the geometry to achieve dynamic reconciliation
among all relativistic motion occurring throughout the four dimensional cosmos
at each instant.
Patterns
of Dimensional Symmetry
Material Dimensions
Mirroring Dimensions ____________________________________________________
4th D—DYNAMISM of Matter 7th D—DYNAMISM
of Self-reference
____________________________________________________
3rd D—DEPTH of Matter
6th D—DEPTH of
Self-reference
____________________________________________________
2nd D—FACT of Matter
5th D—FACT of Self-reference
____________________________________________________
These patterns of symmetry are essential for the cosmos to be able to
create itself as a bootstrapping system. With
material expression and self-referencing observation in dynamic interrelation to
one another, the cosmos can exist and develop as a self-organizing system.
Neither material nor
mirroring aspects of reality are primary as both arise together from the deeper,
hyper-universe. Underlying
everything is the first or "foundation dimension" which is assumed to
be profoundly connected with the hyper-universe of 8+ dimensions.
In this way, our cosmos is dimensionally bounded and "held" by
the first and 8th+ dimensions.
The Topology and Flows of
Unification
How can we visualize the structure of reality that arises from the
dynamic interaction of material and mirroring dimensions? Topologically, the "torus" or doughnut shape
provides geometry well suited for describing self-referencing systems.
The torus is simple geometric structure that can describe a dynamically
self-organizing process. Also, the torus is also one of the basic shapes in the
universe—we see it in tornadoes, whirlpools, the shape of galaxies, the
structure of magnetic fields, and elsewhere throughout nature.
Although the torus is used here to picture the nature of self-organizing
processes, it may have mathematical relevance as well.
Dimensional Symmetry In
o
8+ Dimensions or Hyper-universe—This
is the "generative ground" of unbounded dimensionality, energy, and
creative potential.
The cosmos is assumed to be a self-referencing system that is born from,
grows in, and returns to the hyper-universe of eight dimensions and beyond.
———————————————————————————————————
o
7th D—Dynamism of Self-reference:
Provides the context for feedback on and reconciliation of relativistic
differences of all objects in motion.
o
6th D—Depth of Self-reference:
Provides sufficient spaciousness to enable the cosmos to be connected
with itself as material systems move through cyclical dynamics.
o
5th D—Fact of Self-reference:
Provides the context and capacity for self-referencing observation and
connection—for both individual systems and the overall cosmos.
—————————————————
o
4th D—Dynamism of Form:
Provides the
room for matter to move independently relative to other matter.
o
3rd D—Depth of Form:
Enables matter to achieve depth and diversity of form and to move through
cyclical dynamics.
o
2nd D—Fact of Form:
Enables the bare fact of material existence to be represented in the
moment.
——————————————————————————————————
o
1st Dimension—The first dimension
is assumed to be intimately connected with the deeper generative ground of 8+
dimensions. Because
one dimension represents the collapse of material reality—the physics of a
black hole—two dimensions are required to create an arena for matter to
"represent" itself
(to stand back from itself, be visible to itself, and know itself).
Therefore, this typology begins with the second dimension as the first
"manifest" dimension.
Because
two flows mutually hold and shape one another into a dynamic structure with
great strength to persist, it seems an ideal "building-block" for
reality. Using the torus analogy, mirroring and material
dimensions are assumed to relate to one another as follows.
The Torus as a Basic Building-Block of Reality
Material and mirroring aspects of reality flow together, mutually
containing and mutually defining one another.
Like two whirlpools of energy that mutually contain and focus one
another, material and mirroring dimensions mutually strengthen one another and
produce a dynamic structure with great power to persist despite its completely
flowing nature. Together, material
and mirroring dimensions create a self-bounding process that manifests as a
single, seven dimensional "body" that is dynamically drawn from, and
exists within, the hyper-universe.
The Cosmos as a Seven-Dimensional Torus
Arising from an 8+ Dimensional Hyper-universe
8+
Dimensions—The
Hyper-universe is made from life-energy of unlimited dimensionality.
5-7th
Dimensions—Mirroring
dimensions connect and synchronize the functioning of material
dimensions.
2-4th
Dimensions—Material
reality is a dynamic resonance pattern with depth, diversity, and dynamism of
expression.
Mirroring and material dimensions co-create "aligning structures" that enable the deeper life-energy to come into dynamic self-referencing existence. Our cosmos is a self-organizing system that hangs suspended in an infinite ocean of life-energy. Matter is neither static nor solid but is a persisting standing wave or pattern of resonance infused with a self-referencing potential.
Every "thing" that exists is assumed to be made from three
interacting and intersecting flows: material
manifestation, mirroring processes,
and hyperdimensional life-energy.
1)
Material Manifestation—2nd-4th
Dimensions, give fact, depth and dynamism to reality.
Material reality is the platform of existence, the vehicle of visible
expression, and the medium through which evolution occurs.
2)
Mirroring Process—The
5th-7th dimensions are the observing dimensions that connect all time, space,
matter, and motion occurring throughout the cosmos into a self-consistent whole.
Mirroring dimensions provide fact, depth, and dynamism of
self-referencing feedback at every level of the cosmos.
3)
Generative Ground—The 1st
dimension and 8+ dimensions, provide the unbounded source of creative
life-energy from which our seven dimensional cosmos
is dynamically constructed as a self-bounding system.
The field of life-energy is assumed to have a freestanding or
"independent" existence that is prior to, and not conditioned by, the
relative and transitory flows of material and mirroring dimensions.
Because this domain is literally beyond our dimensional grasp, it remains
ineffable.
