PROLONGED FASTINGS-HOW IS IT POSSIBLE - A HYPOTHESIS

Introduction:

Recently a historical and amazing incidence took place in

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. A gentleman called Shri Hira Ratan

Manek(H.R.M.) aged 64 , a mechanical engineer residing at

Calicut, originally belonging to Kutch., Gujarat, has just

accomplished a remarkable record- a world record, by doing

continuous fasting for 411 days, as per jain tradition.(i.e.ing,

even if the man is taken as superman or genetically a different

human being. We now know of about atleast 200 people living

without food , on this earth.

The author of this hypothesis, was also the part of medical team

and must have met and examined him several times during his unique

fasting. The author also ,like any scientist had real sceptic

behaviour towards this gentleman and had really taken this

gentleman to toughest and most critical ?analytic check(keeping

in a nursing home more than a month, isolating him in a cube , not

allowing any of his relative to stay with him etc) and all other

doctors also had scrupulous checking. All of us are fully

convinced about the genuinity and really are wonderstuck. Having

satisfied fully with the genuinity , the team suddenly realized

that the ball was in the cot of doctors- as now they had to

explain, how this gentleman could do this and that t

Ultimately, the job was left to the author to try to hypothesize

something.

The author had accepted it. But he realized that he was in deep

waters. Its one the most difficult tasks, he had ever had in the

past. Really speaking, this is a subject of occultism and

spiritual science, and hence our experimental science had natural

limitations. So the author has tried to evolve a hypothesis,

which starts with logic, then available scientific knowledge is

applied and ultimately again logic leading to ?Speculative VISION?

is applied. Hence, he does not claim that things presented here

are all the way scientific, but he assures you a great experience,

opening up ?the dialogues? and assures that you will have a chance

to examine several fantastic possibilities. Who knows truth may

unfold itself in coming years, from these possibilities. The

author has already received several queries from internet, after float

THE HYPOTHESIS

This is indeed unique. You will agree that such a prolonged

continuous Jain fasting for religious (Spread of Ahimsa and other

high mottos) & scientific purposes (to create awarness about

Sun-energy) & also aimed at solution of four way human crisis

(Physical, Mental, food & neurological) under scrupulous daily

medical supervision is unheard of. It?s just fantastic, and

absolutely amazing, but this is not a myth. It's not happening in

Himalayas or distant jungles; it is happening in Ahmedabad,

Gujarat ( There is no reason to be sceptic; one may personally

come and himself or herself check & scrutinize; as we doctors have

done all these months & fellow men have been staying with him all

throughout. Several visitors also see him throughout the day and

night. No body ever had encountered even a doubtful situation. All

of them have been satisfied with the genuinity. Even he was kept

in a nursing home for more than a month for a critical checking as

well as medical tests. He has been isolated from his relatives who

are staying at Calicut . He is kept in a two room flat, which is

totally devoid of any kind of food.

Several doctors from India, Gujarat , Ahmedabad and abroad have

from time to time examined and are unable to explain the

scientific basis from current clinical knowledge, while declaring

the genuinity of fasting. A team of medical doctors have

supervised (medical examination as well as laboratory tests)

throughout these fasting. This comprise of Dr. Sudhir Shah

M.D.,D.M.(neuro), Dr. Nalin Gheewala M.D., Dr. Viresh Patel M.D.,

Dr. Navneet Shah M.D.(Physician and endocrinologist

Today, it is 411th day of Shri Hira Ratan Manek's fasting. (on

Dt. 14th Februry 2001) He started fasting from 1.1.2000. He is on

total fasting as per Jainism. He is consuming only boiled water

daily between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. only and no other liquids and

just no other food, No I\V or I\M of fasting and urine output is

maintained at around 600 to 800 c.c. His blood sugar is between

60 to 90. Rest of the parameters are all normal.

Most surprisingly, he had himself climbed the famous Shatrunjay

mountain (Palitana hill) on 4.4.01, on 401st day of his legendary

fasting along with 500 fellowmen without anybody?s help, within

1.5 Hrs. only.

It is just amazing. Isn't it ?

