Induced Specific Immunological Unresponsiveness & Conditioned Behavioral Reflexes, in Functional Isomorphism-Meditation and Conditioned Specific Unresponsiveness

Abstract

Detailed functional isomorphism had been observed (Freed, 1984) between induced (conditioned) immunogenicity and classical conditioned defensive reflexes, possibly as evolutionary adaptation against danger at micro and macro levels respectively. Similarly, functional isomorphism is postulated between conditioned specific tolerogenicity of the immunotolerance system and behavioral reflexes. Isomorphism requires that sensory signals elaborated with intrinsic (unconditioned) behavioral tolerogens as carriers do not subsequently combine classically with unconditioned aversive stimuli and evoke conditioned defensive responses. Unconditioned behavioral tolerogenic carriers were identified with behavioral (physiological) activities of Oriental meditation. Confirmation of conditioned behavioral tolerogenicity appeared in the unresponsiveness of Yogi meditators to sensory stimuli as reflected in unchanged alpha rhythms of their encephalograms. Conditioned behavioral specific unresponsiveness maintains the “quiet” of meditation and mediates the experience of Zen meditators, namely, sharpened, clearer perceptions and unresponsiveness to aversive components of current conditioned signals ordinarily reactivating residues of affect. Conditioned behavioral specific unresponsiveness has survival value.

Key Words:

• conditioned specific unresponsive reflex
• dehabituation
• sharpened
• appropriate responses
• meditational specific unresponsiveness
• survival value of conditioned specific unresponsiveness