Parapsychology and Hindu Cosmology:

Parapsychology and Hindu Cosmology:

Parapsychology and Hindu cosmology intersect in several intriguing ways, particularly in how both explore the nature of consciousness, subtle realities, and extraordinary human experiences. 

Here’s an overview of how they relate and complement each other:

1. Consciousness as Primary Reality

Parapsychology views consciousness not just as a product of the brain but potentially as a non-local, transpersonal phenomenon (e.g., in telepathy, remote viewing, and near-death experiences).

Hindu cosmology (especially in Vedanta and Samkhya) places consciousness (Purusha or Atman) as the foundational reality — eternal, unchanging, and independent of the physical body.

This aligns with many parapsychological findings suggesting mind can operate independently of the body.

 2. Subtle Bodies and Planes of Existence

Parapsychology studies OBEs, astral projection, apparitions, and survival after death — phenomena that imply multiple layers or vehicles of consciousness beyond the physical.

Hindu cosmology describes three bodies:

Sthula Sharira (gross/physical body)

Sukshma Sharira (subtle/mental body)

Karana Sharira (causal/spiritual body)

It also proposes multiple lokas (planes) like Bhu-loka, Svarga-loka, and Brahma-loka, much like the dimensional models used in parapsychological theories.

 3. Karma, Rebirth, and Continuity of the Self

Parapsychological research into reincarnation (e.g., Ian Stevenson’s work) shows evidence of past-life memories, birthmarks, and phobias carried across lives.

Hindu cosmology sees karma and samsara as the mechanism by which the jiva (individual soul) transmigrates through many lives, guided by moral and spiritual law.

This supports parapsychology’s evidential cases of reincarnation and continuity of memory beyond death.

 4. Siddhis and Psychic Powers

In Hindu traditions like Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, there are references to siddhis — psychic powers developed through intense meditation, such as:

Telepathy (Pratibha)

Clairvoyance (Divya Drishti)

Telekinesis (Kaya Siddhi)

Remote viewing (Shravana and Darshana siddhis)

Parapsychology studies similar phenomena under terms like ESP, PK, psi phenomena.

Both disciplines agree such abilities are latent in all humans and can be developed under the right conditions.

 5. Meditation and Altered States of Consciousness

Parapsychologists often study altered states (meditation, trance, hypnagogia) as gateways to psychic phenomena.

Hindu cosmology offers a map of consciousness through meditation — waking (Jagrat), dreaming (Svapna), deep sleep (Sushupti), and Turiya (pure consciousness).

These states match well with parapsychological research on consciousness expansion and transcendental experiences.

 6. The Cosmos as a Living Conscious System

Hindu cosmology presents the universe as cyclical (Kalpas and Yugas) and conscious, governed by divine intelligence (Brahman).

Parapsychology increasingly leans toward panpsychism or cosmopsychism, where consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality — not emergent but intrinsic.

This makes Hindu cosmology a spiritual model that resonates with cutting-edge parapsychological theories.

Conclusion

The synergy between Parapsychology and Hindu Cosmology reveals that:

Consciousness transcends the brain.

Reality includes subtle, non-physical dimensions.

Human beings can access extraordinary states and abilities.

There is likely continuity after death and an interconnected spiritual structure to existence.

Shervan K Shahhian