This book introduces a new vision—a simple and comprehensive approach to understanding different aspects of humanity, and the complexities of this world, exemplified by a collection of extraordinary stories, and supported by a pile of science and evidence.

For thousands of years, humanity has been suffering from illnesses at individual, societal, and international levels. Anxiety, depression, prostitution, crime, and worldwide wars are only a few of these examples. Despite hundreds of spiritual, religious, and non-religious leaders, and in spite of tremendous advancements in science and technology, our collective problems are only growing. The question is why. What are we missing? The root of these problems points to one common element—not fully understanding the multidimensional human being. We cannot solve the dilemmas of humanity with the same mind that created them!

This book is intended to help the general population explore some of the most complex mysteries of our world and seemingly unsolvable problems created by mankind. It provides a fast track for personal and global transformation based on science and evidence, using a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model. Many concepts have been borrowed from outstanding scientists, philosophers, researchers, teachers, and leaders in the past and present, and a few more have been added by the author.

The Third Vision

THE SCIENCE OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATIONBy FRANCIS H. VALA

Balboa Press

Copyright © 2013 Dr. Francis H. Vala
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4525-6395-4

Contents

Preface.......................................................................ixIntroduction..................................................................xiPART 1. Setting the Stage.....................................................1CHAPTER 1. Beyond Human Nature................................................3CHAPTER 2. Who Are You?.......................................................13PART 2. Biological Aspects: The Body..........................................19CHAPTER 3. The Brain and the Nervous System...................................21CHAPTER 4. Neuroplasticity....................................................30PART 3. Psychological Aspects: The Mind.......................................49CHAPTER 5. The Human Psychology...............................................51CHAPTER 6. Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Destiny..........................67CHAPTER 7. Human Psyche and the Ladder of Personal Growth.....................77CHAPTER 8. The Pain-Pleasure Principle........................................92CHAPTER 9. Defense Mechanisms of the Ego......................................109CHAPTER 10. Roots of Unhappiness..............................................126PART 4. Spiritual Aspects: The Soul...........................................135CHAPTER 11. The Science of Spirituality.......................................137CHAPTER 12. Secrets of the Soul...............................................155PART 5. Social Aspects: The Outer World.......................................171CHAPTER 13. Social Aspects of Human Beings....................................173CHAPTER 14. Sexuality.........................................................184CHAPTER 15. Money and Mind....................................................196CHAPTER 16. Mind and Conflict.................................................203PART 6. Connecting the Dots...................................................221CHAPTER 17. The Third Vision..................................................223CHAPTER 18. Conclusion........................................................235Acknowledgments...............................................................255Endnotes......................................................................257About The Author..............................................................265

Chapter One

"Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure." —Rumi

Beyond Human Nature

For thousands of years, humanity has been suffering from illnesses at individual, societal, and international levels. Anxiety and depression, prostitution and crime, and worldwide wars are only a few of these examples. Despite hundreds of spiritual, religious, and non-religious leaders, and in spite of tremendous advancements in science and technology, our collective problems are only growing. The question is why? Why do we still have so many problems today?

The root of these problems points to one common element—not fully understanding the multidimensional human being. We cannot solve the challenging dilemmas of humanity with the same mind that created them! Of over thirty million species living on planet Earth, the two-legged human being is the only one changing the course and fate of this planet.

In order to make our dream of living in a better world come true, we must understand all aspects of the human being—biologically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually—especially how these are all interrelated. The following true, unrelated cases represent some of the most complex dilemmas endangering mankind at three levels—individual, social, and international. Although it may sound impossible to understand the root cause of these disorders, specific universal patterns and formulas explained in this book will unveil some of the mysteries of the mentality behind these scenarios.

Case 1

AK smiles, running his hands through his grey hair. He is a sixty-seven-year-old retired university professor. He had several visits to our Sexual Medicine Clinic at the Vancouver General Hospital. He appears intelligent, kind, and passionate about life. Had it not been for past experience in my career, it would have been very difficult to believe what he was there for.

AK presented with multiple forms of paraphilia (sexual deviations). Some of these included transvestism (feeling aroused when wearing the clothes of the opposite sex), pedophilia (engaging in any sexual activity with minors), zoophilia (engaging in any sexual activity with animals), porn addiction, urophilia (condition in which the person derives sexual excitement from urination), and more. However, he did not have sadism or masochism; he did not like to inflict physical pain on himself or others.

Without the knowledge and understanding of medicine and psychology, it would be easy to judge AK as a "bad person" with "evil" thoughts. But when I got to know him, he was actually a sincere, pleasant, and generous person who had lots of love for the world. AK had insight into his problems.

"The reason I'm here seeking help is that I have major problems in my mind and do not want to cause any physical or emotional harm to anyone. I just don't know how to stop these thoughts," he said. "Whenever I feel distressed about something, these thoughts continue to haunt me, and depending on my mood, I feel impulsive to act upon them, but then I would feel guilty and suffer even more." AK felt less guilty with acts that did not involve others, such as transvestism and porn addiction. He tried hard to avoid acts that involved others, such as zoophilia or pedophilia. He was fully aware of the legal consequences of these acts and hence sought help to get rid of these intensely provocative thoughts and feelings.

AK related his problems to childhood. He was a survivor of World War II and grew up in Germany in the post-war era. His father was killed in the war, so AK grew up with his harsh mother, who barely survived the war. He had few memories of early childhood (due to a defense mechanism called repression), but what he did remember was mostly negative.

Unfortunately, the treatment for these complex psychological disorders is very difficult. AK was referred to another psychiatrist with extensive experience in psychoanalysis, for psychotherapy, and my supervisor and I were following him on the side. At the time, I was training in my fellowship for Sexual Medicine. Over time, his condition improved as he gained more understanding of his thoughts and feelings. His life was less miserable but nowhere near satisfaction. We were thinking of starting him on medications to reduce sexual desire. These medications are generally used for the hypersexual criminals, and there was no clear evidence whether AK would benefit from them or not.

Case 2

I was approached by my supervisor in the corridor of the clinic. His eyes sparkled with excitement. "You don't want to miss the next case. I'll see you in half an hour," he said, smiling as he walked away. I was eager to see the next case. I rushed to finish my paperwork and grabbed the next patient's chart for preparation.

BT was a very interesting case from a psychological point of view. He was a middle-aged, Caucasian successful business owner. He had seen my supervisor over several visits and was happy to tell us that he...