Direct web links:

Society for psychical research

Dr. Fred Alan Wolf

Dr. Amit Goswami

Dr. Dean Radin

S.P.I.R.I.T. Investigations (David Rountree)

This is by no means a complete list, but will get you started on your way to some seriously meaningful thoughts about consciousness, the paranormal, and associated ideas. You may notice that I have not included any ‘traditional’ sites in this list…

As always, send us your questions and comments – and don’t forget to listen to Dark Matters Radio every Wednesday at 6pm CST!

-Cap’n

-Cap’n

We all have our ideas regarding the origins of paranormal phenomena. Most times, these involve the idea that someone has died and is now communicating or interacting with the world of the living in some fashion. We devise different methods for contacting these spirits in an attempt to ‘prove’ their existence, but could we be bounding down the wrong path?

Throughout the centuries, there have been a multitude of events and stories that would seem to validate the claim of non-physical entities interacting with the manifest physical world. Nearly every conceivable religion teaches what inhabitants of the ‘other side’ do, think, feel, experience, etc. However, when we attempt to place these ideas in a scientific context a conundrum appears.

In recent months, my research has shown how easily the human mind can be tricked and how often our intuitions about the inner-workings of the universe can be in error. Scientific thought has allowed us to make great strides in technology and the understanding of physical processes, both inside the body and otherwise, but it has shed little light on the strange events we call ‘paranormal’ (these events go by many names: supernatural, miracles, occult, etc.). Why is this?

Anyone who has attempted to bring traditional intuitive thought regarding the paranormal into the scientific arena has most likely met with fierce opposition. These matters are considered pseudo-science at best, and most respected scientific minds are reluctant to accept a disincarnate-spirit hypothesis. This should not be confused with pure skepticism, though. The problem arises when the claim is made that something non-physical and non-quantifiable is claimed to be the cause of events and effects in the manifest world. By adopting the spirit hypothesis, we voluntarily stop the causal chain, claiming that the true source is ultimately un-knowable.

What if we were aiming for the bullseye of the wrong target? Could it be that the answers lie within the marvel of the human mind itself? Some will be reluctant to consider this possibility, as it puts each one of us in a position of responsibility. By looking within ourselves for a causal link, we are no longer separated from these phenomena.

Many people  would probably balk at accepting such an idea. It would as first seem that this hypothesis takes the ‘magic’ out of these events, but perhaps it is just a different magic than we have previously thought. We would be remiss, I think, not to accept the possibility that the paranormal is more a part of us than we had ever imagined.

-More to come

“out there comes from in here”

When hypothesizing about dis-incarnate spirits and entities, we must carefully examine all available evidence (anecdotal and otherwise) to properly discern the direction of our queries. If one wishes to simply ascertain data supporting the existence (or lack thereof) of transcendence of the physical plane, the search is most assuredly over. Pouring over the numerous accounts from both spiritual and scientific disciplines, one will quickly discover that something exists beyond our experience of physical reality.

This leaves us with two straight-forward but inexorably profound questions:

1. What is the nature of non-physical existence?
2. By what means do we interact with those things (beings, etc.) inhabiting non-physical environments?

While many are stuck in the rut of obtaining objective ‘proof’ of non-physicality, I believe that we are sufficiently evolved in our thinking to go beyond the questions of ‘proof’ and begin exploring what we innately ‘know’ to be true. There are many factors that preclude our honest quest, though. Societal conditioning, religious dogma, and beliefs based upon experience (among other factors) all tend to hinder our search for a universal higher knowledge.

Our first step then, is to let go of what we ‘think’ we know and give in to what must be true. How can I say these things truly exist? Once again, the answer is simple, yet profound. Even though our subjective experiences are rarely quantifiable, their inherent truth is not diminished. Many people are quick to criticize the experiences of others simply because those experiences do not fit with a particular view of the world. A Latin proverb states:

De gustibus non est disputandum.

Or, ‘in matters of taste (or inner experience in our case) there is no dispute’. While it is true that experiences may be skewed by conditioning and belief, they are nonetheless valid for the subject of the experience.

So then, how shall we approach matters of such subjectivity???

-Cap’n

Bridging the Gap

So, you’re researching the paranormal, but how narrow is your focus? In order to form a picture of what could be going on outside the human senses, we must endeavor to use pertinent thinking from both science and spirituality… together. This can be quite a daunting task, especially for those who tend to skim the surface of both and do not spend enough time in thoughtful contemplation of the tough subjects.

Even for those that read voraciously and ask the hard questions, linking science and spirituality in meaningful ways can still be exceedingly difficult. The path to understanding is fraught with obstacles and critics alike. So then, how can we become authoritative enough to effectively bring the objective disciplines of science in harmony with the subjective nature of spirituality and the human experience?

