The "Third Eye" - can we connect philosophy with science?
Is there any scientific evidence that can connect philosophies of ultimate consciousness with explainable phenomena in the human body? This article attempts to explore that connection
Introduction
The pursuit of understanding human consciousness is one of the oldest philosophical and scientific endeavours. While references to the different levels of consciousness are mentioned in ancient texts, the connection between the surreal with science as we know it today is a difficult one to establish with all certainty. This is one topic that is still unknown to science, though speculations are there. This article attempts to connect the dots (if at all there’s any connection) and also tries to identify the gaps in scientific evidence of these connections.
Consciousness as defined in Hindu philosophy
Hindu philosophy describes four primary states of consciousness, as outlined in Yogic texts and Vedanta:
Jagritawasta (Vaisvanara): The waking state, characterised by awareness of the external world through the five senses.
Swapna awasta (Taijasa): The dream state, where the mind experiences an internal world of thoughts, emotions, and imagery.
Sushuptiawasta (Pragna): Deep sleep, a state of unconsciousness where the mind is at rest and unaware of both internal and external stimuli.
Thuriya (Chaturiya, Chaturtha): A fourth state of consciousness, described in the Mandukya Upanishad as a state beyond deep sleep, "not inwardly cognitive, nor outwardly cognitive", representing a transcendental state of pure awareness or oneness with the Self (Atman). When achieved, it has been referred to as the awakening of the “third eye”
Vedic Manas Yoga, a holistic practice incorporating Yogasanas, Pranayamas, and meditation, aims to awaken the "third eye" or Ajna Chakra. This awakening is believed to enhance perception and intuition, potentially facilitating access to higher levels of consciousness, including Thuriya. The practice focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit to cultivate inner awareness and unlock the individual's dormant potential.
Our primary focus in this article will be the thuriya state and its connection with the human body.
Is the “Third Eye” concept only mentioned in ancient Indian texts?
Ancient texts from various traditions offer numerous references linking the "third eye" or similar concepts to the human body and spiritual experiences:
Hinduism: The Ajna Chakra, located between the eyebrows, is considered the centre of intuition and spiritual insight.
Buddhism: Recognises different levels of consciousness, including the waking state, dream state, deep sleep, and meditative states leading to enlightenment.
Ancient Egypt: The Eye of Horus, depicted on ancient Egyptian artefacts, bears a resemblance to the pineal gland (see below) and symbolises higher consciousness and spiritual vision.
Taoism: Practices focusing on cultivating "inner awareness" and achieving harmony with the Tao often involve concentrating on the area between the eyebrows, suggesting a connection to the pineal gland (see below).
Western Philosophy: Various philosophers, from Plato to William James, have explored concepts of consciousness levels, ranging from basic sensory awareness to higher states of intuitive understanding.
Revealing what science has established so far
Modern science has started to unravel the potential connections between consciousness and specific body parts, particularly the pineal gland, the vagus nerve, and a mysterious compound known as DMT (Dimethyltryptamine).
Pineal gland
The pineal gland is a small, pea-shaped gland located near the centre of the brain. Historically referred to as the "third eye", it has been considered the mystical centre of spiritual insight and awakening. French philosopher René Descartes even described it as the "seat of the soul".
The Pineal Gland and Consciousness:
The pineal gland's primary function is the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. However, it is also believed to play a key role in the regulation of our biological clock and the modulation of certain states of consciousness.
Light Sensitivity: The pineal gland is directly influenced by light exposure, helping synchronize our circadian rhythms. When light decreases (e.g., at night), melatonin production increases, promoting sleep. Sleep, especially the REM phase, is often associated with vivid dreams and altered states of consciousness, suggesting the role of the pineal gland in these experiences.
DMT Production Hypothesis: The pineal gland has been hypothesised to produce DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), often called the "spirit molecule." DMT is a powerful psychedelic compound known for inducing intense visionary experiences. Although conclusive evidence is lacking, some researchers believe that the pineal gland might release DMT during dreaming, meditation, or near-death experiences, potentially contributing to mystical and transcendental states of consciousness.
The idea that the pineal gland could be a source of endogenous DMT provides a tantalizing explanation for phenomena like lucid dreaming, mystical visions, and other altered states of consciousness that transcend ordinary perception.
Hypothetical question: Since the production of melatonin is controlled by the pineal gland, which is responsible for our biological clock, if someone can “control’ the functioning of this gland and this hormone, can that person “control” ageing which would enable the person to live hundreds of years?
