Chapter 7-3 High-Dimensional Projection
Liu Feng is an advocate and promoter of multicultural system integration, and the chief expert at the American Institute of Holographic Life Sciences. He graduated with a degree in engineering optics and founded the research fields of "Cosmic Energy Theory" and "Generalized Space-Time Energetics". For many years, he has been dedicated to using scientific approaches — dimensions, energy, projection and holography — to interpret the essence of life and various human wisdoms. He is the author of books such as "Unlock Your Higher Dimensional Wisdom" and "Progress: Live Out Your Transcendental State". The former was the first book I encountered in this field and had a significant impact on me. Its core viewpoints and way of thinking guided me into this research direction. The following summary is based on Liu Feng's books and lecture videos.
Let's revisit the concept of dimensions mentioned earlier. Zero-dimensional is a point, one-dimensional is a line, two-dimensional is a plane, and three-dimensional is the solid world. More specifically, zero-dimensional is a point particle in space, "infinitely large yet infinitely small"; one-dimensional is a single variable, represented by the X-axis in mathematics, where arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) can be performed; two-dimensional is a plane composed of two variables, the X and Y axes, introducing algebra; three-dimensional introduces a third variable, the X, Y, and Z axes, forming the familiar three-dimensional space.
Due to the invariant mathematical principles across different dimensions, we can use "mathematical induction" to "reduce dimensions" (remove a variable) for solving problems. For instance, when solving a system of three-variable linear equations, we can subtract one equation from another to eliminate a variable, turning it into a two-variable equation. Continuing this process, we reduce it further to a single-variable equation, finding the unique solution. In other words, we can use one-dimensional to validate two-dimensional, two-dimensional to validate three-dimensional, and subsequently validate the relationship between (N-1) dimensions and N dimensions.
Removing one variable introduces a "projection" relationship. For instance, segment AB projects onto X-axis as XA and XB, and onto Y-axis as YA and YB, with corresponding coordinates (XA, YA) and (XB, YB). Any change to AB in the two-dimensional plane immediately alters its projections on the one-dimensional X and Y axes. Similarly, in three-dimensional mechanical drawing, engineers use projections like front view, side view, and top view to convey object information. A change in the projection source instantly affects each projection, and each three-dimensional object has an infinite number of two-dimensional projections.
From this perspective, aside from the projection source, the presentation—"projection" of each dimension is "illusory". If we regard any projection as "real", we will be obstructed by this so-called "reality". This means that if we are attached to three-dimensional wisdom and do not let go of our attachment to it, we cannot attain four-dimensional wisdom. Therefore, all human cultivation focuses on "eliminating distractions". Emptying the lower dimensions allows us to attain higher dimensions, and the attained "existence" is called "wonderful existence." When we are not attached to any finite dimension, we can continuously enter higher inner realms and connect with the "true self", known as "being born of the mind without dwelling anywhere. （应无所住而生其心）"
Therefore, in multidimensional space, lower-dimensional spaces are projections of higher-dimensional entities, with the higher-dimensional space being the projection source. In different projections, the same entity can appear completely different. In Taoism, it is said that "Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Tao." Here, "Earth" represents the three-dimensional space, "Heaven" represents the higher dimensions, and "Tao" is the projection source. Only by reaching the projection source can we see all the logical relationships of the projections and their essential connections to the projection source, which Buddhism understands as "fate" (缘). The manifestation of energy relationships from the projection source in this space is called "origin". The present encounter is "destined", whereas before, it was "destined but not fated" (有缘无分).
Buddhist teachings and scriptures are explained from a perspective of the fourth dimension and above. In the Heart Sutra, it says: "When the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was practicing the profound Prajnaparamita, he illuminated the five aggregates and observe that they are all empty." Moving from a lower dimension to a higher dimension is called "observation" (观), while moving from a higher dimension to a lower dimension is called "illumination" (照). "Prajna" represents the highest dimension of cosmic wisdom. "Deep Prajnaparamita" refers to deep meditation that enters higher-dimensional space. From this higher-dimensional perspective, looking back, one illuminates and sees the emptiness of "five aggregates"（五蕴）:form, sensation, perception, mental formations and consciousness. The energy states in lower dimensions are essentially of "emptiness"（空）nature.
The saying "Bodhi is originally without a tree, the bright mirror also has no stand. Originally there is not a single thing, where could any dust alight?" signifies that in higher-dimensional space, these forms do not exist; they are just origins without a tree, without a stand, and without dust.
