Here is a point-wise summary of the salient features of the talk based on the teachings of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi and presented by Dr. Ashish Pradhan:
1. Purpose and Theme of the Talk
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Explores the interconnection between neuroscience and spirituality.
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Aims to relate modern scientific understanding of the nervous system with the subtle system described in yoga traditions.
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Uses Sahaja Yoga Meditation as a practical bridge between the two.
2. About the Speaker – Dr. Ashish Pradhan
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Distinguished neurologist and medical leader with global pharmaceutical experience.
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Longtime Sahaja Yoga practitioner and teacher, introduced to it at age 10 in Mumbai.
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Committed to bridging modern science and spiritual experience for global audiences.
3. Introduction to Sahaja Yoga
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Founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970.
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Based on the awakening of a dormant energy (Kundalini) in the sacrum bone.
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Leads to the yogic state or self-realization through the ascent of energy through energy centers (chakras).
4. What Makes Us Human
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Not defined by genes alone (46 chromosomes are common to all humans).
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The unique human capacity lies in the ability to distinguish self from non-self—a core spiritual trait.
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Begins the inquiry into consciousness and awareness.
5. Evolution of the Brain
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Life started as unicellular organisms and evolved into complex beings.
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Nervous system developed gradually to handle increasingly sophisticated environmental interactions.
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Evolution led to the human cerebral cortex, responsible for creativity, planning, and spiritual inquiry.
6. Brain as the Seat of Reality
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Brain interprets all sensory input, making reality subjective.
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Awareness and perception are shaped by culture, knowledge, and conditioning.
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Spirituality aims to transcend these conditionings for a universal experience.
7. Bhagavad Gita Metaphor
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Describes a tree with roots in the brain and branches spreading down—a metaphor for the nervous system.
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The leaves (nerves) connect all parts of the body.
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True understanding of this system is said to be the knowledge of the Vedas (spiritual wisdom).
8. Subtle System vs. Nervous System
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The subtle system mirrors the gross nervous system.
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Composed of energy centers (chakras) and channels (nadis).
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It is universal and independent of religion, culture, or language.
9. Autonomic Nervous System
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Comprises the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
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Regulates involuntary functions like heartbeat, digestion, and respiration.
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Functions through a craniosacral outflow: from the brain and sacrum.
10. Parasympathetic vs. Sympathetic Systems
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Sympathetic: stimulates activity (e.g., fight-or-flight, increases heart rate).
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Parasympathetic: calms and restores (e.g., digestion, reduces heart rate).
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Both complement each other to maintain internal balance or milieu intérieur.
11. Nerves as Electrical Pathways
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Nerves transmit messages via electrical impulses and neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine, dopamine).
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Impulses travel along axons and pass between neurons via synapses.
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Synaptic connectivity is crucial for consciousness and cognitive function.
12. Consciousness as a Network
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Human consciousness likely arises from complex synaptic networks in the brain.
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The integrated firing of trillions of neurons differentiates humans from other species.
13. Spirituality and the Nervous System
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Spiritual experience is not based on digestion or circulation, but entirely on the nervous system.
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Meditation enables direct experience of the subtle system through the nervous pathways.
14. Concluding the Talk
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Emphasis on experiencing meditation directly for true understanding.
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The session ends with an invitation to practice Sahaja Yoga Meditation via a guided video from Shri Mataji.
Based on and inspired by the teachings of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, this series aims to explore the evolutionary relationship between two interconnected domains expressing human awareness at both the gross and subtle levels. It endeavors to elucidate this complex interplay between the current scientific understanding of human neuroanatomy—particularly the autonomic nervous system—and the so-called subtle system as described in traditional literature on yoga. Ultimately, the series seeks to bring its viewers on an exploratory journey to experience these relationships through meditation, as taught by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
Today, we are diving into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and spirituality, exploring how the human nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the brain’s unique organization relate to our spiritual experiences. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of consciousness, the role of evolution in shaping the brain, and the profound insights from ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita.
Have you ever wondered how our brains perceive spirituality? Or how ancient scriptures might align with modern neuroscience? Prepare for a mind-expanding conversation that challenges your understanding of human experience.
Let’s begin this journey of inquiry with Dr. Ashish Pradhan, a distinguished medical leader who has made pioneering contributions to neurology and cardiovascular medicine. His career reflects strategic leadership and a profound commitment to patient-centric care. With pivotal roles in drug development across multiple global pharmaceutical R&D organizations, Dr. Pradhan has redefined medical strategy and patient care through innovative, holistic approaches.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Pradhan is a longstanding meditation practitioner, coach, and mentor. Introduced to Sahaja Yoga at the age of ten in Mumbai, he has personally and professionally experienced its transformative effects. Over the decades, he has led seminars and workshops across countries, sharing this meditation technique with diverse audiences using the unifying language of modern science.
