General New Evidence for Out-of-Body Experiences & Perennial Wisdom

[Lori Jane]

New Evidence for Out-of-Body Experiences & Perennial Wisdom | Neuroscientist Marjorie Woollacott PhD

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Description

In this wide-ranging interview with Natalia Vorontsova, Professor Marjorie Woollacott draws remarkable parallels between 9th-10th century Kashmiri Shaivism and modern idealism, pointing to the fundamental and irreducible nature of consciousness. Moreover, her study of near-death experiences empirically supports this very hypothesis of the existence of a fundamental consciousness without neurons and beyond our five senses. This is an open conversation about life, death, and who we really are as 'points of consciousness.'

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Summary​

• Personal experiences can challenge established beliefs, prompting individuals to explore new perspectives that may provide deeper insights. When scientists encounter phenomena that conflict with their training, these experiences can lead to a reevaluation of their understanding and hypotheses, as they seek to reconcile the empirical with the experiential.
• The speaker emphasizes that consciousness is fundamental and should be viewed as a primary element of reality rather than a mere byproduct of neurological processes. This perspective encourages researchers to investigate the intersection of science and spirituality, providing a broader understanding of consciousness and its impact on human experience.
• The speaker's journey illustrates that there can often be a conflict between intellectual beliefs and personal experiences. They reveal how trusting one's inner experience can lead to profound insights, suggesting that the heart often knows what the mind has yet to fully comprehend.
• Kashmiri Shaivism is an ancient Indian philosophy that emphasizes the fundamental nature of consciousness as the essence of reality. It holds significant relevance as it explores how consciousness manifests in various forms and highlights the importance of recognizing this inherent connection.
• Traditional materialistic views often consider consciousness a product of physical processes in the brain, whereas the concept of consciousness as a whole sees it as a fundamental aspect of the universe that connects all entities, emphasizing shared experience and interconnectivity.
• Ancient philosophies provide experiential insights and frameworks that enrich modern scientific methods, suggesting that consciousness encompasses more than analytical reasoning and can be comprehended through personal discovery and mystical experiences.
• Studies on near-death experiences challenge the notion that consciousness is solely dependent on brain function, suggesting that consciousness may exist independently and can provide profound insights into human experience and existence beyond the physical realm.
• Pam Reynolds' case highlights the possibility that consciousness can exist independently from active brain function, suggesting that experiences during near-death situations may not be fully explainable by current neuroscience. This challenges traditional notions of how consciousness is tied to the brain.
• Skeptics often argue that since only a small percentage of individuals report memories from near-death experiences, these cases may not provide enough evidence for their authenticity. They suggest that physiological factors like hallucinations or changes in brain function could explain the experiences, but instances like Reynolds' challenge these arguments with verified details she could not have perceived through conventional senses.
• Near-death experiences suggest that consciousness may exist independently of the physical body. Many individuals report vivid, detached experiences during moments of clinical death, leading them to conclude that awareness and identity are not solely tied to physicality and may extend beyond the physical realm.
• Studies have shown that hypnosis can help individuals access memories that are otherwise difficult to retrieve, particularly those associated with traumatic events like near-death experiences. This is because entering a specific state of consciousness can bring those memories to the surface, allowing for detailed recollection and verification.
• Meditation can enhance scientists' observational abilities and facilitate deeper insights by quieting the mind, allowing for creative thoughts and innovative ideas to emerge, which can lead to significant breakthroughs in research.
• Numerous prestigious universities worldwide are starting to include consciousness studies in their curriculums, allowing students to pursue research through various programs dedicated to exploring the nature of consciousness and its implications.
• Meditation can enhance self-awareness, decrease reliance on external validation, and foster a deeper understanding of one's passions, ultimately leading to transformative changes in life perspective and emotional well-being.
• Recognizing intrinsic value shifts the focus from external accomplishments to self-acceptance and personal fulfillment, leading to a more enjoyable and less competitive approach to life.
• Terminal lucidity refers to the phenomenon where individuals with cognitive decline regain clarity before death, suggesting a deeper understanding of consciousness and its potential continuity beyond physical life.
• Fear of death often stems from societal norms and medical training that emphasize survival without addressing the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying, making it a daunting subject for many.
• Reincarnation encourages individuals to view life as a series of learning opportunities rather than a singular event. It creates a sense of continuity in existence, allowing for deeper reflection on the purpose of life and personal growth.
• Voting beliefs out of religions can lead to significant shifts in doctrine and practice, often reshaping the core identity of a faith. It raises questions about the nature of truth in spirituality and the processes by which beliefs are accepted or discarded within religious communities.

