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Todd Murphy

L.U., Neuroscience, Associate researcher

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Todd Murphy is a long-time member of Laurentian university Behavioral Neurosciences Research Group, known for the God Helmet, which operates under the direction of Dr. Michael A Persinger. He has published in the Journal for Near-Death Studies, Psychology Reports, Activitas Nervosa Superior, and the journal, Neuroquantology. His 9-hour lecture series can be seen on www.youtube.com. His studies in the field of neurotheology began in 1985, becoming increasingly professional until his work found publication in academic journals, beginning in 1998. He is the author of “Sacred Pathways: The Brain’s role in Religious and Mystic Experiences.”
Address: San Francisco, California, United States

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Papers by Todd Murphy

Validating New Technologies to Treat Depression, Pain and the Feeling of Sentient Beings: A Reply to “Neuroscience for the Soul”

Neuroscience & Medicine, 2016

The primary assumption of Neuroscience is that all experiences are strongly correlated with or ca... more The primary assumption of Neuroscience is that all experiences are strongly correlated with or caused by the specifics of brain structures and their particular dynamics. The profound experiences attributed to the "sensed presence" and their cultural anthropomorphisms such as deities and gods are persistent reports in human populations that are frequently associated with permanent changes in behavior, reduced depression and alleviation of pain. The majority of traditional clinical observations and modern imaging techniques have emphasized the central role of right temporal lobe structures and their directly related networks. The experimental simulation of sensed presences which can result in attributions to spiritual, deity-based or mystical sources within the clinical laboratory by the application of physiologically-patterned magnetic fields across the temporal lobes through our God Helmet requires the same precision of technology that is essential for synthesizing molecular treatments for modifying anomalous behavior, depression and pain. Despite the clinical utility of these simulated conditions within Neuroscience and Medicine, misinformation concerning the bases and efficacy of this new technology persist. Here we present detailed technical clarifications and rebuttals to refute these misconceptions. A Hegelian approach to this delay of development and impedance provides a context through which the ultimate synthesis and application of this technology may be accommodated in the near future.

The Structure and Function of Near-Death Experiences: An Algorithmic Reincarnation Hypothesis

Journal of Near-Death Studies , 2001

ABSTRACT: Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having ... more ABSTRACT: Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having the state of consciousness in which a person experiences the last moment of his or her life being turned, in stages, into the state of consciousness experienced as the "point of no return". The life review this, as is interpreted as a review of the states of consciousness experienced during our lives. Our responses to reviewing our own behaviors while in specific states reinforces and classifies them into those to repeat in future lives and those to avoid. We examine a modification of the traditional doctrine of reincarnation that takes into account biological and cultural evolution. This allows an understanding of how the attributes of NDEs could have undergone selection even though all opportunities for mating have already passed at the time of death.

Solving the “Hard Problem”: Consciousness as an Intrinsic Property of Magnetic Fields

Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research, 2019

The “hard problem,” the question of the physical basis of consciousness, finds a solution in the ... more The “hard problem,” the question of the physical basis of consciousness, finds a solution in the hypothesis that consciousness is an attribute of magnetic fields, and that complex consciousness (which can include ‘self-awareness’, intelligence, or social interaction) is based on its integration with the neural electrical system. This hypothesis simplifies the local vs. non-local question, redefines “mind-body” dualism, as well as possibly resolving the anomaly of unpredictably sophisticated behavior in anencephalics. One of its consequences is a rejection of behaviorism and solipsism. Difficulties in falsification and approaches to corroboration are discussed, as well as challenges that face a rigorous working definition of the phenomenon, essential for experimental validation.

Recreating Near-Death Experiences: A Cognitive Approach

Journal of Near-Death Studies, 1999

ABSTRACT: I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recr... more ABSTRACT: I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recreates fragments of their NDEs. The meditation is based on Michael Persinger's neurological theory regarding the "God Experience," and its success supports that theory. The present study included too few subjects to support quantitative analysis, and must be regarded as a pilot study.

Nondualistic experiences of light in near-death experiences and in The Tibetan book of the dead

Journal of Near-Death Studies

Ren6 Jorgensen's editorial comparing the Clear Light in The Tibetan Book of the Dead (or Bardo Th... more Ren6 Jorgensen's editorial comparing the Clear Light in The Tibetan Book of the Dead (or Bardo Thodol) and the experience of light in some near-death experiences (NDEs) does not adequately acknowledge either the diversity of NDEs or the possibility that the content of The Tibetan Book of the Dead may be metaphorical. Similarities between descriptions of light in some NDEs and descriptions of the Clear Light in The Tibetan Book of the Dead may reflect similar underlying neural mechanisms and does not provide validation for either description. Any relevance of these descriptions to enlightenment is speculative.

