Humans have traditionally been thought to have five main senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. However, some argue that humans may have additional senses beyond these five. The proposed 6th and 7th senses relate to internal perceptions within the body and mind.
What is the 6th sense?
The 6th sense is sometimes referred to as your “third eye”. It relates to your intuition and ability to perceive things beyond the physical world. Some define the 6th sense as extra sensory perception (ESP), which includes:
- Telepathy – mind-to-mind communication
- Clairvoyance – perceiving remote events or objects
- Precognition – perceiving future events
Rather than being a single sense, the 6th sense may be better described as heightened intuition and perception that allows information beyond the 5 senses to be accessed. For example, having a “gut feeling” about something that later proves to be correct.
Evidence for a 6th sense
Some of the evidence put forward for a 6th sense includes:
- People reporting intuitive hunches, visions or predictions that later proved to be true.
- Controlled lab experiments that demonstrate people can perceive hidden information at better than chance levels, suggestive of ESP abilities.
- Accounts of intuitive communication between mother and child, partners or close friends.
- Ability of some people to intuitively feel emotions and energy fields around others.
However, there is debate around the validity of this evidence. Most lab experiments have produced fairly weak effects that skeptics argue could be explained by normal sensory cues or statistical flukes. Overall the existence of ESP abilities remains controversial.
Theories on the 6th sense
There are various theories that attempt to explain the 6th sense:
- Jung’s collective unconscious – Carl Jung proposed that as well as our individual unconscious mind, we are connected to a collective unconscious shared by all humans that stores inherited spiritual and mental patterns.
- Quantum physics – Some link the 6th sense to quantum physics theories about nonlocality and entanglement that seemingly allow information to be accessed across space and time.
- Brain waves – Our brain rhythms may allow us to tune into and pick up subtle signals that normal sensory processes filter out. delta brainwaves in particular are associated with intuition.
- Evolution – An evolved ability to make important intuitive decisions and perceptions beyond normal senses may have benefited human survival.
Overall however, the mechanism behind a hypothetical human 6th sense remains unknown. It likely relies primarily on the brain making subtle unconscious inferences rather than accessing external signals directly.
What is the 7th sense?
Less commonly discussed than the 6th sense, the 7th sense relates to one’s connection with the divine or spiritual dimension within themselves. It has been described as:
- Knowing one’s higher self
- Trusting one’s inner wisdom
- Awakening one’s intuition and inner truth
- Being guided by inspirations beyond ego or intellect
Rather than being a bodily sense, the 7th sense is said to be more related to spiritual insight and enlightenment. It represents a deeper understanding of one’s true nature and purpose beyond physical existence.
7th sense in religion and spirituality
Concepts related to the 7th sense appear in various religions and spiritual practices, including:
- Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) – The highest chakra in yoga that connects to universal consciousness.
- Noesis – Direct mystical intuition of spiritual truths in Christian mysticism.
- Kensho – Seeing one’s true nature in Zen Buddhism, providing a spiritual awakening.
- Fana – Complete dissolution of the self/ego to become one with God in Sufism.
These concepts all relate to transcending physical perception and accessing a deeper spiritual awareness. Some also equate the 7th sense with the ability to sense energy, auras, spirit beings and the collective consciousness of all life.
Developing the 7th sense
Ways people aim to cultivate their 7th sense and spiritual intuition include:
- Meditation – Quieting the mind’s distractions to become consciously aware of one’s inner being.
- Solitude – Withdrawing from worldly affairs to reconnect with the inner self.
- Prayer – Communicating one’s truest self with the divine.
- Learning from spiritual teachers and texts – Imbibing wisdom from enlightened sources.
- Practicing non-attachment – Letting go of ego-desires to see beyond material perception.
Rather than being inborn, the 7th sense is said to be awakened through spiritual practice and a conscious examination of one’s inner reality. It provides a deeper intuitive guidance aligned with divine will rather than just personal will.
Conclusion
The proposed 6th and 7th senses go beyond our physical perceptions and relate to inner intuition. The 6th sense involves intuitive hunches and extra sensory abilities that remain controversial, while the 7th sense relates to deeper spiritual insight. Both involve transcending the ego and material realm to connect with realms of larger perception. While subjective and difficult to measure scientifically, these senses represent an intriguing potential that we are only beginning to understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 6th sense?
The 6th sense refers to extra sensory perception and intuition that allows information beyond the 5 physical senses to be accessed. This includes things like telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition and gut feelings.
What abilities are associated with the 6th sense?
Abilities said to be associated with the 6th sense include:
- Telepathy – Communication between minds
- Clairvoyance – Obtaining information beyond the range of normal perception
- Precognition – Perceiving future events
- Intuition – Just knowing information or having gut feelings
- Seeing auras and energy fields
What is the evidence for a 6th sense?
Evidence put forward includes intuitive hunches that prove correct, accounts of telepathic communication, controlled lab experiments that give weak evidence of abilities like precognition, and demonstrations of people accurately detecting hidden information. However, there is much debate around the validity of this evidence.
What is the 7th sense?
The 7th sense relates to a deeper spiritual intuition and perception of one’s highest truth beyond material concerns. It involves knowing one’s true essence and purpose through direct mystical intuition rather than intellect.
How can you develop the 7th sense?
Ways to potentially develop the 7th sense include meditation, solitude, prayer, studying spiritual wisdom, and practicing non-attachment. It involves looking inward beyond physical perception and quieting the ego.
