Neo-Daoist Metaphysics and Cosmology

**By: Tao Steven Zheng (郑涛)**

### What is metaphysical is called *Dao*, what is physical is called *Qi*. (Book of Changes, The Great Treatise I, Section XII)

Metaphysics is the study of abstract first principles and its relationship with existence. Neo-Daoist metaphysics offers a philosophical understanding of the foundations of mind and matter through the lens that combines traditional Chinese thought (Daoism, Neo-Confucianism, Mohism, Zen Buddhism) and modern science. In essence, Neo-Daoist metaphysics and cosmology is the precursory framework to the scientific interpretation of the Dao. Learning and mastering Neo-Daoist metaphysics and cosmology is an arduous task that begins with the desire to engage in philosophical inquiry about the inner workings of the cosmos and of the human mind. Subsequently, the study of Neo-Daoism is the intersection of philosophy, mathematics, physics, psychology, and aesthetics. Such a mental exercise in interpreting the grand unified theory of the cosmos is the practice of building an "operating system" for the self with the cosmos and the Dao in mind. The end goal is to achieve self-actualization and enlightenment.

形而上学是研究抽象基本原理（第一性原理）及其存在关系。新道学形而上学通过结合中国传统思想（道学、理学、墨学、禅宗）和现代科学的视角，提供了对心灵和物质基础的哲学理解。从本质上讲，新道学形而上学和宇宙学是对道进行科学解释的前兆框架。学习和掌握新道学形而上学和宇宙学是一项艰难的活动，它始于对宇宙和人类心灵的内在运作进行哲学探究的愿望。随后，对新道学的研究是哲学、数学、物理、心理学和美学的交叉。在解释宇宙大统一理论时，这样一种思维练习就是在心中为自己构建一个“操作系统”，同时考虑宇宙和道。最终目标是达到自我实现和启蒙。

## Definition of Dao 道之定义

**Canon:** **Dao (道)** is the fundamental metaphysical noumenon that transcends all worldly existence; it is the origin of the universe, which includes the existence of space-time, matter-energy and causality.

**Question:** What is **Dao (道)**?

**Answer:** **Dao (道)** is the set of fundamental principles of all existence. These fundamental principles can be interpreted as **natural law (自然法)**. **Dao** is responsible for guiding all **states (状态)**, **mechanisms (机理)**, **actions (行动)**, **processes (过程)**, and **consequence (结果)** in the universe.

**经：**道体形而上；天地之本，时空、物气、因果有之。

【**道**是超越世间存在的基本形而上本体；宇宙之本源，包括**时空**（时间与空间）、**物气**（物质与能量）和**因果**的存在。】

**问：**何为道?

**答：** **道**是一切存在的基本原则，这些基本原则可以被解释为自然规律（自然法）。**道**指导在宇宙中所有的**状态**、 **机理**、 **行动**、**过程**和**结果**。

## Definition of Li 理之定义

**Canon:** **Li (理)** is the rational principle that manifests from **Dao (道)**, it is the underlying natural order that can be understood by the **mind (心)**.

**Question:** What is **Li (理)**?

**Answer:** **Li (理)** originate from **Dao (道)**. Abstract metaphysical concepts and their rational principles cannot be directly observed using the **senses (感)**; however, it is possible to ascertain, understand, and even exploit such notions using the **mind (心)**. Through careful observation, correct methodology, and accurate examination, the mind is capable of analyzing and synthesizing the rational principles.

**经：** **道**现**理**。**理，心**可得知也。

**【理**是**道**所表现的理性原则。**理**是**心**（意识）可以了解的自然规则。**】**

**问：** 何为**理**?

**答：** **理**是源于**道**。所有抽象的形而上学概念及其理性原则不能直接用**感**（感官、感觉）来观察; 然而，人用**心**（意识、精神）可以确定、了解甚至利用**理**。 通过仔细的观察，正确的方法，准确的验证，**心**能够解析和综合**理**。

## Definition of Construct 法之定义

**Canon: Fa (法)** are constructions of the **mind (心)**.

**Question:** What is **Fa (法)**?

**Answer:** **Fa (法)** can be called a standard, method, or law. These terms can be generalized as **constructs (构建)**, more specifically, **mental constructs (心理构建)** that exists within the **mind (心)** or are produced by the **mind (心)** .

**经：** **心**造**法**也。

**【**心**（意识）**构造所有**法。】**

**问：** 何为**法**?

**答：** **法'** 可以称为标准、方法或法则。这些术语可以概括为**构建**, 更具体地说, 存在于**心**中的**心理构造**, 或者是由**心**（意识）产生的**心理构造**.

## Definition of Matter 物之定义

**Canon：Wu (物)** is the collection of all **observables (可观事物)** in physical reality**.**

**Question:** What is **Wu (物)**?

**Answer:** **Wu (物)** can mean matter and should be viewed more completely as **matter-energy (物气)**. Fundamentally, **energy (气)** is a type of **natural information (自然信息)** that serves as a quantifiable unit of exchange for all physical existence. Thus, **Wu (物)** or **matter-energy (物气)** an integral component of physical reality.

**经：物**即现实中之可观事物。

【**物**是物质现实中的所有可观事物。】

**问：**何为**物**?

**答：物**原来指物质，但应该更完整地视为**物质-能量(物气)**。从根本上说，**能量(气)** 是一种**自然信息**，并作为所有物质存在的可量化的交换单位。因此，**物**或**物质-能量(物气)** 是物质现实不可或缺的组成部分。