New Evidence for Out-of-Body Experiences & Perennial Wisdom | Neuroscientist Marjorie Woollacott PhD​

Background and Career Transition 02:15​

"I started out my university training and my career as a materialist neuroscientist, believing that consciousness was solely produced by the activity of neurons in my brain."

• The speaker begins by outlining his initial position as a neuroscientist who adhered to the materialist reductionist paradigm, a view that sees consciousness as a byproduct of neural activity.
• Throughout his career, he gained significant credentials, including serving as a professor for 35 years at the University of Oregon and chairing the Department of Human Physiology.
• He published over 200 papers and worked on significant NIH grants, establishing himself as a respected figure in the field of neuroscience focused on brain development, aging, and neurological diseases.

Metaphysical Exploration and Personal Awakening 05:41​

"I regard consciousness as fundamental and I regard matter as derivative from consciousness."

• After a transformative experience during a meditation retreat in 1976, the speaker began to explore concepts beyond traditional neuroscience, guided by the awareness of a greater reality.
• This shift catalyzed a personal crisis in his worldview, leading him to question whether consciousness could exist independently of physical processes.
• His awakening inspired further research into non-materialist perspectives, bridging the gap between classical neuroscience and ancient spiritual teachings about consciousness.

Impact of Personal Experience on Scientific Perspective 08:00​

"I think curiosity is a very important aspect of a scientist."

• The speaker reflects on how his personal experiences of meditation led to profound feelings of love and joy, subsequently igniting a deep curiosity about the nature of consciousness.
• He describes a transition from merely teaching neuroscience to exploring the deeper implications of consciousness, including its relation to near-death experiences and spiritual awakenings.
• The interplay between personal experience and academic inquiry fueled his desire to seek answers that aligned his scientific training with new spiritual insights, eventually leading to a dual approach that he maintains in his research today.

Trusting Our Inner Experience and Integrating Knowledge 12:02​

"Can I trust my own subjective experience and not just believe the intellect?"

• The speaker reflects on a meeting in Sweden with colleagues who held materialist views, prompting them to question their own beliefs and experiences.
• During this period, they found themselves grappling with the reliability of their interiority versus external intellectual frameworks dictated by culture and profession.
• Over time, they recognized that their heart often led them toward exploration and understanding full of potential, while their intellect struggled to keep pace in reconciling these divergent aspects of experience.

Discovering Kashmiri Shaivism 13:10​

"The reason that I became interested in Kashmiri Shaivism was... I began taking courses in Kashmiri Shaivism."

• The interest in Kashmiri Shaivism originated during a sabbatical at Rochester University, where the speaker immersed themselves in Asian studies.
• This exploration introduced them to the "Recognition Sutras," which were pivotal in understanding the importance of consciousness as a fundamental aspect of existence.
• The subtlety in these teachings raises awareness of how consciousness is expanded and contracted and its relationship to our perception of reality.

The Essence of Consciousness in Kashmiri Shaivism 14:46​

"Consciousness, out of its own freedom, is the source and the power of everything."

• The first sutra, translated as above, indicates that consciousness is the root of all existence and manifests itself with freedom, power, and totality.
• The speaker highlights the absence of a verb in this sutra, emphasizing that consciousness itself is defined by these critical qualities instead of by an action.
• This concept resonates with modern discussions around idealism, suggesting a parallel between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding of consciousness.

The Illusion of Duality and Personal Experience 17:34​

"The person whose nature is the contracted mind experiences the illusion of duality."

