Srikanth N. Jois et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 8 (2), 2017 51 Research Article www.ijrap.net PRE AND POST EXPERIENCES OF VIEWING HUMAN AURA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY Srikanth N. Jois 1 *, Manasa B 2 , Lancy D’Souza 3 1 Research Head, World Pranic Healing Foundation, India - Research Centre, Saraswathipuram, Mysuru, Karnataka, India 2 Consultant Psychologist, World Pranic Healing Foundation, India - Research Centre, Saraswathipuram, Mysuru, Karnataka, India 3 Associate Professor, Maharaja’s College, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India Received on: 10/02/17 Revised on: 03/03/17 Accepted on: 13/03/17 *Corresponding author E-mail: srikanth@pranichealing.co.in DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.08262 ABSTRACT Since ages Gods or saints have been illustrated as having a halo surrounding their heads known as the Aura. This study seeks to understand the experiences of participants viewing the human aura which has not been much studied in the recent times. 178 participants of both genders with a mean age of 26.8 years, with education ranging from High school to Post-Graduation took part in this exploratory study. In session one, participants were asked to look at a person in front, and record their experiences in an open-ended questionnaire. In session two, participants were guided to view the aura surrounding a person as imparted by Master Choa Kok Sui and recorded their experiences again using the same questionnaire. The results were analysed using contingency coefficient analysis and Chi Square tests. Results revealed that 93.8% of respondents saw the human aura surrounding the body. About 60% saw the aura measuring 1-6 inches thick. In addition, after seeing the aura, 70.8% of the respondents felt enthusiastic, 43.3% of them felt extraordinary and 30.3% of them felt relaxed. This study indicates that human aura can be seen with naked eyes when properly trained. Keywords: Human aura, energy, relax, vital force INTRODUCTION Since ancient times, different Gods and saintly figures have been depicted as having a halo or circle of light surrounding their heads known as the Aura (energy field surrounding a person). The Aura, not only surrounds the head, but also extends all over the body 1,2 . The Aura is often seen as a mix of fine coloured frequencies where each colour defines its own individual nature and characteristics 3,4 . Aura is also known as Prabhavalaya in Sanskrit, composed of Prabha meaning light and valaya - the zone of subtle, luminous radiation surrounding living and non-living beings. This has been depicted in sculptures and paintings of various religions for more than two millenniums 5,6 . Viewing of aura can be learnt by anybody who receives proper training and guidance with some degree of concentration and appropriate conditions. Peripheral vision facilitates seeing the aura 7 . The human aura envelopes the physical body and represents the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energies of the human 3 . The fundamental substance constituting aura is Prana-the vital energy or life force which keeps the body alive and healthy. Prana or life energy is absorbed through the energy body and distributed throughout the whole physical body 8 . Clairvoyants making use of their psychic faculties, have observed that every person is surrounded and inter penetrated by a luminous energy body. This energy body or aura also called bioplasmic body, looks like the visible physical body. This is why clairvoyants call it the etheric body. Bioplasmic body is a living energy body made up of invisible subtle matter or etheric matter 8 . The present-day hi-tech electronic gadgets and instruments can detect and find subtle variations in our surroundings, making it possible to actually capture a glimpse of the human aura 3 . Among them, Kirlian photography has aided the scientists to study, observe, and take pictures of human aura 8 . Kirlian photography can produce a coloured image, which reflects the aura of the photographed biological object. Also, Gas Discharge Visualization technique is a biometric tool that has the potential to view, capture and identify human aura 9,10 . Para-psychological research has been prevalent in western culture for over 100 years, using the scientific method to detect the putative energies and related paranormal abilities, such as telepathy, clairvoyance and precognition 11,12 . Aura reading is the method of investigating the human energy field, or the energy fields of other sentient beings for holistic healers. It is a basis for using techniques of holistic healing, and includes such practices as bioenergetics, energy medicine, and energy spirituality 13 . A recent study on pranic energy revealed that majority of the participants saw and experienced the pranic energy with guidance. 61.1% of the respondents expressed that the sensation of Prana was a nice feeling in between their hands. 98.4 % experienced psychological changes and more than 60% of the respondents felt relaxed and experienced a happy feeling after absorbing the air prana 14 . This study aims to explore and understand experiences among participants viewing human aura. Based on the results of this study, it would be easier to understand if viewing human aura could bring any changes in physical and psychological health.