DNA Myths Busted (Jed Starman article)

I wholly concur with the intent of this piece by Healing Tao instructor Jed Starman (who is currently serving as President of the Healing Tao Instructors Association). In fact, it is probably one of the most important modern ideas that needs busting – the notion that DNA is a kind of God, gradually controllable by advances in modern science, that determines who we really are. In my view, DNA is a language used by our soul to express itself, and is subject to all the laws of the life force, and hence to Taoist cultivation (or other methods that shape the life force, but don’t call it that).
michael

Growth of a New Science – DNA Myths Busted
by John D. Starman – qigongntaiji@hotmail.com —

The results of scientific studies show the power of the mind and our internal state on our DNA and immune system. The higher the “Heart Coherence” a person can generate, the greater the effect on the DNA. This shows the effect of practice and our intent on our ability to have an effect on our physical system and thus our health.

There is a change brewing – a wonderful change – a holistic revolution! Biology, the science of living things, is itself growing. Biologists have had many spectacular achievements which have served to support the assumption that all processes of life can be interpreted as simply physical and chemical.

However, it is impossible to ignore the observed “self-organizing” tendency in evolution. Even at the smallest levels, Life shows “apparent purpose”. Grudgingly, in order to fully describe, discuss and explain observed phenomena in Life, some scientists have found they need to include subtle energy and consciousness. For instance, single-celled organisms display a self-regulating quality resembling “creative problem solving” when responding to drastic changes in their environment.

Up until now, this energy part of the equation was always purposely avoided as non-scientific. [Harman, W., Noetic Sciences Review #41, pg12 Spring 1997]

There are three main beliefs supporting the central myth of modern science:

* Life today came about as a result of
random, accidental events without
purpose or meaning.
* Our essence is to be found in the DNA
we were born with.
* The mind came along at the end of this process.

In this myth, because consciousness is merely an effect of matter evolving, it has no possibility of causing anything to happen in the world. This view has stifled the growth of science.

Flexible Genetics?

Many people say “It’s genetic” with the conviction that it is carved in stone and nothing can be done. We know DNA can be changed by outside events such as radiation, but it can also change when there is no visible cause: such as so-called spontaneous remission. The words “Change Your DNA” are thrown around in many circles today. Is there a way to do it and prove it?

Unknown to most people, but well established in the molecular biology community, is the fact the primary structure of DNA actually does change. We are therefore not necessarily stuck with the genetic blueprint passed down to us through our parents. [Hartman, ‘74; Wintersberger, ‘91]

Evidence of non-random mutation

In 1988, Harvard molecular biologist John Cairns committed an act of scientific heresy. He proposed in a Nature article that bacteria living in an unfavorable environment are able to choose which mutations to produce to adapt to the stressful situation. Findings show bacteria can sense their environment and respond to it genetically in a way which favors their survival. After several more experiments, more and more biologists are now willing to accept at least the possibility of non-random mutation of bacteria.

Barry Hall set up conditions where bacteria could survive, but not grow. To grow, they needed to change TWO separate genes. The chances for this are very small, but it happened. Changes in bacteria are usually believed to happen at a certain rate, but these cells changed [mutated] faster when they “sensed” they needed to.
DNA as a Language
Russian scientists showed our DNA is not only responsible for the construction of our body but also serves as data storage and communication. Russian linguists found that the genetic code – especially in the apparent “useless” 90% – follows the same rules as all our human languages.
They compared the rules of syntax (the way in which words are put together to form phrases and sentences), semantics (the study of meaning in language forms) and the basic rules of grammar. They found that the molecules in our DNA [alkaline bases] follow a regular grammar and do have set rules just like our languages. Therefore, maybe human languages did not appear coincidentally but are a reflection of our inherent DNA.
Could we actually have the power to change DNA with our mind?

Rein and McCraty ‘93, in a controlled study, showed conscious intent can change the shape of DNA and increase or decrease the rate it multiplies itself. The subjects in the study were trained in “Heart Coherence”, a technique similar to Qigong where the person focuses attention on the heart and “self-generates feelings of gratitude”. The effects are measurable, so it is possible to show when the person has reached the coherent state. The electrocardiogram [ECG ] smoothes out and the body systems come into harmony. The autonomic nervous system changes over to the “repair and maintenance” or Parasympathetic side from the “Fight or Flight” side.

Rein ‘96 states: “The electromagnetic field generated by the heart is the most powerful rhythmic electromagnetic field produced by the body.” The heart’s field connects to every cell and may also carry information. Lab studies show cells respond to the heart’s field, even from 5 feet away.
When the subject was shown to be in heart coherence, he first used unconditional love directed to the DNA, with no effect. When he used Visualization and Heart Coherence, there was a measurable effect, but the maximum effect came when he added Intent. Some effects were as much as 25% change – a striking effect.

This is an elegant way to show the definition of that powerful force: Yi, sometimes translated mind-intent. Mantak Chia defines Yi as: Mind, Eye and Heart power. This experiment helps to show how important it is for us to gain the ability to use Yi so we can generate the maximum effect. So let’s practice.

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References:

Hartman H., “Speculations on the evolution of the genetic code” Origins of Life 6: 423-427 1974

Wintersberger U., “On the origins of genetic variants” FEBS 285: 160-164 1991 Federation of European Biochemical Societies

Popp, Fritz-Albert, et. al., Electromagnetic Bio-Information

Hall, Barry; Science News, Vol. 135, p. 312-315, May 20, 1989
and Nature, Vol. 340, p. 264, 312-313, July 27,1989
“Vernetzte Intelligenz” Grazyna Fosar und Franz Bludorf, ISBN 3930243237, summarized and commented by Baerbel. only available in German: Kontext – Forum for Border Science http://www.fosar-bludorf.com
http://www.rense.com/general62/expl.htm

Rein G., McCraty R.”Modulation of DNA by Coherent Heart Frequencies.” Proceedings of the Third International Society for the Study of Subtle Energy and Medicine Conference Monterey, CA, 1993a

Rein, Glen Ph.D., Effect of Conscious Intention on Human DNA”, publ. in: Proceedings of the International Forum on New Science, Denver, October, 1996