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

A comparative neurophenomenological hypothesis proposes that features attributed to the Vedic concept of Soma—reduced fear, enhanced connectedness, and experiential unity—may correspond to effects of the neuropeptide oxytocin, which modulates social bonding, trust, and stress regulation. The article suggests Soma need not be an external substance but could reflect an internally generated biochemical process during transcendence. It generates testable predictions through endogenous measurement during meditation and experimental 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.