MIND OVER MATTER: VOLITION AND THE COSMIC CONNECTION IN YOGIC THEORY

Abstract

Energy Medicine and Subtle Energies can be defined operationally in increasingly precise ways as new techniques, new tools, and new theories are developed and tested. Personal ecology is discussed in relation to the burgeoning consumption of non-organic drugs being produced and advertised by commercial drug companies under the umbrella of "the American health care system." In contrast, a yogic self-regulation theory is outlined which, if it is tested, could provide strong guidance for the development of a Science of Human Potential and lead to a better understanding of psychophysiologic self-regulation (mind-over-matter inside the skin, INS) and parapsychology, psychokinesis, and traditional "healing" (mind-over-matter outside the skin, OUTS). Basic Patanjali yoga and volition, and their relation to both INS and OUTS "coincidence control" are considered. On the other hand, it is argued that if we hope in ISSSEEM to build bridges, linking paradigms for clinicians and scientists, that, whenever possible, it is useful to use concepts and metaphors, instruments and techniques, that are understood in presentday science and clinical practice, and as much as possible avoid metaphysical explanations. It is useful to be open minded, but not "far out," to conquer our fears of the anomalous, but not be reckless when talking with colleagues.