Material and Mirroring
Dimensions
Flow-through of Hyperdimensional
Energy
These three aspects combine to create an intensely synergistic and
symbiotic process. The cosmos
creates itself by continuously coalescing the hyperdimensional life-energy, and
simultaneously sustains itself by "consuming" this life-energy.
In turn, our cosmos provides the unbounded field of life-energy with a
"spawning ground" for freely born, living systems of every level and
nature—atomic, human, planetary, galactic (and beyond).
Each of these innumerable material forms constitutes an aligning
structure that enables the life-energy to uniquely encounter and
"know" itself. A
deep level of unification is implied when cosmos and life-energy
serve one another so profoundly: the
cosmos is made from and sustained by the life-energy, and the life-energy
achieves creative, self-referencing expression through the living systems of the
self-bounding cosmos.
This theory of a self-organizing cosmos assumes that toroidal
structures—that are made from and support the flow-through of hyperdimensional
life-energy—are the basic building blocks of reality.
From the subatomic to the astronomical scale, toroidal processes are
assumed to be nested within a hierarchy of toroidal processes.
Toroidal Structures
With these dynamic structures as all-purpose building blocks, the
hyper-universe is able to generate the complete range of forms that comprise our
complex cosmos.
What evidence is there that material
reality is being continuously coalesced from, and sustained by, a deeper energy
field? Intriguing evidence of this
comes from recent work by the physicist Harold Puthoff.
Puthoff explored why the electrons spinning around atoms don't radiate
their energy and collapse into the nucleus.
He concluded that atoms are sustained by constantly drawing energy from a
background vacuum to exactly compensate for the energy that radiates from the
electron.
Basic to Puthoff's theory (and quantum theory) is the idea that even a
small area of empty space contains a uniform sea of enormously powerful
background energy called "zero-point energy"—the point from which
all other energies are measured. As
the electron radiates away energy, Puthoff asserts that it absorbs a
compensating amount of energy from the zero-point field so as to exactly balance
the loss and thereby maintain dynamic stability.
He concludes that the stability of matter verifies the presence of an
underlying sea of immensely powerful energy that is universally present.
Everything is in motion in an unceasing dance that extends from the
smallest detail to the largest-scale features of the cosmos.
All motion is orchestrated into the single, seamless field that extends
from the atomic to the astronomical scale.
This motion is not haphazard but possesses a deep coherence and lawfulness. The cosmos is not comprised of static physical structures; rather, it is made from coherent wave forms. Every aspect of "objective" reality is a seven dimensional resonance wave or flowing process. Coherent patterns of flow-through are nested within larger patterns of flow-through.
Material objects are dynamically constructed resonance patterns that
exist within the larger resonance pattern or standing wave that is our cosmos.
A person (or a tree or a planet, etc.) is a dynamically stable, flowing
process. Matter is not
intrinsically "hard," rather, it is a wave-form that manifests with
great precision. Matter has the
appearance and feel of solidity because of its precise, dynamic consistency.
When two objects meet—as precisely matched waveforms—they interact as
if they were "hard." The precision and speed with which the cosmos
coalesces produces the illusion of persisting and solid structures.
We interpret the precise, dynamic consistency of material forms as static
solidity.
Because all is in motion, the unfailingly precise correlation of all
motion is essential to maintain stable material forms with lawful and
predictable interrelations. Every
aspect of the cosmos—from the emergence of the smallest particle to the
movement of the largest-scale galactic structures—must be precisely
synchronized to achieve an orderly reality.
Viewed from within four dimensions, the cosmos appears as a single,
integrated resonance pattern or standing wave, the manifestation of which is
omnidirectional (coalescing from every direction at once).
Like a 360-degree circle of no volume, each point of space-time provides
a center for the flow-through of hyperdimensional energy to generate material
reality.
The pervasive dynamism of reality is not confined to matter.
Space is not a static "emptiness" waiting to be filled out by
matter, but is a continuous opening process that creates the room for matter to
manifest itself. Rather than the mere absence of form, "space-time"
is a dynamic opening process that makes room for objects to present themselves.
Because space-time is inseparable from motion, and motion is inseparable
from energy, vast amounts of energy must be required to generate the
"empty" or "open" space-time within which matter can present
itself.
The dynamism of matter-energy and space-time converge to create reality
as an integrated resonance pattern. At
the largest scale, the cosmos is maintained by the continuous flow-through of
energy. Like the vortex of a
tornado or whirlpool, our cosmos has a dynamic structure that arises
from, and is maintained by, the continuous flow-through of energy.
Being thoroughly dynamic, our cosmos has no independent existence of its
own, but exists solely because of the flow-through of energy. If the flow-through were to cease for even an instant, our
cosmos would disappear.
We are immersed in a process of creation that has continued from the
moment the cosmos was born. Our
cosmos was not disgorged in an instant of creation and then abandoned 14 billion
years ago. Every aspect of reality
is immersed within and recreated from a dynamic flow of energy that has
continued throughout the entire span of evolution.
The cosmos is being continuously generated by the flow-through of
unimaginable amounts of energy in an unutterably vast and intensely alive
process of awesome precision and power.
From the most minute aspect of the subatomic realm to the largest scale
features of the cosmos—all is assumed to be continuously manifesting as a
single whole. Defining the rate of
this flow brings us to one of the most fundamental attributes of the
cosmos—the constancy of the speed of light.
Central to the theory of continuous creation is the hypothesis that the
speed of light reveals the pace at which our cosmos is being dynamically
generated as a self-consistent whole. The
speed of light is intimately tied to the rate at which the fabric of
matter-energy and space-time is being woven together.