Near-death experiences in Thailand

Journal of Near-Death Studies

Near-death experiences (NDEs) in Thailand do not demonstrate the episodes most noted in those col... more Near-death experiences (NDEs) in Thailand do not demonstrate the episodes most noted in those collected in the West, but they do show consistent features. I argue that these features, including harbingers of death, visions of hell, the Lord of the underworld, and the benefits of making donations to Buddhist monks and temples, can be understood within the framework of beliefs and customs unique to Southeast Asia. The simplest explanation is that the phenomenology of NDEs at least in part fulfills the individuals' expectations of what they will experience at death. These expectations are most often derived from the experiencer's culture, subculture, or mix of cultures. Culturebound expectations are, in turn, most often derived from religion. One case, quoted at length, shows features that suggest that the individual was experiencing stress as a result of living in both Thai and Chinese cultures. Although the phenomenology of Thai NDEs is at variance from those in the West, the typical episodes that appear in each seem to follow a comparable sequencing. This similarity in structure suggests that NDEs in both cultures have a common function.

Recreating near-death experiences: A cognitive approach

Journal of Near-Death Studies

I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recreates frag... more I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recreates fragments of their NDEs. The meditation is based on Michael Persinger's neurological theory regarding the "God Experience," and its success supports that theory. The present study included too few subjects to support quantitative analysis, and must be regarded as a pilot study.

The Production of Consciousness Out of States of Consciousness

Activitas Nervosa Superior, 2009

It has been found that there are five million magnetite crystals per gram in the human brain. Int... more It has been found that there are five million magnetite crystals per gram in the human brain. Interestingly, the meninges, has twenty times that number. These 'biomagnetite' crystals demonstrate two interesting features. The first is that their shapes do not occur in nature, suggesting that they were formed in the tissue, rather than being absorbed from outside. The other is that these crystals appear to be oriented so as to maximize their magnetic moment, which tends to give groups of these crystals the capacity to act as a system. We hypothesize that the entire set of modalities, cognitive and sensory, may be heuristically compared to a sound mixing board. In this metaphor, all the various modalities are represented as vertical rheostats with enhanced functioning increasing towards the top, and suppressed function increasing towards the bottom. Further, the act of becoming conscious of phenomena in any given modality involves the adjustment of that modality's 'rheostat'.

The Role of Religious and Mystic Experiences In Human Evolution: A Corollary Hypothesis for NeuroTheology

NeuroQuantology, 2010

The adaptive value of maintaining a portion of our population subject to religious, mystic or spi... more The adaptive value of maintaining a portion of our population subject to religious, mystic or spiritual experiences is discussed. An evolutionary mechanism, which may be unique to humans, is posited in which all humans have the neural pathways supporting mystic experiences, but only a small portion of our population experiences them. Those that do will display signs and personality traits that are associated with temporal lobe electrical lability or sensitivity. These traits motivate behavior that benefits their social group. The cognitive and affective styles displayed by mystics ensure that multiple perspectives are expressed during collective decision-making processes. The perspectives mystics offer their societies increase the variation within the human "ideational pool". These perspectives improve their chances for advantageous choices in times of threats or opportunities. Such an adaptation, producing variety in problem-solving skills, might be the source for the exceptionally wide range of personality types found within our species.

Experimental Elicitation of an Out of Body Experience and Concomitant Cross-Hemispheric Electroencephalographic Coherence

NeuroQuantology, 2010

Brief exposure to a counterclockwise global externally applied magnetic field generated from an a... more Brief exposure to a counterclockwise global externally applied magnetic field generated from an array of 64 solenoids designed to affect the cerebral fields associated with the left and right hemispheric correlates of consciousness evoked a powerful out of body experience (OOBE) in a single naive subject. The energy available from the applied field within the cortical volume was within the same order of magnitude as that associated with the sum of action potentials in all cortical neurons. During the OOBE there was a marked generalized increase in coherence in quantitative electroencephalographic activity between the left temporal lobe and right prefrontal region with specific abnormally high increases within the 4 to 7 Hz and 15 to 21 Hz band. These results are congruent with the experience of "consciousness" detached from the body and moving through space. The diagonal congruence is more consistent with the existence of two quantized fields or a global field with opposing polarities whose vector determines various emergent states experienced as OOBEs or sensed presences during brief periods of perturbation.

