SSP 505: Physics of the Soul

Amit Goswami, Ph.D.

This course introduces a new physics of the Soul based on the principles and concepts of quantum physics and the primacy of consciousness. In recognizing that all religions believe in life after death and many also believe in reincarnation, can life after death be understood and ultimately provable through means of scientific inquiry, personal examination and experiences, and mediating events? Cultural, religious and scientific viewpoints and questions are presented along with experimental data and new theory development.

Student Outcomes for This Course

Outcome #1: Students will be able to demonstrate an enlarged understanding of life, death, reincarnation, longevity and immortality.

Outcome #2: Students will be able to apply the theories acquired in this course to own personal growth and to counseling others in the area of health, especially death and dying.

Required Reading

Goswami, Amit, Physics of the Soul, Hampton Roads publisher 2001, ISBN 1571743324

MacGregor, Geddes., Reincarnation in Christianity. Quest Books 1992 ISBN 0835605019 .

Recommended Reading

Wolf, Fred A., The Spiritual Universe: One Physicist’s Vision of Spirit, Soul, Matter and Self, Portsmouth, NH: Moment Point Press, 1999.

All students participate in these conferences with Dr. Goswami. Each of these two conferences have been designed around topics and issues, however, the first conference will also give you an opportunity to clarify any questions related to the course. Student participation in these conferences will count toward the grade. See Phone Conferences with Faculty for the conference calling procedure.

Topics and Issues for First Conference – July 10, 2007

(1) Review tapes 1 - 3. Be prepared to discuss the issues of survival and reincarnation

(2) Be prepared to discuss classical and quantum world views

(3) Be prepared to discuss quantum nonlocality

Topics and Issues for Second Conference – August 14, 2007

(1) Review tapes 4 - 8. Be prepared to discuss quantum theory of reincarnation

(2) Be prepared to discuss the ethical and spiritual consequences of survival and reincarnation

(3) Be prepared to discuss death yoga and immortality

Email Discussion Group:
quantumquest@yahoogroups.com 

This email discussion group has been set up to encourage students to discuss topics, issues and concepts presented in this course. Students are encouraged to use this discussion forum to share their ideas and insights, as well as use it as a link to the faculty member.A single email message reaches all students and the faculty member at one time. This discussion group has also been put in place to help remove some of the geographic isolation which can be felt between students, and add an extra link to the natural and vital bond that develops in any spiritual community. All students with a current email address listed with the Holmes Institute Home Officeare automatically subscribed to this discussion group.

Use quantumquest@yahoogroups.com as you would any other email address. If you desire to respond to an individual in the group, please use their personal email address on your class roster or the faculty contact information in Faculty Directory for Summer 2007.

Course Outline - Weeks 1 through 5

This outline gives a brief description of how to pace your self-study and gauge your progress in the required course activities throughout the academic quarter.

Lesson Objectives: By the end of the fifth week, students will be able:

Objective #1: To express key issues and related data consistent with the perspective of this course on the topics of death, survival and rebirth.

Objective #2: To recognize and identify the basic concepts and elements in classical physics and physics worldviews, as well as statements describing how they influenced our thinking on the issues.

Objective #3: To identify key concepts, contrasting concepts, and findings of experiments regarding quantum nonlocality in space and time.

Objective #4: To identify such definitions, compatible with the worldview of this course, as: God, Consciousness, soul, determinism, etc.

Required Reading: Read chapters 1 – 7 of Physics of the Soul
                                  Read the first half of MacGregor’s book

Assessment Experience #1: Students will answer essay questions covering Chapters 1-7. The questions will be distributed two weeks prior to the due date. All essays must be received by fax (541) 346-5217 or email agoswami@darkwing.uoregon.edu by July 16, 2007.

Course Outline - Weeks 6 through 10

Lesson Objectives:

Objective #5: Students explain their understanding of the esoteric concepts of gross, subtle, and causal bodies.

Objective #6: Students will discuss their understanding of the fundamental theoretical problems of transfiguration and the quantum solution.

Objective #7: Students will be familiar with the "Bardos" which comes from the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Objective #8: Students will write about their understanding of how physics of the soul helps them with practical questions of ethics, karma, and causality.

Objective #9: Students will describe their experiences resulting from engaging in some of the practices of death yoga experientially.

Objective #10: Students will examine the concepts of immortality and resurrection and reflect on them in a personal way.

Required Reading: Read chapters 8 – 13 of Physics of the Soul
                                   Read the second half of MacGregor’s book

Lecture Tapes: Listen to tape lectures 6-10

Assessment Experience #2 : Final Paper. This paper is to give a summary of the quantum resolution of the survival and reincarnational questions. Discuss the ethical and spiritual implications of this new theory with emphasis on your own personal growth. Incorporate your understanding of objectives 5,6,7,8 and 10 in this commentary. Please take the opportunity to practice some death yoga and include your comments in your paper. Students are encouraged also to integrate Science of Mind and Judeo-Christian worldviews in their papers. Paper length is 5-pages. All papers must be received by fax (541) 346-5217 or email agoswami@darkwing.uoregon.edu by Friday, August 27, 2007.

Guidelines for Success in this Course

tudents will be most successful who use the course for both professional and personal enrichment. The instructor is committed to responding to students’ questions promptly unless he is out of town.