Exploring Frontiers of the Mind-Brain Relationship
Exploring Frontiers of the Mind-Brain Relationship

Author: Alexander Moreira-Almeida

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-11-25

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 1461406471

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The conscious mind defines human existence. Many consider the brain as a computer, and they attempt to explain consciousness as emerging at a critical, but unspecified, threshold level of complex computation among neurons. The brain-as-computer model, however, fails to account for phenomenal experience and portrays consciousness as an impotent, after-the-fact epiphenomenon lacking causal power. And the brain-as-computer concept precludes even the remotest possibility of spirituality. As described throughout the history of humankind, seemingly spiritual mental phenomena including transcendent states, near-death and out-of-body experiences, and past-life memories have in recent years been well documented and treated scientifically. In addition, the brain-as-computer approach has been challenged by advocates of quantum brain biology, who are possibly able to explain, scientifically, nonlocal, seemingly spiritual mental states. Exploring Frontiers of the Mind-Brain Relationship argues against the purely physical analysis of consciousness and for a balanced psychobiological approach. This thought-provoking volume bridges philosophy of mind with science of mind to look empirically at transcendent phenomena, such as mystic states, near-death experiences and past-life memories, that have confounded scientists for decades. Representing disciplines ranging from philosophy and history to neuroimaging and physics, and boasting a panel of expert scientists and physicians, including Andrew Newberg, Peter Fenwick, Stuart Hameroff, Mario Beauregard, Deepak Chopra, and Chris Clarke the book rigorously follows several lines of inquiry into mind-brain controversies, challenging readers to form their own conclusions—or reconsider previous ones. Key coverage includes: Objections to reductionistic materialism from the philosophical and the scientific tradition. Phenomena and the mind-brain problem. The neurobiological correlates of meditation and mindfulness. The quantum soul, a view from physics. Clinical implications of end-of-life experiences. Mediumistic experience and the mind-brain relationship. Exploring Frontiers of the Mind-Brain Relationship is essential reading for researchers and clinicians across many disciplines, including cognitive psychology, personality and social psychology, the neurosciences, neuropsychiatry, palliative care, philosophy, and quantum physics. “This book ... brings together some precious observations about the fundamental mystery of the nature of consciousness ... It raises many questions that serve to invite each of us to be more aware of the uncertainty of our preconceptions about consciousness ... This book on the frontiers of mind-body relationships is a scholarly embodiment of creative and open-minded science.” C. Robert Cloninger, MD Wallace Renard Professor of Psychiatry, Genetics, and Psychology, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO

Arthur Balfour's Ghosts
Arthur Balfour's Ghosts

Author: Trevor Hamilton

Publisher: Andrews UK Limited

Published: 2018-01-02

Total Pages: 438

ISBN-13: 1845409671

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book tells the incredible story of the cross-correspondence automatic writings, described by one leading scholar of the field, Alan Gauld, 'as undoubtedly the most extensive, the most complex and the most puzzling of all ostensible attempts by deceased persons to manifest purpose, and in so doing to fulfil their overriding purpose of proving their survival'. It is an intensely personal and passionate story on so many levels: May Lyttelton trying to convince her lover Arthur Balfour of her continued existence; Myers with indomitable persistence trying to produce evidence to prove survival generally; Gurney and Francis Balfour striving from beyond the grave to influence the birth of children who would work for world peace; Gerald Balfour and his lover Winifred Coombe-Tennant believing that their child, Henry, would be the Messianic leader of this group of children.

Dreams Beyond Time
Dreams Beyond Time

Author: Lee Irwin

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2022-05-04

Total Pages: 367

ISBN-13: 1793642621

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Dreams Beyond Time: On Sacred Encounter and Spiritual Transformation offers readers an overview of dreams research as applied to non-ordinary dreams. Lee Irwin describes four basic types of dreaming: normative, mythic, psychic, and transpersonal, and he illustrates each type with specific dream examples. These types of dreaming are then used as a lens to look more closely at additional dream types that indicate dreaming as a process of creative discovery. Through virtual dreaming encounters, latent human potentials are revealed and suggest aspects for spiritual development based on dream recording, interpretation, and analysis. In turn this leads to a metaphysical description that is pan-sentient, illustrating a vivid, living universe of process-becoming in which certain dream types reveal mythic, psychic, and transpersonal capacities as intrinsic to a deeper more awakened sense of intersubjective self-awareness. While dream theories from many diverse authors are explored, the author uses an existential and phenomenological method to analyze dreaming contents in relationship to altered states of mind, trance, out of body and near-death experience, meditation, imagination, and stages of lucid self-awareness. Transpersonal dreams are given considerable attention in relationship to mystical traditions, paranormal research, and the comparative anthropology of self.

