Chaos and Holographic Order
Xuefeng
July 18, 2007
Chaos is a state of disorder, while holographic order represents an organized and unified state.
Chaos denotes the condition that existed before the formation of the universe, whereas holographic order signifies the state after its formation.
In Chinese, "chaos" (混沌) implies disorder and randomness, while "holographic order" (浑沌) signifies an indivisible and complete unity. Chaos lacks heaven, earth, boundaries, limits, and a center; it contains no yin, no yang, and no middle way.
Holographic order encompasses Taiji, the unified "One" from which the duality of yin and yang (Liangyi) emerges, giving rise to the middle way.
If one believes that all events are random and coincidental—such as a butterfly’s wings flapping in Alaska being unrelated to a storm at the Cape of Good Hope, or that slipping on a banana peel today has no connection to a rotten apple thrown out of a window ten years ago—this reflects chaotic reasoning. In contrast, recognizing underlying connections signifies holographic reasoning.
In other words, if we can connect events—such as being glared at today with the knife marks we carved into our school desks thirty years ago—and recognize the inherent, inevitable links between all occurrences, this way of thinking embodies holographic reasoning. (Those who are interested will naturally come across more in-depth explanations of holographic reasoning).
It can be confidently stated that 999,999 out of a million people perceive the world as chaotic, while only one in a million sees it as holographically ordered. The greatness of figures like Jesus, Buddha, and Laozi lies in their perception of the world as holographically ordered rather than chaotic.
In deterministic systems, irregular movements may appear random. Although a system may have a deterministic foundation, its behavior may seem unpredictable—non-repetitive and uncertain—leading to confusion. Why is it impossible to step into the same river twice? This illustrates the chaotic phenomena of the world.
Yet, the world is not chaotic. From an individual perspective, events may seem random, coincidental, irregular, irrational, non-repetitive, and unpredictable. However, from a holistic perspective, everything exists in perfect holographic order, structured and meticulous. Laozi observed that “Heaven’s net is vast and wide, yet nothing escapes it,” implying that no event or phenomenon can evade the "net of heaven." This shows that the world is holographically ordered rather than chaotic. Our perception of chaos stems from the fact that our thinking has yet to rise to the level of holographic reasoning, or our wisdom has not yet attained that state.
The phenomenon known as the "butterfly effect" demonstrates that a minute change in initial conditions can lead to a dramatic change in future states. For instance, “A butterfly flapping its wings in Asia could cause a tornado in America more powerful than a hurricane months later,” or “A speck of dust can affect the trajectory of two other planets.” This exemplifies the nature of holographic reasoning.
Expressions such as “A straw can break a camel’s back,” “Four ounces can move a thousand pounds,” “Give me a lever and a fulcrum, and I can move the Earth,” “Do not commit even the smallest evil; encourage even the smallest good,” and “A small error can lead to a thousand miles’ divergence” illustrate holographic reasoning.
Chaotic thinking is narrow, partial, localized, and linear; holographic thinking is broad, comprehensive, holistic, and non-linear.
The Tao’s nature is holographically ordered: chaos is merely its outer manifestation, while holographic order is its true essence. Confronted with the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, Einstein famously asserted, “God does not play dice.” Many believe Einstein was mistaken, but I assert he was correct, as his understanding reflects holographic reasoning. Those who claim he was wrong view it through the lens of chaotic reasoning.
Ancient Chinese wisdom warns: “Whispers in a dark room are as loud as thunder.” The secretive murmurs of two or more people can reverberate through the heavens like thunder in a summer storm. Why? Because the universe is holographically ordered.
Knowing that the world is holographically ordered, unified, and indivisible, we must speak and act with caution. Every word we utter, every action we take, every thought we harbor, and every comment we post online will directly impact our LIFE’s future; nothing escapes this influence. In the end, we must face the consequences of our actions. If we cannot face these bitter fruits within a year, they will extend to ten years; if not in ten, then a hundred, a thousand, or even ten thousand years. If we fail to awaken and continue to commit misdeeds, we may find ourselves struggling in the sea of suffering in hell for countless lifetimes.
From a holographic thinking perspective, countless people are rushing headlong toward hell, unstoppable.
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