Theories Explaining the 6th and 7th Senses
Theory | Explanation |
---|---|
Jung’s Collective Unconscious | We are connected to a universal mind that stores inherited patterns allowing intuition and perception beyond personal experience. |
Quantum Physics | Quantum nonlocality and entanglement allows 6th sense abilities to access information across space and time. |
Brain Waves | Certain brain rhythms like delta waves allow us to pickup subtle signals that get filtered out normally. |
Evolution | An evolved 6th sense provided a survival advantage that was selected for. |
Chakra System | The 7th sense relates to awakening the Sahasrara crown chakra that connects to universal consciousness. |
Noesis | Christian mystical concept of intuitively perceiving spiritual truths beyond logic. |
Kensho | Zen Buddhist term for directly seeing one’s true nature to gain spiritual insight. |
Historical Perspectives on Extra Sensory Perception
Beliefs in psychic and extra sensory abilities have existed throughout history, with perspectives evolving over time:
Ancient Civilizations
Most ancient civilizations had mystical traditions and seers who claimed to have visions of the future, telepathic communion with the dead, and psychic abilities.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, psychic powers were associated with witchcraft and generally viewed negatively. Many so called psychics were persecuted by religious authorities.
19th Century
During the 19th century, interest in spiritualism and psychic phenomena grew. Mediums conducted séances claiming to communicate with spirits of the dead.
Early 20th Century
In the early 1900s, research into ESP and psychokinesis was conducted via experiments on mediums, hypnotism and through the Society for Psychical Research.
Modern Era
Today, paranormal abilities are generally viewed with skepticism and poorly regarded by mainstream science. However, surveys show significant minority belief and interest in ESP persists among the general public.
Future
Greater acceptance of evolved psychic potential and rigorous scientific investigation of the 6th sense may come in the future. However, conflict with rigid materialistic worldviews remains a barrier.
Notable Figures Linked With Extra Sensory Perception
There have been many historical figures who reportedly demonstrated or studied psychic and paranormal abilities:
- Nostradamus – 16th century French seer famous for his claimed visions of the future.
- Edgar Cayce – early 20th century American mystic said to demonstrate clairvoyant and healing abilities.
- Helena Blavatsky – Founder of theosophy that taught psychic powers are latent in humans.
- Joseph Rhine – Parapsychologist who founded research into ESP at Duke University in the 1930s.
- Uri Geller – Performed demonstrations of psychokinesis and extra sensory perception in the 1970s.
- Russell Targ – Physicist who researched remote viewing and ESP at Stanford Research Institute.
While many alleged demonstrations of ESP may have been exaggerated or fraudulent, some figures were genuine pioneers in psychic research who highlighted intriguing phenomena worthy of open-minded investigation.
Guide for Developing Intuition and Extra Sensory Perception
Some practices that may help tune intuition and unlock latent ESP abilities:
Meditate Daily
Quietening your mind through meditation helps you detach from distractions and tune into subtle perceptions.
Pay Attention to Hunches
Make a habit of noticing intuitions and hunches without dismissing or judging them.
Keep a Dream Journal
Your dreams may contain intuitive foresight. Record and analyze them for insights.
Practice Visualization
Visualizing desired outcomes engages the imagination centers said to be linked to ESP.
Try Automatic Writing
Write or draw with your non-dominant hand to bypass conscious blocks.
Read Positive Affirmations
Affirmations can reprogram limiting beliefs about what’s possible.
Find Like-Minded Community
Having the support of others provides reinforcement and motivation.
Experiment Respectfully
Gently try exercises in telepathy, precognition etc. but avoid harmful superstition.
Quotes About the 6th and 7th Senses
- “The sixth sense is like an elephant’s trunk that gives access to higher dimensions.” – Sadhguru
- “There are no unnatural or supernatural phenomena, only very large gaps in our knowledge of what is natural.” – John Mitchell
- “Trust your intuition, it knows where you need to go. It perceives what your senses cannot.” – Paulo Coelho
- “Your 7th sense is your connection to universal consciousness, infinite knowledge and your highest truth.” – Shawn Carbonell
- “When you learn to trust your intuition, you clear out the rational mind’s need to understand.” – Henri Junttila
- “The sixth sense is the soul’s outer eye which directs man to perceive occult relationships.” – Rudolf Steiner
- “The 7th sense awakens when you transcend your primitive animal nature and rediscover angel wings.” – Mikhail Naimy
6th and 7th Senses in Popular Culture
References to extra sensory phenomena are common in fiction, movies and games:
Movies/TV
- The Shining – Danny has psychic visions and shining abilities.
- Stranger Things – Eleven demonstrates telekinesis and remote viewing.
- Star Wars – The Jedi have strong intuitive powers from the Force.
- X-Men – Jean Grey perceives minds and the future as the Phoenix.
Literature
- Dune – Bene Gesserit have psychic abilities from spice consumption.
- Harry Potter – Wizards access magic through inner power and divination.
- Foundation – Hari Seldon predicts the future scientifically with psychohistory.
Games
- Psychic Pokémon like Espeon demonstrate psychic powers.
- The Elder Scrolls – The psijic order taps mystic energies for prophecy.
- Assassin’s Creed – The Eagle Sense allows sensing emotions, tracking targets.
These may represent a cultural fascination with the intriguing possibilities of unexplained perceptual abilities.