In three-dimensional space, time is a "constant", and each second is a fixed length, defined by the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillator at the Greenwich Observatory. However, in the fourth dimension, time becomes a "variable", and the concept of time as understood in three-dimensional space ceases to exist. Therefore, scriptures do not speak of "beginning" and "end" of things but rather "arising" and "ceasing" conditions. In three-dimensional space, we experience the process from birth to death, encompassing "past, present and future", and the "beginning, development and end" of things, which lose their significance in the higher dimension.
When reaching N dimensions, one enters the realm of the projection source, attaining the highest state of "complete unity", known as the natural way of "Tao"—"Wu Ji" (无极,boundless and omnipresent), "unsurpassed perfect enlightenment"（无上正等正觉）. Descriptions of this highest state in all wisdom systems transcend physical forms, pointing to a "formless" existence. As the saying goes: "The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao" (using "Tao" merely as a name). Different religions have various methods of interpretation, but they all refer to this ultimate, formless existence.
We live in a three-dimensional space of a complex giant system. Science categorizes fields into specialties, and most people can only study their own fields in their lifetime, while other fields exist like "black boxes". The commonality of complex things in this space is elementary particles. Elementary particles follow quantum properties, namely wave-particle duality. This means that in nature, quanta typically exist in the form of "energy waves", and everything is composed of waves, possessing energy. When interference conditions are not met, the fundamental state of wave nature is called "emptiness" in Buddhism. When two "Sine waves" meet, if their amplitude and frequency are similar, they will form interference at specific spatial locations.
The most important characteristic of energy wave interference imaging is that it can only be observed when the energy is relatively balanced. Similarly, the balance of energy waves, or the balance of yin and yang energies, is the foundation for presenting everything in the universe. Vibrations increase in some areas and cancel out in others, forming alternating bright and dark interference fringes in space, known as "standing waves", which is what is called "particle nature", or "form" （色）in Buddhism. The Heart Sutra states, "Form is not different from emptiness, emptiness is not different from form; form is emptiness, and emptiness is form.（色不异空，空不异色，色即是空，空即是色）" Moreover, it "neither increases nor decreases, neither defiles nor purifies.（不增不减、不垢不净）"
The same applies to sensation, perception, volition and consciousness. Human behavior and consciousness also follow the characteristics of light: when energy waves resonate at the same frequency, an image is produced. This spatial energy structure presented is the "five aggregates", and their superposition constitutes human perception of the world.
The essence of all things is "waves", which come in various forms, such as square waves, triangular waves, and other complex waveforms. These waves share a commonality: according to the "Fourier's law", they can all be decomposed into a superposition of "Sine waves" (SinX) with different amplitudes and wavelengths. Sine waves are also known as "simple harmonic waves", embodying the concept of "the simplest way is the best way", which is a universal energy principle. SinX can be divided into two parts, which in Taoism are referred to as yin and yang, with yang above (positive) and yin below (negative). In Buddhism, this is called "one thought"（一念）, exemplified by the phrases "one thought, one sentient being"（一念一众生）. In traditional Chinese culture, the "dragon" is a totem of the Sine wave.
As shown in Figure 7.4, if the yin and yang parts of SinX are represented by a and b, it can be expressed as a + b = 1, where a is yang and b is yin. When two sine waves interfere and interact with each other, the final result is (a + b) × (a + b) = 1. When expanded, this represents Taiyang (great yang), Shaoyin (lesser yin), Shaoyang (lesser yang), and Taiyin (great yin), corresponding to the energies of fire, metal, wood and water, respectively. Their combined energy corresponds to the energy of earth, so Five Elements' energy essentially represents five spatial vibration states of two energy waves resonating at the same frequency, which are fundamental factors in the constitution of matter. However, the form seen by different people is not the same for each thing, introducing the factor of a third "observer" — a third energy wave from the observer, which Buddhists refer to as "karma"（业）. This forms (a + b)³, which, when decomposed, becomes the "Eight Trigrams"（八卦）.
Figure 7.4: Tai Chi Eight Trigrams and sinusoidal wave interference
The combination of 8 material energies and 8 informational energies forms the 64 hexagrams, which represent the most fundamental energy distribution of all things in the universe, akin to the basic genetic code of all energies. This is the mystery of the "I Ching" and explains the concept of "the Tao produces one, one produces two, two produce three, and three produce all things."
