Bridging Science and Spirituality...
Swamiji works with doctors and scientists across the world to record and analyze the mystic phenomena through modern technology. He is continuing to intrigue the world of medical science with results from the study of His own neurological system. From the results recorded, scientists feel that the potential for altering the rates and progression of many diseases like heart ailments, cancer, arthritis, alcoholism etc. is beginning to look achievable. They are compelled to declare that there continues to be indications that the human mind can choose to heal the human body...
For centuries, science and spirituality have been battling it out on these issues of perennial importance for humanity. Although spiritual leaders have always maintained that the no-mind state is a 'real' phenomenon, and a perfectly realizable goal for all of us, the scientific community has naturally been unwilling to accept this without solid proof.
For the first time in our century, science has hopefully found a key to supernormal and paranormal phenomena, with sound medical evidence that explains why the spiritually super-evolved are blessed with 'powers' that the rest of us can only dream about. The following few pages are summaries of various types of research conducted on Swamiji's neurological system during His visits to the United States of America.
Mind of a Mystic
A report by Dr. R. Murali Krishna, President COO, INTEGRIS Mental Heath & James L. Hall, Jr. Center for Mind, Body and Spirit, Oklahoma
A Mind Matters Column™ The Mind of a Mystic By R. Murali Krishna, M.D. President COO, INTEGRIS Mental Health & James L. Hall, Jr. Center for Mind, Body and Spirit
Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda Paramashivam is a trim, healthy-looking young man with dark, shoulder-length hair. Handsome and polite, possessing an open manner and a wealth of curiosity, he could be any ordinary American college student.
The difference is that ordinary American college students do not wear saffron robes and turbans, have not experienced spiritual enlightenment and are not regarded as a teacher, healer and mystic by millions of people in all corners of the world.
A mystic? The term is not a bad fit for 'Swami', as he is known. Mystics, popular culture tells us, have direct communion with God. Through means not understood or measurable, mystics are thought to have access to ultimate realities or truths. Picture a mystic and you'll probably picture someone full of bliss, someone gifted with lofty thoughts and insights that the rest of us do not possess.
The very presence of a mystic is thought to bring peace and healing to others.
That's an apt description of Swami, a 27 year-old from South Bharat. He is approached by thousands of people every year seeking relief from diseases and ailments that conventional medical approaches have not cured. Swami's background lends him the air of a mystic, too. He left his home as a teen, visited ashrams across Bharat, immersed himself in philosophy, read extensively and mastered the art of meditation.
When Swami passed through Oklahoma City recently as one stop in his world travels, I asked him if he would let me use some of modern medicine's newest technology to peer into his brain while he meditated. My goal: to understand, measure and demystify what happens during the mystic phenomena. Swami, who believes that meditation has a scientific basis, happily agreed.
The procedures Swami went through were administered by some of Oklahoma City's finest and most experienced physicians, neuropsychologists and researchers: Drs. Fordyce, Ruwe and Higgins of the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center Neuropsychology Department and Dr. Chacko of the PET Center of Oklahoma. These doctors were using technology they use with patients on a routine basis. When they look at images obtained by their technology, they know what's normal and what's not.
The results from testing Swami? Decidedly not normal!