• According to the second sutra, as we contract into individual minds, we create a perception of separateness from the universe, which generates the illusion of duality.
• The speaker explains how our thoughts and perceptions filter our understanding, carving out our reality from an expansive consciousness.
• This concept draws significant parallels to modern neuroscience, particularly the filter theory, which asserts that our brain filters out broader awareness, aligning with ancient teachings on perceived duality.

Understanding Differences Between Advaita Vedanta and Kashmiri Shaivism 19:56​

"Advaita Vedanta says that the world is maya, the illusion, whereas Shaivism says the world is Shiva."

• The primary distinction between Advaita Vedanta and Kashmiri Shaivism lies in their views on the nature of the world and consciousness.
• While Advaita Vedanta regards the world as an illusion, Kashmiri Shaivism posits that the material world is a manifestation of Shiva, or universal consciousness.
• This perspective asserts that consciousness permeates all reality and retains its inherent characteristics, which fosters a deeper recognition of one's being.

The Nature of Consciousness and Its Parallels 22:24​

“This one consciousness gives purpose, meaning, and direction to the universe, and it wants to know itself to fulfill itself and thus enjoy and love its existence.”

• The speaker draws a parallel between modern understandings of consciousness and ancient philosophical texts, suggesting that both perspectives regard consciousness as a fundamental element of the universe.
• They highlight key properties of consciousness such as free will and its holistic nature, noting that consciousness is irreducible and dynamic, echoing principles from Kashmiri Shaivism.
• The idea of consciousness units, as described by Federico Faggin, underscores that these units are interconnected parts of a singular whole, asserting that individual entities do not exist separately but rather represent the entirety.

Knowledge Through Different Paths 24:25​

“Many of the texts, in fact, that were written in the 10th century, whether they were Buddhist texts or texts from Kashmir, came as part of revelation, not something that was analytically or intellectually achieved.”

• The speaker points out the historical context of Kashmir and its interactions with Tibetan philosophies, stressing that both mystical awakening and intellectual inquiry have contributed to our understanding of consciousness.
• They examine how revelations in ancient texts provide insights that resonate with modern idealism, suggesting that there is credibility in both ancient and contemporary knowledge systems.
• The convergence of revelatory and intellectual pursuits adds depth to the exploration of consciousness, inviting consideration of different methods of acquiring knowledge, including mystical experiences.

The Integration of Materialism and Consciousness 26:12​

“It’s not that it’s ever an either or… Can you expand your vision to include the vase and the face; the five senses and the object of the universe.”

• The speaker illustrates a metaphor of a vase and faces to represent the relationship between materialism and consciousness, emphasizing that these perspectives are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary.
• They discuss the importance of expanding one’s perception of reality beyond a solely materialistic standpoint, advocating for the inclusion of intuitive and expansive experiences.
• The discussion highlights new neuroscientific research that suggests a deeper entanglement of consciousness, prompting the re-evaluation of established views on how consciousness operates within our physical reality.

The Evidence for Consciousness Beyond Neurons 30:41​

“There are strong cases giving evidence for the fundamental nature of consciousness, meaning that it doesn't emerge solely from the activity of neurons in our brain.”

• The speaker addresses the debate surrounding near-death experiences (NDEs), referencing studies that challenge the materialist perspective by demonstrating conscious experiences during periods when the brain shows flat activity.
• They cite research indicating that individuals who have undergone cardiac arrest and later reported NDEs possessed awareness and perceptions beyond what materialistic explanations could account for.
• This evidence supports the notion that consciousness may transcend physical brain activity, highlighting a fundamental gap between traditional neuroscience and emergent phenomena observed through empirical studies.

Near-Death Experience of Pam Reynolds 32:26​

"During surgery, her eyes are taped shut, and she cannot see through her eyes regardless of the situation."

