Daoism and Entirety in Quantum Physics

162 Daoism and Entirety in Quantum Physics1 IMKE BOCK-MÖBIUS There is only one principle of arrangement (li) underlying the ten thousand things: the difference lies in where they started from. (Su Zhe; Pohl 2007) This paper discusses the underlying principle of the universe in three different areas: in the qigong way of moving, especially loooking at the idea of completeness in every exercise; in mysticism and its experience of unity; and in the natural sciences, notably in quantum physics as a repre‐ sentative of modern physics. By examining these areas, we find impres‐ sions of Daoism in past, present, and future Qigong Movements Qigong is not only the art of living and a method of exercise conducive to good health but also affords the realization of certain principles con‐ cerning body and mind. Its aim is to maintain and restore the equilib‐ rium of yin und yang, to harmonize qi, and to mobilize self‐regulatory forces within the individual. “Qi is the ultimate cause of everything” (Ommerborn 2004); its motion and dynamics connect human beings and the universe. Qi is the bridge between the visible and the invisible worlds, between individuated objects and the ultimate principle. The genesis of the universe may be described as a transition from the undifferentiated state of unity (Dao) to the emergence of the polari‐ ties of yin and yang. The transition is made visible in the dynamics of the 1 This articles is based on Bock‐Möbius 2010. It is also a preview of her Qigong Meets Quantum Physics: Experiencing Cosmic Oneness, forthcoming from Three Pines Press in 2012. Bock‐Möbius, “Daoism and Entirety in Quantum Physics” / 163 Taiji symbol . To live in harmony with nature and avoid harm, human beings have to adapt to its rhythms, thereby in each case complementing opposites. In terms of exercise instruction this means that while practic‐ ing qigong, Dao can manifest itself in the principle of completeness. The completion of the polarities further appears in the four patterns of movement: opening and closing, rising and descending (Jiao 1993, 94). They are constantly in transition from one into the other and always con‐ tain their respective opposites. Each opening has an inherent closing and vice versa; while opening we are still aware of rooting; while closing we stay upright. The driving force in qigong practice is the mental orientation that uses appropriate images and gives meaning to the exercises. The goal is a state of inner clarity and stillness while excluding all disturbing factors and realizing qigong as “meditation in movement” (see Bock‐Möbius 1993). This allows ideal conditions for self‐regulatory and self‐ regenerating processes to arise, and the positive effects of qigong come to the fore. Quietude is the state of naturalness or spontaneity (ziran), where the connection of the individual and nature, both following the same rules, reveals itself. The duality of the world is overcome and the unity with the Dao can be experienced. The mind is at the same time concentrated and unattached: images become perceptible and a feeling of timelessness arises. During the exer‐ cises a transformation happens inside the body, in the so called dantian (elixir field) regions. They correspond to a process of refinement like that known from alchemy in the outside world. Therefore qigong represents one aspect of internal alchemy and Daoist realization: we work on pre‐ paring our own longevity pill from the inside in present time. It must be emphasized here that when practicing qigong we consider polarities not as opposites but rather as complements that constitute an entirety in many ways, for example there is naturalness and control in the execution of the movements. To expand this thought of complementarity to insight in general, we turn to the natural sciences, the established rational method to attain un‐ derstanding, as an objective and reproducible way. Complementing this is an intuitive method, a subjective and unique way of understanding as, for example, in mysticism. 164 / Journal of Daoist Studies 4 (2011) Natural Sciences Mysticism \ / external internal| Mathematics, Experiment Meditation, Prayer Physical Theories Ritual| how why \ / Qigong Fig. 1: Qigong connecting natural sciences and mysticism. Combining the experiences of both ways according to the

Epistemology · Mysticism · Physics · Theology · Theoretical physics · Biofield Effects and Biophysics · Computer Science · History · Mathematics · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs · Philosophy · Quantum Mechanics and Applications

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