Some controlled studies have a group of people meditating regularly and a control group of those who do not. That can be sufficient for science. The sham groups are probably just used to determine a placebo effect. Very tricky.

—– Original Message —–
From: jill O’Halloran
To: contact@richarddawkins.net
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 6:11 PM
Subject: TRUTH

Dear Sir,

I have comments regarding the nature of absolute truth. Truth is subjective and objective. Objective truth can be quantified/measured/observed. Subjective truth unless it has objective quantifiable qualities is very hard to understand and to consider. The ancient Yogis observed human behaviour and experiences with a depth which is way beyond the physical reality. They discovered realms which are not accesible to the sensual world.

If one has not contemplated anything other than the reality of the scientific/manifest world anything beyond this will seem like a fairy story, something to make you feel good/safe/Ok etc. The philosophical yogis understood different dimensions of being. The physical world is called Vaishwanara and this is confined to sensorial experiences. The constant idenification within this framework limits us to its dimensions…..that of the manifest universe. The subtle states are unmanifest and therefore cannot be described easily nor quantified. It is rather like trying to talk to a baby about the stock market. There is no terms of reference!

In yoga we take an inner journey of self awareness and understanding. The question to ask is Who Am I? In this way we get to see the programming of the mind, the constant conditioning that is thrust upon us, religious and cultural. If we are a seeker of truth, truth will reveal itself. Again this is almost impossible to impart if one’s mind is full of evidential knowledge. Remember Ignaz Semmelweiz from the late 1800’s who discovered germs….respsonible for Puerperal Fever? None of the experts/Drs believed him and thought he was mad, completely discounting his theories and ideas. The germs could not be seen.

The journey is within the self. It is an incredible seemingly fathomless journey. It addresses our perceptions of reality; our take on truth. When we learn to quieten the discursive, rational and logical mind, when we learn to let go of what we know, when we learn what the ego is, what the self is (i.e. a conglomoration of impressions, memories, thoughts, ideas, logic) we open ourselves to transcendent knowledge. This is a much deeper understanding of how the universe works and science is part of it..in fact everything is as how could it not be! The ego reality is a confining experience, beyond this is the non-self . This non-self is the same ’stuff’ or energy as the vibrating particles of scientiifc energy.

The truth is there…how we perceive depends on what filters are submerged in the subconscious/unconscious mind. When we understand and see at a very deep level how we are conditioned to believe this or that, something else happens. St Teresa of Avila saw these things as have many. But they saw them through their cultural and religious milieu. Although restricted (perhaps) the experiences were incredible. So that you understand I am not just speculating, I will mention that whilst meditating deeply and continuously; employing the attitude of observing all reactions/thoughts/feelings (without further re-action) I had some major transformational experiences which I could not have manufactured, not in my wildest dreams…again inexplicable. Experiences that most definitely related to a non-self (sounds very odd I know) and began to show me dimensions hitherto unknown!! For further info. see Religious experience William James….see also J. Krishnamurti.

The world is a never ending place of discovery. We must consider the observer and the effect we have upon what we see and perceive, and the intimate connection we have with the so called objective /subjective reality.

In truth
all ways……..
Nirguna (Jill O’Halloran)