Is Your Spirit Awake?

Quantum Science equates matter with energy. Related theories of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity are still unproven since these are probability-based and not certainty-based, though zillion practical and popular applications have arisen from them. Very few understand this pathbreaking theory and yet many are ready to swear by it.

?

Vedic Upanishad say the same thing as Einstein did. They say, all matter is energy. We are energy. We are equal. The chakra energy centre concept describes the pathways of mindbody energy and techniques to unleash this energy. People scoff at this. Where is the proof, they ask?

?

Many theories in the neuroscience and psychological space are based on correlation, not causation. Research is about interviewing people and using statistical regression arriving at conclusions about X causing Y through documented correlation and not scientific cause and effect proof. On the other hand, effects of chakra energy can be proven. But there is no interest.

?

Science accepts empirical evidence through observation and measurement-based experimentation. It’s certainly possible to test the effects of meditation in releasing neurochemicals scientifically. The problem may be in repeatability and certainty. This is true of all mindbody sciences. In sentient beings, for whom life itself is not certain, definitive repeatable, controlled causation can never be established all the time.?

?

Many practitioners including me have experienced the beneficial healing effects of chakra meditation. I have taught this to several thousand people and they have experienced the energisation effects in their body and mind. For instance, energising the navel area through appropriate meditation reduces stress. It’s most likely that such meditation reduces cortisol and adrenalin. Energy meditation of the heart increases self-validation and love towards others. Most likely oxytocin is released. Meditation on the third eye and crown chakra enhances intuition, creativity and performance. Most likely dopamine and serotonin are being released.

?

The first response to these is dismissal as fanciful. These results are easy to evidence. Saliva tests can show whether these neurochemicals are being released or not. Mental health institutes in Bangalore that have the equipment to test told me that they work with the mentally ill, not those who are well. This is the way our scientific minds work.

?

In 1992 two British researchers tested me in Singapore on the effects of the healing work I was trained in. The process I used was meditative. Their testing process confirmed that I was indeed healing myself. However, the brainwave measuring device they used showed that I was at the top of its range above 20 Hz, which was beta. Meditation as was known then had to be alpha or theta. It took another 6 years for gamma brain waves to be discovered by studies on the flying Tibetan lamas. When I was retested with newer equipment my brain waves measured at a gamma range of 40 Hz.

?

Neuroscience tells us now that meditation produces theta, alpha and gamma waves, the first two as passive meditation and gamma as active meditation. It’s also known that during certain meditation one can go through all three states. Some studies have been done showing that serotonin and dopamine are realised during meditation, but not sufficiently to establish the cause and effect that I look for.

?

To avoid fakes and quacks we need scientific backing for any meditation claims. Dr Lisa Miller’s The Awakened Brain provides correlational evidence to how spirituality and faith in an energy Self aids our wellness. We can go much farther if causation through measured mindbody changes is established for yoga and chakra meditation, to support observed and experienced benefits.

?

Mental wellness is a pandemic crisis today, not a contained endemic illness to bear with. There is enough observed evidence to show that meditation awakening our spiritual state can help support mental wellness. To carry conviction with the larger bodies of governance and medical bureaucracy we need supporting causation evidence. While we are battling climate change at a larger level, let us not forget we need to take care of ourselves first.

?

Reflection

?

Mental wellness is one’s responsibility to oneself. It’s not dependent on what others can do for us or do to us. Since the beginning of the human species seekers knew that we are energy and we have the potential to heal and grow. We have forgotten how in our selfish mindbody greed that focuses on impulsive transient pleasure rather than sustainable joyful happiness. Let’s regain our energy space.

?

Ram is a co-founder and mentor at Coacharya. Ram's focus is the integration of Eastern wisdom with modern science, spiritually, systemically and sustainably. Visit Coacharya.

https://coacharya.com.

?