The Universe in One Atom: Science and Spirituality in the Service of the World. 7. Towards a science of consciousness
In order for the study of consciousness to be complete, it is necessary to develop a methodology that takes into account not only what happens at the neural and biochemical levels, but also the subjective experience of consciousness itself. Even the combination of neurophysiology and behavioral psychology does not shed sufficient light on the experience of subjective experiences, since both of these directions emphasize the objective, non-personal method of observation. Traditions based on the practice of contemplation are based on the historically established method of a subjective, personal approach to the study of the nature and functions of consciousness. It uses special training of the mind, the ability to focus on one’s internal states in various ways.