Introduction
Throughout the history of human civilization there have been large number of instances where so called “miracles” have been performed. These have included levitation, production of material things from thin air, physical healing, etc. The nature of these miracles is same, irrespective of religion and different civilizations. Some of their accounts have been exaggerated but a large body of information shows remarkable consistency in their nature and reporting though the producers of such miracles always claimed that God or higher forces and entities use them as medium.
To my mind these events have come because of interaction of human thought and material surroundings. After all, a thought produced by physical brain must be physical in nature and hence governed by certain scientific laws. Thus, the curiosity arose about which laws of science operate to make these things happen. This essay is my humble attempt in trying to understand them.
I have been writing about these issues since 1977. They have been written in a diary form and are intuitive in nature and hence not exact in the formal sense. So about 5 years ago I posted the complete diary on the web for wider circulation in the fond hope that some bright reader might be inspired by the ideas and help in providing a rigorous and scientific proof to some of them.
I have distilled some of these ideas in my book, “Nature of Human Thought” which was published in 2004 and its second edition in 2010. Recently I have written another book “Spirituality + Technology = Happiness” which extends and explores mind-matter interaction issues further.
Most of the times scientists scoff at these conjectural ideas and term them pseudo-science. However if in early 1800s somebody had told mankind about Einstein’s relativity theory and the space-time continuum, people would have had the same reaction as today’s so called hard-core scientists have about mind/matter subjects. The black magic of today is often the science of tomorrow!
A great joy results when we look deeply at anything. It is the nature of mind that when it is working at its full capacity on something positive then great contentment and happiness results. I feel understanding mind-matter interaction process falls in this category.
Mind matter interaction can only happen when human thought and gravity can be correlated. Matter and gravity are interlinked and according to Einstein gravity is nothing else but a curvature of space-time continuum and hence geometric in nature. It is my conjecture that the structure of thought is also geometric and hence it is possible that both thought and gravity are related at a deeper level.
We will try to explore this relationship later. But first we will try to understand the structure of thought and explore the possible mechanism on how it could be related to gravity.
Thought structure
There is a consensus that a thought is produced when the brain neurons fire. How many neurons fire for a single thought nobody knows. We can further conjecture that firing of neurons produces a hologram structurewhich can be called a thought.
Firing of neurons takes place when neural pathways are activated. This activation is triggered either by signals from our five sense organs or stimulation of certain memory space in the brain. Neural pathways help neurons to communicate with each other. During this communication electrical signal from a neuron is converted into chemicals (neurotransmitters) and transmitted across the synaptic cleft to another neuron where it is again converted to electrical signal for onward journey. Synaptic cleft is an extremely small space (~ 20 nm) between two neurons.
The process of conversion of electrical signal to chemicals and then again to electrical signal produces weak photons – possibly in synaptic cleft. It can be conjectured that these photons from large number of neural pathways combine to form a hologram which we can call a thought. As this thought-hologram is three dimensional it could be the reason why most of our thinking is geometric in nature and we seem to visualize everything in terms of shapes and geometry.
How does such a firing of neurons produce a thought? Emerging science of synchronization might help to explain it. This field emerged when it became possible to explain successfully how a very large number of fireflies after their random initial firing, started glowing in a synchronous manner in a short time. Thus synchronization of fireflies glowing, heart cells beating (pace maker), etc. are all outcome of a spontaneous order by which a large number of similar objects or oscillators start working or firing in unison.
These oscillators synchronize spontaneously since they are influenced by each other via a positive feedback-type mechanism. For example, in case of fireflies this feedback is through their light signals whereas in heart cells it is through mechanical coupling. The feedback allows the oscillators to adjust their phases so that they synchronize to produce the desired intended result. In a similar way it is possible that the weak photons produced during firing of neurons synchronize and form a thought-hologram.
This synchronization is guided by an entity called ‘I’ (ego, will, sense of identity, etc.) which acts like a symphony director and helps provide the necessary energy and focus to maintain a given thought for a certain time. It also synchronizes random signals emanating from different parts of the brain to form a stable thought-hologram and constantly compares it with signals from outside to provide us a sense of reality.
