Our view of the natural world and its intrinsic fabric of intelligence has grown exponentially over the last centuries. For example, modern medicine and physiological research have identified many specific, segregated aspects of the structure and function of our brain and physiology. Yet even with this expansion of objective knowledge, modern science has been unable to provide an understanding of the holistic functioning of the physiology.

Let's consider one specific area of the brain--the thalamus. During the last 30 years, scientists have used very delicate experimental techniques to explore the millions of thalamic cells located in the center of the human brain. Each brain has within it this mass of interconnected cells that serve as a "gateway" for conscious experience. Even though research studies, using refined objective methodologies, have described many of the specific cell types and some of the communication between them, science has failed to offer a totally integrated view of thalamic structure and function.

What has been lacking in modern science, and in society, is a unifying basis for the innumerable, isolated values of knowledge. Maharishi Vedic Science, in providing this missing structure, begins with wholeness--and then unfolds the value of each part sequentially and systematically, as well as its relationship to all other parts.

"The individual is cosmic." From this starting point, Professor Tony Nader, MD, Ph.D., under Maharishi's guidance, discovered Veda and Vedic Literature within the human physiology. Thanks to this astonishing advance in scientific understanding, we now live in a time when the individual can know and live cosmic life. From the objective level of modern scientific understanding and from the subjective level of direct experience, human life has been revealed to be the embodiment of total Natural Law.

The basic understanding from Professor Nader's discovery is that the intelligence within the human physiology and brain is the same as the structure of Veda and the Vedic Literature within the Unified Field of Natural Law. For example, Nyaya, one of the 40 aspects of Veda and the Vedic Literature, describes in detail the distinguishing and deciding quality of intelligence at the basis of thalamic functioning. Nyaya provides a concise, point-by-point explanation of the structure and function of the thalamic cells.

We can also discover in the Vedic Literature the exact correspondence between the thalamus, located at the center of the entire brain, and the sun at the center of our solar system. Quite literally, the individual is structured in the same pattern of intelligence as the physical universe. The individual is truly cosmic!

Our brain is dynamic; constantly transformed through the mechanism of attention, literally within minutes and hours. When we focus our attention on specific, segmented values of knowledge, then specific aspects of thalamic function are enlivened. Although this enlivenment may serve us well in some aspects of thinking and action, it does not cultivate the total potential of thalamic computation.

Research demonstrates that only the process of transcending--the direct experience of Atma, the Self of every individual--stimulates the brain to adopt the most coherent and self-referral mode of synaptic connectivity and maximum computational power. In other words, transcending provides the opportunity for the thalamus and brain to access the organizing power of Total Knowledge.

So through our daily practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs, including Yogic Flying, we can awaken total brain development. And by studying the fascinating details of Professor Nader’s discovery, we can gain a clear and rewarding understanding of the remarkable cosmic world within us.

Course on Human Physiology: The Expression of Veda and Vedic Literature

Comments from Students
"I am just completing the course on Human Physiology. It has been one of the most profound experiences in the 26 years that I have been practicing the TM program. This course has been an incredible addition in Maharishi's technology for developing Bliss Consciousness as a 24-hour reality."

"The course makes Professor Nader's book completely accessible. All I want to do is study this knowledge. It is so satisfying, deep and profound. It has been like an advanced meditation course, enlivening the physiology, consciousness, and knowledge."

"How refreshing for the intellect to have a clearer picture of the universe and ourselves, and the oneness and wholeness of creation."

Alarik Arenander Ph.D. is a faculty member at Maharishi University of Management, and has conducted more than 70 courses on Human Physiology: The Expression of Veda and Vedic Literature.