The movement of all energy waves in the universe is continuous and uninterrupted. When energy waves meet, they interfere with each other, transitioning from weak to strong and then from strong to weak. This process reflects the Buddhist concept of "formation, existence, decay and emptiness"（成住坏空）. Additionally, the transmission of energy waves can be omnipresent, much like how a small stone thrown into a pond creates ripples that spread throughout the entire pond. Therefore, "a single thought can disturb the gods in all directions", meaning our thoughts can resonate throughout the entire universe. Conversely, every particle in the universe is influenced by the energy waves of entire cosmos, making each particle "holographic", containing all information of the universe and their interrelations ("Holographic Principle of the Universe"). Hence, "all sentient beings possess the wisdom and virtues of the Tathagata." Only by "seeking inward" can true wisdom be attained, whereas seeking externally merely yields three dimensional limited knowledge. As Chairman Mao wrote at the age of 24 in "The Power of Mind": "The universe is my mind, and my mind is the universe."
But why can't we live out this inner state of "harmonious and unobstructed"（圆融无碍） and "inherently complete"（本自具足） being? The Avatamsaka Sutra（《华严经》）says: "It is only due to deluded thoughts and attachments that we cannot attain it." It is our own "obsessions" that create this perception. The energy waves in the universe inherently exist in a state of "emptiness". When we generate discriminative thoughts, energy wave interference occurs, creating an "image". As the saying goes, "existence arises from non-existence", meaning that, everything we see in the external world is a projection of our cognition. The energy spectrum of the observer's cognition can "render" or determine the existence of reality. This is the "Observer Effect" mentioned in Chapter 3. Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena arise from mind" and "forms are born from mind", also stating, "all forms are illusory; if one sees that all forms are not forms, one sees the Tathagata." Most of the time, it is difficult for us to see the full picture, and we are like "blind men touching an elephant".
We see that different Eastern and Western wisdom cultures, such as Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Islam, all present their understanding from a high dimension to a low dimension through their scriptures. The understanding of life varies across different spatial dimensions. Our current research, however, approaches from a three dimensional perspective, seeking to understand life from birth to death. Current research in quantum mechanics explores the critical state between the tangible and intangible, which is merely a "limited breakthrough" in three-dimensional cognition, and lacks the power to describe anything higher.
Therefore, we must understand that "practice is the sole criterion for testing truth". However, three dimensional practice can only test three dimensional truth, while higher dimensional practice is needed to test higher dimensional truth. Trying to use three-dimensional practice to test higher dimensional truth is like ants trying to test human truth.
As stated in the "Tao Te Ching": "When the Tao is lost, there is virtue. When virtue is lost, there is benevolence. When benevolence is lost, there is righteousness. When righteousness is lost, there are rituals." The "loss of Tao" moves from the highest realm of N-dimensions downward, with all lower dimensions being "virtue", which represents the freedom of the heart, often referred to as "virtue carries all things". Confucianism in "The Great Learning"（《大学》） states: "The way of the Great Learning is to manifest virtue, to renew the people, and to rest in the highest good." "Virtue" refers to dimensions, and "manifesting virtue" is the freedom of the higher realms, which is the "Tao"; the first "manifest" is to continuously improve dimensional cognition; "the highest good" is the realm of "manifesting virtue", pointing to the N-dimensions, which is the highest wisdom of the universe; it is to continuously transcend cognition, with the ultimate goal of achieving manifest virtue and reaching the high-dimensional wisdom realm.
The Diamond Sutra（《金刚经》）says: "All phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; like dew and lightning, thus should they be observed." When we continuously remove internal obstacles, transcend them, and achieve an infinitely great state of inner wisdom, the whole universe and our mind and body become one, which is the "Unity of Man and Nature".
Life has different levels. When we open our understanding of the universe from three dimensions to four dimensions—where time becomes a variable—we no longer live in a limited state of existence. 1 second can become 1,000 years, 10,000 years, or 1,000,000 years, making everything in the microcosm clear and distinct. Similarly, 10,000 years can be shortened to 1 second, bringing the macrocosm instantly before our eyes. This is the "space folding" or "wormholes" of higher dimensions. The "degrees of freedom" in four dimensions are infinitely greater than those in three dimensions, removing the time constraints of "from birth to death".
Life at the "soul" level is the most important because it is the source of projection, the high-dimensional energy that the "Tao Te Ching" calls "emerging from life and returning to death". "Emerging" and "returning" aptly explain "who am I", "where did I come from", and "where am I going". It turns out: I come from the higher dimensions (the soul), I am a projection of high dimensional energy in space, and when I leave, I return to high-dimensional source of projection, known as "rebirth" or "regarding death as returning home". Thus, the meaning of life is to elevate the dimension of energy, with the ultimate goal pointing to the source of projection.