Night Comes
Night Comes

Author: Dale C. Allison Jr.

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 0802871186

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

When he was 23 years old, Dale Allison almost died in a car accident. That terrifying experience dramatically changed his ideas about death and the hereafter. In Night Comes Allison wrestles with a number of difficult questions concerning the last things -- such questions as What happens to us after we die? and Why does death so often frighten us? Armed with his acknowledged scholarly expertise, Allison offers an engaging, personal exploration of such themes as death and fear, resurrection and judgment, hell and heaven, in light of science, Scripture, and his own experience. As he ponders and creatively imagines -- engaging throughout with biblical texts, church fathers, rabbinic scholars, poets, and philosophers -- Allison offers fascinating fare that will captivate many a reader's heart and soul.

Become Conscious of Wholeness
Become Conscious of Wholeness

Author: Edwin E. Olson

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2021-11-30

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 1666723452

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

How can we transcend our tribal, philosophical, and religious differences? Is it possible to develop a global consciousness to resolve the peril to our biosphere and other human-made existential crises? Become Conscious of Wholeness: Humanity's Only Future explores how connecting human consciousness with Universal Consciousness will give individuals and societies a sense of being complete, not fragmented. Accessing Universal Consciousness, the fundamental wisdom, intelligence, and love in the Universe, will align their identity and purpose and free them from limiting beliefs and fears. Universal Consciousness is the organizing, unifying force, beyond space and time, filled with the creative potential from which our diverse philosophies, religions, and primordial traditions emerged. When Consciousness is understood from multiple scientific, spiritual, psychological, and mystical perspectives, what is of ultimate value becomes clear--our relationships with each other and the Earth, our essential Wholeness. The reader will explore various portals to Universal Consciousness, drawing upon their own mystical and spiritual experience to develop a more holistic Self. Specific action steps are also presented to reframe religion, reimagine education and mental wellbeing, and reform the business organizations, government agencies, and divisive politics that perpetuate a fragmented view of reality.

Human Intellect: Optimal Tuning and Control
Human Intellect: Optimal Tuning and Control

Author: Yuri Iserlis

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2020-07-22

Total Pages: 486

ISBN-13: 1728363403

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

It is easily can be proved that the human brain equipped sense organs can work as an universal measuring tool, and measure with sufficient accuracy after some training not only a distance, mass or volume, but and parameters of important personal functions. Unfortunately, this instrument does not have an indicator device (panel) and results of measurements usually hidden in the depth of subconscious part of mind. To extract these results of measurements, at first, is needed to find an access code for this information, secondly, to deduce this information in a convenient for perception form, and after that to decipher it. Based on this approach a new method of direct measurement of intellectual parameters was used for appraisal such characteristics of intellect and mind as creativity, intuition, willpower, stress level, vital energy index, etc. Verification of the accuracy of measurement of some bio-physical parameters measured by the same method (for example number of thrombocytes in the blood) is carried out by comparison with laboratory blood tests. Research and physical measurements of a person's intellectual abilities have shown that they can change significantly from the influence of many external factors and, first of all, of light, electromagnetic and sound perceptions of the senses, both for the better and for the worse. This allows significantly increasing the capabilities and expanding the range of use of any entrainment technology. Using algorithms of multi-parameter optimization, the method allows increasing the level of intellect and its components in several times practically for everyone. Measurement of willpower and stress opens the prospect for many people to maintain their health and activity at the proper level throughout life. In the book are collected also some rules and methods allowing to support intellectual abilities of the mind on an optimum level by means of mindset management, control of the subconscious mind, cognitive control, and control emotions. Method of measurement of intellectual abilities and compatibility of team members can be used in process of the hiring, searching a bride, etc.

