The Brain, Consciousness, and Science: Hints of Immortality?

Bob Davis Ph.D

Introduction

Consciousness, the ability to be aware of and to be able to perceive the relationship between oneself
and one's environment, consists of thoughts, sensations, perceptions, emotions, and an awareness of
self and denotes different meanings to those having different perspectives on the relation between
the mind and body. And if we happen to be immortal, than it must be a form of consciousness that,
in some way, survives death. The fundamental question is whether or not consciousness is an
interrelated by-product of the brain or is entirely independent of the brain. And if consciousness is
dependent for its existence on the brain, then it will not survive brain death but if consciousness is a
non-physical entity and not dependent on the brain, then it (“I”) may survive physical death.

The nature of consciousness is a subject of great debate.  Philosophers and psychologists who ascribe
to the mind–body dualism theory proposed by R. Descartes in 1641, believe that consciousness and
the brain are separate. Thus, a dualist would oppose any theory that identifies consciousness with
the brain. In contrast, monist’s believe that consciousness, self awareness, and the brain are the same
thing.  That is, conciousness, and self awareness are associated with brain acitivity. Another position
termed  “interactionists”, is the belief that although the mind and body are separate, the body affects
the mind just as the mind affects the body. Materialists, who contend that physical matter is the only
reality and that everything, including thought, feeling, mind, and will, can be explained in terms of
matter and physical phenomena, strongly disagree with the conclusion that scientific materialism
has failed. (29) Consciousness is therefore a bi-product or epiphenomena of physical brain processes
and when the brain / bodies dies, the mind ceases to exist. They believe that eventually, neuroscience
will be able to explain mind and consciousness. In contrast, “idealism” is concerned only with
subjective experience (i.e., feelings or opinions) associated with intellectual and / or spiritual
concepts and not external facts or evidence (i.e, only what the mind can conceive is real). [100]

There is obvious debate as to whether the mind and consciousness are produced by the brain and
that mental functions and personality survive physical death.  Are we contained within our brain and
body or connected, in some way, with the universe? It seems that the theoretical scientific model of
reality of what is possible-has far reaching implications for consciousness and life after death. Henry
P. Stapp, a theoretical physicist at the University of California, Berkeley who worked with some of
the founding fathers of quantum mechanics commented on how the mind may exist separately from
the brain as follows: “A scientist physically affects quantum systems by choosing which properties to
study. Similarly, an observer can hold in place a chosen brain activity that would otherwise be
fleeting. This shows that the mind and brain may not be one and the same.”[56]

Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other religions generally associate the mind to the brain, which
interrelates with the human soul. Now, brain imaging techniques (e.g., functional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging-fMRI) are being applied to determine if a purely subjective response can be
measured and correlated with a neurologic signature of the concept of “self” to determine the
principle(s) which regulate this process. That is, is consciousness facilitated within the brain’s neural
substrate and explained by quantitative rules, or do quantum (i.e., the smallest quantity of a physical
property), processes interact with brain neurons to produce consciousness, i.e., the human brain is a
quantum computer.

It is important to keep in mind the extraordinary tentativeness of almost anything that can be said
about the nature of consciousness.  Scientists have no firm idea how consciousness emerges from the
brain and whether or not neurological signitures of consciousness can even be identified in order to
explain the first-person experience. In fact, there is even considerable discrepancy in the use of the
term consciousness which is often used in different and ambiguous ways. In other words, is
consciousness our brain, experiences, the perception of “I” or oneself, or our waking state?  Stuart
Kauffman, the theoretical biologist and complex systems theorist, wrote “Nobody has the faintest
idea what consciousness is…. I don’t have any idea. Nor does anybody else, including the
philosophers of mind.” [118] According to the Nobel Prize winner and founder of quantum theory
Max Planck, “I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from
consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that
we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.” [81]

The pursuit to determine the nature of human consciousness has been a focus of study by scientists
from the fields of neuroscience, biology, psychology, physics, and philosophy. Such research efforts
have attempted to better understand the nature and meaning of consciousness and how our brain
provides a sense of an individual 'self' in terms of its neurological and psychological correlates.  A
prerequisite objective is how to develop appropriate techniques to identify, if at all possible, the
underlying neurological correlates of consciousness. But can scientists eventually explain
consciousness, and the mind-brain connection, in terms of neural processes and signaling pathways
(i.e., can brain imaging techniques predict consciousness awareness)?

Such fundamental research objectives have been approached in very different ways dependent on
one’s field of study and the related theoretical principles and methodological approaches unique to
that discipline. In biology and medicine, for example, consciousness is studied in terms of brain
mechanisms of arousal and responsiveness (i.e., alertness through disorientation, loss of
communication, comatose), and in identifying brain regions that mediates sensory and motor signals
which induce subjective feelings such as self-location and the first person perspective (i.e., from
where do I perceive the world?). In contrast, in psychology and cognitive science, consciousness
studies tend to focus on asking verbal reports of experiences and subjective states (e.g., self-
awareness, subliminal messages, denial of impairment, altered states produced by drugs and
meditation).  It is, therefore, not surprising to see the many different perspectives of the underlying
principles which govern the nature of the mind-body relationship, which to date, have provided no
firm tangible answer.

Philosopher David Chalmers, the Director of Consciousness Studies at the Australian National
University and at New York University, suggested that consciousness may require a theory yet to be
developed [45, 46] as it remains unresolved, and difficult to define and study (Damasio (47), Stokes
(48), Chalmers (45a), among others). The fundamental question is whether or not consciousness
depends on the brain. And if consciousness is facilitated and interrelated with biological processes of
the brain, which most scientists and physicians contend, then our ability to experience the world will
cease when the brain’s electrophysiological activity ends. In contrast, if consciousness is not
dependent for its existence on the brain, then our sense of self may survive brain death. According to
Chalmers:“Science is at a sort of impasse in its study of consciousness”, and “radical ideas may be
needed to move forward. Consciousness, the subjective experience of an inner self, could be a
phenomenon forever beyond the reach of neuroscience. Even a detailed knowledge of the brain's
workings and the neural correlates of consciousness may fail to explain how or why human beings
have self-aware minds.”[46]

The need for humility in advancing theories of consciousness has been stressed by theoretical
physicists.  According to physicist Nick Herbert,”consciousness is a process lying outside the laws
that govern the material world, and it is just this immunity from the quantum rules that allows the
mind to turn possibility into actuality.” [66] That is, consciousness emanates into the physical world
from the brain and the spiritual world interacts with biological evolution. Wigner (1983) stated that
physics will have to be “replaced by new laws, based on new concepts, if organisms with
consciousness are to be described.… in order to deal with the phenomenon of life, the laws of physics
will have to be changed, not only reinterpreted.” [119] Penrose (2003) shared a similar perspective as
follows: “My position [on consciousness] demands a major revolution in physics…. There is
something very fundamental missing from current science. Our understanding at this time is not
adequate and we’re going to have to move to new regions of science….”  [120] Neurologist Sir John
Eccles said that “evolution could account for the brain but not for the mind, and that only something
transcendent could explain consciousness and thought”. [67].

Physicist Robert Jahn of Princeton University concluded that if consciousness can exchange
information with the physical environment, then it can have the same "molecular binding potential"
as physical objects, (i.e., it follows the principles of quantum mechanics) and that it makes no sense
to separate physical effects from spiritual effects. D. Bohm held a similar position. He proposed
that, "the results of modern natural sciences only make sense if we assume an inner, uniform,
transcendent reality that is based on all external data and facts. The very depth of human
consciousness is one of them." [58] Nuclear physicist Jeremy Hayward shares a similar perspective:
"Many scientists who are still part of the scientific mainstream are no longer afraid to openly state
that consciousness/awareness could, in addition to space, time, matter and energy, be a fundamental
element of the world - perhaps even more fundamental than space and time. It may be a mistake to
ban the spirit from nature. It is even questioned as to whether matter should be considered a
fundamental element of the universe.” [89] The difficulty incurred from the diversity of opinions
proposed, which tend to leave us confused about who and what to believe, is in trying to filter sense
from nonsense, especially since skeptics often adopt the position that those who believe in
immortality consider that because their claims have not been disproved.  The problem with
consciousness is that it is very hard to be defined and it implicates too many different things. For this
reason, researchers have attempted to specify more clearly what they mean by consciousness and
about ways to study it using appropriate scientific methods.

Where is Consciousness?

Although it seems reasonable for the scientific community to more aggressively study our concept of
reality and the associated distinction between the brain and consciousness, according to research
psychologist Dr. Ken Paller, "the debate about the neural basis of consciousness rages because there
is no widely accepted theory about what happens in the brain to make consciousness possible." [31].
In fact, many neuroscientists contend that we should focus research on other aspects of brain
function, because the neurological substrate mediating consciousness will never be understood.
Neuroscientists view the brain, which contains about 100 billion neurons, as a highly complicated
system of synchronized activity of coupled neurons with associated inter-connected neural pathways.
This substrate produces neuro-electrophysiological activity which facilitates information processing.

