Volume 7 No 1 (2009)
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Inner Light Perception as a Quantum Phenomenon-Addressing the Questions of Physical and Critical Realisms, Information and Reduction
Ravi Prakash and Michele Caponigro
Abstract
Subjectivity or the problem of ‘qualia’ tends to make the accessibility and
comprehension of psychological events intangible especially for scientific
exploration. The issue becomes even more complicated but interesting when one
turns towards mystical experiences. Such experiences are different from other
psychological phenomena in the sense that they don’t occur to every one, so are
difficult to comprehend even for their qualifications of existence. We conducted a
qualitative study on one such experience of inner-light perception. This is a
common experience reported by meditators of all kinds. However, we chose to
study this phenomenon in Vihangam Yoga practitioners because of frequent
occurrence of this experience in them as well as their reports of having it for
hours at a stretch. During this study, it was noted that it arose many questions
there we need to answer not only to explain such phenomena but also for having
a better understanding of philosophy of science. In the search for these answers,
we proceeded towards another complicated branch of science, quantum
mechanics. Our present work is about creating an interface between a unique
subjective phenomenon and principles of philosophy as well as of quantum
mechanics. We explore the constructs of physical and critical realisms and their
coincidence, quantum information theory and the measurement problem of
Copenhagen interpretation and their possible applications in such an experience.
In this endeavour, we also address the possibility that inner-light perception as
experienced by Vihangam Yogis is a quantum event in brain. For this purpose, we
specifically analyse the Zeilingers information concept and try to apply it to this
phenomena.
Keywords
inner light perception, critical realism, physical realism, quantum reduction, Copenhagen interpretation
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