Complex Partial Epileptic-Like Experiences in University Students and Practitioners of Dharmakaya in Thailand: Comparison with Canadian University Students

Psychological Reports, 2001

We tested the hypothesis that individuals who frequently practice meditation within another cultu... more We tested the hypothesis that individuals who frequently practice meditation within another culture whose assumptions explicitly endorse this practice should exhibit more frequent and varied experience associated with complex partial epilepsy (without the seizures) as inferred by the Personal Philosophy Inventory and Roberts&#39; Questionnaire for the Epileptic Spectrum Disorder. 80 practitioners of Dharma Meditation and 24 university students in Thailand were compared with 76 students from first-year courses in psychology in a Canadian university. Although there were large significant differences for some items and clusters of items expected as a result of cultural differences, there were no statistically significant differences between the two populations for the proportions of complex partial epileptic-like experiences or their frequency of occurrence. There were no strong or consistent correlations between the history of meditation within the sample who practiced Dharma meditation and these experiences. These results suggest complex partial epileptic-like experiences may be a normal feature of the human species.

The Structure and Function of Near-Death Experiences: An Algorithmic Reincarnation Hypothesis

Journal of Near-death Studies, 2001

Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having the state ... more Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having the state of consciousness in which a person experiences the last moment of his or her life being turned, in stages, into the state of consciousness experienced as the “point of no return.” The life review this, as is interpreted as a review of the states of consciousness experienced during our lives. Our responses to reviewing our own behaviors while in specific states reinforces and classifies them into those to repeat in future lives and those to avoid. We examine a modification of the traditional doctrine of reincarnation that takes into account biological and cultural evolution. This allows an understanding of how the attributes of NDEs could have undergone selection even though all opportunities for mating have already passed at the time of death.

Solving the "Hard Problem": Consciousness as an Intrinsic Property of Magnetic Fields.

Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research, 2019

Summary: The “hard problem,” the question of the physical basis of consciousness, finds a soluti... more Summary: The “hard problem,” the question of the physical basis of consciousness, finds a solution in the hypothesis that consciousness is an attribute of magnetic fields, and that complex consciousness (which can include ‘self-awareness’, intelligence, or social interaction) is based on its integration with the neural electrical system. This hypothesis simplifies the local vs. non-local question, redefines “mind-body” dualism, as well as possibly resolving the anomaly of unpredictably sophisticated behavior in anencephalics. One of its consequences is a rejection of behaviorism and solipsism. Difficulties in falsification and approaches to corroboration are discussed, as well as challenges that face a rigorous working definition of the phenomenon, essential for experimental validation.

Validating New Technologies to Treat Depression, Pain and the Feeling of Sentient Beings: A Reply to “Neuroscience for the Soul”

Neuroscience & Medicine, 2016

The primary assumption of Neuroscience is that all experiences are strongly correlated with or ca... more The primary assumption of Neuroscience is that all experiences are strongly correlated with or caused by the specifics of brain structures and their particular dynamics. The profound experiences attributed to the "sensed presence" and their cultural anthropomorphisms such as deities and gods are persistent reports in human populations that are frequently associated with permanent changes in behavior, reduced depression and alleviation of pain. The majority of traditional clinical observations and modern imaging techniques have emphasized the central role of right temporal lobe structures and their directly related networks. The experimental simulation of sensed presences which can result in attributions to spiritual, deity-based or mystical sources within the clinical laboratory by the application of physiologically-patterned magnetic fields across the temporal lobes through our God Helmet requires the same precision of technology that is essential for synthesizing molecular treatments for modifying anomalous behavior, depression and pain. Despite the clinical utility of these simulated conditions within Neuroscience and Medicine, misinformation concerning the bases and efficacy of this new technology persist. Here we present detailed technical clarifications and rebuttals to refute these misconceptions. A Hegelian approach to this delay of development and impedance provides a context through which the ultimate synthesis and application of this technology may be accommodated in the near future.

The Structure and Function of Near-Death Experiences: An Algorithmic Reincarnation Hypothesis

Journal of Near-Death Studies , 2001

ABSTRACT: Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having ... more ABSTRACT: Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having the state of consciousness in which a person experiences the last moment of his or her life being turned, in stages, into the state of consciousness experienced as the "point of no return". The life review this, as is interpreted as a review of the states of consciousness experienced during our lives. Our responses to reviewing our own behaviors while in specific states reinforces and classifies them into those to repeat in future lives and those to avoid. We examine a modification of the traditional doctrine of reincarnation that takes into account biological and cultural evolution. This allows an understanding of how the attributes of NDEs could have undergone selection even though all opportunities for mating have already passed at the time of death.

