Beyond Telepathy

A new edition of the classic scientific study of psi abilities

• Details the author’s scientific experiments with psychics on telepathic powers and psychic phenomena

• Explores how shamanism, yoga, and Indigenous spiritual traditions provide the means to consciously cultivate psychic abilities • Analyzes the biological, physiological, and psychological conditions and stresses that lead to the development and control of telepathic and paranormal experiences Neurologist Andrija Puharich pioneered research in psi phenomena in the 1950s and 60s. This book provides profound examples of telepathy, clairvoyance, and mind powers that he recorded in labs and clinical settings while also drawing on ancient spiritual practices to show how one might activate these abilities. Connecting psychic phenomena to human physiology, Puharich recounts experiments he conducted with psychics in which observable activation of the parasympathetic nervous system resulted in measurable improvements in telepathic reception. He details his experiments on transmissive telepathy and how ESP and telepathy manifest in groups. He hypothesizes that the ability to transmit thoughts and information is connected to adrenalin and related compounds. The author examines what he terms a “mobile center of consciousness”—how the mind is separate from the body—and how this center of consciousness can access psychic powers and nonlocal knowledge. Beyond the lab, Puharich explores how shamanism, yoga, and Indigenous spiritual traditions provide the biological and physical means to consciously cultivate psychic phenomena and ecstatic states that enable extraordinary abilities. With the concept of “psi plasma,” a psychophysical conduit for paranormal experiences, the author analyzes the biological, physiological, and psychological conditions and stresses that lead to the control of psi plasma, so its activity can be demonstrated on demand. This new edition of the psi phenomena classic includes an in-depth introduction by Mitch Horowitz.

Author Biography

Andrija Puharich, M.D. (1918–1995), was a neurologist and prominent investigator of the paranormal. After completing his studies at Northwestern University medical school, he set up his own laboratory in Maine for the study of extrasensory perception (ESP). The author of The Sacred Mushroom, he was also a central figure in the early study of entheogenic mushrooms.