Surviving Death
Surviving Death

Author: Leslie Kean

Publisher: Crown

Published: 2018-03-06

Total Pages: 449

ISBN-13: 0451497147

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

THE INSPIRATION FOR THE NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES • An impeccably researched, page-turning investigation, revealing stunning and wide-ranging evidence suggesting that consciousness survives death, from New York Times bestselling author Leslie Kean “An engaging, personal, and transformative journey that challenges the skeptic and informs us all.”—Harold E. Puthoff, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin In this groundbreaking book, award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Leslie Kean investigates the unexplained continuity of the human psyche after death. Here, Kean explores the most compelling case studies of young children reporting verifiable details from past lives, contemporary mediums who seem to defy the boundaries of the brain and of the physical world, apparitions providing information about their lives on earth, and people who die and then come back to report journeys into another dimension. Based on facts and scientific studies, Surviving Death includes fascinating chapters by medical doctors, psychiatrists, and PhDs from four countries. As a seasoned reporter whose work transcends belief systems and ideology, Kean enriches the narrative by including her own unexpected, confounding experiences encountered while she probed the question concerning all of us: Do we survive death?

Science of Life After Death
Science of Life After Death

Author: Alexander Moreira-Almeida

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-07-01

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 3031060563

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book examines the best available empirical evidence regarding one of the most challenging and pervasive questions throughout ages, cultures, and religions: the survival of human consciousness after death. It begins with a contextual overview of belief in personal survival and refutes misguided historical and epistemological arguments against the notion of survival after death (e.g., irrational, purely religious, impossible to be addressed by science, that has been proved false by neuroscience). The book provides an overview of the scientific evidence regarding the survival of human consciousness after death, focusing on studies on mediumship, near-death and out-of-body experiences, and reincarnation. Featured topics of coverage include: The belief in life after death in the contemporary world as well as in the history of religions and philosophy. The key misguided arguments and prejudices against the academic study of afterlife survival. What constitutes empirical evidence for survival after death? The main explanatory hypotheses alternative to survival after death. The chief cultural barriers to a fair examination of the available evidence for survival of consciousness after death. Science of Life After Death is an essential resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists, and other professionals in developmental and clinical psychology; spirituality, religious. and consciousness studies; psychiatry; neuroscience / neurology; phenomenology / philosophy; complementary and alternative medicine; and all interrelated disciplines.

Extrasensory Perception
Extrasensory Perception

Author: Edwin C. May

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2015-06-23

Total Pages: 873

ISBN-13: 1440832889

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Scholars from around the world collaborate to explain the history of parapsychology, the study of extrasensory perception (ESP), and the arguments of skeptics and supporters in this fascinating collection. This two-volume set introduces ESP—also known as anomalous cognition—and psychokinesis, addressing the history, research, philosophy, and scientific theories surrounding the phenomena. With contributions from leading research scientists from within the field of parapsychology and other areas of study, this reference addresses the fundamental questions that the evidence of ESP evokes; examines parapsychology research from all over the world; and explores the controversies, skepticism, and contemporary criticism disparaging the field. Written for a multidisciplinary audience ranging from physicists to psychologists to lay persons, the volumes present the scientific validity of the field. Volume 1 addresses the historical, philosophical, skeptical, and research viewpoints; volume 2 lays out the current theories on ESP. Chapters reveal how strict scientific protocols and state-of-the-art technologies enable scientists—at sites such as Harvard and Cornell universities to their international counterparts in Amsterdam, Austria, and Asia—to pinpoint and investigate ESP abilities. Appendices include a glossary of key terms in parapsychology, ESP research protocol, ESP research organizations, skeptic associations, and recommended reading.

The Wonder of It All
The Wonder of It All

Author: Peter James Bearse Ph.D.

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2018-06-23

Total Pages: 326

ISBN-13: 1546245944

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book has been written to advance a vision, to foster the nurture and sustenance of human life on the precious biosphere we call earth—our one and only home. Any vision without foundation is vacuous. So what is our foundation? There are only two basic assumptions about human nature: that we all have spiritual qualities and that our spirits aspire to reach and attain states of being, qualities of life and other things that are higher and better for ourselves and our families. It is an unerring focus on life—one that builds on its relentless force in each of us—reaching for the stars.