One student:"Birth and death are natural laws—when a person dies, it is only the physical body that perishes, yet doesn’t their information continue to exist in the universe? Could this residual information be what we call “ghosts”? And when Qigong practice reaches an advanced stage, one aims to shatter emptiness and merge with heaven and earth—can’t this state be called “divine” or “god-like”?"
Dr.Pang said:
"The 'ghosts' in feudal superstition refer to the belief that after death, a soul persists—a conscious, active entity capable of independent action. What we describe as 'residual information' is entirely different. For example, after all of you leave this lecture hall, traces of your presence will remain in this space, which could even be captured through infrared imaging technology. However, this is merely a temporary informational phenomenon caused by the disturbance of the natural electromagnetic field by the human electromagnetic field during activity. It lacks autonomy and is fundamentally distinct from the concept of 'ghosts' in feudal superstition.
The 'gods' in feudal superstition are said to be omnipotent rulers of all things. Yet, even the highest level of practice—'shattering emptiness'—cannot achieve such powers. Take Shakyamuni Buddha as an example: during his lifetime, he did not demonstrate 'boundless Dharma powers,' nor did he save all beings. His activities were confined to a limited region of India for several decades, and he faced opposition throughout his life—most notably from Devadatta, whom he could not persuade. Thus, even the highest state of cultivation is not equivalent to the traditional concept of a 'god.'"