I Ching, Human Genetics and

the Universal Code

–Karolyn Y. Zeng

I. The Universal Code 2,3 is embedded in our genetic system and in the I Ching

Starting from 1994, I have been fascinated by the intrinsic connection between the thousands-year-old I Ching (Book of Changes) and the human genetic coding system. Why does our human genetic system share the same number (i.e. 64) with the I Ching? Is it mere coincidence or else?

What I learned is that the combination of binary (2) and ternary (3) is the key. The I Ching is based on two elements: Yin and Yang. The eight trines are the result of randomly stacking these two (2) elements as three (3) in a group. Combining the eight trines on top of each other produces 64 different hexagrams (kua) which are tools for divinatory consultation.

On the other hand, our genetic system is also based on binary (2) elements – the two strains of the DNA double helix (a yin-yang combination) and the two pairs of nucleotide bases: Adenine (A) and Thymine (T), Cytosine(C) and Guanine (G). The two DNA strains entail sequences made of triplets (tri-nucleotide) (3) of A, T, C and G, which serve as templates for the transcription of genetic message to RNA. Sequentially, each transcribed triplet (3) in RNA codes for a single amino acid which is the building block of proteins. In the configuration of the double helix, A and T are joined through two (2) hydrogen bonds, whereas C and G share three (3). A always pairs with T, and C always with G.

II. 64 has also been found in other systems

In Hinduism, the Lord Shiva has 64 forms or manifestations. There are many other examples. However, I am not going to make a list here because it is beyond the scope of this article.

III. Integrating the Universal Code in oil on canvas

Beginning in 2003, I have played with some of the above thoughts on canvas.

In the “Grand Unified Field,” there is this dancing DNA double helix which entails the A and T, C and G pairing. The I Ching ring (64 kuas) encircles the human genetic codes (64). And, next to the quantum meson octet is the I Ching “ba kua” (the eight trines). (see The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra)

The “Humankind: Change, the Only Constant” divides the I Ching ring into two which encircles the 64 tri-nucleotides of the genetic system. There are four pairs (2) of different figures that are connected by the two (2) strains of DNA in this triptych (3).

In “Galaxy General Relativity,” the divided apple (2), or time and space (2), and the three elements (3) in the equation of Einstein’s General Relativity.

In the “Big Bang” series, the Yin and the Yang (2) are transformed and rearranged, in the company of the 64 (tri-nucleotide) genetic codes (3).

IV. The simplest universal Turing Machine is proved

In October, 2007, Stephen Wolfram published his article “The Prize Is Won; The Simplest Universal Turing Machine Is Proved” and announced the news about Alex Smith’s discovery in his 40-page proof. The conclusion was: the 2, 3 Turing machine is universal. It is the simplest combination for the computational universe.

Quote: “Here it is. Just two states and three colors. And able to do any computation that can be done.”

Nevertheless, our own genetic system has this universal code which has been doing the universal computation since life started on Earth. And the Yin and Yang (two states) and the Yin/Yang trines (three colors) in I Ching are the best match to this Universal Code. In other words, the Chinese discovered this Universal Code more than three thousand years ago. Compass, gunpowder, paper and printing are the four most famous inventions attributed to ancient Chinese civilization. However, the discovery of this Universal Code might have much deeper meaning in a highly computational world like ours.

As some people have predicted, knowing that 2, 3 Turing Machine is universal in the computational universe, we can develop or search for this Universal Code from any materials, such as quantum or nano particles, and build computers or any computational devices. The DNA computers are nonetheless one of the best examples.

~~~~~~~~~

[The first draft was organized in December, 2007.

It was released during the press conference and the reception

for Zeng's Art Exhibition at Stanford University, on March 12, 2008.

Several major newspapers, including the World Journal, The China Press,

and Singdao Daily, have reported news related to this article.]

For Chinese, please click: http://blog.sina.com.cn/b000088

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Dr. Michelson (left) speaking about Ms. Zeng (right)'s work
photo credit: Jianhua Gong

K. Y. Zeng Reveals the “Universal Code” in Her Paintings
at Stanford University

Stanford University, California (March 12, 2008) – A reception for Karolyn Zeng’s art exhibition at Stanford University hit a high note in the Physics and Astrophysics Building. Over a hundred people attended the reception, including Professor Richard Vinograd (from the Stanford University Department of Art and Art History), Mr. Sandy Miller (Board Member of Cantor Art Center) and his wife, Dr. Xiaoneng Yang (Curator of Asian Art at Cantor Art Center) and Dr. Britta Erickson, an internationally respected art critic and scholar. Mr. Hong Chang, the Deputy Director from the Governor’s Office of California, and Ms. Aileen Kao, mayor of Saratoga city, also participated, and spoke briefly.

Professor Peter Michelson spoke about Ms. Zeng’s work with great enthusiasm. A world-renown astrophysicist at Stanford University, Dr. Michelson is also an experienced fine art collector with an impressive collection of Chinese art works (antique and contemporary). "...quite fascinated to look at really a fusion of Eastern and Western culture, that I think is showing here in her works...it speaks to people, it speaks to me. ...The work you see, for me, reflects these contemporary Chinese art works that I have seen many examples." he said. "I think yours rank highly of that. Congratulations on this wonderful exhibition."

Ms. Zeng has long been fascinated by the intrinsic connection between quantum physics, human genetics and the ancient Chinese I Ching (Book of Changes). During the reception, she revealed one of her discoveries for the first time. In her painting “Grand Unified Field,” one can see the double helix and its base pairs A, C, G and T, the I Ching ring of 64 hexagrams, the 64 codons of human genetic system, and the quantum meson octet hanging next to I Ching’s “ba kua”(the eight trines). She pointed out that the repetition of number 64 is not a pure coincidence.

Ms. Zeng discovered that the combination of binary (2) and three (3) is the key. The I Ching is based on two elements: Yin and Yang. The eight trines are the result of randomly stacking these two (2) elements as three (3) in a group. Combining the eight trines on top of each other produces 64 different hexagrams. Our genetic system is also based on binary (2) elements – the two strains of DNA double helix (a Yin-Yang combination) and the two pairs of nucleotide bases: Adenine (A) and Thymine (T), Cytosine(C) and Guanine (G). The two strains of DNA sequences contain triplets (tri-nucleotide) (3) of A, T, C and G, which serve as templates for the transcription of genetic message to RNA. Sequentially, each transcribed triplet in RNA codes for a single amino acid which is the building block of proteins. In the configuration of the double helix, A and T are joined through two (2) hydrogen bonds, whereas C and G share three (3). A always pairs with T, and C always with G. In 2007, someone in the computational field proved that the 2, 3 Turing Machine is universal.

Ms. Zeng says, “…which means that in the I Ching Chinese discovered this universal code thousands of years ago. And life on Earth has used this universal code ever since its origination in this planet – that’s billions of years ago.” She humorously concludes, “Compass, gunpowder, paper and printing are the four most famous inventions attributed to ancient Chinese civilization. However, the discovery of this Universal Code has much deeper meaning in our contemporary world.”

At the end of her talk, Ms. Zeng presents Mr. Hong Chang a 9x36 inches “Grand Unified Field” giclée and asks him to help her forward the message to the Governor: Let’s talk science and art, but not wars; let’s unite, but not divide; let’s celebrate peace; let’s celebrate love.

copyright(c)2008

[News related to this exhibition has been reported by the World Journal,
Singdao Daily, International Daily, Palo Alto Weekly, The China Press (Qiaobao),
AsianWeek and Mingpao Daily, respectively.]

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