Science Mysteries

Ancient Yantra-Mandalas catalogue the morphology of the unified-field. Cross-referencing quantum theory, biologist Rupert Sheldrake, Carl Jung and media-analyst Marshall McLuhan reveal this new Gestalt. Symbols are the keys to understanding reality. Systems Theory is an important new paradigm.

[1] In evolutionary biology, convergent evolution is when organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. In cultural evolution, convergent evolution is the development of similar cultural adaptations to similar environmental conditions by different peoples with different ancestral cultures.  

[2] Stigmergy is an organizing principle in which individual parts of the system communicate with one another indirectly by modifying their local environment. Termite mounds are a classic example but cells do it and now computers are doing it too. Available at http://evolutionofcomputing.org/Multicellular/Stigmergy.html   

[3] Complexity Theory/Chaos Theory studies systems that are too complex to predict, but nevertheless exhibit underlying patterns that illuminate our increasingly complex world. Complexity Theory has only really developed since computers are now able to undertake the massive computations necessary to uncover its mysteries. Prof. Stephen Hawking has stated, "The next century will be the century of complexity". Mainstream concepts are; tipping points, the butterfly effect and six degrees of separation.
Available at http://complexity.orcon.net.nz/   

[4] Exaptation Use of a structure or feature for a function other than that for which it was developed through natural selection.  

[5] Gestalt. A physical, biological, psychological, or symbolic configuration or pattern of elements so unified as a whole that its properties cannot be derived from a simple summation of its parts.  

[6] Plato's problem is the term given by Noam Chomsky http://www.chomsky.info/  to the gap between knowledge and experience. Plato’s Problem refers to the problem of explaining a “lack of input.” Solving Plato’s Problem involves explaining the gap between what one knows and the apparent lack of substantive input from experience (the environment). Plato's Problem is most clearly illustrated in the Meno dialogue, in which Socrates demonstrates that an uneducated boy nevertheless understands geometric principles.  

[7] Sympathetic magic is a major component of ancient or mythical thought: a belief that an effect on one object can cause an analogous effect on another object, without an apparent causal link between the two objects. For instance, many folktales feature a villain whose "life" exists in another object, and who can only be killed if that other object is destroyed. The plant Hepatica acutiloba has leaves that look like a human liver, and is believed to have a beneficial effect on liver complaints.  

[8] Collective unconscious-realm of archetypes; patterns of consciousness, universal principles which are the central focus for emotionally charged ideas, memories, dreams, feelings and experiences. Available at http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/IsisDawn/jung2.htm  

RATIONALE AND BACKGROUND

"...the knowledge of pattern is the beginning of every practical wisdom."      [Sean Kane, 1998]

EVOLUTION & MORPHOGENESIS

Darwin’s theory of evolution is incomplete; evolution by random mutation is a slow and precarious process. The leafy Sea dragon evolved into a seaweed shape for protective camouflage, to look a bit like seaweed might increase conspicuousness and be dangerous.

Leafy Sea dragon Phycodurus eques (on the left) and Seaweed (on the right).
With kind permission from  Jeffrey Jeffords (Copyright), http://divegallery.com 

The Indonesian-mimic-octopus is an even more unlikely creature of random mutation. Perhaps unsurprisingly undocumented until 1998 it transmogrifies into at least 17 different life forms. On meeting an enemy it metamorphoses into a creature unpalatable to that predator.

Mimic octopus as a flounder.
Photo with kind permission from MichaelAW.com (copyright)

Mimic octopus as a poisonous sea snake (sea snake above)
Photo with kind permission from MichaelAW.com (copyright)

Mimic octopus as a crinoid.
Photo with kind permission from MichaelAW.com (copyright)

Mimic octopus as a sea star (left)… as a mantis shrimp (right)...
 and finally as himself (below).
© Thaumoctopus mimicus Norman & Hochberg, 2005
With kind permission from © Ken Knezick http://www.islandream.com/

Statistically Darwinian-evolution cannot be the only mechanism operating such a phantasmagorical and intelligent series of transmogrifications. It is as if all living things have a library of patterns or blueprints that they can access when needed.

A life form is a map of the ‘forces’ or morphogenetic instructions that caused it to be. This idea of a cosmic blueprint is an ancient one; Vedic philosophers consider everything has an internal essence informing its external appearance.

"There are other invisible writings, secretly impressed on the leaves of Nature's book…being traced…on the…tablets of our…hearts...These internal and spiritual characters…the interior writing, may…be the cause and origin of the things which do appear."
                                           [Rosicrucian. Fludd, Robert (1574-1637)]

Biologist Rupert Sheldrake [i] suggests the theory of morphic-resonance, a vibrational archive of knowledge intercommunicating ideas, strategies and behaviours that each species has specific timeless access to. He describes our bodies as "nested hierarchies of vibrational frequencies" [Sheldrake, R. 1995]

Ancient Sanskrit Diagram of Energy Centres or Chakras and Nadis.

[i] The morphic fields of mental activity are not confined to the insides of our heads. We are already familiar with the idea of fields extending beyond the material objects in which they are rooted: for example magnetic fields extend beyond the surfaces of magnets; the earth's gravitational field extends far beyond the surface of the earth, keeping the moon in its orbit; and the fields of a cell phone stretch out far beyond the phone itself. Likewise the fields of our minds extend far beyond our brains. 
February 2005 Available at http://www.sheldrake.org/Articles&Papers/papers/morphic/morphic_intro.html 

morphic field: The term morphic field includes morphogenetic, behavioural, social, cultural, and mental fields. Morphic fields are shaped and stabilized by morphic resonance from previous similar morphic units, which were under the influence of fields of the same kind. They consequently contain a kind of cumulative memory and tend to become increasingly habitual.
morphic resonance: Through morphic resonance, formative causal influences pass through or across both space and time, and these influences are assumed not to fall off with distance in space or time. Morphic units closely resemble themselves in the past and are subject to self-resonance from their own past states.
morphogenesis: The coming into being of form.
morphogenetic fields: Fields that play a causal role in morphogenesis.
 
Available at http://www.i-can-soar.com/glossary.htm#morphogenetic 

The Hermetic philosophy of macrocosm and microcosm (as above-so below) is said to hold the key to all mysteries. The Cosmos is mirrored in man the small universe. The easiest way to visualize this is to compare the atom, that smallest of building bricks, with our universe, the electron orbits the nucleus in the same way as the planets orbit our sun.