Everything—atoms, human beings, galactic systems, even seemingly
"empty" space—is being generated in a vast rush of creation that
proceeds at a pace associated with the constancy of light speed.
When Einstein developed the theory of relativity, he began with the
observed constancy of the speed of light and proceeded to develop a theory
consistent with this fact. The
theory that emerged was descriptive rather than causal. Einstein did not provide
a causal explanation for why the speed of light is constant; rather, he took
this as a given and proceeded to develop a theory consistent with this
unyielding fact.
The unfailing constancy of the speed of light in a cosmos where
relativistic effects abound indicates there must be a process at work beyond
four dimensions. Without a larger
dimensional context, relativistic differences could not be reconciled and
balanced, instant by instant, to insure the large-scale constancy of the speed
of light. The unbroken continuity
and seamless structure of our reality points to the workings of a much larger
dimensional ecology.
Continuous creation theory postulates that the three reflective
dimensions are the context within which all relativistic differences are
reconciled so as to produce the constancy of the speed of light.
The seven dimensional cosmos is an ecological system whose mirroring
dimensions are able to register, and instantly account for, all relativistic
motion throughout the material dimensions and thereby maintain the cosmos as a
precisely equilibrated, and self-consistent system.
All motion in four dimensions is brought into dynamic equilibrium in the
higher dimensions, thereby producing unbroken continuity and precise consistency
in the dynamic weaving of the fabric of four-dimensional reality.
Fundamental to the theory of continuous creation is a basic hypothesis
concerning the nature of light speed. The constancy of the speed of light is
assumed to be a by-product of the precise self-consistency with which the fabric
of four-dimensional reality is dynamically woven together.
In other words, the constancy of the speed of light is not itself a
fundamental attribute of reality; rather, it reveals the "weaving
rate" or the speed of "flow-through" as the cosmos regenerates
itself as a unified resonance pattern or standing wave.
The dynamic consistency of this flow of cosmic manifestation in seven
dimensions has been interpreted as the constancy of the speed of light in four
dimensions.
The cosmos is lifted into
existence at each instant in a vast wave that reaches across its entire
breadth—a single symphony of expression that unfolds at a pace revealed by the
constancy of the speed of light. From
the most minute aspects of the subatomic realm, through the middle ground of
human experience, then on to the unimaginably vast reaches of the larger cosmos
with its billions of galactic systems—ALL is assumed to be the basic unit of
manifestation. The cosmos is
profoundly democratic. All
"things"—including the fabric of space-time—share equally in the
flow of creation. This flow comes in one size—the entire cosmos, all at once,
is the basic "unit of creation."
Continuous creation theory implies a new level and kind of simultaneity.
A "cosmic now" is assumed to embrace all the workings of the
fifth through seventh dimensions, even while each object is assumed to retain a
unique time status in the second through fourth dimensions.
Our cosmos can recreate itself with millions of years of time-delay or
relativistic lag-time built into its second through fourth dimensional aspect
(for example, the time it takes a signal to travel from the Andromeda galaxy to
our own), while simultaneously being completely up-to-date in its fifth through
seventh dimensional aspect. As the
entire of cosmos is manifest anew at each moment, the material dimensions emerge
with millions of years of relativistic time delays built-in, and simultaneously,
the referential dimensions emerge with their capacity for instantaneous
functioning.
While relativity theory rightly dismissed simultaneity in four
dimensions, continuous creation cosmology reintroduces simultaneity as a basic
property of the fifth, sixth and seventh dimensions.
Simultaneity serves a vital purpose—to instantaneously distribute
"operating information" regarding the status of sub-systems to all
parts of the cosmos and thereby keep the dynamic structure of the universe in
equilibrium with itself. With
simultaneity in the fifth through seventh dimensions, no interval of
"material time" is required to factor changes into the flow of
manifestation of the overall cosmos.
Each object has its unique four-dimensional existence. At the same time, all objects (as seven dimensional resonance
patterns) share democratically in the flow of continuous creation. Therefore,
irrespective of relativistic differences (or separation in time and space), all
things throughout the cosmos share equally and simultaneously in the flow of
continuous manifestation. The
"NOW" of dynamic manifestation is the same now for all entities, and
all places, throughout the cosmos. Relativistic
time is "stretchy" and varies for each object, while the time of the
mirroring dimensions is absolute and unvarying for all objects.
We require an additional kind of "time" to describe the cosmic
now so integral to the functioning of the fifth through seventh dimensions.
Because relativity theory was built upon the assumption that there is no
such thing as a "cosmic time" (or a definite instant that applies
equally throughout the cosmos), it is important to understand how simultaneity
in the fifth through seventh dimensions is very different from the
"universal time" associated with three dimensional or classical
physics.
Before the emergence of relativity theory, classical physicists, such as
Newton, assumed there existed an absolute time that flowed steadily throughout
the universe. Along with this
notion of absolute time, classical physics also assumed the presence of an
absolute, three-dimensional space within which all activity occurred.
Thus, classical physics visualized a material universe existing within an
absolute space while time flowed evenly throughout it all—a clockwork system
separating matter, space, and time. Physical
objects were assumed to have an independent status distinctly different from
stationary space and the unvarying flow of time.
Relativity theory changed this view by dismissing the concept of absolute
time flowing evenly throughout the cosmos, and discarding the notion of a
stationary space or absolute frame of reference.
In place of these, relativity theory developed the notion of a
four-dimensional, interconnected fabric of reality—a "space-time"
field.
