Science, Sense and Soul : The Mystical-Physical Nature of Human Existence

by Casey Blood

• ISBN13: 9781580632195
• ISBN10: 158063219X
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 2002-01-12
• Publisher: Renaissance Books

Summary

In a world of political and social turmoil, can science tell us anything helpful? Can we make practical use of mysticism-the essence of religion-with its promise of a higher spiritual truth? Is it true that physics and biological science are incompatible with religion? Or can they be fruitfully reconciled?In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Casey Blood shows how quantum physics does indeed explain the true nature of the physical universe. He tells us how neuroscientists can provide an understanding of the way the brain makes sense of our inner and outer worlds. He also shows that neuroscience, in conjunction with a basic knowledge of mysticism, can clarify how and why meditation techniques and other mystical practices work.Most satisfying of all, he paints a world picture in which quantum physics is no only compatible with mysticism but also gives us a deeper understanding of spiritual matters. For Dr. Blood, three diverse disciplines-quantum physics, neuroscience, and mysticism-rather than being in conflict, give a unified picture of human existence. Together they show that the spiritual world has an immense effect on what happens here and now. And they suggest that spiritual practices can enable society to match human aspirations.Though the subjects are profound, Science, Sense amp; Soul is written in a clear, uncomplicated, readable style. The three sections on physics, neuroscience, and mysticism are mini-courses in the basics of those fields of inquiry. These three strands are then interwoven into an intricate design that illuminates the structure of and reason for human existence.

Author Biography

Dr. Casey Blood is a Professor Emeritus of Physics at Rutgers University. He has done research in and published articles on quantum physics and has independently pursued an interest in neuroscience. He has traveled widely, exploring a variety of mystical traditions. For over twenty years he has been a student-practitioner of Sufism.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi
Preface	xiii
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
Cosmologies	19	(4)
Mysticism	23	(6)
{ } & The Goals of Existence	29	(6)
The Djinn Plane	35	(6)
Physics, Neuroscience & Mystical Practices	41	(10)
PART 2: PHYSICS
Classical Physics	51	(6)
Quantum Mechanics	57	(14)
Macroscopic & Microscopic-Schrodinger's Cat	71	(4)
Waves Versus Particles-The Wave Picture	75	(10)
Quantum Mechanics & the Nonphysical Mind	85	(10)
The Brain & the Mind	95	(8)
Properties of the Mind-Pure Intelligence	103	(4)
Summary of Physics	107	(8)
PART 3: THE BRAIN
Introduction to the Brain	115	(4)
The Synapse	119	(8)
The Computerlike Aspects of the Brain-Vision & Memory	127	(10)
Emotions-Control of Attention	137	(16)
PART 4: METAPHYSICS
The Angelic Plane-Emotion	153	(8)
The Journey of the Soul	161	(4)
Duality, Life, Covenants	165	(4)
The Djinn Plane & Mysticism	169	(16)
PART 5: PRACTICES
Preliminaries to the Practices	185	(8)
The Watching-Your-Thoughts Practice	193	(10)
Breath, Music & the Chakras	203	(14)
Practices Performed During Everyday Life	217	(12)
The Art of the Self	229	(18)
Retreats, Teachers	247	(6)
The Physical Plane, Brain Functions & Mystical Practices	253	(8)
The Mystic & Society	261	(38)
APPENDICES
A. Localization	273	(5)
B. An Evaluation of Quantum Mechanics	278	(5)
C. Further Thoughts on the Brain & the Mind	283	(5)
D. Further Djinn Thoughts	288	(11)
Endnotes	299	(8)
Bibliography	307	(3)
Index	310