The Big Think: Quantum Mechanics, Buddha and Creation
I'm always fascinated by the connection between god (or is it God?) and science. Particularly in the area of quantum mechanics and intelligent design.
Let's talk about the mysteries of our quantum universe. OK, we have void, nothingness, synchronicity and singularity to name a few interesting words that bridge that gap from factual science to religious mysteries. But it there really a connection? Is the Buddhist void (sunyata) really the pre-singularity universe? I tend to think not. And that these accidents in language create the basis for a direct linkage that appear to validate each other. So, we use physics to find our Buddha!? But you have to ask yourself, if the physics principle is then proven wrong, does the Buddha lose his enlightenment?
Now, we have the wonders of the universe. The flower, the visible band of the electro-magnetic spectrum, the computer navigation of a 747 and the laptop computer I'm now typing on. All arriving by the random action of genetic mutation and survival of the fittest! But some might argue that this just "can't happen" this way....and that the splendor of this accident must be guided by the hand of the creator. And the proof...the speculation (as it often the case is science) is a retrospective analysis. Yep, retrospective. It's not invalid, but certainly suspect and needs some greater level of confirmation. That's just good science and good thinking.
Let's consider this magical event: I'm on the way to the store to buy milk. However, on the way I have a car accident that results in a power failure at your house and you are prevented from sending an essential e-mail. You can see where I'm going here. A string of events that result in a variety of unforeseen consequences. Now, let's look at this in the reverse direction (like intelligent design). The essential e-mail wasn't send because the power went off JUST AT THE RIGHT TIME. And my car just happened TO HIT THE RIGHT POLE WITH A TRANSFORMER that resulted in the power failure. And the route that I took was JUST RIGHT. And the time that I left the house (after a wide variety of activities) WAS JUST RIGHT too. Any thinking person MUST see the profound hand of the creator guiding my actions. What are the odds of all this timing, direction and synchrony for all this to happen? Astronomically small! Even this extremely simple example can begin to play the "retrospective odds game" and point toward an abstract force guiding action and forming result. Of course, it only works when you play the game of retrospective analysis.
Bottom line: it's not that easy. The magic of the universe certainly does exist. But the connecting the magic to man leaves much to be desired...and our human desire to find purpose and reason can push us to find...the truth...and the nonsense.
Keep thinking...and be careful how you drive. You might run over God.