We still do not understand completely how ‘I’ can influence this process, but just like the music conductor who determines which part of the orchestra plays for how long, ‘I’ decides how long a particular thought will remain in the “vision” field. This process is called concentration and seems to also exist in animals.
With practice, concentration becomes stronger till a person can make nearly all the 100 billion neurons fire in a laser-like fashion for a long time on a single thought. This is the genesis of meditation or Samadhi and results in Sanyam according to Sage Patanjali. According to him Sanyam on any subject results in its complete knowledge.
I also conjecture that with practice the deep thought-hologram can be made so intense that it can transform suddenly from 4-dimensional space-time to higher dimensions and may reside there as a very stable memory and possibly interact with gravity. We will explore this idea further.
Thought in Higher Dimensions
Our world that we see and feel is four-dimensional (three dimensions of space and one of time). However, theoretical physicists have recently suggested that there could be 10 dimensions of space and one of time to make our universe 11-dimensional. Cosmologists and physicists invoke these extra seven dimensions in order to relate electromagnetic, nuclear and other forces with the all-pervasive gravity field. Unfortunately, we cannot see these higher dimensions but at best can conceptualize them through higher mathematics. Even Einstein in late 1930s dabbled in higher dimensions to create a unified theory of everything but gave it up later on.
Interestingly our present universe has only 5% ordinary visible matter and the rest 95 % consists of “dark matter” and “dark energy” which we cannot see and know very little about. It is quite possible that this energy and matter may exist in higher dimensional space. An interesting aspect of higher dimensional reality could be that a being residing in it will be able to predict events in our four-dimensional world since he/she will have a “better view”. Some yogis get this power through Sanyam.
According to Sankhya and Patanjali yoga systems Universal Consciousness is even more ancient and pervasive than gravity and it is quite possible that our universe may be multi-dimensional and substantial part of it exists in higher dimensions. It is also possible that the four-dimensional space-time continuum, which we can visualize and feel, could be a “crystallization” or “shadow” of multi-dimensional reality.
Our ancient Rishis and Yogis seemed to have some knowledge of this cosmic process. For example there are few sutras in Patanjali Yoga which describes about space and time on similar lines as the present theories. Similarly in Bhagwad Gita Lord Krishna showed Arjun the “Virat” form (Virat means huge) or the birth of cosmos. The description of “Virat” form in Chapter 11 of Gita is remarkably similar to that of destruction of matter by a black hole! However, for Arjun to see this form Lord Krishna gave him a divine vision since with the existing vision it was not possible to show him the multi-dimensional reality. Maybe for us also it might not be possible to see the higher dimensions till we remain in the present four-dimensional world.
The four-dimensional space-time continuum is slightly flexible and thus it can be bent by massive bodies. The bending of this continuum results in deflection of light when it passes near these bodies. Einstein predicted this bending of light in his famous paper on General Theory of Relativity published in 1915. This prediction was confirmed experimentally in 1919 by the British physicist Arthur Eddington when he showed that the light from a distant star bent as it passed the sunduring the total solar eclipse.
We can conjecture that as the space-time dimensions increase and become greater than four it is possible that the rigidity of space also increases and it is this rigidity that we are interested in looking at how deep thought may interact with gravity. We will now explore how the space-time dimensions could be increased by a novel concept of “Thought Engine”.
Thought Engine and Production of Matter
It is possible that the transformation of thought from one space-time dimension to another takes place via a “Thought Engine”. This is similar to a reversible heat-engine, where energy flows from higher temperature (source) to lower temperature (sink) and in doing so the engine produces work.
Similarly, in the “thought-engine” when a certain dimensional space transforms into a lower-dimensional space, energy or mass comes out and by application of energy and mass, a lower-dimensional space can be transformed into a higher-dimensional space. The transformation from one space-dimension to other is via a quantum jump and hence is not a continuous transition.
If we take this analogy further, then we can conjecture that at the highest space-time dimensional transformation, even the time gets sucked in and only space remains. This is a novel concept showing that time can be introduced and removed from the universe and hence the total time in
Universe could be constant. This concept is schematically shown in Fig. 5. The origin and evolution of Universe as depicted in this figure is very much in line with that given in Sankhya philosophy.
