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The Third Eye
The Third Eye

The Third Eye

Definition: Also known as the "single eye", the "egg of immortality" and the "crystal lamp"1, the third eye, located behind the forehead between the eyes, is said to be the mystical center of the body and the focus for meditation8.

The "Egg" and the "Third Eye"

For years, the reference to the "egg" in Kipling's story, "They," baffled his readers. Some scholars proposed that it was a reference to the "evil eye" in Greek mythology. Others believed it referred to the all-seeing eye of Freemasonry. However, when put into the story context of the spirits of dead children touching their bereaved parents, the "egg" is almost unquestionably a spiritualistic reference to the powers of the third eye. Although in science, the third eye is often associated with the pineal "eye" or gland. Both Eastern Religions and Spiritualistic traditions recognize the third eye as the seat of the body's mystical and meditative powers7, 8.

The pineal gland, now called "the third eye", may have been the "first" eye according to scientist David Klein11. Long recognized as a light-sensing sensory organ in reptiles and birds6, 8, 11, until recently, scientists thought that, in humans, the third eye was a vestigial (underdeveloped) organ that served as little purpose as the body's appendix. However, recent studies indicate that the third eye helps regulate the metabolism and the body's circadian (or biological) clock through its production of the hormone melatonin11, 12. Current scientific research reveals that the third eye is possibly a tumor inhibitor and plays a role in sleep disturbances, reproductive irregularities and psychological disorders12.

Metaphysical studies, Eastern religions, and Spiritualists recognize the third eye as an important part of the human psyche. Hindus call the third eye, the doyoya-̣ḍ̣ṛsti or "divine-seeing eye"4, 5. Yoga traditions believe that all mental and spiritual realities have a physical counterpart. They point to the third eye as a light into self-reflection, an organ through which we see spiritual realities and one that is the seat of our intuition7.

In Spiritualistic circles and yoga traditions, opening the third eye is essential to self-understanding and the growth of consciousness. Dr. Samuel Sagan3 of Clairvision School compares the third eye to a switch. When opened, the third eye awakens and controls spiritual energy that can lead us to higher states of consciousness. Through meditation and reflection, the individual can strengthen third eye abilities.

Resources:
1. Willam B. Dillingham. “Kipling: Spiritualism, Bereavement, Self-Revelation, and "They".” Literature in Transition 45 (2002). 3 Oct 2008 <http://www.questia.com/read/5002487112?title=Kipling%3a%20Spiritualism%2c%20Bereavement%2c%20Self-Revelation%2c%20and%20%22They%22>.
2. Ben Okri. The Famished Road. Anchor, 1993. 3 Oct 2008.
3. Samuel Sagan. Awakening the Third Eye. Clairvision, 2007. 3 Oct 208. <http://www.clairvision.org>
4. John Bowker. “Ūrnā .” The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. Oxford UP, 1997. 3 Oct 2008 <http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1O101-r2.html>.
5. John Bowker. “Doyoya-̣ḍ̣ṛsti .” The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. Oxford UP, 1997. 3 Oct 2008 <http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1O101-r2.html>.
6. "third eye." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. Answers.com 03 Oct. 2008. <http://www.answers.com/topic/third-eye>
7. "third eye." Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier, 2007. Answers.com 03 Oct. 2008. <http://www.answers.com/topic/third-eye>
8. "third eye." Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. The Gale Group, Inc, 2001. Answers.com 03 Oct. 2008. <http://www.answers.com/topic/third-eye>
9. “Biology: Looking More Closely at `Third Eye' .” The Washington Post 2 Aug 1993. 3 Oct 2008 <http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-958501.html>.
10. Colin Blakemore, Shelia Jennett. “third eye .” The Oxford Companion to the Body. Oxford UP, 2001. 3 Oct 2008 <http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1O128-thirdeye.html>.
11. Julie Ann Miller. “Eye to (third) eye; scientists are taking advantage of unexpected similarities between the eye's retina and the brain's pineal gland..” Science News 9 Nov 1985. 3 Oct 2008 <http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-4016492.html>.
12. Genell Hilton. “Melatonin and the pineal gland. .” Journal of Neuroscience Nursing 1 Apr 2002. 3 Oct 2008 <http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-92801147.html>.