The Third Eye

The Third Eye

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.