Solving the “Hard Problem”: Consciousness as an Intrinsic Property of Magnetic Fields

Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research, 2019

The “hard problem,” the question of the physical basis of consciousness, finds a solution in the ... more The “hard problem,” the question of the physical basis of consciousness, finds a solution in the hypothesis that consciousness is an attribute of magnetic fields, and that complex consciousness (which can include ‘self-awareness’, intelligence, or social interaction) is based on its integration with the neural electrical system. This hypothesis simplifies the local vs. non-local question, redefines “mind-body” dualism, as well as possibly resolving the anomaly of unpredictably sophisticated behavior in anencephalics. One of its consequences is a rejection of behaviorism and solipsism. Difficulties in falsification and approaches to corroboration are discussed, as well as challenges that face a rigorous working definition of the phenomenon, essential for experimental validation.

Recreating Near-Death Experiences: A Cognitive Approach

Journal of Near-Death Studies, 1999

ABSTRACT: I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recr... more ABSTRACT: I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recreates fragments of their NDEs. The meditation is based on Michael Persinger's neurological theory regarding the "God Experience," and its success supports that theory. The present study included too few subjects to support quantitative analysis, and must be regarded as a pilot study.

Nondualistic experiences of light in near-death experiences and in The Tibetan book of the dead

Journal of Near-Death Studies

Ren6 Jorgensen's editorial comparing the Clear Light in The Tibetan Book of the Dead (or Bardo Th... more Ren6 Jorgensen's editorial comparing the Clear Light in The Tibetan Book of the Dead (or Bardo Thodol) and the experience of light in some near-death experiences (NDEs) does not adequately acknowledge either the diversity of NDEs or the possibility that the content of The Tibetan Book of the Dead may be metaphorical. Similarities between descriptions of light in some NDEs and descriptions of the Clear Light in The Tibetan Book of the Dead may reflect similar underlying neural mechanisms and does not provide validation for either description. Any relevance of these descriptions to enlightenment is speculative.

Near-death experiences in Thailand

Journal of Near-Death Studies

Near-death experiences (NDEs) in Thailand do not demonstrate the episodes most noted in those col... more Near-death experiences (NDEs) in Thailand do not demonstrate the episodes most noted in those collected in the West, but they do show consistent features. I argue that these features, including harbingers of death, visions of hell, the Lord of the underworld, and the benefits of making donations to Buddhist monks and temples, can be understood within the framework of beliefs and customs unique to Southeast Asia. The simplest explanation is that the phenomenology of NDEs at least in part fulfills the individuals' expectations of what they will experience at death. These expectations are most often derived from the experiencer's culture, subculture, or mix of cultures. Culturebound expectations are, in turn, most often derived from religion. One case, quoted at length, shows features that suggest that the individual was experiencing stress as a result of living in both Thai and Chinese cultures. Although the phenomenology of Thai NDEs is at variance from those in the West, the typical episodes that appear in each seem to follow a comparable sequencing. This similarity in structure suggests that NDEs in both cultures have a common function.

Recreating near-death experiences: A cognitive approach

Journal of Near-Death Studies

I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recreates frag... more I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recreates fragments of their NDEs. The meditation is based on Michael Persinger's neurological theory regarding the "God Experience," and its success supports that theory. The present study included too few subjects to support quantitative analysis, and must be regarded as a pilot study.

The Production of Consciousness Out of States of Consciousness

Activitas Nervosa Superior, 2009

It has been found that there are five million magnetite crystals per gram in the human brain. Int... more It has been found that there are five million magnetite crystals per gram in the human brain. Interestingly, the meninges, has twenty times that number. These 'biomagnetite' crystals demonstrate two interesting features. The first is that their shapes do not occur in nature, suggesting that they were formed in the tissue, rather than being absorbed from outside. The other is that these crystals appear to be oriented so as to maximize their magnetic moment, which tends to give groups of these crystals the capacity to act as a system. We hypothesize that the entire set of modalities, cognitive and sensory, may be heuristically compared to a sound mixing board. In this metaphor, all the various modalities are represented as vertical rheostats with enhanced functioning increasing towards the top, and suppressed function increasing towards the bottom. Further, the act of becoming conscious of phenomena in any given modality involves the adjustment of that modality's 'rheostat'.