Advanced techniques may allow scientistists to more accurately observe and measure the apparent
causes and manifestations of consciousness.  Neurophysiological studies for example have
demonstrated how specific areas of the brain become metabolically active in response to a thought or
feeling through the use of electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG),
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning.
But while neuronal networks serve as a required prerequisite for cognitive porcessing, there is no
definitive evidence that shows how cells produce thoughts and the subjective essence of one’s
consciousness. Neuroscientist and psychiatrist Giulio Tononi believes that the basis for
consciousness is mediated by brain cell linkage.  He said, “as cells become more interlinked,
information can be combined more readily and therefore the essence of complicated thought can be
explained. The more possible links between cells, the more possible combinations there are and
therefore a greater number of ‘thoughts’ are possible.” (32)
Over the past several decades, researchers have attempted to localize consciousness in the brain
without success. Some research studies conducted to identify the neural substrate of consciousness is
presented below:

In a study by psychologist Benjamin Libert, EEG activity was analyzed to determine precisely when
subjects made a decision to act prior to simple behavioral tasks such as moving fingers (24) 
Interestingly, Libert found that the brain responds a few milliseconds before the decision to act
which he termed the “readiness potential” since it occurs just before conscious will to allow a brief
period for consciousness to override a decision. Two important questions emerge from this result as
follows:  1) does consciousness and free will represent two distinct and independent elements of
human nature, and 2) does consciousness and free will have a natural explanation and can operate
beyond the bounds of physical law? If true, the body and brain can be easily destroyed while
consciousness and free will can not. Taking this proposed concept one step further, an all-
encompassing proposition emerges.  That is, does consciousness and free will represent the so called
“soul”, and that whatever happens to our body and brain after death, our soul lives on? As physicist
Stephen Barr stated, “There is nothing in the laws of nature…as they exist today which is logically
incompatible with free will.” (25)

In a recent study conducted by Dr. Olaf Blanke, who used a neuroimaging –compatible robotic
technology in subjects exposed to induced changes in self-location and first person perspective,
concluded that a brain region called the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) plays a critical role for the
feeling of one’s location in space and for perceiving the world from this perspective. [35]  They
observed that TPJ activity reflected experimental changes in self-location and first-person
perspective. The researchers also completed a large study of neurological patients with out-of-body
experiences and found that brain damage was localized to the TPJ.  Dr. Blanke concluded that, "Our
findings on experimentally and pathologically induced altered states of self-consciousness present a
powerful new research technology and reveal that TPJ activity reflects one of the most fundamental
subjective feelings of humans: the feeling that 'I' am an entity that is localized at a position in space
and that 'I' perceive the world from here."[73]

In another study, psychologists used fMRI techniques to study what happens to the human brain
when it becomes “unconsciousness” from anesthesia in 12 subjects. [71] The psychologists, who
analyzed the "network properties" of the subjects' brains, concluded that when consciousness is lost,
"the communication among areas of the brain becomes extremely inefficient, as if suddenly each area
of the brain became very distant from every other, making it difficult for information to travel from
one place to another."[71] Their results suggest that consciousness does not "live" in a particular
place in our brain but rather "arises from the mode in which billions of neurons communicate with
one another.” The lead researcher, Dr. M. Monti, concluded that, “defining our mind as
consciousness is, without having a scientific definition of this phenomenon, extremely difficult to
study," [71]

Insight into the possible neurological components which govern consciousness was provided by
researchers who claimed to have turned consciousness on and off in an awake epileptic women
trough electrical stimulation in a specific brain area [45]  They discovered that stimulation with an
electrode in the claustrum and insula brain region caused the individual to lose consciousness but
when stimulation ended, she regained consciousness and could not recall the event, i.e., the
claustrum may play a significant role in consciousness. According to Dr. Koubeissi, “I would liken it
to a car. A car on the road has many parts that facilitate its movement- the gas, the transmission, the
engine- but there’s only one spot where you turn the key and it all switches on and works together. So
while consciousness is a complicated process created via many structures and networks- we may
have found the key.”
Consciousness and Quantum Physics

Consciousness and the brain informs us of reality and what we know. Consciousness may in fact, in
some way, actually have a physical effect on what we perceive, This is a revolutionary principle in
physics and in consciousness studies and many physicists and philosophers continue to debate a
principle question which underlies this issue: does consciousness determine if and how we
experience reality? In other words, there is no local cause for an event, and when an event occurs it
instantaneously alters the universe. The concept that consciousness might be correlated with the
nature of our reality is based on the relationship between consciousness and the structure of matter. 
Since sub-atomic particles are composed of energy and that matter is energy, many quantum
physicists contend that human consciousness is connected to it and can influence it’s behavior and
even re-structure it.  Afterall, according to Niels Bohr, one of the foremost scientists of modern
physics, “everything we call real is made of things that cannot be regarded as real” – (16) Can
quantum physics provide insight into this invisible world and provide evidence to support
immortality?

Some scientists have even proposed a quantum-mechanical explanation for the relationship between
consciousness and the brain. Neuroscientist Herms Romijn proposed that photons (i.e., the smallest
elemental unit of electromagnetic radiation) in brain neurons contribute to a biological quantum
(i.e., the smallest discrete amount of something) connection and the foundation of consciousness.
[142]  William Tiller, a professor emeritus of materials science at Stanford University stated:
“Consciousness lifts the higher thermodynamic free energy state of the vacuum level.”  Accessing that
new physics allows intention to bring forth affects you wouldn’t imagine. The consciousness can, in a
way, affect or interact with a power greater than anything conventional instruments have been able
to measure thus far.” [55]

Tiller proposed that he was only able to detect this invisible substance when it interacted with an
electric molecule that can be measured. Interestingly, since he contends that one’s intention seemed
to increase the conductivity (i.e., the ability to transmit energy) between the atom/molecule level and
the vacuum level, Tiller concluded that consciousness can affect or interact with a “power greater
than anything conventional instruments have been able to measure thus far.”[55]

Several leading theoretical physicists such as quantum physicist David Bohm, a student of Albert
Einstein, and Brian Greene, along with neurophysiologist Karl Pribram contend that quantum
theory (i.e., the behavior of atomic- and molecular objects) may provide the unknown components to
explain biological and physical phenomena associated with theories of consciousness [58].  This
"holistic" view of reality (as opposed to reductionist theories) served as a catalyst towards a theory of
quantum consciousness called the "holonomic brain theory" which explains how the brain encodes
memories in a holographic manner. This theory originated from Pribram who synchronistically
arrived at a holographic model of the mind at the same time David Bohm was developing a
holographic model of the universe. Collectively, this model is part of an emerging paradigm called
"holism" which advocates that the best way to study the behavior of many complex systems is to treat
it as a whole, i.e., a whole system being more than just the sum of its parts. In contrast to this
position, Einstein said, quantum mechanics is not a complete or holistic science. Also, theoretical
physicist Richard Feynman said that “no one understands it” and that, “QM descriptions of the
universal reality are “marred with multiple unresolved paradoxes- multiple universes, multiple
dimensions, anti-matter, quantum gravity etc. QM is great for electronic gadgets and materialistic
high-tech applications of science. But I would not waste any time using quantum concepts such as
anti-matter, exotic particles, strings, time travel, time-warps, quantum non-locality, quantum
mind/observer, and quantum soul etc to explain, describe, or understand universal reality or
consciousness.” [102]
Despite these opposing viewpoints, evidence suggests the brain uses holographic principles to
perform its operations. Pribram for example believes the brain uses holographic principles to
mathematically convert frequencies received by the senses into the inner world of our perceptions.
Pribram's theory, in fact, has gained increasing support among neurophysiologists. Nuclear physicist
and molecular biologist Jeremy Hayward of the University of Cambridge concluded that
consciousness is possibly more basic than space and time and emphasized that "some scientists
belonging to the scientific mainstream frankly say that consciousness next to space, time, matter and
energy could be one of the basic elements of the world".[118]

Physician Jeffrey Schwartz and physicist Henry Stapp advanced a theory addressing how mental
states can influence physical states. They contend that the answer lies in the discoveries of quantum
physics, the finding that subatomic particles only reveal their precise position when we measure
them. (22)   This theory, while controversial in identifying consciousness as the “missing link” raises
an important question: Is there life after death? If there is life after death, it is consciousness that
survives. Yet consciousness is probably the most perplexing subject in science. As far as
consciousness goes, cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker states: “We have no scientific
explanation.”(22)  In the Copenhagan interpretation of quantum mechanics by Niels Bohr, Werner
Heisenberg, among others, the problem is not the inadequacy of measurement: rather, particles have
no location until we measure them. As physicists Paul Davies and John Gribbin state, “the observer
seems to play an essential role in fixing the nature of reality at the quantum level.” (21)

Theories which advance the possibility of life after death incorporates a branch of physics concerned
with processes and a series of equations which describe the behavior of sub-atomic particles, like the
electron, called quantum physics.  Quantum physics was described by theoretical physicist Amit
Goswami, as follows: “quantum physics is a new paradigm of science based on the primacy of
consciousness…The new paradigm resolves many paradoxes of the old paradigm and explains much
anomalous data.” (11) Quantum physics has shown that atoms and subatomic particles are not really
objects, i.e., they do not exist with certainty at definite spatial locations and times.  Instead, they
seem to show “tendencies to exist,” forming a world of potentialities. (12)  The quantum world
appears different from the physical world.  For example, a central feature of quantum physics is the
“observer effect” in which particles being observed and the observer-the physicist and the method
used for observation are linked. Interestingly, the results of the observation are influenced by the
observer’s conscious intent.  This effect implies that consciousness of the observer is vital to the
existence of physical events being observed. That is, quantum physics indicates that the physical
world cannot be fully understood without making reference to mind and consciousness (13)
Basically, what quantum theory says is that fundamental particles are empty of inherent existence
and exist in an undefined state of potentialities. They have no inherent existence from their own side
and do not become 'real' until a mind interacts with them and gives them meaning. Whenever and
wherever there is no mind there is no meaning and no reality. In other words, quantum physics
teaches us that we must consider mind and consciousness if we are to achieve an adequate
understanding of nature and reality, and its’ potential for life after death.  Some physicists in fact
claim that a higher field of consciousness (information field) in the universe exists to explain how
energies within our universe interact, and how other possible universes might function.