Dr. Ashish Pradhan:
Thank you, Monikaji. Thanks for having me.
Let’s begin by talking a little about my meditation journey and the founder of this meditation. Sahaja Yoga was established by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in India in 1970. It is also recognized around the world as Sahaja Yoga Meditation or simply Sahaja Meditation.
At its core, this is a very simple and straightforward meditation technique. It is defined by the awakening of a dormant energy that lies within each of us at the base of the spine in the sacrum bone. As we progress through this series, we will explore how the anatomical features of the human body relate to spirituality.
The process begins with the awakening of this inner energy, which then ascends through a series of energy centers (chakras) aligned along the spine. Ultimately, it culminates in its manifestation at the seventh energy center, often referred to in spiritual terms as the “piercing” of the fontanelle area at the top of the head. This is what brings about the state of meditation—or more precisely, what is called the “yogic state.”
This system, initiated by Shri Mataji in 1970, is now practiced in over 110 to 120 countries across the globe. I personally began practicing Sahaja Yoga at the age of about ten, introduced to it by my father. I’ve been a regular practitioner ever since.
Interviewer:
So, Dr. Pradhan, before we begin exploring the spiritual aspects of being human, why is it important to first understand the complexities of our nervous system? And how does this understanding form a foundation for our spiritual journey?
Dr. Pradhan:
Excellent question.
The journey begins with understanding what it means to be human. We, as Homo sapiens, are defined by a set of biological and genomic characteristics. For instance, we know that humans have 46 chromosomes, which include both autosomes and sex chromosomes. These make up our unique genetic code.
But here’s the key: every living organism—from jellyfish to reptiles, mammals, and birds—has a genetic code. So, what truly makes us human?
It’s not the chemistry or the DNA we share with other organisms. What distinguishes us is a uniquely human capacity: the ability to distinguish between self and non-self. This is the basis of individual awareness, the foundation of selfhood, and it intersects science, philosophy, and religion.
This self-awareness is what enables a person to say, “This is my body. This is me.” It is a sense of “I-ness” that appears to be hard-wired into our systems. While certain animals like chimpanzees or orangutans may show a basic form of this distinction, only humans appear to possess it in a fully developed form.
Understanding this is the starting point of spirituality—because unless we are aware of “self,” we cannot begin the journey of transcending the self.
Dr. Ashish Pradhan:
Let’s now expand the conversation to explore how evolution has shaped the human brain into the marvel it is today. This is critical to understanding not only our biology, but also the spiritual potential encoded within us.
Life, as we know, began as unicellular organisms in water. After the Big Bang, the planet began cooling. Gases condensed, the Earth’s crust formed, and eventually oceans emerged. Under specific chemical conditions, carbon-based life formed — the simplest forms being unicellular organisms.
Over billions of years, these single-cell organisms evolved into plankton, then into small fish, then larger aquatic animals, eventually making their way onto land as amphibians, reptiles, and then mammals. Eventually, humans emerged as the most neurologically complex species.
Now, when we examine primitive life forms, they performed only basic biological functions: eating, digesting, reproducing, and dying. Yet, even in those early stages, we see the rudiments of the nervous system — simple electrical networks allowing minimal responsiveness to the environment.
So, what exactly is the nervous system?
In essence, it is a system that enables electrophysiological currents—electric signals—to be generated and transmitted. Think of these as voltage changes across cell membranes, called transmembrane potentials.
Why is this important?
Because life itself is electrical in nature. When we talk about death, especially in humans, it’s not merely when the heart stops—it’s when brain activity ceases, known as brain death. That’s when all electrical impulses in the brain—caused by the movement of sodium and potassium ions—come to a halt.
As we fast-forward through evolution, the nervous system became more sophisticated, allowing organisms to respond to stimuli, survive threats, and process sensory input more effectively. For example, a fish must detect larger predators approaching, using basic sensory perception. Over time, eyes, ears, and other sensory organs developed under evolutionary pressure.
Eventually, we arrive at the human brain, which is a highly evolved structure with two major components:
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The paleocortex (the “old brain”) – responsible for basic survival functions like fear, fight-or-flight, and vegetative activities.
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The cerebral cortex – the crowning achievement of neurological evolution, enabling complex functions like consciousness, reasoning, creativity, and introspection.
This upper brain, the cortex, is the seat of higher human functions, and it’s here that the possibility of spiritual awareness emerges.
Interviewer:
Dr. Pradhan, in the Bhagavad Gita, there’s a striking metaphor: a tree growing upside down with its roots in the brain. Could you delve into this metaphor from a neuroscientific perspective and explain its deeper implications for our understanding of the mind?