But how do we hypothesize it ? How does science look at it ?

As per our present day scientific understanding, under normal

circumstances of prolonged starvation, (under accidental

situation or extraordinary situation,) human being looses weight

fast. First carbohydrate is utilized. Then ketones appear in urine

in first week. Then proteins are burnt. Later fat are mobilized

from body stores and used. Before that, the person becomes dull,

lethargic and irritable, his logic and reasoning fails and vital

parameters fall and within 8 to 10 weeks, as per science, the

physical existence will be challenged.

Here, there has been no such illeffect. How do we explain this ?

How does his energy mathematics work? How he is still so intact

with normal intellect, normal mental function? So far, there is no

solid thesis (as this is the first event in the world, under

medical supervision), there has to be some logical, scientific

hypothesis. It explains quite a bit, but also leaves few questions

unanswered, for all of us to further analyses. It also opens, at

the same time, several new avenues for the coming time to work

upon it. (e.g. issue of obesity, the possibility of cosmic energy,

the functions of pineal gland )

Here, we propose a hypothesis which has four basic steps to

explain energy-metabolic mathematics. i.e.

(1) Reducing calorie requirement by chronic adaptation.

(2) Deriving basic energy from cosmic sources-chiefly, `sun

energy'-solar energy.

(3) Utilizing the energy in the efficient way and recycling the

same in his own body.

(4) Genetically or phenotypically a different body dis-position.

Let us discuss the proposition step by step.

(1) Chronic Adaptation Syndrome :

As the body and the mind adapts to chronic stress in a healthier

way, as compared to acute stress, similarly body's adaptation must

be different to chronic fasting (beyond 30 days) as compared to

acute fasting (e.g. 3 to 15 days. ) No body knows which is the

exact point, where body adapts chronically, but 30 days sound

reasonable time though it may vary individually. This is some

kind of hibernation.

The routine calorie mathematics sounds logical and applicable to

acute fasting where carbohydrates break up first, ketones appear

in urine and weight loss starts; fat is burnt and muscle mass

reduces and vital functions and mental capacity may start slowing

down. Thus in acute fasting, energy dissipated must come from

stored sources of body to match 1:1 ratio of calorie consumption

against utilization.

In chronic adaptation; the metabolism of body must slow down. The

body needs are reduced to the minimum. This is possible by down

regulation of cellular and receptor function, altering the energy

metabolism to the lowest possible extent. Oxygen and water are

supplied to cells as basic things, At this stage, the hunger

centre will become depressed and satiety centre will be activated.

So there will not be any feeling of hunger or food craving. Here

hypothalamus(the master of automatic nervous system and the organ

of behavior) plays an important role.

It may be possible for such an individual to do routine activity

with very low amount of energy or calories as 500-600 calories, to

sustain cellular metabolism. In truly hybernating animals and

human beings, the energy need may go down further. Thus depending

upon the activity of the individual, the energy must be provided.

At the cellular level, mitochondria may play a vital role in

energy storage by proliferation. Other organelles of the cell may

also help in the process of chronic adaptation.

(2) Deriving Energy from Cosmic sources - Solar Energy :

Whatever low amount of energy, that is required, must come from

some source. He is only on boiled water-which as per science is

having hardly any caloric value. or does it really supply some

energy ? He doesn?t take any type of food or liquids except boiled

water. So to run the cellular metabolism and to perform daily

activities, he must be deriving energy from surroundings. He is

living on earth, where he is exposed to the Sun, Earth, Water,

Plants and human beings and other living animals. These are the

options available to him.We will call these, cosmic sources of

energy.

So most likely, he is drawing energy from these cosmic sources -

Cosmic energy.Hence more correctly it is energy mathematics

rather than calorie mathematics ; a concept worth understanding.

