Chapter 1: The Sun as a Divine Presence

In my previous piece, “Introduction to Shamanism,” I opened with a thought-provoking koan. Today, I invite you to ponder this first koan: “The Sun is a god, the Universe is an illusion, You are the most and least important part of it.”

At first glance, these statements might appear nonsensical, yet for those who have traversed this philosophical landscape, they might reveal a single truth among many. Consider this koan as a metaphorical postcard from a lifelong journey that remains ongoing. For someone unfamiliar with Route 66, a postcard from a single tourist spot might suggest that the entire 2,500-mile stretch consists of similar scenes. Today, we often see this through the lens of social media, where a carefully curated photo represents one's day. Once upon a time, sending such a postcard required not only purchasing cards and stamps but also remembering addresses and hoping the card reached its destination before the sender did.

Now, envision a scenario where you want to convey the essence of your entire life’s journey using just one phrase. Would you choose to share a moment of joy, a plea for understanding, or a piece of wisdom? The exercise prompts one to think deeply about how to encapsulate a lifetime of experiences in a single expression that sparks curiosity in the recipient.

With this understanding of what a koan represents, let's delve into the phrase, “The Sun is a god.” This statement invites a nuanced exploration of what we define as “The Sun” and “a god,” while considering the confidence behind such an assertion.

My perspective is shaped by a cosmological viewpoint that intertwines mono and polytheistic beliefs; I see myself as a Cosmotheist. I hold that there exists a singular “God” — the Universe itself. Everything that exists within the vast expanse of spacetime constitutes the very essence of God. In this sense, the Universe is both God and everything within it. When discussing omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence, one can only fathom the existence of other universes if they indeed exist. The reality of such universes and their potential interactions remain speculative and unproven.

Navigating the uncertainties surrounding existence is a familiar endeavor for those engaged in theological discussions, philosophical debates, or even casual conversations about politics. We often wrestle with beliefs, thoughts, and where to place our limited faith.

Pascal’s Wager serves as a practical guide in this context. In essence, it posits that one can live as though God does not exist and risk eternal damnation if He does. Conversely, one can live as if God is real and face no consequence if He is not. My understanding of Heaven and Hell has evolved over time; however, I continue to operate under the assumption that God exists, while questioning what God truly represents. I see myself as a minuscule aspect of God, akin to a single blood cell in a larger organism.

Many individuals perceive themselves as isolated beings — humans. Even with a grasp of anatomy and physiology, they often overlook the intricate systems that compose them. The reality is that each organ functions as a living entity, interconnected with others. Imagine a colossal manta ray entwined with coral, moved by various snails, all while jellyfish communicate through the limbs of an octopus. This dynamic ecosystem illustrates how individual components contribute to the collective existence of a human being.

Every person is a microcosm of life, with organisms aware of their own existence and perhaps even cognizant of the larger entity they inhabit. If the liver were to gain consciousness and realize it was part of a broader organism, how might it react? Would it attempt to gain attention through discomfort or thrive in harmony?

The interplay between the observer and the observed raises questions about choice and consequence. This dynamic unfolds down to the smallest living cell, which must choose whether to acknowledge a higher power or not. Each part, from cell to organ, may envision something greater, perpetuating the cycle of life and existence.

Some individuals grasp the concept of a life cycle, yet life is more accurately a multidimensional network of interwoven systems, each operating independently yet influencing one another. Stable groups of people can be viewed as larger organisms, from families to civilizations, each contributing to the greater whole.

As we contemplate artificial intelligence, it’s crucial to recognize that we have already created a collective consciousness through the internet — a living entity that may transcend humanity. Many can at least acknowledge that Earth itself is a living organism, though interpretations vary widely.

From behind the walls of science, religion, and art, I have observed the sunlight streaming through stained glass, each pane designed to interpret light differently. Some windows allow vibrant light to flood the room, while others permit only slivers of illumination. Individuals often spend their lives confined to these metaphorical rooms, adjusting to familiar lighting without questioning its source.

These rooms symbolize life's circumstances, the windows represent convictions, and the Sun embodies a god. Yet the Sun is merely a star among countless others. It holds immense significance for life on Earth, but it should not be conflated with the Universe itself. The Sun's influence is paramount to us, yet it exists in a broader cosmic context. If humanity were to wage war against the Sun, the result would likely be catastrophic for us, not for the Sun.

I believe the Sun transcends its visible form, just as the human brain is not the sole defining aspect of a person. The brain relies on the body as a whole, and similarly, the Solar System operates as a living entity, with each celestial body serving a specific purpose in its growth and development.

Humans, in their collective existence, represent gods to the organisms that inhabit them. Our survival hinges on the delicate balance of cooperative and competitive forces within our systems. The Earth, a deity in comparison to humanity, is itself a component of a larger hierarchy — from the Sun to the Solar System, and eventually to the Universe.

This raises profound questions about morality. If the Universe encompasses various gods, what relevance do good and evil have? I contend that good and evil exist in acts, yet they do not absolve accountability. For those who grapple with faith, the question of divine indifference in the face of suffering becomes paramount. The inquiry itself holds more weight than the answers.

In my perspective, God may not be concerned with individual fates because we are but specks in a grand scheme. The macrocosm unfolds without predetermined design, consisting of infinite finite entities that together form a cohesive whole.

If there exists a moral directive from God, it might be this: treat others as if they were you in another dimension, sharing similar yet distinct lives. Recognize that every individual is a reflection of yourself. How would you wish to be treated? How many of yourself could you allow to suffer without intervention?

Humanity must strive for stability and cooperation to contribute positively to the larger ecological and cosmic systems, rather than becoming a detrimental force. If Earth is a sentient being, would we prefer to be regarded as intruders or valuable contributors to its longevity?

In conclusion, my embrace of Pascal’s Wager has shaped my exploration of divinity, humanity, and the Universe. I eventually left the confines of my metaphorical room to experience the Sun unfiltered, finding greater clarity and purpose in the journey.

In this video, "Koan - A Buffalo's Tail Gets Caught," the viewer is invited to reflect on the significance of koans in understanding deeper truths about existence.

The second video, "Understanding Zen Koan Study and Practice," delves into the principles of koan practice, offering insights into their purpose and transformative potential.