The Vagus Nerve: The Body-Mind Connection
The vagus nerve, or the "wandering nerve," is the longest cranial nerve in the body, running from the brainstem through various organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the "rest and digest" state, which counterbalances the "fight or flight" response.
Role in Consciousness:
The vagus nerve is central to our autonomic nervous system, influencing emotional regulation, mood, and cognitive function. When activated, the vagus nerve releases neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which can have calming effects, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This state of calmness is often associated with mindfulness and meditative practices, suggesting a connection between vagus nerve activation and heightened states of consciousness.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Clinical studies show that vagus nerve stimulation can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance mood, and even improve focus and clarity. This suggests a direct link between vagal activity and the state of our consciousness.
Polyvagal Theory: Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory posits that the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in our social engagement system, helping us feel safe and connected with others. This sense of safety is foundational for deep introspective experiences and altered states of consciousness.
In essence, the vagus nerve acts as a bridge between the mind and body, influencing how we perceive our internal and external environments, which in turn shapes our conscious experience.
DMT: The Spirit Molecule and Its Connection to Consciousness
DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants and animals, including humans. It is classified as a psychedelic, capable of producing powerful altered states of consciousness characterized by intense visuals, a sense of unity, and encounters with seemingly otherworldly entities.
DMT and the Brain:
When administered externally, DMT is known to interact with serotonin receptors (specifically 5-HT2A receptors) in the brain, leading to profound changes in perception, thought, and emotional states. However, the possibility of endogenous DMT production, particularly in the brain and potentially the pineal gland, raises intriguing questions about its role in our natural conscious experience.
Endogenous DMT and Near-Death Experiences: Some researchers speculate that endogenous DMT might be released during extreme physical or emotional stress, such as during near-death experiences (NDEs). People who have undergone NDEs often report experiences that are strikingly similar to those induced by DMT, including a sensation of leaving the body, a sense of euphoria and encounters with mystical beings.
Altered States of Consciousness: DMT's effects are often described as a journey to an entirely different realm of consciousness, distinct from ordinary reality. The vivid, consistent nature of these experiences across different cultures and contexts has led some to speculate that DMT might act as a gateway to accessing deeper layers of the subconscious or even other dimensions of existence.
The combination of vivid imagery altered perception, and the dissolution of the ego during a DMT experience mirrors aspects of mystical and spiritual experiences, suggesting that DMT could play a role in facilitating these transcendent states of consciousness.
Hypothetical question: If someone can control the production of DMT, will that person go to different realms at his / her own will? Inversely, if someone has attained the ultimate level of consciousness, does the DMT levels increase considerably when that person is experiencing that ultimate level of consciousness?
Philosophy meeting science
The idea of a connection between the "third eye," often associated with higher consciousness, and the pineal gland, DMT, and the vagus nerve stems from both ancient spiritual traditions and emerging scientific research.
Pineal Gland: The pineal gland's role in melatonin production, influencing sleep-wake cycles, might link it to altered states of consciousness experienced during meditation or spiritual practices.
DMT: The presence of DMT in the mammalian brain and its potential to induce profound mystical experiences, coupled with its reported increase during near-death experiences, raises questions about its possible role in accessing heightened states of awareness.
Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve's influence on both physical and emotional states, its connection to brain regions involved in memory and emotion, and its potential to be stimulated through practices like deep breathing and meditation, suggest a possible pathway for influencing consciousness levels.
Scientific evidence so far
While intriguing, the scientific evidence directly linking the "third eye" concept to the pineal gland, DMT, and the vagus nerve remains limited and requires further investigation.
Current research mainly focuses on individual aspects:
The pineal gland's role in melatonin production and circadian rhythms is well-established.
The presence of DMT in the brain and its increase during cardiac arrest suggests a potential role in near-death experiences, but this connection requires further exploration.
Vagus nerve stimulation has shown promise in enhancing memory and treating conditions like epilepsy and depression, but its specific influence on consciousness levels needs further study.
Studies directly investigating the interconnectedness of these elements of the "third eye" concept are scarce.
Conclusion
While Hindu philosophy, yogic texts, and various spiritual traditions have long emphasized the importance of cultivating inner awareness and accessing higher states of consciousness, scientific research is beginning to explore the physiological mechanisms that might underlie these experiences.
While scientific research is still in its early stages, the emerging connections suggest that our mind and body are intricately linked in ways we are only beginning to understand. By exploring these connections further, we may get closer to unravelling the mystery of human consciousness and the profound experiences cited by many, that lie beyond the ordinary.