The Role of Religious and Mystic Experiences In Human Evolution: A Corollary Hypothesis for NeuroTheology

NeuroQuantology, 2010

The adaptive value of maintaining a portion of our population subject to religious, mystic or spi... more The adaptive value of maintaining a portion of our population subject to religious, mystic or spiritual experiences is discussed. An evolutionary mechanism, which may be unique to humans, is posited in which all humans have the neural pathways supporting mystic experiences, but only a small portion of our population experiences them. Those that do will display signs and personality traits that are associated with temporal lobe electrical lability or sensitivity. These traits motivate behavior that benefits their social group. The cognitive and affective styles displayed by mystics ensure that multiple perspectives are expressed during collective decision-making processes. The perspectives mystics offer their societies increase the variation within the human "ideational pool". These perspectives improve their chances for advantageous choices in times of threats or opportunities. Such an adaptation, producing variety in problem-solving skills, might be the source for the exceptionally wide range of personality types found within our species.

Experimental Elicitation of an Out of Body Experience and Concomitant Cross-Hemispheric Electroencephalographic Coherence

NeuroQuantology, 2010

Brief exposure to a counterclockwise global externally applied magnetic field generated from an a... more Brief exposure to a counterclockwise global externally applied magnetic field generated from an array of 64 solenoids designed to affect the cerebral fields associated with the left and right hemispheric correlates of consciousness evoked a powerful out of body experience (OOBE) in a single naive subject. The energy available from the applied field within the cortical volume was within the same order of magnitude as that associated with the sum of action potentials in all cortical neurons. During the OOBE there was a marked generalized increase in coherence in quantitative electroencephalographic activity between the left temporal lobe and right prefrontal region with specific abnormally high increases within the 4 to 7 Hz and 15 to 21 Hz band. These results are congruent with the experience of "consciousness" detached from the body and moving through space. The diagonal congruence is more consistent with the existence of two quantized fields or a global field with opposing polarities whose vector determines various emergent states experienced as OOBEs or sensed presences during brief periods of perturbation.

Complex Partial Epileptic-Like Experiences in University Students and Practitioners of Dharmakaya in Thailand: Comparison with Canadian University Students

Psychological Reports, 2001

We tested the hypothesis that individuals who frequently practice meditation within another cultu... more We tested the hypothesis that individuals who frequently practice meditation within another culture whose assumptions explicitly endorse this practice should exhibit more frequent and varied experience associated with complex partial epilepsy (without the seizures) as inferred by the Personal Philosophy Inventory and Roberts&#39; Questionnaire for the Epileptic Spectrum Disorder. 80 practitioners of Dharma Meditation and 24 university students in Thailand were compared with 76 students from first-year courses in psychology in a Canadian university. Although there were large significant differences for some items and clusters of items expected as a result of cultural differences, there were no statistically significant differences between the two populations for the proportions of complex partial epileptic-like experiences or their frequency of occurrence. There were no strong or consistent correlations between the history of meditation within the sample who practiced Dharma meditation and these experiences. These results suggest complex partial epileptic-like experiences may be a normal feature of the human species.

The Structure and Function of Near-Death Experiences: An Algorithmic Reincarnation Hypothesis

Journal of Near-death Studies, 2001

Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having the state ... more Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having the state of consciousness in which a person experiences the last moment of his or her life being turned, in stages, into the state of consciousness experienced as the “point of no return.” The life review this, as is interpreted as a review of the states of consciousness experienced during our lives. Our responses to reviewing our own behaviors while in specific states reinforces and classifies them into those to repeat in future lives and those to avoid. We examine a modification of the traditional doctrine of reincarnation that takes into account biological and cultural evolution. This allows an understanding of how the attributes of NDEs could have undergone selection even though all opportunities for mating have already passed at the time of death.

Solving the "Hard Problem": Consciousness as an Intrinsic Property of Magnetic Fields.

Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research, 2019

Summary: The “hard problem,” the question of the physical basis of consciousness, finds a soluti... more Summary: The “hard problem,” the question of the physical basis of consciousness, finds a solution in the hypothesis that consciousness is an attribute of magnetic fields, and that complex consciousness (which can include ‘self-awareness’, intelligence, or social interaction) is based on its integration with the neural electrical system. This hypothesis simplifies the local vs. non-local question, redefines “mind-body” dualism, as well as possibly resolving the anomaly of unpredictably sophisticated behavior in anencephalics. One of its consequences is a rejection of behaviorism and solipsism. Difficulties in falsification and approaches to corroboration are discussed, as well as challenges that face a rigorous working definition of the phenomenon, essential for experimental validation.