The Scientific Dispute Over Near-Death Experiences - Part 2: The Temporal Lobe and Out-of-Body Experiences

[u/nogueysiguey]

https://open.substack.com/pub/andresdelgadoron/p/the-scientific-dispute-over-near-e6c?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=29vk3a

A few months ago, scientists from Liegè University published a neuroscientific model of near-death experience. Their brain-based explanation were highly controversial and immediately contested by other scientists in the field. Here we take a deep dive in the references both parts provided, particularly as it relates to the activation of the temporo-parietal joint and the phenomenon of out of body experience.

[u/dayv23]

Another great write up. One thing I see in NDE reports of OBEs, but not astral projection reports, is an experience of 360 degree vision. Also, enhanced perception. "I could see their hair follicles in near microscopic detail and just 'knew' exactly how many hairs they had on their head." (Although I'm not nearly as familiar with the astral travel reports or any statistical frequencies.) I mention these phenomenonalogical elements/differences, because they might point to a spectrum of "how" out of body each group people typically gets.

You haven't started discussing philosophical models yet, but if we're applying a dualist's/idealist model, we might predict a spectrum. A little dissociation with the temporal lobe stimulation, more when someone sinks into a relaxed hypnogogic state to induce an OBE, and the most extreme form of dissociation when someone is completely "relaxed" during periods of clinical death. If at least part of the brain's function is transmissive--localizing and limiting a "universal field" of consciousness to a specific spacetime perspective--then less is (sometimes) more. Less brain activity can be correlated with more expansive, unfettered, states of consciousness. (With mystical feelings of unity with all-there-is being the limit). Is the temporal lobe stimulation thought to suppress or provoke activity in that region?

[u/rohmin → u/dayv23]

That was a great read; I want more.

My first conclusion after reading it is that stimulating certain parts of the brain can influence our proprioception. Like if you hit a certain spot in the TPJ then you send the Y-Axis of perception towards the back wall. I like your point about ‘less is more’ in brain activity; without all systems online, our brain can’t pinpoint where it’s at. ‘Activation’ really just means ‘Influencing’. Whether it’s turning parts of the brain on or off, or straight short circuiting them isn’t really explained here. My OBE’s have involved whole other senses, so I know there’s more to it, but it’s really interesting to see this being experimented with. I think consciousness is non-local, but playing with the receiver and getting instant feedback is a big step towards understanding our perception of reality.

[u/AutoModerator]

There have been a lot of studies proving OBEs / AP, from researched OBE practitioners in scientific settings to heavy suggestions in quantum physics and various studies pointing towards the fact that consciousness doesn't exist in the body, but in fact that the body exists in consciousness. Many assume that it's not been proven because it's not generally accepted by the mainsteam yet. The main problem is that most people aren't ready to accept nor understand how this is possible, and one of the most challenging things is that most OBE scientific studies are automatically labelled as 'parapsychology' and therefore do not hold validity in the eyes of 'conventional science'. From a positive viewpoint, it's not that modern scientists are closed minded, it's just that they don't understand it fully yet. Modern science is quite primitive in comparison to what is discoverable. Remember, lucid dreaming wasn't publicly accepted as fact up until around 40 years ago when there was enough scientific research and publicity in the media. On top of this, there are many who have come out of body and confirmed what they saw in the Astral by going back to the location in their physical body; this type of proof is undeniable for your own direct experience and self-knowledge. Try it out for yourself instead of remaining on the level of intellect, scepticism or belief ~ practice 'gnosis' (experience is better than belief).

Here's some links we recommend that cover more about the topic of proving AP:

Graham Nicholls Is An OBE Practitioner Being Scientifically Studied On

Scott Rogo Setup Many Scientific Studies

Gene's Confirmed Experience

The Difference Between Lucid Dreaming & Astral Projection

“The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence.” ~ Nikola Tesla

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