The Butterfly Effect

“The butterfly effect is a phrase that summarizes the more technical notion of sensitive dependence on initial conditions”[1].  Minor events unnoticed by us can produce long range and large changes in our life. The term became famous or better known by the now modern classic movie Jurassic Park.  Those familiar with the film will remember the scientist Ian Malcolm who calls himself a chaotician.  He gives an explanation of the butterfly effect early in the film to emphasis the inherit instability of things.  He explains, “It simply deals with unpredictability in complex systems.  Its only principle is the Butterfly Effect. A butterfly can flap its wings in Peking and in Central Park you get rain instead of sunshine.”[2] Later he uses the example of water rolling down a hand and how tiny variations and imperfections in the skin and hairs can cause the water to roll one way or the other.  The results may vary depending upon the conditions under which an event occurs. 

The butterfly effect refers to the idea that a butterfly’s wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that will subsequently cause a tornado to appear.  The smallest of events such as a butterfly flapping its wings can make a change in a system and begin a chain of events that can result in a large scale event.

This idea was also popularized by Ray Bradbury in 1952 in his book A Sound of Thunder.  In the short story a hunter is sent back to prehistoric times and the killing of a butterfly causes a chain reaction that alters the course of history.   Another well known story that we can refer to is A Wonderful Life the story of George Bailey which we will be seeing on television this holiday season.  Bailey in a moment of grief makes the wish that he had never been born.  When his wish is granted a series of events occur that effect his wife, family and the whole town. There are many examples of this in popular media, the movies Back to the Future and the recent series Journeyman illustrate how actions in the past affect the present and the future.

These are interesting examples of the concept that is always existed and was taught by the Buddha and termed Pratityasumutpada the truth of interdependent origination.  In other words the events that occur in our life are the result of a series of causes and conditions.  This truth of cause and effect is significant because it rules out the possibility that things can arise from nowhere and that things can arise from some transcendent being or creator.   It also points to the effect that we have on the world around us.  In the first example one small episode can cascade into a cataclysmic event.  At the same time one small occurrence can flow into a fantastic and brilliant event.  In the sample of the movie A Wonderful Life, we see an example of how our existence can positively affect the lives of many others.  In the movie when George Bailey is granted his wish and he no longer exists, his brother dies by drowning since he is not there to save him.  His wife turns into a recluse and the whole town is different.  He then begins to see the value of his life and how he has influenced others positively.

If we embrace this truth of causal dependence we will come to a realization that all of our thoughts words and actions affect others around us.  This is not just an immediate affect, but can have long range lasting implications.  Therefore we have a responsibility to be aware that our words and our actions have lasting karmic affects.  The concept of interdependence and interrelationships is evident in our everyday lives.  We all to often go about our lives unconsciously breathing, eating, talking, sleeping, reading, writing touching, feeling…..the list is endless.  The Buddha whose enlightenment we celebrate this month moved from an unconscious state to a condition of deep and profound awareness of each and every action and their connection with others around him and the karmic influence of his thoughts words and actions.

For us it may be hard to imagine the influence that our actions have on others in the very distant future.  This is especially true when we consider them in relation to this butterfly effect.  However, we can imagine the influence that our actions have on others immediately.  When we lash out in anger, show impatience, frustration or disdain the affects are immediate for both us and the recipient. On the other hand when we present kindness, compassion, patience and understanding the affects are also immediate for us and the recipient.  It is a simple truth to comprehend but a difficult practice to fully accomplish.  As we observe Bodhi day, the day Siddhartha awakened to these truths and became the Buddha, we find ourselves immersed in the holidays.  It is especially important that we stay aware and conscious of our thoughts, words and actions.

Gassho,

Reverend. Shinseki