Dr. Ashish Pradhan:
Certainly. In the fifteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Shri Krishna describes a tree that is upside down, with roots in the brain and branches growing downward. The leaves, He says, are like the Vedas, and the one who understands this tree is said to be a knower of the Vedas.
Now, what does this mean in modern scientific terms?
Let’s consider the anatomy of the nervous system. At the top, you have the brain—part of the central nervous system—which acts like the root structure of this inverted tree. From the brain emerges the spinal cord, a thick central trunk, and from it extend cranial and spinal nerves. These nerves branch out through the body, reaching every organ, every limb—literally to the tips of our fingers and toes.
If you imagine this anatomically, it looks exactly like an inverted tree:
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The brain is the root,
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The spinal cord is the trunk,
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And the nerves are the branches and leaves.
This metaphor is profoundly accurate. The nervous system truly is a biological tree within us, spreading from top to bottom.
But the Bhagavad Gita goes further. It says that to know this tree—to realize its true nature—is to have true knowledge, or “Vidya.” As Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi often emphasized, the subtle knowledge of this tree is gained through self-awareness, not just intellectual study.
When the dormant energy within us (the Kundalini) is awakened, we begin to perceive and experience this inner tree. We realize that this network of nerves and energy centers is not only functional but spiritually alive.
And here’s the key insight:
Human spirituality is not a function of our cardiovascular, digestive, or endocrine systems.
It is entirely a function of our nervous system.
So, when Shri Krishna speaks of this tree with roots in the brain, He is directly pointing to the anatomical and energetic foundation of spiritual experience. And remarkably, this metaphor, offered thousands of years ago, aligns perfectly with what modern neuroanatomy reveals.
Interviewer:
Could you shed light on the intriguing connections between our physical nervous system and the abstract notion of a spiritual subtle system? How might our neural processes relate to a deeper spiritual experience?
Dr. Ashish Pradhan:
Let’s begin with a brief primer on the gross anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, and then explore how it connects to the subtler spiritual aspects.
The human nervous system is composed of:
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The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord),
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The peripheral nervous system (nerves branching to the rest of the body),
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And within that, the autonomic nervous system, which functions largely outside of conscious control.
The central nervous system governs everything from voluntary movements to involuntary reflexes, as well as cognitive functions like thinking, planning, and creating. The cerebral cortex, in particular, is responsible for our higher mental capacities.
But here’s the fascinating part: reality, as a human being perceives it, is an interpretation of signals by the brain.
The brain is enclosed in the cranium and has no direct contact with the outside world. Instead, it receives signals from sensory organs:
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Eyes translate light into electrical signals,
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Ears convert sound waves into nerve impulses,
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Skin and internal receptors detect stimuli,
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All of which are sent to the brain for interpretation.
This means that what we see, hear, touch, and feel is not reality itself, but a representation constructed by our brain based on prior experiences, conditioning, and knowledge.
For example, if I see a camera, I understand what it is and what it does because I’ve been taught that knowledge. Someone from a different era who had never seen a camera might still see the object but not perceive its meaning.
This brings us to a profound realization:
Reality is not just what exists—it is what we are capable of recognizing.
This insight is central to spirituality. True spiritual experience transcends these mental filters and conditionings. It allows an individual to perceive reality directly, without the bias of background, education, or culture.
This is where the subtle system comes into play.
Just as the physical body has the autonomic nervous system—with its sympathetic and parasympathetic branches—the subtle body has a corresponding system made up of:
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Energy centers (chakras),
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Energy channels (nadis),
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And a central dormant energy (Kundalini).
This subtle system is universal. It exists in every human being, irrespective of their cultural, religious, or educational background. And when activated, particularly through Sahaja Yoga Meditation, it enables the individual to perceive a higher dimension of awareness.
In summary:
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Our nervous system constructs reality based on limited sensory input and conditioning.
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Our subtle system, when awakened, opens us to a pure, unconditioned spiritual experience—a universal awareness that transcends the mind.
Interviewer:
Dr. Pradhan, could you help us visualize how the autonomic nervous system fits into this grand neural tapestry, orchestrating our body’s responses beyond conscious control?
Dr. Ashish Pradhan:
Absolutely. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is named so because it functions automatically—that is, beyond our volitional (conscious) control.
Let me explain with an example:
If I start exercising, my muscles require more oxygen, which is carried by the blood. To meet this demand, the heart starts pumping faster. This is orchestrated by the autonomic nervous system, without any conscious instruction from us.
It achieves this through the release of adrenaline, which:
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Increases the heart rate,
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Constricts blood vessels,
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And enhances the contractile force of the heart.
