My formal training is within traditional Western science. That discipline does not allow for the existence of a soul or spirit that is separate from the brain. The reason for this view is that there is no empirical evidence proving that such things exist. Indeed, according to this monistic (oneness) view, the mind is nothing more than the subjective awareness we have when the brain functions. If the brain functions normally, the mind will be normal. If the brain functions abnormally, the mind will be abnormal.”

The Greek word “Psyche” translates equally to mind and soul. It implies that something spiritual does exist apart from the brain. This dualistic view underlies most spiritual philosophies and religions. It relies on faith, rather than empirical evidence, to support the existence of a soul or spirit, including a great Spirit or God.

Traditional Eastern philosophy and medicine invoke the concept that all living things possess energy (often called Chi) within them. The awareness and channelling of this energy constitutes the basis of physical, spiritual and psychological well-being.

From this, it can be seen that all living things are part of the same oneness. This very Eastern way of looking at things requires that we respect all others, not because we would want to be treated that way ourselves (classical Western Ethics – i.e., The Golden rule) but because we are all part of the same thing. Each human is part of every other human. Acts that diminish the individual, diminish the entire species.

If the “mind” is the concomitant of neural function, why would it not also be true that the “life force”, though an energy, is the natural and physical concomitant of the totality of life’s activities. In other words, the “Chi”, which would then include the “mind”, need not exist as a “dualistic” entity, outside of the body, but as a natural consequence of life itself. Moreover, even as other natural forces affect each other and can coexist and mingle with each other, so too, each individual’s life force is capable of mingling with those of other living things.