I came across this article in the Hindu. All our ancient mystics, including Ramakrishna Dev, Swami Vivekananda and the like have experienced this ‘oneness’, they have travelled into the ‘transcendental plane’. I’ve read about them, but been skeptic. This may be a good step towards a belief in the ancient philosophies.
Also, let this be juxtaposed with the fact that I had always held Indian wisdom above all other sciences. This further strengthens my view.
New evidence points towards interactions between the brain and higher states of consciousness
Several spiritual philosophies contain the notion of an inner ‘third eye’, related to the pineal gland, to which is attributed significance in mystical awakening or enlightenment, higher states of consciousness and extrasensory perception (ESP). Mention of this is found historically in ancient Central and East Asia and also in contemporary metaphysical theories relating to yoga.
A neurologist in Jaipur claims to have found new evidence throwing light on interactions between a physical brain and a non-physical consciousness which leave an impact on human thought, emotion and behaviour. These psychic phenomena are linked with the ‘third eye’, he says.
Dr. Ashok Panagariya, recipient of the prestigious B.C. Roy Award, says that the studies on the two functional units of brain and consciousness and new understanding of psychic phenomena may lead humankind to the ability to induce ESP at will. Pineal gland studies hold a great futuristic link between human and superhuman experiences.
Pineal gland, being the only singular structure in the brain and having a strategic position between the two halves, is believed to connect between intellect and the body. This ‘third eye’ could be activated to spiritual world frequencies, enabling a person to have the sense of all knowing, godlike euphoria and oneness all around him, says Dr. Panagariya.
Once tuned into proper frequencies with the help of meditation, yoga or various esoteric and occult methods, pineal gland can also enable a person to travel into other dimensions, popularly known as astral travel, cosmological projection or remote viewing.
Dr. Panagariya, formerly the Principal of Sawai Man Singh Government Medical College in Jaipur, has pointed out that the recent developments in parapsychology and neuroscience have revealed new clues about the way ESP and other psychic abilities are processed by the brain. “Science is providing some answers about the structure or physiology of brain which makes parapsychological reception possible.”
“The most astounding discovery of all is that the brain produces a parapsychology enhancing neurotransmitter,” says Dr. Panagariya while referring to a class of substances known as beta-carbolines which are secreted from the pineal gland. He says this neurochemical is only produced at night and breaks down into melatonin, another substance which has been associated with psychic experiences.
Dr. Panagariya, presently a member of the Rajasthan State Planning Board, has in his study referred to another recent discovery of interest to psychic researchers proving that the human brain contains magnetite (ferrous oxide), which renders the brain sensitive to the Earth’s magnetic fields.
“It has long been known that birds and other animals use magnetite in their brains to aid in navigation. Magnetite is especially concentrated in the pineal gland and the temporal lobes,” says Dr. Panagariya, offering scientific explanation to the spiritual, mystical and paranormal experiences.