This course will use as organizing principle various perspectives on the major unresolved issues of ontology (the nature of reality), especially as they relate to biology and human being. Kundalini Rising is a collection of 26 essays that explore the questions: What is kundalini energy? In what sense does it exist? Can this energy really spark enlightenment? Sacred Mirrors is a collection of well known artist Alex Grey’s representations of commonly held notions of the human biofield, with commentaries. Quantum Aspects of Life is a collection of essays by leading scientists and investigators studying the question whether quantum mechanics plays a nontrivial role in biology. Employing both pro and con arguments, the book attempts to initiate “a distinct quantum biology agenda”. Reflections on Meta-Reality presents a synopsis of the philosophy of Critical Realism, and Realist theory of science, one of the most important recent advances in modern ontology, by Roy Bhaskar now viewed as a leading current Integral theorist. Integral Psychology is a foundational book for Integral Studies (students who have taken that course should already have this book). We will focus on the specific parts of this book pertinent to the theme of this course. Theories of the Chakras is Hiroshi Motoyama’s classic text on both the chakra system of ancient India and the meridian system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The first “Article” is the report of a US NIH subgroup, NCCAM, working group tasked with advising NIH/NCCAM on the definition of what biofield energies are. Several additional related articles will also be used in the course.
- Instructor: Thomas Brophy