Week Two

Reflections on Uncertainty
The uncertainty principle states that the more precisely you measure one quantity the less precisely you can know another associated quantity.  Sometimes they come in set pairs that both can't be completely measured.  The first theory that comes to my mind that shares a similar idea is the theory of Yin and Yang.  Yin cannot be measured separate from Yang because they are mutual interdependent and in opposition to each other.  How can one define Yin without the relationship to its pair, Yang?  In fact, it is impossible.  Perhaps Heisenburg's observation of the impossibility of precision measurement in nature is due to constantly changing states of matter.  Life is a dynamic process that is continually transforming and changing.  To take a freeze frame measurement of a moment can only be true for that specific moment, but what knowledge does that bring to its greater whole?  I believe accepting uncertainty is crucial to begin to understand any truth.


Causality
The idea of causality is a collection of phenomena where one thing, a cause, gives rise to something, else, an effect.  It is a universal idea that is represented in the Buddhist belief of Karma.  In Buddhism, it is believe when living beings act, think, and feel in ways it gives rise to an effect.  The spiritual practice is then to be aware of the thoughts as they arise and nourish the compassionate ones while letting go of the harmful.  The Dalai Lama once said that although science hasn't demonstrated evidence of past lives, it hasn't been able to prove it's non-existence.  For that reason I think it is more useful to practice kindness with the chance of it not only benefitting myself but people around me.  It's much more pleasant anyway :)

Is the Universe weird?
The Universe is totally weird, mysterious, surprising, mind blowing, and awesome all at the same time! With that, it makes it easier for me to surrender and just trust that what will happen is meant to be.  The vast magnitude and mystery of the universe humbles me incredibly and I am reminded at how little and unimportant I am.  "We're not worthyyy"