A cornerstone of relativity theory became, in Einstein's words, the
"relativity of simultaneity." Simultaneity
was viewed as no longer absolute, but depended entirely upon the motion of the
observer. No longer was it possible
to consider a definite "instant;" instead, only relative time
existed—a time uniquely associated with each individual object.
While relativity theory dismissed a universal time of a three-dimensional
character, it did not dismiss (or comment upon) the possibility of a universal
time of a five dimensional nature (and beyond).
The dismissal of simultaneity by relativity theorists was, perhaps,
necessary to move theorizing beyond the three-dimensional reference frame of
classical physics. Still, it had
the unfortunate consequence of distracting inquiry from a key doorway that leads
into the fifth dimension and beyond—the notion of "simultaneity"
that embraces a dynamically arising cosmos.
By rejecting the notion of simultaneity, relativity theory turned
attention away from the possibility of a grand-scale, cosmos-embracing
"NOW." While it is
correct to deny simultaneity within four dimensions, it is vital to reintroduce
this notion when we expand to five dimensions and beyond.
Simultaneity in the fifth through seventh dimensions does not obstruct or
interfere with relativity in the fourth dimension. To the contrary, it is in the fifth through seventh
dimensions that all relativistic differences are reconciled and woven together
into the seamless reality that is our cosmos.
Instead of "time" being defined by a single dimension, we
should expect to find a nested series of time aspects that correspond to the
geometric aspects of the various dimensions.
Each new dimension is assumed to reveal new qualities of the overall
nature of "time." The
unique time qualities of each dimension are assumed to be synchronized to
produce an integrated, cosmic scale time of great complexity and richness.
The complementary aspects of this unified time are described below:
Dimensionality and Time
o
Second Dimensional Time Aspect--With
flat space, the expression of time is also flat.
As with space, time appears to be a series of "snap shots" or
"whole gestalts." Because
there is not enough depth to reveal nature's cycles, time consists of episodic
pulses, quanta, or "flat sheets" that reflect the spatial nature of
this dimension.
o
Three Dimensional Time Aspect—With
greater dimensional depth, the cyclical aspects of time become more evident; for
example, the recurring seasons and rhythms of nature.
Three-dimensional time is the time of dynamic stasis—time is moving but
is not "going anywhere." Time's
flow is that of a clockwork universe moving through endless cycles. There is not enough depth to reveal relativistic motion, so
time seems to flow evenly throughout the universe.
o
Four Dimensional Time Aspect—Time
and space are no longer separate, but merge into a stretchy, local
reality-fabric. Each object is
assumed to have a unique time that depends upon its motion relative to other
observers. The dynamic stasis of
the wheel of time in three dimensions becomes, for individual objects, open and
progressing movement in four dimensions.
o
Five Dimensional Time Aspect—In the
fifth dimension, micro-scale and macro-scale motion are assumed to be integrated
completely into a single whole. The
cosmos becomes a single, unbroken entity that itself is manifest in a series of
"snap-shots" of creation. All
of objective reality—from the subatomic to the astronomical scale—is being
generated at the same instant of absolute space-time.
The local reference frames of four-dimensional relativity are now
connected in an integrated cosmic field that is manifest through ongoing pulses
of creation. (However, this is not the full timing of
continuous creation as seven dimensions are assumed to be required to bridge
from pulses of cosmic-scale manifestation to an unbroken flow.) The dashed lines
below suggest that the totality of the material cosmos (matter-energy and
space-time) is being "holographically" manifest all at once.
o
Six Dimensional Time Aspect—Where
five dimensions reveal the momentary fact of cosmic-scale manifestation, six
dimensions provide the basis for a deeper ecology of connection.
Beyond the discrete pulses or snap-shots of five dimensional time, six
dimensions provide the ecological depth to support limited continuity of the
cosmic dynamics. However, six
dimensions do not provide sufficient depth to account for the dynamic
manifestation of objects in relativistic motion throughout the cosmos.
o
Seven Dimensional Time Aspect—Seven
dimensions provide sufficient geometric space to instantaneously account for,
and achieve dynamic balance among, all relativistic changes occurring everywhere
throughout the dynamically manifesting cosmos.
With seven dimensions, "time is timing itself" to maintain the
coherence of the overall cosmic system in its process of continuous creation.
Despite its varied nature and great richness, "time" is a
single, unbroken flow—a continuous thread of
creation.
With seven dimensions, everything is seen to be generated at the same
"time" (the cosmic now) and at the same base weaving "rate"
(revealed by the constancy of the speed of light).
The seventh dimension "closes the loop" and produces a fully
connected, self-referencing, and self-organizing cosmic system.
With seven dimensions, "time is able to time itself" and
produce a coherent and stable reality (that includes the stretchy fabric of
space-time).
With three additional dimensions of time, a cosmos of flowing movement
can be described that extends from the micro to the macro scale.
The unified flow of time embraces a range of temporal aspects or
qualities that, taken together, are able to produce the self-bounding system
that presents itself as "ordinary" reality.
Three major and contrasting views exist concerning the nature of the
observer or the self-referencing capacity:
1)
Matter is primary—The
observing capacity is a by-product of material organization and functioning.
A self-referencing capacity emerges when any material system reaches a
critical level of complexity.
2)
Consciousness is primary—The
observing capacity or consciousness is the fundamental constituent of all
existence and material forms are secondary.
Matter is coalesced consciousness or knowing.
3)
Material and mirroring aspects are
co-equal in creating the cosmos and the generative ground is primary—A
third view is that material and reflective aspects are equal:
each requires three dimensions, each is profoundly symmetrical with the
other, and each is a momentary and contingent construct that emerges from the
unbounded life-energy of 8+ dimensions (see Figures 2 and 6).