Out of all cosmic sources, The SUN is the most powerful & readily

available source & has been used for energy, by sages & rishis

since ancient time, including lord Mahavir, Tibetan lamas & other

Rishis. The solar energy has two components: the light and the heat.

Mankind is also using solar energy for running solar cooker, solar

heater, solar car through solar batteries etc. Similarly Shri Hira

Ratan Manek(H.R.M.) has almost converted him self in to a kind of

a solar cooker and has solar batteries activated in himself. The

solar energy has two components, the light and the heat

(temperature) Luckily India has a rich potential to become

superpower as we have a constant availability of solar energy, all

throughout the year.

How then SUN energy is received ? The Brain & the mind are the

most powerful recipients in human body. The retina & the pineal

gland (The third eye or the seat of soul as per Rene Descartes)

are equipped with photoreceptor cells & may be considered

photosensitive organs.

The method practiced by Shri Hira Ratan Manek : He suggests to

look at the rising sun daily, with naked eye and without blinking

the eyes, as far as possible. To look for a few seconds initially

and then every week to increase by few few seconds to ultimately

reach up to several minutes. Eyes and specially retina must be

healthy.

As plant kingdom thrives on chlorophyll & photo synthesis,

directly dependant on the Sun, similarly some kind of

photosynthesis or photoanalysis must be taking place; when we

hypothesize Sun energy .Through complex ways & distinct pathways

this energy must enter the body. Is it a direct entry in to the

physical body or it enters through auras of human body (please

refer karalean photography )is yet to be examined. It is quite

possible that human aura plays a modulating role for allowing this

energy, in to the physical body.

There is a pathway from the retina, to the hypthalamus, called the

retinohypothalamic tract. This brings information about the dark &

light cycles to supra chiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the

hypothalamus. From the SCN, impulses along the nerve travel via

the pineal nerve (Sympathetic nervous system) to the pineal gland.

These impulses inhibit the production of melatonin. When these

impulses stop (at night or in dark, when the light no longer

stimulates the hypothalamus) pineal inhibition caeses, & melatonin

is released. The pineal gland (or the third eye ) is therefore a

photosensitive organ & an important timekeeper for the human body.

The unexplored process of energy synthesis & transformation from

the sun energy perhaps partly occurs here :

While going through the details of recent scientific literature &

also comparing it with ancient Indian spiritual texts, as well as

Western occult & new age, following things are apparent.

The activation of pineal gland is the key step in psychic,

spiritual & energy transformation processes. Here in this gland,

energy processing & re distribution might be taking place. Pineal

gland is the subtle commander of all endocrine glands, therefore

controlling the humoral system. Through secretion of melatonin, it

also regulates the circadian rhythm, sleep wake cycle & it also

slows down aging process. It has psychic properties & is the seat

of soul or mind - so called the third eye. (Possibly that is why

Tilak is done in the forehead- in front of pineal and yogis do

meditation with closed eyes, concentrating in between two e

It is the Agna (Ajna) chakra of tantrik system. Its activation can

be done with prolonged yoga & meditation techniques or through

practice of solar energy. The later does not use classic yoga steps.

As per recent research in animals; Pineal gland also inhibits

growth & metastasis of some tumors. It has a stimulatory effect on

the immune system. In birds & other animals, it has a magnetic

material & is therefore the navigation centre in birds. Scientists

are looking at magnetic, navigatory properties of pineal gland in

humans. Further, through the secretion of serotonin , it is

involved in psychic experiences, synaptic transmission and several

unknown powerful occult powers. A lot of research is required to

validate this though some initial studies have already supported

this view e.g. the chemical structure of LSD(a drug used for

psychic experiences)is similar to serotonin.

So pineal activation and charging through solar energy is the

vital step & that is the doorway of energy highway. This may be

kundlini shakti activation, in other words.