Maybe the final dimension (which we can call ‘G’) is GOD. Probably it is ‘Akash’ (Sanskrit word for space) or the final entity as discussed by the ancient Indian philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in his famous book Vivekachudamani. This ‘G’ space has always existed with no past, present or future.
Fig.5. Possible evolutionary model of life
We can also conjecture that as time is used (sucked in) for transforming lower dimensions into ultimate ‘G’ dimensional space it is equivalent to energy and since it devolves into ultimate space it may have geometric properties. Thus it is possible that TIME, ENERGY and SPACE are related. Since time is the last thing to devolve, it is possible that our present world may have time dimensions. We are however not sure what those dimensions are. Also as time is the last thing to be absorbed, it is theoretically not possible to go back in time!
Another outcome of this idea is that as our minds are the product of Universal time frame it is theoretically not possible to fully comprehend the “Mind of God” (which is beyond time) and get the theory of everything!
Thought engine also provides a possibility of annihilation and production of matter and I feel that it is at this level that deep thought and gravity could be related. This could also be a mechanism by which some Yogis claim to produce material from thin air and could explain the poltergeist phenomenon! This is similar to what modern physics describes as production of matter from vacuum!
Similarly, the concept of thought engine also opens a possibility of higher dimensional-based form-templates being transformed into matter and hence creation of completely new designs and inventions. Besides, it also provides a mechanism by which personal consciousness is connected to Universal Consciousness since we can reach space ‘G’ through deep thought. Thus, deep thought, matter, space, time and Universal Consciousness are all related. With this relationship it may be possible to find out how we can get Universal knowledge and may progress towards understanding the Mind of God.
Thought and Gravity
We have conjectured that deep thought is geometric in nature. So is gravity and hence it is possible that they may be somehow related. Thus, deep thought may bend the space-time continuum similar to that done by gravitational mass. This interaction might take place in higher dimensional space. Also, as mass could be produced and annihilated via a thought-engine during transformation of spaces, it is possible that deep thought and gravity maybe related at a deeper level.
As was stated earlier there is a large body of psychokinesis data from all over the world attesting to the interaction of mind and matter. Thus production of materials from thin air; changing their property by application of thought only; levitation; etc. have been reported by people throughout the ages and from all different civilizations.
Deep thought is a product of almost 100 billion neurons firing in a laser-like fashion. Similarly, it may be possible that gravity manifests only when a very large number of particles are involved. Both gravity and deep thought therefore could be an outcome of large-number mathematics. The exact nature of how it takes place is presently not known.
We can only measure gravity with masses of the order of milligrams. According to physicists below this mass it is extremely difficult to measure gravity since gravitational forces are very weak. Nevertheless, even a milligram of substance contains billions and billions of atoms and it is possible that these large numbers produce (possibly through the movement of electrons and atoms, etc.) a signature called gravity. This concept is very conjectural in nature. However, it is quite possible that movement produces the necessary structure which could be either thought (firing of neurons) or gravity (movement of electrons etc.). Movement is an outcome of time and as we saw in Fig. 5. gravity itself resulted when space started flowing. Without time there is no movement and ultimately everything devolves into ‘G’ space.
Gravity Antennas
That the ancients knew about the effect of gravity on human soul is also attested to by the superstructures built for kings and queens’ burials. It can therefore be conjectured that the Egyptians built the massive pyramids as gravity antennas for passage of soul. The biggest Giza pyramid is estimated to weigh 6 million tons and the King’s and Queen’s burial chambers are close to and equidistant from the center of gravity of the pyramid. It is quite possible that the ancient Egyptians understood that localized gravity might help the passage of soul through intergalactic space. Alternatively, it is also possible that a pyramid might act as an antenna for deep thought or Universal Consciousness to help resurrect the King and the Queen! I feel the same laws may have been used by the Yogis when they meditated inside deep caves in mountains. The mountains could have acted as antennas for reception of universal knowledge.
There are many instances in Indian Yogic tradition where highly evolved Yogis and enlightened individuals left their body with full knowledge of conjunction of planets and stars. Thus in Mahabharata it is mentioned that Bhishma Pitamah stayed on the prickly arrow cot for six months before he left his body during “Uttarayan” (Sanskrit word for sun rising from north) when the sun was closest to earth in winter. Similarly Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna – two great Yogis of India in the 19th Century left their body by will, after detailed understanding of planets’ conjunction through the almanac. In ancient Indian text of “Brahma Sutra”, it is stated that the soul guided by Sun’s gravity reaches a space called heaven.