This theory of a self-weaving cosmos assumes the third view most
accurately describes our situation. Because
the self-referencing capacity is fundamental to all of reality, "it"
should not be naively equated with (and restricted to) the observing process of
human beings. Some level of
reflective potential—from unconscious and automatic to conscious and free—is
assumed to permeate every aspect of the cosmos:
o
At the subatomic scale, "superstrings"
may be tied into toroidal-like loops to form micro self-referencing systems.
o
At the atomic scale some level
of self-referencing connection seems essential to hold together the flowing
process that makes up an atom.
o
At the human scale,
self-reflective consciousness is essential for life to both organize and evolve
itself.
o
At a planetary scale, the
earth is being described increasingly as a self-regulating, living organism.
o
At the galactic scale and
beyond, the cosmos appears to be a vast, self-organizing and self-referencing
system.
At every scale, the reflective capacity seems to play a vital role by
enabling systems to adapt creatively, and survive, in an ever-evolving universe.
A self-referencing capacity confers a significant evolutionary advantage:
it enables systems to respond more rapidly and creatively to challenges
and opportunities in the surrounding environments.
Each dimension is assumed to contain a unique self-referencing or
observing potential. Although the
self-referencing attributes of each dimension are described from the point of
view of a human observer, they are assumed to have broad relevance for systems
throughout the cosmos.
Dimensional Evolution of the Observer
o
2nd Dimension—Observe Fact of
Material Existence: Two dimensions provide a geometry sufficient to enable the
observer to recognize the external fact of existence. This is a momentary and flat scope of observation that
corresponds to the temporal qualities of the second dimension.
The bare fact of external material existence in the moment is the object
of attention. The interrelation of
material and mirroring aspects is suggested below (the solid line represents the
material aspect and the dashed line represents the mirroring aspect).
o
3rd Dimension—Observe Depth of
Material Existence: Three dimensions provide sufficient geometry for the observer
to see the fullness or depth of external material existence which, in turn,
supports conscious recognition of matter moving, for example, through cyclical
dynamics.
o
4th Dimension—Observe Dynamism
of Material Existence: Four dimensions provide sufficient "room" for the
observer to see matter moving freely in relativistic or independent motion.
The observer is attentive to
the dynamics of material reality but is not attentive to the observing process
itself. The observer is
self-referencing without being directly conscious of that fact--and so largely
runs on automatic.
o
5th Dimension—Observe Fact of
Self-Reference: While the
observing function is present in the second through fourth dimensions, it does
not "observe the observer" or examine the observing process itself;
instead, it is directed outward at the external world.
With the fifth dimension, the observing capacity is deliberately turned
back upon the observer. This is not
"thinking about" the observer, but "direct reflection upon"
the facticity of the observer. Material
form provides the vital aligning structure for achieving this self-referencing
capacity.
o
6th Dimension—Observe Depth of
Self-reference: Six dimensions
provide sufficient depth to enable the observer to reflect on the source of the
self-referencing capacity. Direct
attention to the origin or source of the observing process is the conscious
object of attention by the observer.
o
7th Dimension—Observe Dynamism
of Self-reference: Seven
dimensions enable the "observer" to become the fully involved
"participator." The
observing process no longer stands apart from any aspect of the system being
observed. The flow of observation
combines with the flow of material manifestation to produce an integrated flow
of knowing participation and self-directed action.
The mutually supportive symmetries of material and mirroring dimensions
connect the cosmos into a self-organizing system.
Although the reality generated by this bootstrapping process is
necessarily conditional, relative, and momentary, it does provide a powerful
platform for living systems to become self-referencing and self-directing in
their evolution. With seven
dimensions, the cosmos can exist as a fully unified, self-organizing and
self-referencing system within a dimensionally unbounded hyper-universe.
Our cosmos is a unified, living system that continuously recreates itself as a self-consistent whole at a rate revealed by the constancy of the speed of light. Beyond the first or foundation dimension, three material dimensions are assumed to give expression to life and three additional, mirroring dimensions enable that expression to know itself and become self-directing in its evolution. With seven dimensions, the self-organizing cosmos achieves material unification, temporal unification, and unification of observing processes. The cosmos is assumed to be immersed in, and dynamically drawn from, a hyperdimensional ecology of life-energy of eight dimensions and beyond.
A key challenge for any model of reality is to be useful.
While the continuous creation model is still largely metaphorical, it
does suggest new insights into issues basic to contemporary physics and
cosmology. An illustrative range of
topics are briefly examined to suggest the relevance of this theory.
Rather than "final conclusions," these are offered in the
spirit of creative speculations that flow from the logic of continuous creation
theory.
Relativity theory predicts that as an object approaches the speed of
light, it will shorten in the direction of motion.
This prediction follows directly from the experimentally observed
constancy of the speed of light. While
relativity theory describes the relationships between different reference
frames, it does not provide a deeper reason or underlying causal mechanism for
the constancy of the speed of light. In
continuous creation theory, however, the constancy of light is derived from a
deeper process; namely, the precise self-consistency with which the fabric of
four-dimensional reality is dynamically woven together (as the material aspect
of a seven dimensional process of continuous regeneration of the cosmos).
Continuous creation theory views an "object" as a dynamically
generated resonance pattern that exists within a larger resonance pattern, the
overall cosmos. Because the entire
cosmos is being generated at a pace intimately related to light speed, when an
object is accelerated in any direction, it will necessarily run into itself in
the process of becoming itself. The
reason an object will get shorter in the direction of motion as it approaches
the speed of light is that the "object" is running into itself in the
process of regenerating itself and this results in a literal compression of its
"physical" structure.
