Abstract

This dissertation, Explorations in Understanding, Managing and Directing Subtle Energies, focuses on the phenomenon of subtle energy from a variety of perspectives and including a view that these energies can be directed towards positive personal and social goals. Subtle energy or energies refers to energy that lies outside the currently-accepted forces of the universe, e.g., gravity, electromagnetism and the weak and strong nuclear forces. In this dissertation the author explores subtle energies through the lenses of the spiritual traditions, the physical sciences and the social sciences accompanied by a description of her personal experiences with these energies. The author points out the similarities and differences between these various lenses and discusses the contributions of each perspective to her own understanding of subtle energies. She shares practices that she used in her research to better understand the personal, subjective manifestations of subtle energies. These include meditation, prayer and focused intention. The author examines her experiences with subtle energies by comparing them with those insights gleaned from the spiritual traditions and the sciences. Her conclusions include subtle energies are real and they are not subtle; practices help to increase one's capacity for subtle energy transfer; subtle energy work is a natural human capacity and is easy to do; subtle energy work is demanding and challenging; there is reason to design and attempt larger-scale subtle energy experiments focusing on social issues; and the author seeks ways to take this work to new levels. Discussion on possible next steps for research and exploration include projects involving the use of subtle energy practices for individual, small-scale and large-scale healing and transformation