The Nature of Reality in a Nutshell (Part I)

Abstract

Reality is characterized by four aspects of reality: (1) forms of information, (2) the flow of energy, (3) perceiving consciousness, and (4) the Source of information, energy and perceiving consciousness. The scientific framework for this characterization is discussed in terms of the holographic principle, non-commutative geometry, an observer-dependent cosmic horizon arising in de Sitter space with a positive cosmological constant, and the one-world-per-observer paradigm. In this scenario, the observer is present at the central focal point of a cosmic horizon that arises in the observer's frame of reference, acts as a holographic screen, and projects the observer's space-time geometry. A consensual reality shared by many observers is possible if their respective horizons overlap. This scientific framework can only explain the nature of forms of information and the flow of energy. This leaves us with the quandary of how to explain perceiving consciousness and the Source. An argument is made that perceiving consciousness can only be understood as a focal point of consciousness that is differentiated from the Source and arises in relation to a holographic screen, in which case the Source can only be understood in the non-dual sense of an empty space of potentiality or a void of undifferentiated consciousness.

This is Part I of the two-part article (the references are listed at the end of Part II).