No "object" can move ahead of the flow that sustains it (and,
as a dynamic ecology of becoming, IS it). No
"object" (or dynamically generated resonance pattern) can move faster
than it is becoming itself as a material system. An object that tries to move ahead of the pace at which it is
becoming manifest, will increasingly run into itself becoming itself—a
self-limiting process. As an
"object" (or sub-system) tries to get ahead of itself in the process
of its own manifestation (as a part of the seven dimensional macro-system), it
will press against its own dynamically generated structure in the direction of
motion. Relativistic motion of the
object will press increasingly against the ecological flow of manifestation of
the overall cosmos and the object will literally become shorter in the direction
of motion.
This view of literal compression contrasts sharply with Einstein's view
that contraction is a kind of optical illusion.
He did not attach any meaning to the motion in itself, but gave primary
importance to motion with respect to the body of reference.
Where Einstein did not consider motion as the source of contraction,
continuous creation theory gives motion primary causal importance.
The concept of a literal contraction is not new.
In the early 1890s two persons, Lorentz and Fitzgerald, independently
proposed that when an object moves, it runs into the "ether wind" and
the resulting pressure compresses matter, resulting in shortening.
Continuous creation theory supports
the idea of literal contraction but suggests a different cause:
Instead of matter running into ether "out there," the object
runs into its own dynamically maintained, seven dimensional structure "in
here." As an object runs into
itself becoming itself—ultimately, a self-limiting process—it becomes
compressed in the direction of motion.
This theory of a self-weaving cosmos also suggests why the mass of an
object increases as it accelerates toward light speed: an "object" is
actually a seven dimensional resonance pattern that is connected with the
dynamic ecology of the entire cosmos as it coalesces at each instant.
Therefore, as an object approaches light speed, it will have to draw ever
greater increments of energy from the larger ecological system in order to
attempt to move ahead of the ecological processes that dynamically create it.
Increasing energy is required to approach light speed for, in reality,
the object is trying to overcome itself in the process of becoming itself—a
self-limiting process that requires drawing ever greater increments of energy
from the seven dimensional ecological system.
As the object "draws down" ever greater increments of energy to
maintain its dynamic structure, mass must also increase (given the
convertibility of matter and energy).
This theory of light speed manifestation at the cosmic scale suggests why
relativistic time slows down as an "object" approaches light speed.
As an object approaches light speed, it runs into itself in the process
of its own becoming and compresses what, otherwise, would have been realized
actuality back into the domain of unrealized potential.
The process seems analogous to walking against the direction of motion on
a moving conveyer belt, or walking up an escalator as it moves down.
By walking against the direction of movement, dynamic stasis is
approached. Similarly, as an
"object" approaches light speed, it increasingly runs into its
dynamically generated structure, thereby compressing itself relative to the rest
of the freely manifesting cosmos—one measured result being a slowing of
relativistic time.
If the object were to reach
light speed, then it would be running into itself as fast as it manifests, and
this would effectively cancel out its process of becoming relative to the rest
of the four dimensional flow—thereby effectively stopping relativistic time.
As an object moves faster than the "natural flow" of the
surrounding cosmos, it will literally press against its own ecological flow of
becoming and compress its continually emerging wave-form back against itself and
this, in turn, will become evident as a slowing of relativistic time.
Ernst Mach attributed inertia (or resistance to motion) to an object's
interaction with the totality of matter throughout the universe. The stars and other matter form the "inertial
framework" relative to which objects move. This material framework is assumed to resist motion outside
the natural path of the object. Any
attempt to move an object outside its "path of least resistance" will
be resisted by all the matter in the cosmos.
Mach's theory presents a major difficulty:
An unknown force must act instantaneously between all material objects
throughout the cosmos. Yet, within
the confines of a four dimensional cosmology, it is impossible for forces to act
instantaneously. The
continuous creation model provides a source for instantaneous connection—it
assumes each object is a dynamically generated, seven dimensional resonance
pattern that is always connected with the entire cosmos at each instant.
Inertia results when an "object" presses against the
"cosmos"—a giant, unified resonance pattern.
If an "object" moves outside the natural flow of the
surrounding cosmos, it will immediately push against the flow of the cosmos
becoming itself and this will be experienced as resistance to motion or
"inertia."
Inertia is a measure of the energy required to change the motion of an
object relative to the natural momentum of the entire fabric of the dynamically
manifesting cosmos. To accomplish a
path change anywhere requires an instantaneous and compensating change
everywhere. Inertia is a cosmic
activity—the force required to shift the entire ecological motion of the seven
dimensional cosmos.
The model of a self-weaving cosmos goes beyond Mach and attributes
inertia, not only to stars and other heavy masses, but also to the flow dynamics
of the seven dimensional cosmic system (which includes, not only matter-energy,
but also the fabric of space-time, and the mirroring functions and dynamics).
Planck's
Constant—A Conversion Factor for Manifestation
No matter what energy level a photon of light may have, it must be
packaged (as a quanta) in such a way that its combined energy and wavelength are
exactly equal to the universal constant "h"—Planck's constant.
A shorter wavelength is accompanied by higher frequencies and higher
energies and vice versa. Assuming
four dimensional reality is generated "at light speed," Planck's
constant could represent the conversion factor for keeping all differences in
motion, mass, and energy in precise orchestration with one another—thereby
preserving the unbroken fabric of four dimensional reality.
