Yuanling Theory: An Ontological Revolution of the Nature of Consciousness
Open MIND June 27, 2026 Zhang Pan
The hard problem of consciousness remains unresolved because existing paradigms assume consciousness is a product of matter. The Yuanling Theory proposes a fundamental ontological reconceptualization: consciousness is an energy-information complex called Yuanling, which exists independently as individual consciousness, born from a coupling event between Yuanling Particles and a specific life carrier at a vital energetic node. The paper systematically expounds the generative mechanism and seven core attributes of Yuanling, reveals its functional grounding and ontological foundation in a Non-Spatiotemporal background, and constructs a preliminary framework of Yuanling Ecology. It argues that Yuanling Theory provides novel value significance and cross-disciplinary implications for the ontological status of consciousness, re-anchoring human self-understanding across views of life, consciousness, and cognition.