Though resisted by Einstein as “spooky action at a distance,” quantum entanglement, a fundamental

principle of quantum physics, has been demonstrated experimentally, including over large distances
[112, 122]. This concept is based on the instantaneous connections that remain between particles
(photons and electrons) that interacted physically and then become separated.  According to
quantum entanglement, one particle of an entangled pair "knows" what measurement has been
performed on the other, and with what outcome, even though there is no known means for such
information to be communicated between the particles, which at the time of measurement may be
separated by arbitrarily large distances. In other words, even though they are separated, they remain
linked in such a way that the quantum state of any one of them cannot be adequately described
without consideration of the others [121].  This property is also referred to as “non-locality” - the
ability of two objects to instantaneously know about each other’s states, even if they’re separated by
vast distances.  For example, particle A and particle B interact, and become mysteriously bonded.
When particle A undergoes a change, particle B undergoes the same change even though they are not
visibly connected. These connections remain even if the particles are separated by vast distances
(e.g., billions of light-years).  Each particle lost their individuality and behave as a single entity.
Similarly, consciousness, like photons and electrons which we are composed of, may also be a
nonlocal phenomenon. If something is nonlocal, it is not localized to specific points in space, such as
brains or bodies, or to specific points in time, such as the present. They are infinite in time as well,
present at all moments, past present and future, meaning they are eternal. Immortality? Some
scientists like the Noble Prize winner and physicists Eugene Wigner and Brian Josephson and
mathematician John von Neumann argue that this nonlocal space, may form the basis for
consciousness. This may be crucial for understanding the mind-brain relationship and the nonlocal
aspects of consciousness.

Other difficult to explain behavior at the subatomic scale has been demonstrated in what is called the
double-slit experiment.  For example, a perplexing outcome can be seen by the behavior of photons
(light particles) which act differently when they are observed than when no one is watching. This
occurs when scientists watch a particle pass through two slits in a barrier. The particle behaves like a
bullet and goes through one slit or the other. Yet if a person doesn’t watch the particle, it acts like a
wave. This means it can go through both slits at the same time. Thus the presence of a conscious
observer changed the behavior of an electron from a wave state to a particle state.  It appears
therefore that consciousness has a physical impact on matter. In other words, observation not only
disturbs what has to be measured, it produces the effect.   Thus particles exist as potential and the
observer determines what form they take. Additionally, a single electron that passes through two
different holes on a screen simultaneously remains a single particle on the other side. But, if a light is
flashed on the electron to observe through which hole it passes, then it will pass only through one of
the two holes.  This demonstrates that matter and energy can display characteristics of both waves
and particles, and that the behavior of the particle changes based on a person’s perception and
consciousness. This is known as the “observer effect” which contradicts what we assume to be true
about the physical world, i.e., matter and energy can behave as waves and particles. This is the
foundation of the nature of quantum mechanical phenomena where findings conclude individual
cells think for themselves.

Experiments such as this which many believe prove that “consciousness creates reality” generates
numerous questions. Can we shape and create whatever reality we’d like for ourselves? Does it mean
we can manifest a certain lifestyle, and attract certain experiences? And if so, how? Despite the
scientific communities inability to provide irrefutable evidence to answer these questions, it seems
clear that consciousness and our physical material world does interact in some way, shape, or form,
and that it must have significant implications yet to be discovered.

According to D. Radin, Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, “observation not only
disturbs what has to be measured, they produce it. We compel the electron to assume a definite
position. We ourselves produce the results of the measurement.”[119].  Although this is one of the
most popular experiments to demonstrate the connection between consciousness and physical
reality, other studies clearly show that factors associated with consciousness are directly correlated
with our reality in some way. Although the nature of this relationship has not been convincingly
explained, Radin believes that nonlocal events and entanglement in the subatomic, quantum domain
are responsible for the nonlocal events we experience. While quantum nonlocality and entanglement
may eventually explain our nonlocal experiences, considerably more research is needed before we
may accept these concepts as unifying principles to explain our physical world and related
phenomena. A number of experiments in the field of parapsychology that have demonstrated this are
addressed in Chapter XX.
Although physicists originally believed quantum entanglement was of little significance, evidence
now suggests that its’ effects may be associated with brain activity.  This has been demonstrated in
human neurons in vitro [111]. If separated neurons can be entangled in such a manner, is it possible
for brains to be entangled at a distance? Several experiments using fMRI and EEG-techniques
suggest this to be valid. In these experiments, the stimulation of one individual’s brain was reported
to be transmitted instantaneously in a distant individual’s brain by fMRI or EEG [108-110].  These
experiments suggest that the notion of linked minds may be possible.

While distant individuals may somehow be coupled in this manner, there is no definitive evidence
that “human entanglement” is related to “quantum entanglement.” In fact, physicists contend that 
nonlocal connections between entangled particles cannot transfer information [112]. In contrast, it
has been reported that information can be transferred between humans (e.g., remote healing, in
identical twins; telepathy, and correlated fMRI or EEG patterns) [50]. The fact that entanglement is
now recognized to exist at the subatomic quantum level should at the very least encourage us to
explore similar phenomena at the human level.

The Quantum Hologram Theory

The highly debated Superstring Theory (13), which proposes the existence of an additional six
dimensions beyond our 3-dimensional reality (1 st is length, 2nd is height, 3rd is depth, and the 4th is
believed to be time which governs the properties of all known matter at any given point) which we
cannot perceive, are where the other more pronounced possibilities come into play, and attempting
to explain their interrelationships is where things get especially speculative. For instance, the fifth
and sixth dimensions, where the concept of possible worlds arises, if present, may support the
possible notion that one’s consciousness can exist after death in another dimension.

Related to the Superstring Theory is the Quantum Hologram (QH) theory which provides another
theoretical perspective on the continuity of consciousness after death.  This "Holographic Concept of
Reality" was first suggested by Miller, Webb and Dickson in 1973 [105], and supported by David
Bohm (1980) [106], Ken Wilber (1982) [40], Karl Pribram (1991) [107] and others.  In this theory,
this world is not transcendent to matter, but underlies it as a coherent unity—much like ecology
underlies biology. The QH theory states that our universe, instead of being a 3-dimensional spatial
construct, is actually more like a holographic image built up by interacting vibratory waves, like
colliding ripples on the surface of a pond. Holography is a way of encoding and recording vast
amounts of information by using intersecting bundles of cascading and reflecting waves.  Subatomic
particles, which continually wink in and out of existence, appear in wave/particle form.  Within this
context, some physicists have strongly suggested that the nature of reality is fundamentally
analogous to that of a holographic projection associated with a form of 3D photography where
objects to be photographed are illuminated by a laser beam.  Lightwaves bouncing off of the objects
then collide and form “interference patterns” which encode the spacial information about the
illuminated objects.  Interestingly, any fragment of a holographic film contains all the information to
reproduce the entire original 3D scene, no matter the fragment size.  Thus, the term “holographic”
has come to refer to a condition where a fragment contains all of the information to reconstruct the
whole of which it was a part.  In this paradigm, all potential information about the universe is
holographically encoded in the spectrum of frequency patterns constantly bombarding us, i.e., there
are no "things", just energetic events. In turn, our brains mathematically construct physical reality by
interpreting frequencies from another dimension which transcends time and space.  Thus, the brain
may function as a hologram.  Thus reality may consist of embedded holograms within holograms,
and their interrelatedness somehow gives rise to our existence and perceptual experiences.

The most significant theoretical consideration of the QH theory is that of mathematician Walter
Shempp and Scientist/Astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell [38, 39] who proposed that at the subatomic
scale of matter, everything in the universe is interconnected and despite our perceptions that the
world is solid, we may exist within a vibrating energy matrix made up of fluctuating particle-waves. If
this theory is proven valid then our perceptions of the physical world are an illusion.  But the more
important yet elusive questions pertain to the potential implications of this multi-dimensional reality
on life itself.   A mental or telepathic interaction, for example, could be seen as potentially just as
valid.

Further, E. Mitchell and his colleagues [97-99] advanced the notion that all objects in our Universe
retain evidence of each event that has occurred to them, and that this information is stored in this
holographic form (i.e., values pertaining to the frequency, magnitude, phase, and orientation of the
fringes of the wave-interference pattern) as standing waves.  They contend that this information can
be retrieved by the mind when it "attends” to an object. In other words, the QH theory describes the
universe as a self-organizing inter-connected conscious holistic system. [47]

The relationship between anomalous activity, theories on consciousness, and quantum physics has
drawn the attention of several well respected scientists including Dr. Rudy Schild, research
astronomer at the Harvard/Smithsonian Center for Astro-Physics, who supports the QH theory.
Schild proposed that: “the Quantum Hologram formulation sensibly explains all of the modern
miracles…because it is profoundly grounded in the concept that a quantum field underlies the entire
description of all real, mass embodied objects in the physical Universe, down to the atomic
description of matter.  And it is described as a hologram because it allows for the description of
higher dimensional reality in its physical dimensional properties”. [96]

If Schild is correct, consciousness exists in our space-time and constrains our waking
perception. Thus during sleep or death, he contends that, “we once again “awaken” to full
consciousness, only to discover that we never left that unitary state to begin with.  After death we are
awake, only to realize yet again, that when we are focused into a physical body with a finite time
scale, that is when we are in fact, dreaming.” [96]

Schild provides support for our Universe to store "quantum holograms", through extremely-massive,
collapsed, evolved stars  called "black holes" (i.e., tunnel connections between entirely different areas
in the universe through which information can be transmitted outside of space and time super-
dense,) which he called, "eternally collapsing objects" (Schild & Leiter 2010). [96] And because of its
continuous acquisition of more mass, they function as "Nature's hard-drives", holding copies of the
quantum holograms generated by each new moment of human experience.  E. Mitchell, who
supports this perspective, believes that the storage mechanism for the QH exists in a nonlocal
information storage and transfer mechanism termed the zero point field (ZPF) which encodes the
whole like a hologram [47]. This information (e.g., amplitude, frequencies and the phase
relationships from the emitted quanta), which is emitted and absorbed by all objects in the four
dimensional space/time reality, applies to both subatomic particle and the largest structures in the
universe. [47]