Differences in the frequency, wavelength, and energy of light (as it
coalesces from the fifth plus dimensions and into the fourth), could be used to
produce the diverse material world we inhabit.
Planck's constant seems to be the conversion factor for governing
precisely the flow of light as it enters into four-dimensional reality and
visible manifestation.
Bell's theorem concerns whether or not faster than light signaling is
possible when distance separation seems to make that physically impossible.
Results of recent scientific experiments indicate that reality is
connected in surprising ways and we now have to give up either:
1) the idea there is an independent reality "out there" that is
separate from the observer, or 2) the idea that no signal can travel faster than
light speed.
The theory of a self-organizing cosmos offers alternative views that can
help resolve this dilemma:
o
Simultaneous Arising of Material
and Mirroring Aspects— Continuous creation theory assumes there is no
separate reality "out there" that is cut off from the observing
function. All of material reality
is generated with a built-in potential for self-referencing functioning.
o
Relative Locality and Absolute
Simultaneity—Faster than light communication is barred by relativity
theory but is integral to the theory of continuous manifestation.
Local isolation is assumed to exist only within four dimensions and is
transcended in the fifth dimension and beyond.
In the flow of manifestation, half of the operating system—the
mirroring dimensions—are assumed to function instantaneously.
Because there is no lag time in the self-referencing dimensions, there
cannot be "signaling" in a strict sense (with a sender and receiver
identified by time delays). Time
paradoxes are thereby avoided (see further comments below).
The theory of continuous creation seems fully compatible with recent
experimental evidence and the logic of Bell's theorem.
A key conceptual problem with faster than light signaling is that it can
generate time paradoxes. If a
signal is able to reach into the past or future, time order and causality are
impossible to establish, resulting in immense confusion.
Continuous creation theory resolves this dilemma by postulating that,
while events can have a space-like separation in four dimensions, they have
fully instantaneous connection in the fifth through seventh dimensions.
Because the entire, four-dimensional cosmos is created whole at each
instant, the flow of manifestation includes all lags and differentials in
relativistic time.
Because of full simultaneity, there can be no time-forward or
time-reversed signaling in the referential dimensions.
There can be no "stand back" signaling because all times are
complete at each instant. All of
the different kinds of time are "up to date" at every instant and do
not flow into a past or future. With
full simultaneity in the mirroring dimensions, no time paradoxes are generated
by the self-organizing cosmos.
The physicist, David Bohm, has pioneered a holographic view of reality
that describes our cosmos as having an explicate order (material), implicate
order (non-material), and a deeper Source.
The theory of continuous creation seems generally congruent with Bohm's
views, particularly regarding the pervasive dynamism of reality, and the
instantaneous distribution of information throughout the cosmos.
However, the continuous creation model generates a number of additional
assumptions about the nature of reality; for example:
1)
Continuous creation theory gives a specific scale to its cosmology by
assuming we inhabit a seven dimensional cosmos that exists within a
hyper-universe of unbounded dimensionality.
2)
The seven dimensional cosmos is assumed to be generated by the dynamic
interaction of mirroring and material dimensions.
Basic symmetries are defined for both clusters of dimensions regarding
the facticity, depth, and dynamism of reality.
These two sets of dimensions are assumed to be co-equal in manifesting
our cosmos.
3)
The weaving rate for generating the fabric of four-dimensional reality is
assumed to be revealed by the speed of light (i.e., the constancy of the speed
of light is assumed to be a by-product of the consistency of weaving of the
overall fabric of reality).
4)
Self-referencing processes are assumed to be built into the manifestation
of the cosmos at every level—the "observer" is integral to the
dynamic creation of reality.
5)
A spectrum of dimensional aspects of time are assumed to exist and, taken
together, they describe a unified reality of flowing movement.
As well, a "cosmic now" or higher-order simultaneity is assumed
to characterize the functioning of the three mirroring dimensions.
The cosmological principle asserts there is a relatively even
distribution of matter throughout the cosmos.
Although the large-scale structure of the cosmos is lumpy with clusters
of super-galaxies, still, there seems to be a relatively uniform distribution of
matter. Uniformity across such vast
scales implies the existence of an even larger frame of reference that
transcends local relativity. If
matter is uniformly distributed, it may be possible to describe that evenness as
the result of a deep geometry—a larger dimensional framework that is able to
coordinate the interrelation of matter and produce the large-scale orderliness
of the cosmos. Integral to
continuous creation theory is just such a larger reference frame (the three
referential or mirroring dimensions).
Superstring theory is based on a ten dimensional view of reality—with
nine dimensions of space and one of time. The
basic building blocks of reality are assumed to be extraordinarily small
"strings."
String theorists assume the "universe" was originally ten
dimensional until it broke apart at the big bang.
Two "universes" peeled apart from one another—a smaller,
four-dimensional universe (with three spatial dimensions and one time dimension)
and a larger six dimensional universe (all space dimensions, tightly rolled up).
How does seven dimensional, continuous creation theory tie-in with ten
dimensional, string theory? At
first, they would seem to have little in common:
o
String theory assumes a ten dimensional universe whereas continuous
creation theory assumes a seven dimensional cosmos and a hyper-universe of
unlimited dimensionality.
o
String theory has only one time dimension whereas continuous creation
theory assumes there is a nested spectrum of temporal qualities, with a unique
"time aspect" being associated with each dimension.
o
String theory creates reality by splitting the universe apart with no
apparent symmetry, leaving a majority of itself curled up and seemingly
unused—an image contrary to the symmetry and full use of dimensions in
continuous creation theory.