• Pam Reynolds underwent a high-risk surgical procedure to remove a brain stem aneurysm, where her eyes were taped shut and her brain activity was significantly suppressed using drugs and hypothermia.
• During this time, Reynolds reported an extraordinary near-death experience (NDE) that included vividly witnessing events occurring in the operating room despite being in a state that should preclude any conscious awareness.
• Her awareness peaked at the moment a cutting tool began working on her skull. Despite the intense sedation and lack of neuronal activity, she vividly described sensations, sounds, and visuals associated with the surgery.
• "It was the most aware that I think I have ever been in my entire life," she noted, indicating a profound level of consciousness contrary to the medical situation.
• Reynolds reported seeing detailed aspects of the surgical team, including a peculiar shaving pattern of her head, and even an uncommon tool that they were using, which could only be perceived if she had an active sensory experience.
• There are claims from the attending neurosurgeon, Dr. Spetzler, that it is scientifically implausible for her to have those perceptions given her clinical condition, raising significant questions about the nature of consciousness and its connection to the physical brain.

Insights from Neuroscientific Perspective 41:30​

"From a scientific perspective, I have absolutely no explanation about how it could have happened."

• The case of Pam Reynolds serves as a fascinating challenge to traditional understandings of consciousness. It suggests that conscious awareness might exist outside of conventional neural pathways and brain function.
• Dr. Spetzler remarked that the typical scenarios of hallucinations from low oxygen were absent here, due to the extreme depth of sedation and total brain shut down Reynolds was experiencing.
• This anomaly raises essential questions regarding the nature of human consciousness, particularly in life-threatening situations where conventional understandings fall short.

Sharing Hypnosis Sessions and Verification 42:33​

"She shared the recordings of the hypnosis sessions with her hospital staff and caregivers, and they verified everything she said."

• The hypnosis sessions conducted on individuals who experienced near-death experiences (NDEs) were shared with hospital staff and caregivers, who confirmed the accuracy of the accounts provided by the subjects.
• This verification is significant because it adds credibility to the claims made by those who report having NDEs, particularly as recent studies indicate that these experiences may not be as frequent as previously thought.
• Some researchers, such as Sam Parnia, suggest that the low percentage of people recalling NDEs might be due to patients not retaining memories of the events rather than the experiences being rare.

Access to Memories Through Hypnosis 43:45​

"Studies are showing that under hypnosis, these memories have this new tool for coming now to the surface."

• Research indicates that hypnosis can act as a tool to retrieve memories that lie outside normal recall abilities. This retrieval may help individuals access deeper memories, similar to recalling dreams that fade upon waking.
• When individuals return to a specific state of consciousness, such as during hypnosis, they may be able to remember experiences tied to that state, including those related to NDEs.
• Case studies, like that of Stephanie Arnold, demonstrate how under hypnosis, patients could recall detailed and verified memories from their experiences during cardiac arrest.

Notable Cases of Near-Death Experiences 44:42​

"There are 14 separate events that happened during her cardiac arrest that were later verified by hospital personnel."

• In the case of Stephanie Arnold, she recalled 14 specific events during her cardiac arrest, all of which were confirmed by hospital staff. This lends weight to her claims of experiencing consciousness outside of her physical body.
• Arnold witnessed actions taken by doctors and nurses while her eyes were taped shut, including the delivery of her child by a different doctor and the administering of life-saving measures during her cardiac arrest.
• Such corroboration indicates that memories of significant medical events may remain accessible even if patients initially do not remember them.

The Transformative Power of Near-Death Experiences 50:14​

"From that moment she knew that consciousness was fundamental, that she was not just this physical body."

• Following her NDE, cases like that of Dr. Bettina Payton highlight a profound shift in understanding consciousness and existence, where she recognized that her identity transcended her physical form.
• Many NDE survivors experience a radical change in their outlook on life and death, often leading to a greater fearlessness regarding mortality and a desire to help others.
• Such transformations in perspective can significantly impact one's professional life and personal philosophies, including a shift from atheism to recognizing a deeper, non-physical aspect of existence.

The Intersection of Meditation and Scientific Inquiry 52:14​

"Meditators are probably very good scientists studying meditation because they have watched the phenomenon from their own interiority."

• The speaker draws a parallel between the practices of meditation and scientific exploration, suggesting that meditators possess a unique perspective that is beneficial for understanding consciousness.
• They emphasize that through meditation, individuals can observe what affects their ability to achieve expanded awareness and what facilitates that state.
• This introspective journey enhances curiosity, motivating individuals to explore and investigate the workings of their brain and consciousness beyond surface levels.