Normal Pineal gland measures 6 x 8 mm in human body. As per

C.T.Scan & MRI Scan reports of Mr. Hira Ratan Manek. it is 8 x 11

mm. (enlarged !) This may indirectly support the important role

of pineal gland in energy transformation. However it is not

necessary that anatomic enlargement always reflects hyperfunction

. The increased hormonal secretion i.e. melatonin and serotonin

levels should also be measured. Even without anatomical

enlargement, there can be hyperfunction. Then we should study the

pineal size and hormonal level in all psychically and spiritually

evolved people or all people with ex

Ever since mankind has started ignoring the psychically &

Spiritually equipped pineal gland it has fallen on merely

physical-material plane & therefore endless pains have fallen on

the mankind.

Mankind must now relearn to activate pineal & the other

psychospiritual bodies either through cosmic energy dynamics or

through practice of Rajyoga or the Tantrik ways or other such

practices.( One can imagine that high voltage energy transmission

through shaktipat as occasionally yogis do to transfer energy in

to their esteem disciples may be utilizing pineal gland or

similar bodies) Kundlini Shakti is said to be activated through

these & happiness & bliss with peace are bound

This solar (light and heat) energy may be transformed into

electrical, magnetic or chemical energies in body. Once processed,

this energy must be transported & must be stored somewhere.

Actually the ultimate form of all energies is light. Energy &

light can be transformed in to matter & back again to energy.

Hypothalamus is the commander of autonomic nervous system & Pineal

gland is in proximity to hypothalamus and is connected to it

through autonomic nerves. So it is logical that new energy

transportation may either activate this system or it may use this

system as vehicle. Parasympathetic nerves & its hormones &

chemicals may be more useful than sympathetic system. As

sympathetic system increases body needs (e.g. thinking, fighting

stress, excitement etc.), parasympathetic system is known to

reduce the energy needs. It keeps the person serene & at mental

peace and alters the metabolic requirements to a lower state &

puts it to sleep. We can also hypothesize that there may be other

hormones or chemicals too, involved

The role of temporal lobe & limbic system also may be important.

It may work as a regulator, if not receptor and may be psychically

involved in directing the energy in proper pathways. Deep into

the limbic systems or in the parts of medulla oblongata, this

energy may ultimately be stored & from time to time, may be

recalled, charged or recycled. Medulla oblongata has all vital

centres & therefore can be proposed as store of vital energy.

Thus there are energy receivers or receptors, processors,

analyzers, modulators, transformers, transporters, stores (organ

or bodies) etc. to explain the energy logistics.

As this form of energy mathematics is different from what we

conventionally are used to, in form of food & calorie mathematics;

we will call this food as microfood or mind utilization food

(Manobhakshi Aahar).

Here, we have discussed about the Sun energy, but one may learn to

use any source from the cosmos, ie. Air, water, plants, earth

,living humans, animals etc. This may be called Surya vigyan, but

equally there is Chandra vigyan and Vanaspati vigyan as mentioned

in our ancient texts. Also apart from the retina & the pineal

gland, skin & other senses may also be responsible for receiving

energies from these different sources. In short this opens up,

tremendous possibilities, which will need a very sincere effort

from us to crystallize and to practice it for welfare of the

mankind..

This microfood can solve, food crisis on earth & in fact is the

only possible food in present context for somebody who wants to be

a long-term space traveler or planet traveler. Amazing! It is

time to note that our routine food is not the only source to

sustain the body.

The role of mind : What ever said, in this step, (i.e. the step

II of deriving the energy from the sun & transforming it in

body.) the mind may be playing the crucial role. It is wellknown

that the mind has enormous capacity, (The soul has even further or

infinite capabilities). Through Sun Tratak & Meditation,

tremendous capacities are attained, which will bring tranquility

to mind and also slow down metabolism, as mentioned in step

The faith & blessings from Yogis & Gurus have their own roles in

sustaining oneself in adverse situations. On religious days, under

high spirits & a cultivated atmosphere, a few people surprisingly

do unusual things; like walking on fire or piercing pointed

swords, through their bodies without damaging themselves. On

similar lines, if some one does fasting, these blessings and faith

may help to pull one through the period of physiological problems;

till one enters chronic adaptation phase.