Despite these many differences, continuous creation theory may have
important relevance for string theory. If
superstrings are assumed to be connected—looped together—then a toroidal
structure is created that may be congruent
with the model of a self-organizing cosmos.
Could the usefulness of string theory be achieved with the simplicity of
seven dimensions? If so, there
would be a productive connection.
Was the birth and early development of our cosmos a mechanical explosion
only, or was it also an organic process of growth?
Continuous creation cosmology suggests that fifteen billion years ago,
the unbounded field of life-energy emerged as a seven dimensional seed of
"cosmic-genetic material" with all the instructions necessary for
growing a whole cosmic system. This
"mini-cosmic factory" has grown
into our universe by continuously transforming ambient, hyperdimensional
life-energy into manifest existence. In other words, the cosmos has grown by continuously
"feeding upon" or "consuming" hyperdimensional life-energy
and transforming it into "material" reality.
Therefore, the development of our cosmos would seem to be more
characterized by explosive growth than by a mechanical explosion.
Beyond the traditional domain of particle physics, continuous creation
theory points to a new physics—an "observer physics" that describes
the workings of the referential or mirroring dimensions.
A vast domain—the workings of the fifth, sixth, and seventh
dimensions—is assumed to be accessible through inference from patterns of
symmetry with the material dimensions.
An observer physics will explore more than the nature of self-referencing
systems and their interaction with material reality, it will also explore the
interface between material systems and the "zero point" energy field,
the multi-dimensional nature of "time" and reality, and much more.
Because we are constituted from—and constantly use—both material and
mirroring dimensions, they are not beyond our grasp, either conceptually or
experientially. Therefore, an
observer physics that explores self-referencing and self-organizing processes
seems a likely next stage of work.
The third realm—the hyper-universe of 8+ dimensions—is assumed to be
beyond the "grasp" of science. This
is the unbounded field of life-energy that we are immersed in, made from, and
evolve through. We can experience
it directly because we are, at each moment, created from "it."
However, because we do not have dimensional concepts to constrain or
limit the unbounded ocean of life-energy, this realm must remain ineffable or
"mystical."
The theory of continuous creation includes elements of both determinism
and free will. Because the entire
cosmos is assumed to bootstrap itself into a fresh creation at each instant,
every moment offers—in principle—the possibility for completely free
expression. In practice, the
ability to be self-determining requires a high degree of self-referencing
functioning. Therefore, this theory
assumes that a primary purpose of the cosmos is to support the evolution of
living systems as they develop their capacity for freely chosen, creative
action. However, in the early
stages of evolution (where a conscious capacity for self-referencing functioning
has not yet emerged), systems are assumed to run on automatic and carry forward
the natural momentum of their built-in dynamics.
The theory of continuous creation provides a cosmology where some
so-called paranormal processes (e.g., "non-physical" remote
perception) can be viewed as a normal part of reality.
Because the entire fabric of material reality is assumed to be
continuously regenerated, and because the referential dimensions are assumed to
instantaneously distribute operating information throughout the cosmos, and
because consciousness or the self-referencing capacity of humans is assumed to
directly partake of the larger referential field and process, there is a direct
systems basis and rationale for the non-physical communication associated with
so-called "paranormal phenomena."
An invisible dimensional geometry is assumed to infuse reality and
provide a framework for organizing the continuous manifestation of existence.
Living systems are also assumed to use this same dimensional
geometry to develop progressively higher levels of self-referencing
awareness, creativity, and expression. Therefore,
the seven-dimensional cosmos provides both a platform for existence and a
structured medium for learning.
The dimensional structure of reality serves many purposes simultaneously,
including an evolutionary one. Evolution
is dimensional in the sense that all systems are assumed to employ the same
patterns of dimensional geometry in their development.
"Dimensional evolution" refers to the movement of living
systems through the nested series of dimensional contexts and their creative
response to the unique challenges and opportunities of each.
Living systems are challenged to "fill out" or actualize the
unique evolutionary potentials made possible by the geometry of each dimension.
The seven dimensional, continuous creation model assumes that the
totality of "material" reality (space-time as well as matter-energy)
is being continuously re-created by the flow-through of energy at a pace
revealed by the constancy of the speed of light.
Because this cosmology has numerous implications for modern science and
philosophy, tests of its validity--either direct or inferential--seem likely to
be found.
Assuming the cosmos is a seven dimensional self-organizing system with
three mirroring dimensions to provide a context for the functioning of the
observing capacity, then, "physics" still has a vast territory left to
explore. A new "observer
physics" is needed to research the nature and functioning of the three
mirroring or referential dimensions, and a new "systems-physics" is
needed to describe the overall cosmos as a seven dimensional, self-organizing
ecology.
We began by describing the cosmos as a unified, living organism.
Analogously, we inhabit a cosmos whose visible (or four dimensional)
"body" is billions of light years across, whose "organs"
include hundreds of billions of galaxies, whose "cells" include
trillions of suns and planetary systems, and whose "molecules" include
an unutterably vast number and diversity of unique life-forms.
Yet, even this fails to communicate the breadth and depth of the
life-ecology that is assumed to be at work.
An unbounded ocean of life-energy has given birth to our seven
dimensional cosmos which, in turn, is the spawning ground for freely born,
self-referencing life-forms that provide aligning structures for the deep field
of life-energy to come into self-referencing connection with itself.
We are living beings that exist within a living system--our cosmos--that
exists within an unbounded ocean of life-energy, the hyper-universe.
Life is nested within life, which is nested within life.
Infinite life-energy achieves manifest expression by building upon itself
in a self-organizing flow of continuous creation.
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