At another level, the earth’s gravitational field might have helped in evolution of life on this planet. The molecules of a certain size became “living” when they resonated with the gravitational field of the earth. Since movement is an outcome of time, it is quite possible that at this juncture the concept of time also got embedded in the “living” systems. These could be the “critical size” molecules, which were essential for evolution of life. We do not know what this critical size was, but these molecules effectively became gravity antennas.
In nature all the forces acting on a living entity help in its evolution. Gravity forces are the largest force acting on any organism on this planet earth. Hence it is natural and quite possible that gravity helped in life’s evolution. It may be interesting to test this hypothesis by taking the “critical size” molecules in the zero-gravity environment of outer space and to see whether they replicate and transfer the genetic information-the basic prerequisite for life.
Alpha Waves
The interaction of deep thought and gravity can also be seen in the interaction of alpha waves with earth. Alpha waves are produced in the brain when we are in meditation or relaxing. These waves are generally in the range of 8-12 Hz frequency. The earth diameter (~12,800 km) is such that it can have a standing half-wave of 11.7 Hz (close to 12 Hz). Is it therefore possible that our brain evolved in such a manner that the earth’s geometry influenced the alpha wave production?
Incidentally scientists have also discovered that before major earthquakes an electromagnetic wave of 0.01-10 Hz comes from deep inside the earth. This wave is sometimes sensed by animals and could be the basis of reported earthquake prediction by them. In some other habitable planet, the living beings may have different alpha waves depending on the geometric shape and size of that planet. Similarly, life on other planets may evolve according to their gravity field besides the effect of other environmental variables.
The relationship between alpha waves and earth’s geometry may have other implications. Practitioners of Bhakti Yoga and Buddhist traditions have always stressed the need to allow full flow of thought waves without any interference from ego or sense of identity ‘ I ‘ for achieving Samadhi. Bhakti Yoga says that one should completely sublimate ‘ I ‘ by abandoning oneself to God or Universal Consciousness. Similarly Buddhist lamas of Tibet suggest that one should try to relax so that the ego stops interfering in thought production. I feel both these practitioners are intuitively trying to allow the mind to follow the alpha wave pattern. Thus when mind gets tuned to the gravitational field of the earth, meditation and Samadhi results!
Besides gravity, earth’s magnetic field may also affect the thought process. A human brain produces a small electromagnetic field. The measurement of this field by EEG shows the activity levels of the brain; whether it is producing alpha or other waves. Any weak or powerful magnetic field may therefore affect its working and hence the thought. Our present age is an electric age and thus we cannot help being engulfed in electromagnetic (EM) fields. Whether they are from our cell phones, or overhead high voltage wires, or microwave ovens, MRI scans, etc., we are continuously being bathed by them and cannot escape them. These man-made fields together with the fluctuations in earth’s magnetic fields created by solar storms provide a large number of possibilities of affecting the human thought process.
Both gravitational and magnetic fields, all around the world, vary slightly from their mean values. Since they can affect the working of the brain, it is possible that some places maybe more conducive to creating deep thought and creativity. This could have been one of the basis of setting up temples and holy places all over the world.
Our present science is based on reductionist principles. We believe that once we find the basic building block then we can construct the whole universe around it. Thus the physicists all over the world are building bigger and bigger atom smashing machines to smash the matter and discover that ever elusive building block. I feel we are looking at the wrong end of spectrum. Interaction of large number of variables producing their unique signatures may provide a mechanism to link all the various forces of nature. Hence our thesis of deep thought and its relationship with time, mass, space, Universal Consciousness, and knowledge maybe a step in the right direction.
In the annals of human civilization, quantum jumps in our understanding and knowledge have taken place when a great thought has been produced by persons like Buddha, Christ, Kepler, Newton, Einstein, etc. It is quite possible that a similar quantum jump may take place when a relationship is discovered between human thought, consciousness, and matter. It might help explain two of the major mysteries of our times – consciousness and gravity. Then we might progress on the path of knowing the mind of God.
©Anil K Rajvanshi. September 2020