Theos-Talk Archives (October 2004 Message tt00158)

Hey,

I just started this new book by Dean Hamer. The basic contention is 
that he has identified a particular gene involved in regulating 
specific neurotransmitters, monoamines. These "appear to influence 
spirituality by altering consciousness." Spirituality is measurable 
as the dimension "self-transcendence" on a Temperament and Character 
Inventory created by psychiatrist Robert Cloninger. Theosophists 
should like the fact that it measures on seven dimensions. The 
trait as measured by this test is heritable, according to the book, 
and therefore there is a genetic factor determining degree of 
spirituality.

Here's a link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0385500580/002-4780924-
4598457?v=glance

At first glance the thesis is appealing; I note in family history 
that one line in particular seems to be especially oriented to 
spirituality. Can't help wondering how different cultures vary and 
whether the USA's hyperreligiosity could be a partly genetic trait.

Paul

PS-- One way this is related to THEOSOPHY is that HPB in her 
esoteric instructions says that the chakras are really all inside 
the brain