The Biology of Transcendence

Uses new research about the brain to explore how we can transcend our current physical and cultural limitations

• Reveals that transcendence of current modes of existence requires the dynamic interaction of our fourth and fifth brains (intellect and intelligence)

• Explores the idea that Jesus, Lao-tzu, and other great beings in history are models of nature's possibility and our ability to achieve transcendence

• 17,000 sold in hardcover since April 2002

Why do we seem stuck in a culture of violence and injustice? How is it that we can recognize the transcendent ideal represented by figures such as Jesus, Lao-tzu, and many others who have walked among us and yet not seem to reach the same state?

In The Biology of Transcendence Joseph Chilton Pearce examines the current biological understanding of our neural organization to address how we can go beyond the limitations and constraints of our current capacities of body and mind--how we can transcend. Recent research in the neurosciences and neurocardiology identifies the four neural centers of our brain and indicates that a fifth such center is located in the heart. This research reveals that the evolutionary structure of our brain and its dynamic interactions with our heart are designed by nature to reach beyond our current evolutionary capacities. We are quite literally, made to transcend.

Pearce explores how this "biological imperative" drives our life into ever-greater realms of being--even as the "cultural imperative" of social conformity and behavior counters this genetic heritage, blocks our transcendent capacities, and breeds violence in all its forms. The conflict between religion and spirit is an important part of this struggle. But each of us may overthrow these cultural imperatives to reach "unconflicted behavior," wherein heart and mind-brain resonate in synchronicity, opening us to levels of possibility beyond the ordinary.

Auteur

Joseph Chilton Pearce (1926-2016) is the author of The Death of Religion and the Rebirth of the Spirit, The Biology of Transcendence, The Crack in the Cosmic Egg, Magical Child, and Evolution's End. For more than 35 years, he lectured and led workshops teaching about the changing needs of children and the development of human society. He lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Contenu

**Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part One
*Nature's Transcendent Biology

Preface to Part One
A Saga of Unconflicted Behavior
*One
*Evolution and Our Fourfold Brain
*Two
Evolution's Latest: The Prefrontal Lobes
Three
*The Triune Heart: Electromagnetic, Neural, Hormonal
*Four
Fields within Fields: Of Frequencies and Neurons

**Part Two
*The Anatomy of Evil

Preface to Part Two
Dorchester Hill
*Five
*Why Nature's Plan Breaks Down
*Six
Bioculture and the Model Imperative
Seven
The Enculturated Self
Eight
The Great Accusation

**Part Three
*Beyond Enculturation

Preface to Part Three
Adventures of Spirit and Truth
*Nine
Laski's Revelation
Ten
Always Becoming
Eleven
Why Bother and Who Cares?
Twelve
The Resurrection of Eve

**Epilogue

Resources

Bibliography

Index