(3) Energy Economy in efficient ways and re-cycling the energy in

his own body:

Those, who are chronically deprived of energy, learn to utilize

the available energy in more efficient ways - so that even at the

low energy state body metabolism and vital functions including

nervous system do not suffer. This is quite logical & one can

imagine this happening in the individuals caught in natural

calamities, or those left alone in the sea or survivors of high

altitudes after plane crash etc... managing to live for several

days or weeks, without food.

Also, one can hypothesize that these people may be recycling the

energy in their own bodies. This may be done, through complex

mechanisms, involving neural & humoral organs. Solar energy,

dissipated through body may get absorbed into the earth & while

walking bare footed on the soil, standing in the sun, may help

absorbing this energy through skin of toes, sole of feet; as Shri

Hira Ratan Manek does regularly & always preaches to do so to

recycle the energy. This may be related to the principles of

acupressure or reflexology.

(4) Genotypically or phenotypically a different body

predisposition : We should also examine this aspect carefully,

as this leaves scope for an important discussion - whether each &

every individual can use sun energy & if so, how efficiently?

Only time can answer this. But it is possible that each individual

has a different genetic code and also each body has different

physical capabilities. Hence, one may be able to receive this

Solar energy more readily, can transform & store it in a better

way & also can utilize more efficiently & even recycle it - while

other person may not be able to do it to the same extent.

Hence, scientific experiments must be taken up, if possible on a

randomized base upon volunteers with control population. However,

leaving such study aside for the timbering, is possible that many

people can do this experiment very successfully under supervision.

Prior body Checkup & particularly retinal-ophthalmic checkup is

mandatory and under strict medical guidance, a graded time bound

experiment upon volunteers may be taken up.

Other possibility is that, we can use gene-cloning technique. By

preserving the celline of Shri Hira- Ratan- Manek, we can clone

him or use his gene for gene transfer therapy.

Whatever we do; use cloning or train the whole mankind, it can

change the destiny of mankind. First of all, the food crisis will

be solved. Through activation of this supreme energy in body &

transforming it in electrical, chemical & magnetic forms, person

can not only enjoy a state free of diseases but can gain positive

health with a vibrant aura. His luster can impress even enemies &

enmity may dissolve. His psychological disease can disappear.With

improvement of mental & intellectual capacities one may be able to

use brain power upto 90 to 100 %, as against to 3 - 10% as we

normally do.

There will be reign of peace & prosperity. As there is no food,

the bad thoughts and ill feelings will be stopped, so eternal

peace is bound to follow.

This will also question the routine calorie mathematics.

This challenges the common calorie based science. Its limitations

are highlighted. At the same time the complex issues of obesity &

malnutrition can be readily explained through the concept of solar

and cosmic energy. It is possible that obese people , though not

eating excess food, still receive energy from cosmic sources,

unknowingly explaining their obesity.

The concept of cosmic energy can be used thus for total uplift of

mankind at physical mental, intellectual, emotional & spiritual

levels. It has tremendous applications. One can utilize it, the

way he can. Extensive scientific research work therefore should be

immediately taken up, by appropriate authorities, including

bioscientists & medical personnel, to answer all these issues.

Awareness of all human beings must be created simultaneously and

all those who are interested should work on this highly potential

and fascinating project, of cosmic energy as well as

potentialities of the pineal gland and other related issues

discussed in these pages.

Ref. case study of Mr. Hira Ratan Manek : 411 fast :completed on

14.02.2001 and parna was done on 15.02.2001 in presence of about a

lakh people with graceful presence of jain sadhus, several Hindu

saints, H.E. the Governor of Gujarat, respected Mayor of Ahmedabad

and several other highly placed people.

Dr. Sudhir V. Shah M.D., D.M. Neurophysician

206-8, Sangini Complex, Nr. Parimal Crossing, Ellisbridge,

Ahmedabad-380 006.