First and foremost, forget what you think you know. Do not take the answers from others as rote, but instead use the information you read as a guide. Decide on the questions to which you seek answers and ask yourself. Come to the resolution honestly and then evaluate your own theories based on the research, data, and experiences of others. Can you take your ideas to a logical conclusion within the framework of modern scientific and mystical understanding? If not, why?

Be clear on your positions, and hold to them (unless you find a good reason to develop different ideas). If you are a skeptic, remember that rigid materialism will not serve you. If it is your firm belief that there is nothing after the physical term, then hold to that and leave the paranormal alone. There is no need for you to attempt to ‘disprove’ or ‘discredit’ anything from the standpoint of a reductionist. You will not achieve anything of merit, and it will not be to your benefit to treat others in such a manner.

Dialogue is paramount to the discovery of the hidden universe. Instead of proclaiming events and ideas as fact, strive to refine and discuss them. If an idea or theory doesn’t work, discard it and start again. History shows us that the greats in science and spirituality had an unwavering desire for truth, and those things that were not constructive to that end were discarded for the sake of progress and evolution.

In addition to the earnest desire for knowledge, Ego has no place in honest discovery. You will not benefit by placing yourself above another or asserting that your ideas are ‘better’ than others. ALL ideas are inspired by something. Our responsibility as explorers is to ask questions and seek after the answers, whatever they may be.

Above all else, remain open and observant. We as humans are ignorant to much of the goings on in our universe. We must remain humble in our observations and open in our mindset. The universe will conduct itself as it is meant to, regardless of whether you believe the events therein are possible.

So, read, read, read, then read some more. Question yourself, remain humble, and stay in a state of hunger for the knowledge that awaits sincere query.

Thanks for stopping by.

-Cap’n

Download audio file (20EMWhat.mp3)

Duration — 27:05

Next Time: Evidence and Stuff

Trouble streaming the show? Click HERE

   –Cap’n Casper

- 

So, you’ve investigated a site. . . now what can you learn?

That is the ultimate question, but it all depends on what you’re trying to find. Some approach the investigation with the purpose of ‘making contact’ with someone who has passed into the ‘beyond’, others hope to find for themselves proof of the existence of such things, and still others are unsure of that which they seek. There are as many motives as people seeking answers, so the answer to this question tends to be a personal matter.

Have you ever asked yourself ‘why am I doing this?’ or ‘what do I seek?’ ? If not, now is as good a time as any. Without knowing our motivations, how can we direct our studies? It is vitally important that everyone answer to their goals, preferably in written form. While it may seem silly, this will add weight to your intentions and serve as a concrete reminder lest you be swayed by public opinion.

For me, learning something from every investigation is a must. This education can come in many forms, and is not always immediately apparent. We recently attended an investigation here in the Kansas City area, and upon review of the voluminous amounts of data collected, I ask myself: ‘what is all of this telling me?’ The answer to my question, of course, is tempered by my goals and intentions. In some cases, my realizations stem from my personal subjective experiences. Other times they are a result of the data that I collect. Regardless of the source, these are all important impressions and each time we ponder such things, a new piece of the puzzle begins to form in our minds.

Open-mindedness is another crucial aspect of paranormal research. Even the most ardent skeptic can (and should) be open-minded. This is not a state of gullibility, but of allowing possibilities. To shut out a potential answer is to have preconceived notions and intentions, which is to be rigid. Rigidity inhibits progress, and to be without progress is to stagnate. Remember that while we have a grasp of our own personal reality, we do not possess intimate knowledge of the whole of reality itself (which really does not exist, anyway) nor are we wholly aware of the elements of another’s reality. To some, the concept of multiple ‘realities’ may at first seem to be a sharp deviation from scientific thought. This is a prime example of the point at which we must be open in our thinking and operate from a flexible and allowing perspective.  

In all our endeavors, the key is to learn always. Even if it seems some trivial part of the big picture, we will find out that no piece is truly insignificant. Start with what you think you know, and forget it. Then, allow yourself to experience and observe the reality that presents itself to you. Promise yourself never to be rigid, but always open and honestly curious. As you begin to piece together the experience, be sincere and the answers you seek will follow.

Suggested reading for today’s show:
Quantum Questions: Mystical Writings of the World’s Great Physicists

Download audio file (17AptScience.mp3)

Duration — 29:19

Next Time: Taking the Quantum Leap

Trouble streaming the show? Click HERE

Download audio file (16ScienceReligion.mp3)

Duration– 27:34

Next time: Not shooting ourselves in the foot with science…

Trouble streaming the show? Click HERE

Download audio file (15QuantumStuff.mp3)

Duration: 18:42

Next time: Science v. Spirituality… what gives?

Trouble streaming the show? Click HERE