something that's been on my mind

[Ouroboros]

But a protein, or hell, even a spore, can stay motionless and unchanging for millions of years

Nothing ever stays still. The electrons move constantly. The core of the atom is not static either, Neutrons and protons change charges with each other. And also, the particles change also, which is why radiometric dating works (and also chemical dating which is based on changes in chemical compositions). Basically, the world is organic (in that sense) and in constant flux and motion.

 

[Kirran]

Nothing ever stays still. The electrons move constantly. The core of the atom is not static either, Neutrons and protons change charges with each other. And also, the particles change also, which is why radiometric dating works (and also chemical dating which is based on changes in chemical compositions). Basically, the world is organic (in that sense) and in constant flux and motion.

OK, fair enough, I wasn't thinking about it way down there on the scale. But in this sense, the universe is organic.

 

[Ouroboros]

OK, fair enough, I wasn't thinking about it way down there on the scale. But in this sense, the universe is organic.

Also, even if it takes 100 million years, eventually all things will change. Our galaxy will collide with Andromeda. There's a chance our solar system won't stay around but be thrown out, alone, and not part of the resulting galaxy. Also, in some billions of years, the universe will eventually go into the heat-death where gravity is first overcome and particles are pulled apart. The universe will go cold and dark and without stars, planets, or any matter.

 

[Kirran]

Also, even if it takes 100 million years, eventually all things will change. Our galaxy will collide with Andromeda. There's a chance our solar system won't stay around but be thrown out, alone, and not part of the resulting galaxy. Also, in some billions of years, the universe will eventually go into the heat-death where gravity is first overcome and particles are pulled apart. The universe will go cold and dark and without stars, planets, or any matter.

Current theory, anyway

But I believe all the separations into objects which we perceive are essentially misconceptions thrown up by our minds, and so at the same time as what you say being true, everything's just the universe anyway, and nothing is changing.

 

[Ouroboros]

Current theory, anyway

Very true.

But I believe all the separations into objects which we perceive are essentially misconceptions thrown up by our minds, and so at the same time as what you say being true, everything's just the universe anyway, and nothing is changing.

You mean change is an illusion?

 

[Kirran]

You mean change is an illusion?

More than that, I think. The very underpinnings of change as a concept are abstractions based on our senses (time being a key one) and so the idea is rendered absurd. But that doesn't mean we can't talk about it day to day anyway

 

[shakuhachi]

If you know me well, you will know that I believe the universe is alive, aware, and One.

The reasons I give aren't powerful.

I thought of a way to explain this better.

Think of an organism's body. Bodies are composed of cells, blood, etc. Cells are also alive, but doubt that they have a consciousness.

To the organism, it hardly notices these cells existence. It may know about them, but almost never interacts with them directly.

We are composed of living things. Things that aren't exactly conscious in the way we are - but are aware to the extent of reactions to the things that effects them. Instinct-based reactions.

The organism is one being made of many beings. Lesser beings work to make one being. They probably don't know that's why they're doing it, they just act.

Much like the universe. Everything in it - living and non-living - are lesser beings that bring life to this one being: the universe. We're never separate from the universe, and never will be. The only thing that separates us is illusion, caused by perception. To the being sitting at a table, it might seem as if the objects or people are around her are not part of her.

She is correct in her mind. From this level, they are apart.

What is this level? Well, this level is where our being-ness resides. Whatever meat suit this being-ness follows, that will be its level.

It is entrapped in this body, and thus entrapped in the mind that the body naturally creates it. Mind is nothing but illusion, but there's no escape.

As I was saying, the beingness is limited to the imperfect physical conditions, and the illusional mind. It'll always stay in perspective. Sort of like a prison.

Anyways, the universe beyond illusion is simply oneness. Except we don't "return" to God (universe), because we are always a part of him. You are the universe incarnate.

The universe therefore could be thought of as a higher being than us. A consciousness far more complex than our own.

Thoughts?

I think of it as the synergistic totality.

 

[Yerda]

The universe therefore could be thought of as a higher being than us. A consciousness far more complex than our own.

Thoughts?

By consciousness do you mean that there is some experience associated with the universe as a whole?