The Concept of Oneness and a Connected Universe

For centuries, the universe’s interconnectedness has fascinated scholars, philosophers, and spiritual seekers. The idea that everything in the universe is connected in some grand cosmic web has been explored in various religious and philosophical traditions and scientific theories. 

I think about these things more as the days go by. I am seeing and feel the effects of the years on my body and soul. Where does all this lead, or does it lead anywhere at all? All I have researched and wondered about on this matter tells me that there must be much more out there than I realize. There has to be a connection that transcends our physical limitations and biological shelf-life. My faith says yes.

In trying to understand the universe’s interconnectedness, I have gotten my head around the complexity and vastness of the cosmos. There is a lot of information readily available on the subject. The universe is obviously a vast and mysterious. An expanse filled with billions of galaxies, stars, planets, and phenomena. The numbers and distances are mind-numbing. It is all very difficult to grasp. However, to keep it reasonably simple in my head, I look at the universe as I see the Earth. A finely tuned system in which every element is somehow connected to every other component of a web of interdependence.

This interconnection is seen at the macro level in the movements of celestial bodies and the forces that govern the cosmos. It is also seen at the micro level, in the interactions of subatomic particles and the subtle energies that underlie our physical reality.

Many people believe everything in the universe is connected through the concept of oneness or unity. Spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Indigenous belief systems, emphasize the interconnectedness of all beings. they believe there is an underlying unity of existence.

Many have tried to define “existence” over the centuries. Some view it as purely physical—the tangible, observable universe. Others explore deeper meanings, such as consciousness and perception.

In philosophy, existence is often discussed through questions like: Do things exist independently of our perception?

What does it mean to exist? Is existence finite or infinite? Thinkers like René Descartes famously said, “I think, therefore I am,” suggesting that thinking confirms one’s existence. I believe existence is way more complex. Rocks exist in my world, but I’m not convinced they also think.

In science, existence takes on another layer, touching space, time, matter, and quantum mechanics. The universe emerged from the mysterious phenomenon of existence, but what came before it? Does existence require an observer? These are seemingly impossible questions to answer.

The concept is a central theme in the fictional Star Wars franchise. It is described as a mystical energy field that binds the galaxy together. It is physical and spiritual, giving those attuned to it incredible abilities, like enhanced perception, telekinesis, and even precognition. The Force has two sides. The Light Side, associated with peace, wisdom, and selflessness. Then there is the Dark Side, fueled by anger, fear, and personal ambition. It is the ancient good versus evil battle brought into the future.

Think about that in context with all the bad things going on in the world today. It makes me wonder which side is winning right now.

 “The Force is what gives a Jedi its power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together.“-Obi-Wan Kenobi.

I am a churchgoing Christian, and that comes with specific hopes and beliefs, such as good and evil. It is not hard for me to relate to the idea of a “Light Side” in conflict with a “Dark Side.” However, it does not mean I disbelieve the traditions of other religions.

This is the root of my intellectual struggle with universal connection. Does there have to be a right or wrong concerning spiritual beliefs? It may be a matter of perception leading all of us to the same place after we take our last breath.

We can only wonder where that place might be and in what form it exists. As a Christian, I call that place Heaven. The place where God also lives. Buddhists call it Parinirvana, the final, complete nirvana that happens after a being passes away. There are other places depending on one’s belief system. It is complicated and beyond the scope of this article.

For some, this concept of oneness suggests that all beings and phenomena are ultimately connected at a deep level of consciousness or energy. Separation for them is an illusion created by the mind. In this view, everything in the universe is part of a greater whole, and each individual is a unique creation of divine or cosmic energy.

In addition to the concept of oneness, the universe’s interconnectedness is evident in how energy flows through the cosmos. Energy is the underlying substance of the universe, responsible for all forms of matter and movement, as far as we know at least. In various spiritual traditions, including Chinese medicine, yoga, and Reiki, it is believed that energy flows through the body and the environment in specific pathways known as meridians, nadis, or chakras. This energy flow is interconnected with the movements of the stars, planets, and nature’s elemental forces.

From a purely scientific perspective, the concept of oneness is also echoed in scientific theories like quantum physics, which posits that all particles in the universe are interconnected through a field of energy and information. Quantum entanglement, for example, suggests that particles can be connected across vast distances and influence each other instantaneously.

This is counter to our classical notions of causality. Some have described this phenomenon as evidence of a deeper level of interconnectedness in the universe, where everything is connected in a mysterious and non-local way. It is the scientific theory of non-locality, a term I discovered while researching this article. Of course, I had to dig deeper.

Non-locality is a concept in quantum physics that describes the ability of particles to be correlated or connected regardless of the distance between them. This phenomenon challenges our classical understanding of physics, which is based on the idea that events are local, and that information cannot travel faster than the speed of light. Non-locality suggests that particles can influence each other instantaneously, even if they are separated by vast distances.

One of the most well-known examples of non-locality is quantum entanglement, in which two particles become connected so that their properties are correlated, no matter how far apart. Experiments have demonstrated that entangled particles affect each other’s states instantaneously, even over long distances.

The implications of non-locality are profound and have led to significant shifts in scientific understanding of the nature of reality. Non-locality may be a key factor in developing quantum computers, which rely on particles’ ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously.

Quantum computers are a revolutionary type of computing technology that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations exponentially faster than traditional computers. Unlike classical computers that use bits (which can be either 0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits), which can exist simultaneously in multiple states due to something called superposition. The development of this technology, however, is still in its infancy.

