Customer Reviews

The Way from Science to Soul; Integrating Physics, the Brain, and the Spiritual Journey

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Married to a scientist, I am all too familiar with the argument that a belief in "Something Greater" ([God] or [ ], according to Casey Blood)has nothing to do with science and can only reflect one's act of Belief. It is with gratitude that I acknowledge Dr. Casey Blood's report from his life work as a scientist that science itself leaves room for the existence of [ ]! And he does it in a way that I can understand!

When I interviewed Dr. Blood on my Full Power Living Internet radio show in January of '08 (check out Ideocast dot com), I told him that while his book is very readable, some of the concepts he explains stretched my brain as I attempted to apprehend them! His response was classic: "It stretches the brains of Quantum Physicists, too!"

Dr. Blood has been working to allow Science and Mysticism into the same "room" for more than 40 years. This is what he has packed into his very readable, mind-stretching, comforting book, in addition to putting Science and Mysticism together in a way provable even to scientists! I highly recommend this book. One person listening to the live broadcast commented: "I realized how hungry I am for deep conversation." If you love deep, meaningful, related-to-everything conversations, read this book! (Listen to this charming man on the archived show, too!)

Using quantum physics to illuminate the spiritual journey? The author does just this in the book, "The Way from Science to Soul: Integrating Physics, the Brain, and the Spiritual Journey," by Casey Blood, PH.D. But, why would you do such a thing? Why mix science and soul, quantum mechanics with spirituality? Dr. Casey Blood is a Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University, so if he wants to do this, I suppose he is qualified to. I'm not a scientist, so what do I know? A little something about spirituality at least.

Physics is the study of the physical universe, and one wouldn't expect to learn about the spiritual side of life, or the nonphysical universe when reading about it. However, Dr. Blood begins our education on this matter with an in-depth coverage of physics and quantum mechanics, the brain (including the synapse), and how these all pull together so that we can either see the spiritual side, or choose not to. The point of it is that there are several versions of reality to perceive while we choose to only see one; the existence of the soul can not be disproved, nor proven by science. So how does the nonphysical soul interact with the physical world? The soul can perceive the physical brain and through this, perceive the world. But, the physical world is not the only plane to be aware of. The soul can exist on many planes, the physical, the angelic plane, which is closest to the source of all, and the "jinn" plane, which is where our souls can communicate with other souls. Dr. Blood explains that our soul's journey is much longer than that of our earthly existence, and that we have time to spend on each plane.

Dr. Blood describes spiritual practices which help us to remember that we are a nonphysical soul that has a physical body. These practices include meditation, yoga, focus on breathing, using retreats and finding teachers to help us. These practices though, are not the end goal. Our personality and contribution to society is important too. Dr. Blood states that we need to develop certain qualities like insight, compassion, friendship and wisdom and gives guidance on how to do so.

I was a little worried when I was asked to review this book. However, Dr. Blood takes a very complex topic and relates it to the average reader in a carefully chosen tone of support. The interest in spirituality is growing in leaps and bounds so that this connection to quantum physics will surely have a target audience, but, is still something of interest to the masses. The book is not an easy read, but it is worthwhile to wrap your physical mind around it for a time. Your spiritual mind will thank you.

Having meandered my way through a variety of disciplines and practices over the years in search of answers to the universal "meaning of life" questions we all struggle with, Casey Blood's book The Way from Science to Soul has provided me with a whole new perspective. Not sure I would be able to fathom quantum mechanics or physics as discussed by a scientist of Blood's caliber, I was willing to try when I saw his approach is to combine an easily digestible explanation of current scientific understanding with the latest brain research, and time-tested metaphysical teachings and practices. He contends quantum mechanics is not just a mathematical scheme for accurately describing nature, but that by implying that particles do not exist, it offers the strongest evidence yet that there are multiple versions of reality. In affirming this nonphysical component to existence, Blood feels quantum mechanics allows science and mysticism to converge in a more integrated exploration of the nature of existence.

Blood's journey through physics, the brain and spirituality is a carefully constructed bridge between seen and unseen, real and unreal. He takes the reader step-by-step through these basic, accepted facts: physics is the study of the physical world; metaphysics is the study of nonphysical realms; and the brain is the tool by which we navigate between the two. So is there a way to not only connect the nonphysical aspects of existence with the physical, but to unify our study of reality? Blood believes that quantum mechanics presents the most basic fact of all "Each of us is a nonphysical soul that has a physical body".

Perhaps my favorite part of the book is Blood's useful explanation of the different realms of existence and the "how-to" section of spiritual practices and exercises to help us as human beings become conscious of a wider range of reality. His thorough and accessible examination of seemingly disparate approaches to the study of reality and suggestions for experientially delving into its many levels is a must-read for truth seekers of all types.

A perfect mix of physics and spirituality. Dr. Blood does a great job of grasping the spiritual nature of the universe and providing that we are all governed by the laws of nature and science. Great, great read.

dr blood has demystified some esoteric practices of mysticism to the benefit of the layman. in the case of quantum physics i am left as mystified as ever. many techniques that he recommends for self improvement pertain to the realm of behaviour and cognitive therapy and, as such , are not new. he describes the traits of a good teacher in mysticism but does not provide any specifics about finding one.his goal of changing mindsets on a global scale is overly ambitious. overall this is a thought provoking book and well worth reading.