Evidence suggests that all matter contains a holographic memory and information stored non-locally
in the ZPF [148]. Researchers such as Bohm and Pribram have noted that parapsychological
phenomena (e.g., extrasensory perception) may be explained by this model which allows for
individual brains to be interconnected parts of the greater hologram.  Thus telepathy may occur at
the holographic level which allows for information to be exchanged between minds regardless of
distance.  Stanislav Grof, one of the founders of the field of transpersonal psychology, believes that
the QH theory explains many phenomena experienced by individuals during altered states of
consciousness.[147] Interestingly, biophysicist and molecular biologist Pjotr Garjajev and his
colleagues who studied the vibrational behavior of DNA concluded:“Living chromosomes function
just like a holographic computer using endogenous DNA laser radiation.” This means that they
managed, for example, to modulate certain frequency patterns (sound) onto a laser-like ray which
influenced DNA frequency and thus the genetic information itself.”[103]

Even though our central nervous system perceives and interprets incoming stimuli as physical
matter, we may actually live within an energy matrix made up of fluctuating particle-waves. If our
perceptions of the physical world are illusions we are challenged to re-evaluate events that occur only
in consciousness, and those that can manifest on a physical scale.  The QH theory may provide the
needed foundation upon which to build future experiments to better understand some of the most
profound mysteries of human experience such as the interaction between two aspects of one reality
(“spiritual” and material worlds) presented to us by parasychology, reincarnation, near-death
experiences, apparitions, after-death communication, and even UFOs, among other phenomena.  Is
it possible that one or more of these interactions between humans and such phenomena unfold
within a quantum holographic universe where there is no fundamental separation between “us” and
the so called paranormal, which may include the continuity of consciousness after death?  The QH
theory may hold the key that unlocks the mysterious interactions between the “spiritual” and the
“physical” aspects of these phenomena, which may be two aspects of one reality.

The observation that our conscious perception compels an electron to assume a definite position,
acknowledges that we create of our own reality which physicists use as a basis to conclude that the
universe is a “mental” construction. The perplexing behavior of subatomic particles defies logical
explanation even when the theories make accurate predictions. The QH theory seems unimaginable
as many existing unresolved phenomena. The conclusion that physical forces appear to have their
basis in nonlocal space pertains to our understanding of nonlocal aspects of consciousness as
represented in the NDE and for understanding the relationship between consciousness and the
brain. This may also help explain the reason how many things interact with one another such as
thoughts in telepathic experiments. For example, if a person’s consciousness is shared with another
in the QH field and they are in close contact throughout space-time, telepathy may occur, i.e., it is
not confined to the location of the person or object and is “non-local”.  According to this principle,
consciousness is an essential component of the universe, and all matter possesses subjective
characteristics of consciousness. Consciousness therefore is non-local and the foundation of
everything (i.e., physical reality is affected by non-local consciousness).

The suspicion that the brain may also have quantum properties, which may account for our ability to
experience consciousness, is provided in mathematical physicist’s Roger Penrose’s theory that
“microtubules” (i.e., forms the cytoskeleton in neurons and helps maintain the structure of the cell)
in neurons may be sites of quantum effects enabling entanglement (i.e., particles interact in ways
such that the quantum state of each particle cannot be described independently) both within and
between brain cells.  Penrose teamed with anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff to formulate the
controversial “orchestrated objective-reduction” (Orch-OR) theory, which states that brain neurons
behave as “quantum computers”, and are the source of information computation.  That is, quantum
activity within the neuron use "quantum bits" that interact non-locally with other neurons and, along
with the quantum hologram, facilitate a "conscious event". Based on this conclusion, Penrose and
Hameroff believe that this process serves as the foundation for the human soul. They cite the
discovery of “quantum vibrations in microtubules inside brain neurons,” and the effects of anesthesia
which act via “microtubules in brain neurons” as evidence, among others, to support this
controversial opinion,. Hameroff also believes the Orch-OR theory could also account for NDEs,
OBEs, and even the afterlife. He stated that, “the connection to space–time geometry also raises the
intriguing possibility that Orch-OR allows consciousness apart from the brain and body, distributed
and entangled in space–time geometry”, and that “quantum information can exist outside the body,
perhaps indefinitely, as a soul.” Simon Berkovitch, a professor in Computer Science of the George
Washington University, has calculated that the brain has an absolutely inadequate capacity to
produce and store all the informational processes of all our memories with associative thoughts. We
would need 1024 operations per second, which is absolutely impossible for our neurons.[78] Herms
Romijn, a Dutch neurobiologist, comes to the same conclusion. [79] One should conclude that the
brain has not enough computing capacity to store all the memories with associative thoughts from
one’s life, has not enough retrieval abilities, and seems not to be able to elicit consciousness. Thus
collectively, quantum mechanics postulates that each of the approximately eighty-seven billion
neurons in the brain, of which one-hundred times as many microtubules exist in every neuron, either
contains, or supports consciousness.Anumber of scientists accept the applicability of the QH at some
scales in the brain (cf. Kafatos 2009 [56, 57, 68]). In contrast, Stapp (2007 [101] contends that the
brain operates in accordance with the uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics (i.e., energy and
time of a quantum mechanical system, cannot be accurately measured simultaneously).

The quantum mind theory of consciousness proposes that classical mechanics cannot

explain consciousness and that quantum entanglement (i.e., particles are generated or interact in
ways such that the quantum state of each particle cannot be described independently)
and superposition (i.e., the net response at a given place and time caused by two or more stimuli is
the sum of the responses which would have been caused by each stimulus individually), may be an
integral part of brain activity and possibly provide the foundation to explain consciousness. The
Nobel Prize physicist Eugene Wigner of Princeton considers consciousness a fundamental
component of the quantum measurement problem. He states: “The illusion of the classical scientific
paradigm that is shattered by the quantum principle is the assumption that there is an immutable
objective reality "out there" that is totally independent of what happens in consciousness "in here."
Quantum theory forces a new kind of logic in science that is still mathematical and disciplined.”
[104]
A relatively new perspective on this subject called Quantum Bayesianism is that quantum
information is a function of our own minds.  According to Professor of Physics Hans Christian von
Baeyer, "In this conception, the wave function does not exist in the real world-it reflects an
individual’s subjective mental state.” Further, theoretical physicist N. David Mermin states that this
theory "may well be the most powerful abstraction we have ever found”[163].

Physicists John McFadden and Jim Al-Khalili propose that the brain’s electromagnetic field may
couple to quantum-coherent (entangled) ions moving through these channels and synchronize them,
enabling the “binding” of multiple cortical processes, and emergences of consciousness [81]. 
Quantum physicist Danah Zohar also contends that that biological quantum coherence serves as an
organizing principle which may explain a “quantum relationship” between consciousness and the
body.” [144]

Dr. Christian Hellwig of the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, found
evidence that information in our central nervous system is phase encoded, a type of coding that
allows multiple pieces of data to occupy the same time. He said, "Our thoughts, our will, our
consciousness and our feelings show properties that could be referred to as spiritual properties...No
direct interaction with the known fundamental forces of natural science, such as gravitation,
electromagnetic forces, etc. can be detected in the spiritual. On the other hand, however, these
spiritual properties correspond exactly to the characteristics that distinguish the extremely puzzling
and wondrous phenomena in the quantum world."[75]

Christian Hellweg, who researched brain function, believed that consciousness has a quantum state
[19] He summarized this position as follows: "Our thoughts, our will, our consciousness and our
feelings show properties that could be referred to as spiritual properties...No direct interaction with
the known fundamental forces of natural science, such as gravitation, electromagnetic forces, etc.
can be detected in the spiritual. On the other hand, however, these spiritual properties correspond
exactly to the characteristics that distinguish the extremely puzzling and wondrous phenomena in
the quantum world. Quantum world, in this case, refers to that realm of our world that is not yet
factual; in other words, the realm of possibility, the realm of uncertainty, where we do "know what",
but do not exactly "know when or how". Based on the context of traditional physics, it can, out of
necessity, be concluded that this realm must actually exist." [75]

Cosmic Consciousness

The theories and evidence provided within quantum physics suggest that we may not be dealing with
interactions between two dissimilar entities—“mind” and “matter”—but with a single unified, cosmic
consciousness or holographic entity. A growing point of view among physicists is that there must be
a type of cosmic consciousness encompassing the universe determining which state we are in. This
prspective is largely based on the evidence by which objects seem to spring into being when
measurements are made by conscious beings. Some, like Nobel laureate Eugene Wigner, have
argued that this proves the existence of “God” or some cosmic consciousness. This opinion is
becoming more popular among physicists who are realizing the implications of what quantum
mechanics and other fields of research such as parapsychology, NDEs, unidentified flying objects,
and alledged contact with non-human intelligent beings, among other unexplained phenomena, are
telling us. Researchers think that if humans with full individuality would regain group
consciousness, they would have a god-like power to create, alter and shape things on Earth (i.e.,
humanity is collectively moving toward such a group consciousness of the new kind) [104]

One line of evidence in support of “cosmic consciousness is he Global Consciousness Project (GCP), a
fascinating initiative to prove that we are all one. Led by Dr. Roger D. Nelson, a professor of
Experimental Cognitive Psychology at Princeton University and director of the Princeton
Engineering Anomalies Research Lab (PEAR), the GCP utilizes a mathematical model to measure the
field of global consciousness [42].  This field is measured through a network of one hundred
computers stationed across the world that operate continuously, emitting ones and zeros in a
predefined random pattern, which are analyzed by a supercomputer at Princeton University. The
objective is to identify anomalies in the behavior of the network, i.e., behavior that cannot be
explained and is a statistically significant diversion from the normal pattern. However, anomalies
have been identified when major events that elicit the attention of millions of people to a single point
occur.  Researchers at GCP consider these anomalies as an outcome from the human mind on matter
which becomes significant when the consciousness of millions of people is focused on a single event.
This is believed to result in a field of consciousness that is strong enough to affect artificial
intelligence, e.g., predefined random patterns generated by computers.