Academic Opportunities in Consciousness Studies 53:10​

"The academic environment is slowly changing, and there are more and more professors doing research related to the fundamental nature of consciousness."

• In response to inquiries from students interested in studying consciousness, the speaker outlines the growing academic landscape supporting this field of research at several prestigious universities in the United States and Europe.
• Universities such as Harvard, Oxford, and Johns Hopkins are mentioned as key institutions where research related to consciousness is being conducted.
• The speaker encourages students to apply to these institutions and emphasizes the importance of developing parallel lines of research: one in their passionate area of consciousness studies and another in a mainstream field to establish credibility.

The Role of Personal Experience in Science 55:16​

"Having your own first-person experiences is not a hindrance towards being a scientist and producing credible work; in fact, it's a strength."

• The speaker stresses that personal experiences gained through practices such as meditation can enrich scientific inquiry, rather than detract from it.
• They note that many significant scientific insights have been reported to originate in moments of mental calmness or dreams, indicating that acknowledging non-linear thinking may enhance scientific discovery.
• This approach highlights the idea that quieting the mind through meditation can make insights more accessible, which is essential for productive experimentation.

Bridging Spirituality and Science 56:44​

"We could take away the word spirituality and look at it simply as a view that there is a fundamental consciousness."

• The conversation transitions to the potential unification of spirituality and science. The speaker suggests that removing the label "spirituality" could help frame the discussion in a more scientific context.
• They propose that quieting the mind and accessing deeper states of awareness is essential for scientific inquiry and creativity, without needing to categorize these practices as spiritual.
• By acknowledging a fundamental consciousness as a scientific fact rather than a spiritual belief, a neutral platform for inquiry and exploration can be established.

The Impact of a Post-Materialist Worldview 58:26​

"Persons with a post-materialist worldview feel a deep interconnection with others and tend to have a more compassionate attitude."

• The speaker emphasizes the social and ecological benefits that arise from adopting a post-materialist perspective, which views consciousness as fundamental in the universe.
• This mindset leads individuals to experience greater compassion for fellow human beings and all living creatures, often resulting in altruistic behaviors.
• Research shows that shifts in worldview towards understanding consciousness can encourage appreciation for material possessions without the overwhelming need for materialism, promoting balanced living and interconnectedness.

Trustworthy Universe and Personal Value 01:01:56​

"We need to understand that this is a trustworthy universe and that I am really co-creating as part of an experiment—the expansion of consciousness within this universe."

• The speaker expresses the belief that the universe is inherently trustworthy and that individuals play an active role in co-creating their experiences. This connection to the universe fosters a sense of joy and passion, primarily aimed at expanding consciousness.
• Focusing on the positive aspects of existence allows individuals to experience these qualities in their daily lives. Our perception of reality is shaped by where we direct our attention, a concept expressed by Carl Jung in his works.

Transformation Through Meditation 01:02:40​

"Before I had that meditation experience, I believed that my only value in the world was related to how much I actually produced."

• The speaker recounts their transformation from a strictly materialistic view of self-worth—linked to academic success and productivity—to recognizing intrinsic value as a being, emphasizing that everyone is lovable as they are.
• This shift in understanding, achieved through rigorous meditation practice, allows for a newfound joy in research and personal fulfillment rather than the pressure of demonstrating one's value through accomplishments.

The Joy of Unfolding Reality 01:04:40​

"It's the fact of doing what we enjoy most, doing what we feel will fulfill us, and then having fun with it during the day."

• The speaker highlights that the essence of life is not competition but engaging with one's passions and sharing them with others. This approach fosters a playful exploration of reality and consciousness expansion.
• The outcome of daily endeavors—whether perceived as a win or a loss—becomes less relevant compared to the inherent satisfaction derived from participation in the creative journey of life.

Death and Afterlife Perspectives 01:06:42​

"Many people are afraid of the dying process and death... our research is really about learning more about these end-of-life phenomena."