Similarly, when we eat, the body automatically initiates digestion—stomach acids are released, enzymes are secreted, intestines start moving—all without us thinking about it. This is the beauty of the autonomic system.
Now, the autonomic nervous system has two main branches:
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Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) – associated with the fight-or-flight response.
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Increases heart rate,
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Inhibits digestion,
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Redirects energy to muscles.
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Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) – governs the rest-and-digest state.
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Slows the heart rate,
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Promotes digestion and nutrient absorption,
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Facilitates restoration and recovery.
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These two systems do not oppose each other in a destructive way; rather, they complement one another to maintain internal balance—a concept known in physiology as “milieu intérieur.” This French phrase refers to the stable internal environment that the body constantly works to preserve.
The ANS originates from two key regions:
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The brainstem (cranial outflow),
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The sacral spinal cord (sacral outflow),
forming what is called the craniosacral outflow—which is interestingly the same region emphasized in Sahaja Yoga for the awakening of Kundalini.
From these origins, nerves branch out to every major organ:
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Eyes, lungs, heart, digestive tract, reproductive organs, etc.
These nerves are thread-like fibers that innervate tissues and regulate essential functions.
In medical terms, this is called innervation—the supply of nerve fibers to an organ or body part. It’s how the ANS influences:
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Breathing,
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Circulation,
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Digestion,
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Hormone secretion.
Think of the nervous system as a highly integrated biological software, and the ANS as the background processor that keeps your body running smoothly while your conscious mind is focused elsewhere.
This system is so vital that without its proper function, life would collapse within minutes.
So to summarize:
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The sympathetic system accelerates bodily functions for action.
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The parasympathetic system decelerates functions for recovery.
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Together, they maintain the delicate equilibrium of the body.
This idea of balance and regulation is not just biological—it is also deeply spiritual. Just as these two systems communicate constantly to preserve physical harmony, the subtle system mirrors this dance of energy, facilitating spiritual growth and inner balance.
Interviewer:
So, Dr. Pradhan, nerves are often described as the body’s electrical wiring. How exactly do they transmit messages, and why are they so crucial for our senses and movements? Also, how do they tie into the concept of the spiritual subtle system?
Dr. Ashish Pradhan:
That’s a great question.
Yes, nerves are indeed like electrical wiring—but far more sophisticated. A nerve cell, or neuron, functions by generating and conducting electrical impulses.
These impulses are created through the movement of charged particles, specifically sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions, across the cell membrane.
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Sodium enters the cell.
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Potassium exits.
This movement causes a voltage shift, which travels along the length of the neuron in a process known as an action potential.
This is how an electrical signal is generated—and that’s the essence of nerve communication.
Once the impulse reaches the end of the neuron, it encounters a small gap called a synapse. Here, neurotransmitters like:
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Dopamine,
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Serotonin,
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Acetylcholine, or
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Adrenaline
are released. These chemicals bridge the gap to the next neuron, continuing the signal. This relay system allows for:
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Movement,
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Sensory processing,
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Emotional regulation,
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Memory formation, and
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Awareness itself.
Now, zooming out—your brain contains billions of neurons and trillions of synapses. It’s not just individual signals firing that matter; it’s the complex network they form.
It is hypothesized that consciousness emerges from this incredible synaptic connectivity.
Imagine the brain as a massive, self-adjusting network—an electric web constantly updating itself in response to stimuli. This is what gives us awareness, the ability to say, “I am.”
From a spiritual perspective, this is profound.
As Shri Mataji has said, spirituality is a function of the nervous system. The subtle system mirrors this neural network and consists of:
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Chakras (energy centers),
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Nadis (energy channels), and
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Kundalini (the inner dormant energy).
When the Kundalini is awakened, it rises along the central channel, activating chakras and eventually piercing the fontanelle bone at the top of the head, resulting in Self-Realization—a state of thoughtless awareness.
This experience can be felt—as cool vibrations, inner silence, peace—not imagined or intellectually understood alone.
So, to conclude:
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Nerves generate and transmit electrical impulses fundamental to life and consciousness.
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These impulses create the neural foundation of awareness.
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The subtle system, which governs our spiritual experience, parallels this structure.
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Awakening this system leads to a direct experience of higher consciousness—beyond thoughts, beyond conditioning.
Interviewer:
This has been such an insightful conversation, Dr. Ashish. Thank you so much for guiding us through this deep and scientific yet accessible journey into the connection between the brain, nerves, and spirituality.
We look forward to exploring more in future episodes. And now, we invite our audience to experience a state of meditation, guided by a video from Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. It will be easy to follow and a wonderful start to your personal spiritual exploration.
Thank you again, Dr. Pradhan.