Interestingly, what is difficult to understand is that these anomalies are mostly predictive, often
happening hours before the original event takes place. For example, researchers found one such
significant irregularity several hours before the twin tower attacks on September 11, where the
mathematical analysis of the data showed that the New York computer broke the 1 to 0 ratio of 50:50
to 1:35. Similar results occurred before terrorist attacks by Al Qaeda in Madrid in 2004 and London
in 2005, along with the tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia and the election of President Obama.
So, does this mean that our collective, global consciousness knows of a major event before our
individual consciousness does? The PEAR Lab at Princeton University has conducted millions of
experiments with hundreds of people showing our minds may affect the normal functioning of
electronic devices. A typical example of such an experiment is as follows:

A random event generator (REG) is an electronic device that can produce bits representing either 0
or 1. Study subjects attempt to influence the REG either way, toward 0 or 1. If the events showed a
significant favor in the direction of the person’s will above what chance would dictate, it suggested
the person’s “will” influenced the machine. Researchers from several studies using REGs concluded
that the human mind can slightly influence the machine. Though the influence was slight, the
consistency was significant. [72] It was determined that the probability of the results happening by
chance rather than by an influence of the human mind is less than 1 to 1 billion.
The influence of humans on REGs has been used to measure the effect of global and group
consciousness in a variety of group settings (e.g., meditations, ceremonies, and important global
events, etc (Bierman, 1996 [14]; Jahn et al., 2000 [46]; Nelson [52-54]; Radin, [60; 61, 63] [72]
REGs have also been used with individuals and pairs to study the effect of human intention and
human/machine interactions (Dunne, 1998 [64]; Jahn et al., 1997 [65], [69]). Nelson reported that
REGs in group situations behaved non-randomly with significant deviations of the means in
situations involving ‘‘calm but unfocused subjective resonance’’ and those ‘‘that foster relatively
intense or profound subjective resonance’’ (Nelson et al., 1998 [69]. Time synchronized as opposed
to non-synchronized meditation also seems to have a greater influence on the REG. That is, a
meditation involving a large number of people world wide engaging in prayer and meditation at the
same time had a statistically significant effect on REG output Nelsonetal.,1998 [69], [77]. If these
findings are supported by other researchers, the application of REGs as an objective measure of
intentional ‘‘direction’’ for collective consciousness may be validated. Currently, various explanations
of the REG results, which remain elusive and serve as a subject of great debate, have been attributed
to possible statistical, experimenter, and other methodological biases, REG malfunction, and electro-
magnetic interference.  One explanation for the preliminary REG experimental results may be
summarized by physicist and professor of applied mathematics Chris Clarke as follows “On one
hand, Mind is inherently non-local. On the other, the world is governed by a quantum physics that is
inherently non-local. This is no accident, but a precise correspondence ...[Mind and the world are]
aspects of the same thing...The way ahead, I believe, has to place mind first as the key aspect of the
universe...We have to start exploring how we can talk about mind in terms of a quantum
picture...Only then will we be able to make a genuine bridge between physics and physiology.” [70]

A few attempts to demonstrate non-locality in experimental studies have been performed to

determine the: 1) healing intentions on biological functions in remote individuals, and 2) effects in
nonhuman processes, (e.g., microbial growth, biochemical reactions, or the function of inanimate
objects). For example, significant effects of distant healing in cardiopulmonary and AIDS patients
have been reported [113, 114]. Subjects acting as healers were also found to produce cures in mice
infected with mammary adenocarcinoma and a “resonant bonding” between experimental and
control mice, i.e., healing intention directed towards the treated experimental animals also affected
the untreated control animals [12].  In another study, directed intention was associated with
significantly faster healing in injured mice, and higher germination and faster growth rates in
shocked plants [116]. Electrophysiological (EEG) evidence to support non-locality was provided by
Hendricks et al., (2010) who found an interpersonal EEG coupling between healer and subject pairs.
According to the researchers, the results suggest that the EEG activity produced by the healer make a
“connection between the healer and the subject” and that healing may involve a “Schumann-
resonance-type standing electric field as a connectivity mechanism.” [117] Does this evidence suggest
that consciousness has an existence independent of the brain and can, in some way, be linked with
the consciousness of another person?

Quantum Physics and Immortality

Developments in quantum theory aiming to unify all physical processes have opened the door to a
profoundly new vision of the cosmos, where observer, observed, and the act of observation are
interlocked. This hints at a science of wholeness, going beyond the purely physical emphasis of
current science. Studying the universe as a mechanical conglomerate of parts will not solve the
problem of consciousness, because in the quantum view, the parts cease to be measureable distinct
entities. The interconnectedness of everything is particularly evident in the non-local interactions of
the quantum universe.[95]

Quantum theory, which attempts to unify all physical processes, has advanced a new vision of the
universe, which links the observer, observed, and the act of observation. That is, everything is
interconnected through the non-local interactions of the quantum universe.[95]  This theory may
provide the foundation for the claims by numerous physicists that there is a relationship between
science and existence of the paranormal and the afterlife. These physicists are showing that the
“paranormal” are normal and consistent with the laws of science and contend that there is evidence
to support the paranormal and the afterlife.

Professor Fred Alan Wolf sums up this view: “I believe that the findings of quantum physics
increasingly support Plato [who taught that there is a more perfect, non-material realm of existence].
There is evidence that suggests the existence of a non-material, non-physical universe that has a
reality even though it might not as yet be clearly perceptible to our senses and scientific
instrumentation. When we consider out-of-body experiences, shamanic journeys and lucid dream
states, though they cannot be replicated in the true scientific sense, they also point to the existence of
non-material dimensions of reality.” [83]

The theory of quantum consciousness suggests that consciousness exists inside the microtubules of
brain cells, and that at death, the energy inside these microtubules doesn’t cease to exist; but instead,
is somehow maintained in the universe. One of the fundamental laws in physics, the first law of
thermodynamics, states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed - it can only be converted. So if
it is true that consciousness is a form of energy, then according to the first law of thermodynamics,
consciousness cannot be created nor destroyed. Instead, it is converted into something else.

Testimonials from prominent physics researchers from Cambridge University, Princeton University,
and the Max Planck Institute for Physics in Munich claim that quantum mechanics predicts some
version of "life after death." They assert that a person may possess a body-soul duality that is an
extension of the wave-particle duality of subatomic particles (14). This is a fundamental concept of
quantum mechanics which proposes that elementary particles, such as photons and electrons, retain
the properties of both particles and waves.  It is within the realm of possibility that physicists will
document quantum-like behavior at this level.  And if there is a quantum code for everything living
and dead, then there may be a form of existence after death.

The QH, which attempts to explain many effects including aspects of mind, memory, stream of
consciousness, psychic events, and other phenomena that arise out of the zero point field, must be
refined as more information becomes available and our understanding improves. Similarly,
neurosurgeon Karl Pribram considers that the brain operates like a hologram and draws upon it to
perform its tasks and that memory and visual perception are governed by the holographic principle. 
He came to this conclusion based on his finding that despite a loss of 90 percent of the visual cortex
or 98 percent of the optic nerve, a cat was still able to perform complex visual tasks. [143]. If it is true
that sensory information processing is nonlocal it may explain the reported perception during an
OBE and the life review and detailed images and memories during a NDE in a dimension without
time and space.

Near-death studies supports these arguments and goes even further. The life review process is often
described by NDE experiencers in terms of viewing "television-like" screen(s) where they review
every second of their life instantaneously-including the perceptions of everyone on Earth they ever
came into contact with throughout their life. Another aspect of NDEs is the OBE where experiencers
have described conditions where they view their physical body from above in a different "body".
Sometimes these perceptions are verified later by third-parties - a phenomenon known as veridical
perception. Near-death studies contain multiple reports of veridical perception of events which were
outside the range of the NDE experiencer's sensory perception and, therefore, of brain mediation
(See Sabom, 1998; Ring, 2006; Sharp, 2003; Ring & Cooper, 2008; and van Lommel, van Wees,
Meyers, & Elfferich, 2001). In some cases, such perceptions occur while the NDE experiencer is
experiencing the brain inactivity following within 10 seconds of cessation of heartbeat (van Lommel
et al., 2001). Over 100 such cases are published
on www.iands.org, www.nderf.org, www.oberf.org and www.near-death.com. While such evidence
may not persuade the skeptics, the millions of individuals who have experienced an NDE
are absolutely convinced of consciousness surviving bodily death.