• The speaker comments on societal fears surrounding death and the medical community's focus on prolonging life rather than aiding in the transition process. Their research into phenomena such as terminal lucidity offers insights into a peaceful end-of-life experience.
• The speaker shares anecdotal evidence from after-death communication studies, suggesting that many individuals report happiness and lucidity after passing, indicating continuity of consciousness.

Theories on Afterlife and Reincarnation 01:09:20​

"I think it makes a lot of sense to me that we would come back to continually learning."

• The speaker draws from a blend of scientific and philosophical perspectives to speculate on what occurs after death, positing the idea of reincarnation as an avenue for ongoing learning and growth in consciousness.
• They reference notable research studies that suggest possible cases of reincarnation, which reinforce the notion that life may transcend a single physical existence, encouraging a broader exploration of consciousness through multiple lifetimes.

The Concept of Life Beyond Earth 01:11:44​

"It's not our first life and last life on Earth."

• The idea presented is that human existence is not confined to a singular life; rather, the possibility of reincarnation challenges the notion of a one-time life experience.
• This perspective suggests that life is a continuous journey filled with opportunities for learning and growth across multiple lifetimes.

The Value of Existence 01:11:57​

"Such a short moment and so much to learn, so much to do, and so much to explore, and so much to grow actually."

• Life, though fleeting, is rich with experiences that allow for significant personal development.
• Each lifetime presents unique opportunities for exploration and understanding, emphasizing the importance of making the most out of our time.

Reincarnation in the Context of Christianity 01:12:04​

"Reincarnation was a part of Christianity until a particular council."

• The belief in reincarnation was once integrated into Christian doctrine but was ultimately rejected by certain councils in the past.
• This historical context highlights how spiritual beliefs can evolve and change over time, with implications for how followers view life and existence.

Core Christian Beliefs and Mysticism 01:12:31​

"Most of the Christian beliefs that are the core ones are: God is love."

• Fundamental Christian tenets emphasize love and connection as central themes, paralleling mysticism in other spiritual traditions.
• The mystics of Christianity, Buddhism, and other religions commonly share themes of unity and higher consciousness, which suggests a universal understanding of divinity and existence.

 

[Outcast]

Maybe it is just my tired old body that hampers my willingness to try to replace spiritual understanding with this scientific exploration of what happens in our brains. Then again, I suspect that man will investigate how the mind works and embark on a journey that will always be subject to someone else's conclusions or just more questions.

At the close of each day, the result will always be what our memories of the day tell us. Our memories are stored data that may or may not remain. (As I get older, they are less dependable.)

Our human bodies depend on electrical interaction that we call "life." If we break it down to our flesh and organs signaling each other to compel movement that sustains life, it becomes apparent to me that our bodies are simply God's temporary housing for our spirits. Our spirits began with an electrical stimulation that created life.

Science tells me that energy cannot be destroyed - it can be only converted to another form of energy.

The shortcut to a conclusion is that two existing bodies came together to initiate another container for life called a fetus. God inserts energy into this fetus - the thing we call spirit - and life begins. We know life begins because that fetus starts moving and growing. - all of this happens because there is a spirit causing that to happen. The miracle of birth is the insertion of a spirit.

Now, we are told that the tendency of our corrupted spirit - thanks, Adam and Eve - is to one day become aware of "right and wrong." I think it depends on the individual's environment (including the type of persons who impart understanding and emotion into the child) to reach a point when the child commits the first sin.

At that major point, the spirit Yahweh initial implanted is doomed to perish unless God grants it the ability to be born again under a New Covenant through the Son of God's obedience to His Father.

Now, Yahweh the only true God, us the designer, the creator, and the engineer for this person. He wants this person to love and obey Him and everyone else - agape - in order to spend eternity with Him in a new world.

Science wants to examine all of this in scientific terms.

I think I am doing well just to know who my Creator is and learn to walk as His Son did. The rest is details that science wiggles around to distract us from being who God wants us to be.

Without a spirit in us, we have no life. I'm grateful that Yahweh is sharing His Spirit with me.