Oxytocin and soma: A neurobiological hypothesis linking vedic descriptions of higher states of consciousness to social neuroendocrinology.

Summary

The Vedic concept of Soma, traditionally described as a plant or elixir inducing elevated consciousness, is reinterpreted as possibly reflecting internally generated biochemical processes during transcendence. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide modulating social bonding, trust, and stress regulation, shares features with Soma's effects, such as reduced fear and enhanced connectedness. This article proposes a neurophenomenological hypothesis linking Soma's experiential qualities to oxytocin's neurobiological actions, generating testable predictions for endogenous measurement during meditation and oxytocin administration.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Soma is a central yet enigmatic concept in Vedic literature, described as a plant or elixir associated with elevated states of consciousness such as refined perception, inner bliss, reduced fear, and a sense of unity, though its biological basis remains unresolved.In a modern reinterpretation, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi proposed that Soma need not be an external substance but may reflect an internally generated biochemical process arising during states of transcendence, characterized phenomenologically by inner silence, emotional openness, and expanded awareness.Oxytocin is a well-characterized neuropeptide that modulates social bonding, trust, affiliative behavior, and autonomic stress regulation.Synthesized in the hypothalamus and released both centrally and peripherally during childbirth, breastfeeding, sexual activity, and affiliative social interactions, oxytocin extends beyond attachment to regulate threat processing and emotional salience, modulate self-other boundaries, and promote prosocial behavior, thereby contributing to reduced stress reactivity, enhanced emotional resilience, and improved psychological well-being, with emerging evidence suggesting broader effects on physical health and health span.This article advances a comparative neurophenomenological hypothesis that selected features attributed to Soma-such as reduced fear, enhanced connectedness, and experiential unity-may correspond to oxytocin-related neurobiological effects, generating empirically testable predictions through endogenous measurement during meditation and experimental oxytocin administration.

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