Henry Stapp, theoretical physicist at the University of California–Berkeley who worked with some of
the founding fathers of quantum mechanics [82] contends that the existence of the consciousness is
consistent with the laws of physics and is one of the most important developments in quantum
physics. He states: “aspects of a personality might be able to survive bodily death and persist for a
while as an enduring mental entity, existing somewhere in Descartes’ world of mental things, but
capable on rare occasions of reconnecting with the physical world.”[82]

In his paper, “Compatibility of Contemporary Physical Theory with Personality Survival,” Stapp
wrote:

“Strong doubts about personality survival based solely on the belief that postmortem survival is
incompatible with the laws of physics are unfounded.” The quantum explanation of how the mind
and brain can be separate or different, yet connected by the laws of physics “is a welcome revelation.
It solves a problem that has plagued both science and philosophy for centuries—the imagined
science-mandated need either to equate mind with brain, or to make the brain dynamically
independent of the mind.” [51]

Many scientsts believe the brain retains and processes information at the subatomic state, acts as a
quantum system, and that consciousness may incorporate quantum events.  Physician Dr. Larry
Dossey known for asserting the importance for the healing of prayer and spirituality, and his
controversial position on consciousness stated that:

“I do not see any compelling theoretical reason why this idea could not be reconciled with the
precepts of quantum mechanics. Such an elaboration of quantum mechanics would both allow our
conscious efforts to influence our own bodily actions, and also allow certain purported phenomena
such as “possession”, “mediumship”, and “reincarnation” to be reconciled with the basic precepts of
contemporary physics.”[50]

The general scientific community argue that neuroscientists will eventually be able to explain the
distinction between the brain and consciousness. The theoretical and associated experiments (e.g.,
law of entanglement and non-locality, the “observer effect”, parapsychology), and unexplained
individual incidents such as the near-death experience (NDE), out-of body experience (OBE), among
other phenomena addressed in this book, lend indirect evidence to support the concept of
immortality.  However, based on QP, such phenomena are normal. Thus, it seems that mind and
consciousness are required for reality since they allow us to perceive our physical world. This
interrelationship among the brain, consciousness, and the physical world emerge from the same
source. That is, does our consciousness influence and give rise to various phenomena that seem to
exist in the physical world? And if so, does our consciousness exist apart from the brain, and do “I”
survive physical death?

Everything seems to be connected to everything else, an interconnection similar to entanglement;

everything is one. The mind seems to contain everything at once in a timeless dimension called
nonlocality. According to Pin Van Lommel, “it seems to be possible to have a nonlocal connection
with other people’s consciousness as well as with thoughts and feelings of deceased friends and
family and to communicate with them by way of thought transfer.” (76) It would seem that quantum
theory may explain the reported connection between one’s own consciousness and that of other
living persons or deceased relatives.  Our understanding of nonlocal aspects of consciousness that
are experienced during a NDE, may hold the key to better understand the relationship between
consciousness and our physical body. That is, the physical world is influenced at quantum level by
nonlocal space, just as our body seems to be influenced by our consciousness. This nonlocal space,
could be a basis for consciousness and all matter, or physical reality, may be shaped by nonlocal
consciousness. This might explain the possibility of perception during an OBE as well as a life review
with memories and images during a NDE in a dimension without time and distance (See Chapter
XXX)

Professor of physics Amit Goswami considers consciousness, not the material world, as the primary
reality.[84] John Bockris, known for his creation of physical electrochemistry, concludes that other
concepts such as the paranormal and theories about consciousness must be integrated into science to
understand the nature of reality. His main thesis is that we are living in a “synchronized universe,”
one layer of which we see and interact with (i.e., the “real” universe) which coexist with other
universes just as real as this one. This, he states, “begins to offer a way to understand how the soul,
the center of human consciousness, can exist in a permanent form, surviving human death.” [85]
Physicist Claude Swanson assembled the “best evidence” illustrating the inadequacy of our present
scientific paradigm through examples of extrasensory perception demonstrated under rigorous
scientific conditions, with odds of millions to one against chance [86].] Professor Jessica Utts and
Nobel laureate Brian Josephson state that science needs adapt to accommodate such evidence.

They write:“What are the implications for science of the fact that psychic functioning appears to be a
real effect? These phenomena seem mysterious, but no more mysterious perhaps than strange
phenomena of the past which science has now happily incorporated within its scope”. [87]

Does quantum mechanics predict the existence of a spiritual "soul" that may serve as foundation for
immortality? Many neuroscientists believe that research should focus on understanding other
aspects of brain function since the neurological source of consciousness will unlikely be explained or
understood in biological terms.  While experimental evidence has supported some neural based
theories about consciousness, some physicists believe that consciousness operates in a quantum state
and that the brain and consciousness are separate entities as are the "wave-particle dualism" of
subatomic particles.

Testimonials from prominent physics researchers from institutions such as Cambridge University,
Princeton University, and the Max Planck Institute for Physics in Munich claim that quantum
mechanics predicts some version of "life after death." They assert that a person may possess a body-
soul duality that is an extension of the wave-particle duality of subatomic particles.[75] Hans-Peter
Dürr for instance, believes in an existence after death based on the opinion that the dualism of the
smallest particles is not restricted to the subatomic world and that a universal quantum code exists
that applies for all living and dead matter. [88] He explains this as follows: "What we consider the
here and now, this world, it is actually just the material level that is comprehensible. The beyond is
an infinite reality that is much bigger which this world is rooted in. In this way, our lives in this plane
of existence are encompassed, surrounded, by the afterworld already. When planning I imagine that
I have written my existence in this world on a sort of hard drive on the tangible (the brain), that I
have also transferred this data onto the spiritual quantum field, then I could say that when I die, I do
not lose this information, this consciousness. The body dies but the spiritual quantum field
continues. In this way, I am immortal." [88] Thus according to Dürr, when the body dies our
consciousness lives on.

Physicist Robert Jahn of Princeton University concluded that if consciousness can exchange
information with the physical environment, then it can be attributed with the same "molecular
binding potential" as physical objects.  That is, consciousness follow the prinicles of quantum
mechanics. Quantum physicist David Bohm, a student of Albert Einstein, shared a similar
perspective. He stated, "The results of modern natural sciences only make sense if we assume an
inner, uniform, transcendent reality that is based on all external data and facts. The very depth of
human consciousness is one of them."[75]

Despite the absence of irrefutable evidence to support such perspectives, if it is somehow eventually
proven, then a person's consciousness could, according to Dürr's be truly “immortal”.

Physicist Robert Lanza, who proposed the theory of “biocentrism”, contends that life and
consciousness are fundamental to the universe. Using expriemental evidence from the double slit
experiment noted prior (i.e., demonstrates how conscious perception compels an electron to assume
a definite position), he concluded that humans are “eternal” and created the “concept of life and
death through their own consciousness” [90]. Many in the quantum physicists disagree with his
conclusion that death does not exist and that humans believe it exists because they collectively
believe in it i.e., consciousness creates the material universe.  Lanza also believes that multiple
universes exist simultaneously.  In one universe, the body can be dead while in another it continues
to exist, absorbing consciousness which somehow entered into this universe [74].

There are physicists and astrophysicists who tend to agree with the existence of parallel worlds and
who suggest the possibility of multiple universes, known as the Multiverse theory, a theory proposed
by physicist Hugh Everett.  This theory implies that all possible alternate histories and futures are
real, each representing an actual "world" and everything that could possibly have happened in our
past, but did not, occurred previously in another universe. That is, when an action occurs having
more than one possible outcome, the universe splits into searate universes to accommodate each
possible outcome. Accordingly, upon death, you are still alive in other universes and will be born
again in other universes. Everett saw his theory as guaranteeing the continuity of consciousness after
death, i.e., at each branching of universes between death and living, a being's consciousness endures.
[91]

While the Multiverse theory is far from verified, prominent physicists support the existence of
parallel universes. Some interpretations of quantum mechanics suggest that observing and
measuring a quantum causes an actual split in the universe. The controversial existence of alternate
realities has been promoted as a possible explanation for various phenomenon by many leading
physiscits such as Dr’s Hawking, Kaku, Bohm, and Greene among others who are proponents of the
multiverse (i.e., there are a couple of multiverses and there are many entities allowed for by this
theory which implies that we may be living in one dimension while other surfaces with other beings
on it exist [94]. Steven Hawing for instance, proposed that one can have different universes in one
existence called a multiverse. (92) Hawking stated,“Down at the smallest of scales, smaller even than
molecules, smaller than atoms, we get to a place called the  quantum foam. This is where wormholes
exist. Tiny tunnels or shortcuts through space and time constantly form, disappear, and reform
within this quantum world. And they actually link two separate places and two different times.”  (93)

Could this theory, or an alternative theory yet to be determined, explain the existence of the
multiverse and the related force which may govern reported paranormal experiences such as NDEs,
OBEs, UFO’s, ghosts, ESP, and possibly even life after death? Are there alternative realms of the
afterlife, realms beyond space, time, and matter?

Discussion

Can the continuity of our consciousness after physical death be rationalized only by certainty in 
religion, dualism, near-death and out-of body experiences, parapsychology, and consciousness
studies, or by scientific theories such as quantum physics? Is life after death possible within an
existing framework of physical reality and alternate co-existing dimensions? Whatever you believe,
scientists are beginning to have their say about whether consciousness is a product of brain function
or is independent of the brain and always exists. That is, is “I” or consciousness generated by
neuroelectric activity functioning or a type of non-physical entity which allows us to perceive,
interpret, and formulate thoughts? Philosophical and religious viewpoints associated with
consciousness and life after death tends to confict with conclusions by scientists who attempt to
correlate the brain’s neural substrate with “I”.

There is also no theory of how brain activity accounts for consciousness. Regardless, it is important
to consider viewpoints and evidence from all disciplines to better understand the true nature of
consciousness and its possible related implications for life after death. Is there something more to us
than just our brain, body and nervous system or is there a non-physical characteristic not bounded
by space and time that may survive bodily death? If consciousness is completely independent of our
body then it may be expected to live on past death.

Several researchers in the field of parapsycological studies contend that their evidence supports the
view that our mental abilities are not limited to the body. We can in other words, exchange
information without the use of our sensory systems that transcend space and time and to also
intentionally effect change at a distance (e.g., random number generators). The perplexing aspect of
NDEs, if proven to be valid, also suggest that our consciousness may be separate from our physical
body and may be capable of affecting events remote from our body.

