I just listened to a program on “The Dark Universe” via a
Public Broadcasting Program called The Takeaway. The subject was dark matter
and dark energy. My limited understanding is that these are real aspects of our
universe(s) yet cannot currently be measured or really understood. I was
intrigued with the discussion. Instead of a certainty or even smugness shown by
many who profess a materialistic view of the universe the scientist involved
had awe. In the program they explained
that there is no accounting for what creates 85% of the gravity in the
universe. There is an unseen, unexamined aspect of what we inhabit. Think about
that. Isn’t that absolutely astounding?
This makes me think about certainty. How so many of us “know”
what is real because we can perceive it with our senses. Or on the opposite end
of the spectrum how many spiritual people “know” that this world is just an illusion.
One person knows there is no God. Another knows there is a loving entity that
created everything. My question is: What do we really know? I am naturally
suspicious of anyone on either end of the materialist spiritualist continuum. I’m
suspicious even of my own understanding.
Not too long ago science said that what we saw is what was real.
Then new wavelengths of light, outside our visual abilities, were discovered. Until recent centuries many in the know understood that
only one universe exists, that which we experience. Now string theory
postulates that there are potentially innumerable expressions of “universe” in
existence. Many religious people, even today, believe that the world is only
6,000 years old. I challenge them to visit the Grand Canyon and say that’s true. I'd ask those canyon explorers not to just count the eons of sediment layers but to really soak in how small and wondrous we are.
Please forgive me if this analogy is simplistic and naive. Our
species has only stepped from a closed little room, out into a wide sky shining
on a field of green. And we’ve never seen colors before or smelled the grasses waving in the spring breeze. We once “knew” the world
was this room. The investigation into dark matter end dark energy shows that we
know very little. We will know more in time. And then
we’ll have even bigger questions. That’s the wonder of science. And perhaps we’ll have even more gratitude
for our place in the universe. That’s the wonder of the spiritual life.
Listening to this program
brought a deeper sense of awe. It made me think in terms of questions and
curiosity instead of certainty. It made me think, too, about the intersections
of spirituality and science. Perhaps both start with a profound sense of awe
and a humble need to question. Question everything.
I have been left me pondering. My particular experience
of this world is that is layered with spirits and spiritual powers
including the vital living energies of the elements. And I feel a song that
permeates Everything. I experience benevolence even in the pain. Now, this is just my experience. It’s not erroneous or
irrelevant. Nor should I expect it to be another person’s experience or even universal.
The program made me think
And feel. I question, but know very little:
What if the dark matter is the physical (?) aspect of the spirit
world?
What if dark energy is the song of the Universe?
Or Not.
These are
questions I don’t have the physical (brain) equipment to understand. Not yet
anyway. But I want to.
In our world I suspect that people want to make religions
out of just about any theory that they know is correct. Science, Christianity,
consumerism, atheism, liberalism, gun rights, etc. etc.: these all take on aspects of religiosity when
folks start to argue for their particular sides.
Hasn’t our world had enough arguing?
Haven’t enough people been emotionally wounded in the name of truth?
Haven’t
enough human and animal beings been slaughtered in the smug stupidity of
knowing what is right?
What about awe and curiosity?
What about listening to
one another about each one’s experience?
What about the glimmerings about our Wonder-Full
universe, found in each person’s particular way?
Let the knowing rest while we
investigate all the matter and energies that we can. Let that curiosity and awe
create kindness and compassion for one another.
Peace in the Great Mystery to You, Dear Reader.
Rick
(c) Copyright Richard Sievers, November 2013, All Rights Reserved