Despite its mysterious nature, non-locality has been supported by numerous experiments and has been a topic of intense study and debate in quantum physics. While there is still much to be understood about this phenomenon, it has opened up a new realm of possibilities for the future of physics and our understanding of the universe.

The interconnectedness of energy in the universe is described in terms of various fields and forces that govern the interactions of particles and matter. For example, the electromagnetic field is responsible for the interactions of charged particles, while the gravitational field regulates the movements of celestial bodies. In addition, other fields, like the strong and weak nuclear forces, mediate interactions at the subatomic level. These fields and forces are interconnected in complex ways, forming a unified field of energy that underlies all physical phenomena.

The universe’s interconnectedness can also be seen in the patterns and structures that emerge at different scales of reality. In nature, we find fractal patterns that repeat themselves in various forms, from the branching of trees to the spirals of galaxies.

These patterns are not random but result from underlying self-organization and emergence principles. In chaos theory, for example, it is posited that complex patterns can emerge from simple nonlinear equations, forming intricate structures. I go into these things in great detail in my book, Angel Communication Code.

The concept of emergence is also central to the idea that everything in the universe is connected. Emergence refers to the phenomenon in which complex systems exhibit properties and behaviors that are not present in their individual components. This can be seen in the emergence of consciousness from the interactions of neurons in the brain or the emergence of social structures from the interactions of individual humans. These emergent phenomena suggest that the universe is a dynamic and interconnected system in which higher levels of organization and complexity can arise from simple interactions at lower levels.

At the same time, the universe’s interconnectedness is also reflected in the concept of Synchronicity.

Synchronicity, a term coined by psychologist Carl Jung, refers to meaningful coincidences that occur in seemingly random events. These synchronicities are often interpreted as signs of a deeper order or connection in the universe, where events are linked by a web of meaning and significance. In this view, Synchronicity manifests the interconnectedness of all things, where the boundaries between the self and the world dissolve in moments of profound insight or revelation.

In simpler terms, Synchronicity is where seemingly unrelated events align in meaningful ways. Here are three examples:

• Thinking About Someone, then they call – You randomly think about an old friend you haven’t spoken to in years. Moments later, your phone rings, and it’s them. It feels like more than a coincidence.
• Finding the right book at the right time – You’re struggling with a decision and go into a bookstore or library. Without searching, your eyes land on a book that perfectly addresses your situation. You open it to a passage that gives you the guidance you need.
• Perfect timing in music – You’re humming a song in your head as you walk into a store. The moment you step in, the song starts playing over the speakers. It’s almost like the universe is tuned in to your thoughts.

We can all think of times when things like this have happened to us at some point.

Interconnectedness is also evident in how living beings are connected to each other and the environment. In ecology, the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems is a central principle, highlighting the interdependence of all living beings in a web of life. The Gaia hypothesis, proposed by scientist James Lovelock, suggests that the Earth is a living organism in which all living beings are interconnected and interdependent. This view challenges the traditional notion of the Earth as a passive and inert planet and instead sees it as a dynamic and interconnected system that responds to environmental changes.

The universe’s interconnectedness is a profound and mysterious phenomenon that transcends conventional notions of separation and isolation. From the concept of oneness in spiritual traditions to the principles of energy flow and emergence in science, the interconnectedness of all things points to a deeper order and unity in the cosmos. It is a lot of heavy stuff to get your head around.

As a boy, I imagined myself thinking more about trout fishing if fortunate enough to live as an old man. Today, I am lucky to be in reasonably good health and positioned for a reasonably comfortable retirement. Good Lord willing, it is within our grasp for my wife and I to enjoy together. As I approach closer and closer to my retirement days, however, I find myself more drawn to philosophical and spiritual pursuits that emphasize the interconnectedness of all beings. It’s about finding solace in the idea that I have always been part of something greater than myself. 

This awareness of interconnectedness gives me gratitude for the people and experiences that have enriched my life thus far. In addition, it provides me with humility and helps me recognize my influence on others. I can feel a true sense of belonging and interconnectedness with the world around me. A bigger world than I can see with my eyes.

When I grapple with difficult concepts, I often look to the ancients for wisdom. A simpler perspective, back-to-basics concept that inspired my first book, Extraterrestrial Communication Code.

After doing all the research for this article, I looked back to Hipparchus’s words to put it all in a simple perspective. Hipparchus of Nicea (190 -120 BCE) was a Greek astronomer, geographer, and mathematician regarded as the greatest astronomer of antiquity and one of the greatest of all time. He is best known for his discovery of the precession of the equinoxes and contributed significantly to the field of astronomy. I believe all my pondering for this article can be summarized in his simple words.

“We are all connected, like the stars in a constellation. Let us appreciate the interconnectedness of all things and strive for unity.”  Hipparchus of Nicea

People are going to believe what they believe on this matter in accordance with their belief system. The only truth we can confirm is that we are not going to know where we are going until we get there.

For me, the important thing is to have faith in the belief that I am going somewhere. How I conduct myself in this life will determine where. 

Perhaps I just think too much, and I should just accept Hipparchus’s wisdom and return to my boyhood vision of trout fishing at this age. 

Stephen J. Silva-

My website, The Extraterrestrial Communication Group (ECG), contains a lot of other interesting information and ideas about the universe and the people of science throughout history.

Sources:

Capra, F. (1982). The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism. Berkeley, CA: Shambhala Publications.

Chopra, D. (1991). Unconditional Life: Mastering the Forces That Shape Personal Reality. New York, NY: Bantam Books.

Jung, C. G. (1960). Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Lovelock, J. E. (1979). Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Griffiths, David J. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Chopra, Deepak. “The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life.” Harmony, 2004.