In fact, research in NDEs suggest that aspects of an NDE correspond with or are analogous to some
of the basic principles from quantum theory, such as nonlocality and entanglement or
interconnectedness, and instantaneous information exchange in a timeless and placeless dimension.
With our current medical and scientific concepts it remains difficult to adequately explain all aspects
of the subjective experiences as reported by patients with an NDE during a transient loss of all brain
activity. While quantum physics cannot explain the origins of our consciousness and the persistence
of it after death, nonlocal consciousness has much in common with widely accepted concepts from
quantum theory.

Scientific principles and studies which may fall within the domain of quantum mechanical processes
may eventually provide irrefutable evidence which demonstrates how consciousness relate with the
brain during life, as well as during brain death, to better understand the possibility of life after death.

References

1. Farah, Martha J.; Murphy, Nancey (February 2009)."Neuroscience and the

Soul". Science 323 (5918): p. 1168.doi:10.1126/science.323.5918.1168a. Retrieved 20
November2012.
2. J. Fins, N. D. Schiff, and K. M. Foley (2007). "Late recovery from the minimally conscious
state: ethical and policy implications". Neurology 68 (4): 304–307.
3. http://media.noetic.org/uploads/files/PhysicsEssays-Radin-DoubleSlit-2012.pdf

4 a. ibid
5.R.C. Henry, “The Mental Universe” ; Nature 436:29,2005)

6. https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/278.Nikola_Tesla
7. http://howtoexitthematrix.com/2015/06/01/consciousness-creates-reality-physicists-
admit-the-universe-is-immaterial-mental-spiritual/
8. R.C. Henry, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University ,  “The Mental
Universe” ; Nature 436:29,2005)
 9. http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/11/11/consciousness-creates-reality-physicists-
admit-the-universe-is-immaterial-mental-spiritual/
10. http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/11/11/consciousness-creates-reality-physicists-
admit-the-universe-is-immaterial-mental-spiritual/
11. http//www.word-gems/mind.html
12. Fritja of Capra, The Tao of Physics (Boston: Shambhala, 1975).

13http://quantum enigma.com/nutshell/notable-quotes-on-quantum physics/?

14. Bierman, D. J. (1996). Exploring correlations between local emotional and global emotional
events and the behavior of a random number generator. Journal of Scientific Exploration,
10(3), 363.

15.Van Lommel, Pim. Consciousness beyond Life: The Science of the Near-death Experience. New
York:            HarperOne, 2010: 130

16. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nielsbohr384378.html
17. http://phys.org/news/2014-01-discovery-quantum-vibrations-microtubules-
corroborates.html
18. Danah Zohar, The Quantum Self: William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (May 24,
1991) 19. Zvi Schreiber, The Nine Lives of Schroedinger's Cat (Submitted on 16 Jan 1995 (v1),
last revised 27 Jan 1995 (this version, v5)) http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/9501014v5
19. Norman Doidge, The Brain That Changes Itself (New York: Penguin Books, 2007), 173, 259.
20. Paul Davies and John Gribbin, The Matter Myth: Discoveries That Challenge Our
Understanding of Physical Reality (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007, 215.
21. http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/11/25/what-comes-naturally-2
22. Dean Radin,1,a) Leena Michel,1 Karla Galdamez,1 Paul Wendland,2 Robert Rickenbach, and
Arnaud Delorme4PHYSICS ESSAYS 25, 2 (2012) Consciousness and the double-slit
interference pattern: Six experiments
23. Benjamin Libert, Unconscious Cerebral Initiative and the Role of Conscious Will in
Voluntary Action, Behavioral and Brain Sciences 8, (1985): 529-566.
24. Stephen Barr, Modern Physics and Ancient Faith, University of Notre Dame Press (February
15, 2006).
25. Brian Greene, The Fabric of the Cosmos, Vintage (February 8, 2005)
26. Lisa Randall, “Toward the Invisable,” in Lynn Margulis and Eduardo Punset, eds. Mind, Life
and Universe: Conversations with Great Scientists of Our Time (White River Junction, VT:
Chelsea Green Publishers, 2007)
27. Stephan Hawking, The Grand Design: Bantam; Reprint edition (February 21, 2012)
28. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Materialists
29. http://www.hawking.org.uk/space-and-time-warps.html
30. Ken A. Paller, Satoru Suzuki. The source of consciousness. Trends in Cognitive Sciences,
2014;
31. http://centerforsleepandconsciousness.med.wisc.edu/
32. Larry Dossey One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and
Why It Matters. Hay House, Inc. (October 1, 2013)
33. http://quantum-mind.co.uk/theories/other-quantum-theories/quantum-mechanics-
consciousness-the-self/

 
 35. Neurorobotics Reveals Brain Mechanisms of Self-Consciousness. April 27,
2011. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131818.htm

36 http://www.dailygrail.com/Fresh-Science/2014/7/Does-Quantum-Physics-Imply-You-Are-
Immortal

Does Quantum Physics Imply That You Are Immortal?

Posted by Greg at 01:46, 31 Jul 2014

36a.ibid

36b. ibid

37. Afterlife in the Quantum Realm?

http://dailygrail.com/Fresh-Science/2010/3/Afterlife-Quantum-Realm  Posted by Greg at 04:54, 19

Mar 2010

38. http://dailygrail.com/Interviews/2005/1/Quantum-Mind-Stuart-Hameroff. The Quantum

Mind of Stuart Hameroff Posted by Greg at 00:02, 21 Jan 2005

38a. ibid

39. http://www.williamjames.com/Theory/PHYSICS.htm

40. Ken Wilbur, "Introduction," in K. Wilbur (ed.), Quantum Questions: Mystical Writings of

the World's Great Physicists. Boston: Shambhala, 1984.

41 Richard P. Dolan. 2012 Predictive Metaphysics: A Quantum Consciousness Model of the Physical
Universe  dick.dolan@stanfordalumni.org

41a. Ibid

42. http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/10/07/global-consciousness-the-mind-blowing-
effects-of-mass-meditation/ Global Consciousness: The Mind-Blowing Effects Of Mass
Meditation

October 7, 2015 by LJ Vanier.

43. Afterlife in the Quantum Realm?

Posted by Greg at 04:54, 19 Mar 2010

http://dailygrail.com/Fresh-Science/2010/3/Afterlife-Quantum-Realm

 
 44. WakingTimes.com ResuscitationJournal.com By J. D. Heyes(Source:  naturalnews.com;
September 10, 2015; http://tinyurl.com/oepcdg9)

45. Consciousness, Science, and Life after Death. Researchers May Have Discovered The
Consciousness On/Off Switch http://www.iflscience.com/brain/researchers-may-have-
discovered-consciousness-onoff-switch

July 3, 2014 | by Justine Alford

46 Jahn, R. G., Bradish, G., Dobyns, Y., Lettieri, A., Nelson, R., Mischo, J., Boller, E., Bosch, H.,
Vaitl, D., Houtkooper, J., & Walter, B. (2000). Mind/Machine Interaction Consortium: PortREG
replication experiments. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 14(4), 499–555.

47.The Quantum Hologram

And the Nature of Consciousness by Edgar D. Mitchell, Sc.D.1and Robert Staretz, M.S.
Printed under the authorization of the author, Dr. Edgar Mitchell, FREE Advisory Board Member

Printed under the authorization of Dr. Rudy Schild, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Cosmology,

Center for Astrophysics, Harvard-Smithsonian, Cambridge, MA

(Originally printed in the Journal of Cosmology, 2011, Vol. 14.)

48. Mitchell, E. (2001). Natures Mind: The Quantum Hologram, Institute of Noetic Sciences,
Petalma, CA.
49. Radin, D. (1997). The Conscious Universe, Harper, San Francisco, CA.
50. Radin, D., 2006. Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality,
Paraview Pocket Books, New York, NY.
51. Stevenson, I. (2001). Children Who Remember Previous Lives: A Question of Reincarnation,
revised ed., Jefferson, NC, McFarland & Company.
52. Nelson, R. D. (1997). Multiple field REG/RNG recordings during global events. The
Electronic Journal for Anomalous Phenomena (eJAP).
53. Nelson, R. D. (2001). Correlation of global events with REG data: An Internet-based,
nonlocal anomalies experiment. Journal of Parapsychology, 65(3), 247–271.
54. Nelson, R. D. (2002a). Global Consciousness Project. Exploratory studies. Available at:
http:// www.noosphere.princeton.edu.
55. Hameroff, S.R., "Quantum coherence in microtubules: a neural basis for emergent
consciousness?". Journal of Consciousness Studies, Vol. 1, pp. 98-118 (1994)
56. Penrose, R., The Emporer's New Mind, Oxford Press, New York (1989). Penrose, R, Shadows
of the Mind, Oxford University Press, Oxford (1994)
57. Penrose, R., and Hameroff, S. "What gaps? Reply to Grush and Churchland," Journal of
Consciousness Studies, Vol. 2, No.2, pp. 98-111 (1995)

