there’s no scientific evidence supporting the existence of an “astral body” or astral projection. While many people have reported experiences they describe as astral projection or out-of-body experiences (OBEs), these reports are anecdotal and subjective, and they don’t constitute empirical evidence in the scientific sense.
Some researchers, particularly in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, have proposed explanations for these experiences that don’t require the existence of an astral body separate from the physical body. For example, some out-of-body experiences have been associated with changes in brain activity, often in the right temporoparietal junction, an area involved in maintaining a sense of the body’s position in space.
It’s worth noting that, although there isn’t scientific evidence for the existence of an astral body, many cultures and spiritual traditions around the world include concepts similar to the astral body, and these beliefs can be an important part of people’s personal spiritual or philosophical worldviews.
Remember, science is always evolving and updating its understanding of the world as new evidence comes to light. The absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence, but as of now, the existence of an “astral body” is not supported by scientific consensus.
In 1978 I read the following book and it was deeply meaningful at my current stage of development
“Easy Journey to Other Planets” is a book by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement.
In “Easy Journey to Other Planets”, Prabhupada explores the concept of Antariksha, or the subtle, spiritual “sky” that souls traverse after death, according to Hindu and Vedic beliefs. He uses the metaphor of space travel to describe the journey of the soul to these spiritual planets, comparing materialistic attempts to reach other planets (like space programs and technology) with spiritual methods.
Prabhupada argues that material life binds us to the physical universe, while spiritual practices can liberate the soul, allowing it to travel freely to spiritual planets. He references ancient Vedic texts to present an understanding of the universe that includes both physical and spiritual realities.
The book also introduces key concepts of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the spiritual tradition that ISKCON is a part of. This includes teachings about Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the nature of the soul, karma, reincarnation, and the practice of bhakti yoga as a means of spiritual liberation.
It’s worth noting that while the book is titled “Easy Journey to Other Planets”, it’s not a guide to astral projection in the typical sense. Rather, it’s an introduction to the metaphysical and spiritual views of the Hare Krishna movement and Vedic philosophy more broadly. The “journey to other planets” is metaphorical, referring to spiritual advancement rather than literal out-of-body experiences.