58. Bohm, David, Quantum Theory, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 1951)
59. Jahn, R.G., and Dunne, B.J., "On the quantum mechanics of consciousness, with application
to anomalous phenomena," Foundations of Physics, 16, p721 (1986).
60. Radin, D. I. (1997). The Conscious Universe. San Fransisco: HarperCollins.
 61. Radin D. I. (2001). Extended analysis: terrorist disaster: September 11, 2001. Global
Consciousness Project. Available at: http://www.noosphere.princeton.edu/terror.html.
Accessed 17 December 2006.
62. Radin, Dean I., "Unconscious perception of future emotions: An experiment in
presentiment," 1ournal of Scientific Exploration, Vol. 11, No.2, pp. 163-180, (1997a).
63. Radin, D. I. (2002). Exploring relationships between random physical events and mass
human attention: Asking for whom the bell tolls. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 16(4),
533–548.
64. Dunne, B. J. (1998). Gender differences in human/machine anomalies. Journal of Scientific
Exploration, 12(1), 3–55.
65. Jahn, R. G., Dunne, B. J., Nelson, R. D., Dobyns, Y. H., & Bradish, G. J. (1997). Correlations
of random binary sequences with pre-stated operator intention: A review of a 12 year
program. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 11(3), 345.
66.  http://www2.cruzio.com/~quanta/
67. http://www.theosophy-nw.org/theosnw/science/prat-bra.htm
68. Kafatos, M. (2009) Cosmos and Quantum: Frontiers for the Future, Journal of Cosmology, 3,
511-528.
69. Nelson, R. D., Jahn, R. G., Dunne, B. J., Dobynes, Y. H., & Bradish, G. J. (1998). Field REG
II: Consciousness field effects: Replication and explorations. Journal of Scientific
Exploration, 12(3), 425–454.
70. https://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/resources/audio-video-archive/chris-clarke%3A-
quantum-theory-and-consciousness
71. UCLA psychologists report new insights on human brain, consciousness

http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-psychologists-report-new-248299

UCLA Newsroom | October 17, 2013

72. Exploratory Study: The Random Number Generator and Group Meditation

LYNNE I. MASONa AND ROBERT P. PATTERSON Department of Physical Medicine and

Rehabilitation, Biomedical Engineering Institute, MMC 297, and Bakken Medical Instrumentation
and Device Lab, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 ae-mail:
Lynnemason108@yahoo.com DEAN I. RADIN Institute of Noetic Sciences, 101 San Antonio Road,
Petaluma, CA 94952

73. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131818.htm

Neurorobotics reveals brain mechanisms of self-consciousness

74. Steven Bancarz •January 7, 2014http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/scientists-

claim-that-quantum-theory-proves-consciousness-moves-to-another-universe-at-death/

Scientists Claim That Quantum Theory Proves Consciousness Moves To Another

Universe At Death
By Consciousness, Fringe, Science

75. http://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/4518/physicists-claim-that-consciousness-lives-
in-quantum-state-after-death Physicists Claim that Consciousness Lives in Quantum State
After Death Janey Tracey Tuesday, 17 June 2014
 76. Van Lommel, Pim. Consciousness beyond Life: The Science of the Near-death Experience.
New York: HarperOne, 2010: 130
77. Nelson, R. D. (2002a). Global Consciousness Project. Exploratory studies. Available at:
http:// www.noosphere.princeton.edu.
78. Berkovich SY. On the information processing capabilities of the brain: shifting the paradigm.
Nanobiology 1993;2:99-107.

79. Romijn H. About the origin of consciousness. A new, multidisciplinary perspective on the
relationship between brain and mind. Proc Kon Ned Akad v Wetensch 1997;100(1-2):181-
267.
80. http://futurism.com/john-wheelers-participatory-universe/

81. http://bigthink.com/words-of-wisdom/max-planck-i-regard-consciousness-as-fundamental
82. Stapp, Henry P. (1975). "Bell's Theorem and World Process". Nuovo Cimento 29B (2): 270–
276.
83. Fred Alan. 1998. The Spiritual Universe : One Physicists Vision of Spirit, Soul, Matter, and
Self. Portsmouth, NH: Moment Point Press.
84. Amit Goswami. Physics of the Soul: The Quantum Book of Living, Dying, Reincarnation, and
Immortality Kindle Edition Hampton Roads Publishing (October 1, 2001)

85. John O'M. Bockris. The New Paradigm: A Confrontation Between Physics and the
Paranormal Phenomena. New Energy Foundation (December 10, 2013)

86. C. Swanson. The Synchronized Universe: New Science of the Paranormal Paperback – 2003
87. http://www.tcm.phy.cam.ac.uk/~bdj10/psi/tucson.html
88. http://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/4518-physicists-claim-that-consciousness-lives-
in-quantum-state-after-death
89. http://www.skeptiko-forum.com/threads/scientists-find-hints-for-the-immortality-of-the-
soul.1124/
90. Bob Berman and Robert Lanza. Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to
Understanding the True Nature of the Universe Kindle Edition BenBella Books; 1 edition
(February 2, 2010)
91. http://www.dailygrail.com/Fresh-Science/2014/7/Does-Quantum-Physics-Imply-You-Are-
Immortal Does Quantum Physics Imply That You Are Immortal?
92. Stephan Hawking, The Grand Design: Bantam; Reprint edition (February 21, 2012)
93. http://www.hawking.org.uk/space-and-time-warps.html
94. Greene. B. The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos Kindle
Edition

Random House Audio 2011.

95. http://journalofcosmology.com/Consciousness140.html

Journal of Cosmology, 2011, Vol. 14.

JournalofCosmology.com, 2011

How Consciousness Becomes the Physical Universe

Menas Kafatos, Ph.D.1, Rudolph E. Tanzi, Ph.D.2, and Deepak Chopra, M.D.3
96. Schild, R. & Leiter, D. J. (2010), Black hole or MECO?: Decided by a thin luminous ring
structure deep within Quasar Q0957+561, Journal of Cosmology 6:1400-1437
http://journalofcosmology.com/SchildLeiter1.pdf
97. Marcer, P. (2004) Status of the mission, Cybernetic Machine Specialist Group, British
Computer Society, www.bcs.org.uk/siggroup/cyber/status.htm
98. Marcer, P. & Mitchell, E. (2001) What is consciousness?, in van Loocke, P. (ed.), The Physical
Nature of Consciousness, John Benjamins, Amsterdam–Philadelphia, pp.145–174.
99. Mitchell, E. (2000) Nature's mind: The quantum hologram, International Journal of
Computing Anticipatory Systems, 7, 295–312.
100. http://eternea.org/Consciousness_issues.aspx
101. Stapp, H.P. (2007) The Mindful Universe: Quantum Mechanics and the Participating
Observer, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.
102. https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1429989.Richard_Feynman
103. http://www.psychicchildren.co.uk/4-3-RussianDNAResearch.html
104. http://www.fosar-bludorf.com/index_eng.htm
105. Miller, R.A., Webb, B. and Dickson, D. (1975), "A Holographic Concept of Reality",
Psychoenergetic Systems Journal, vol. 1, pp. 55-62, Gordon & Breach Science Publishers Ltd,
Great Britain.
106. Bohm, David (1980), Wholeness and the Implicate Order, Routledge, London.
107. Pribram, Karl (1991), Brain and Perception: Holonomy and Structure in Figural
Processing, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, Hilldale, New Jersey.
108. Standish, L., Johnson, L.C., Richards, T., & Kozak, L., 2003. Evidence of correlated
functional MRI signals between distant human brains. Alternative Therapies in Health and
Medicine, 9, 122-128.
109. Standish, L., Kozak, L., Johnson, C., Richards, T. 2004. Electroencephalographic
25/26 evidence of correlated event-related signals between the brains of spatially and
sensory isolated human subjects. J. Alternative and Complementary Medicine 10, 307-314.
110. Wackerman, J, Seiter, C, Keibel, Walach, H., 2003. Correlations between brain
electrical activities of two spatially separated human subjects. Neuroscience Letters, 336, 60-
64.
111. Pizzi, R., Fantasia, A., Gelain, F., Rosetti, D., Vescovi, A., 2004b. Nonlocal correlations
between separated neural networks. Quantum Information and Computation II. Proceedings
of SPIE 5436, 107-117.
112.Nadeau, R., Kafatos, M., 1999. Over a distance and in “no time”: Bell’s Theorem and the
Aspect and Gisin experiments, in The Non-Local Universe, Oxford University Press, New
York, NY.
113.Byrd, Randolph. 1988. Positive Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer in a Coronary Care
Population. Southern Medical Journal, 81, 826-829.
114.Sicher, F., Targ, E., Moore, D., & Smith, H. 1998. A Randomized, Double Blind Study of
Distant Healing in a Population with Advanced AIDS. Western Journal of Medicine, 169(6),
356-363.
115.Bengston, William, & Moga, Margaret. 2007. Resonance, Placebo Effects, and Type II Errors:
Some Implications from Healing Research for Patients. Experimental Methods. Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13, 317-327.
116.Grad, B. 1965. Some biological effects of the “Laying-On of Hands”: A review of experiments
with animals and plants. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 59: pp. 95-
127.
117.Hendricks, L., Bengston, W., & Gunkelman, J., 2010. The healing connection: EEG
harmonics, entrainment, and Schumann’s resonances. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 24,
655-666.
118. Kauffman, S., 2011, Quoted in: God enough. Interview of Stuart Kauffman by Steve
Paulson. www.salon.com/env/atoms_eden/w008/11/19/stuart_kauffman/index1.html.
Accessed February 15, 2011.
119.Wigner, E. P., 1983. Remarks on the mind-body problem. In: Quantum Theory And
Measurement (John Wheeler and Zurek Wojciech, eds.) Princeton University Press,
Princeton, NJ, p. 99.
120. Penrose, R., 2003. Quoted in: Karl Giberson. The man who fell to Earth. Interview
with Sir Roger Penrose. Science & Spirit. March/April; 2003: 34-41.]
121.Schrödinger E., 1935, Discussion of probability relations between separated systems.
Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, 31, 555-563.
122. Tittel, W., Brendel, J., Zbinden, H., & Gisin, N., 1998. Violation of the Bell
inequalities by photons more than 10km apart. Physical Review Letters, 81, 3563-3566.