Indian military studying "breatharian"

[shivraj]

Indian military scientists say they are studying an 82-year-old who claims he has not had any food or drink for 70 years,.

Prahlad Jani, who claims to be a wandering sadhu or holy man, is considered a breatharian who can live on a spiritual life-force alone.

Jani says he is fed by a goddess who pours an elixir through a hole in his palate.

He has now spent six days with no food or water under observation and doctors say his body has not yet shown any adverse effects from hunger or dehydration.

Jani has also not passed urine or a stool in that time and remains healthy, showing no sign of lethargy, say his observers.

If his claims are verified, it will be a breakthrough in medical science, say the scientists, and be of benefit to the military as his technique could be used to help soldiers survive longer without food, or disaster victims to hang on until help arrives.

[Andrew Gubb]

Oh there are a lot of breatharians around the world. This isn't new exactly. Cool story though

[Jaiysun4]

BBC News - Indian man 'survives without food or water for decades'

[shivraj]

70 years without food and water? Then we have to rewrite laws of physics I guess

[Razly]

Originally Posted by shivraj

70 years without food and water? Then we have to rewrite laws of physics I guess

It wouldn't be the first time.

[bluedragon]

It's amazing that this came to the attention of scientists, but Yogis have been known to perform various incredible feats since Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutra and before. But until we see something, it's hard to believe it (and I am in the same situation, even though I practice Chi Kung).

[afewpotholes]

Yeah I'll be interested to see the results. So far I haven't heard of any credible tests where a person has lasted long enough to show some extra special power.

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by shivraj

70 years without food and water? Then we have to rewrite laws of physics I guess

Nah Quantum physics effectively proved that there are no laws of physics

(Speaking seriously, there are quantum explanations for this)

[Nameless One]

This is the type of stuff I want to see more of

[openeyes]

I look forward to seeing how things go over the next two weeks, since an average person can go 6 days without food or water and be fine with just discomfort, though I don't know how hard it'd be to not urinate during that time, given that no fluids are coming in.

To go three weeks with no food or water and still be functioning just as well would be going into new territory for what physiological science is familiar with, and perhaps they'd even extend the observation further.

[Zach M]

As others have said, this story could become a more interesting in a couple more weeks or so. Seems the BBC was premature in making a story out of 1 week.

[Andrew Gubb]

Well Hira Ratan Manek was observed for more time than that.

I do find it interesting how there always seems to be a way of people denying the evidence though (in my personal experience, this pattern seems to be there too). It seems like people are LoA'ing breatharianism out of their personal reality - and out of the shared reality in effect.

I would dearly like to make friends with a real life breatharian. It's something I think I will need to do if I ever want to become one I think I have my own fears or doubts which aren't helping this to manifest...

Universe, please bring me a real life breatharian, indisputable first hand evidence.

I probably wouldn't be able to share it very well though... because everyone else on this forum would still be LoA'ing me out of there

[ginkgo]

This is a great sotry and by coming out now with it they get more of what Steve Pavlina wants and some of you want-- more traffic! I am a scientist and scientists know that there are things that cannot possibly be explained. They had a 90 pound woman on TV and a 6 feet plus guy tried to lift her and had no problem lifting her. Then she closed her eyes and did something with her mind and he could not lift her. They could have attributed this to Jesus, the devil, a gay, fairy troll, the goddess of porn but they did not. They said that it is an anomoly.

There is nothing wrong with the laws of physics but they can be bent by the power of the mind. Who knows this best? Medical doctors. How does a drug get approved? One drug can be 85% effective and not get approved and another could be 35% effective and get approved. To be approved it must be proved to be more effective than sugar pills meaning placebo or the power of the mind.

The tests must be double blind so the patient and doctor do not know who is getting the right pill? Why? Because if the doctor knows his mind can break all science laws and heal people. This is what the approval of drugs is based on.

[shivraj]

Experiment started from 22 April...
So after 10 days his body doesn't show any wear and tear. He is as healthy as previously. This is miraculous.

[Nameless One]

Just waitin on more reports but why do I feel like I just know that there will be no more reports

[shivraj]

Case studies of same guy...(year 2003 ):

http://www.sudhirneuro.org/files/mataji_case_study.pdf

http://www.sudhirneuro.org/files/mataji_master1.ppt

Dr. Sudhir V. Shah

[ginkgo]

I wonder why the OP did not leave a link to that story. Someone left a link to a video that said the he went without food for 4.5 days. The video said that it was 108 hours so I multiplied this by the natural log of pi and divided this by the natural log of pi and divided by 24. Here is a story that says it was 6 days as of April 28, 2010.
Man claims to have had no food or drink for 70 years - Telegraph

[Small]

Originally Posted by Nameless One

Just waitin on more reports but why do I feel like I just know that there will be no more reports

I feel just the same. It would be cool if they keep reporting, though.

[Nameless One]

"He has shown evidence of formation of urine, which seems to be reabsorbed from his bladder wall."

"We are surprised as to how he has survived despite above particularly without passing urine for 10 days and remaining generally physically fit. However it should be made very clear that we have confirmed the claim over 10 days
only and we as scientists and responsible doctors cannot say anything regarding validity of the claim of his sustaining without food, drinks, urination and excretion of stools over several years." See that pisses me off (no pun intended) that these studies are always so short but thats just me complainin

Like I said I doubt there will be any more media blurbs about the current study, why? I dont know I just feel like this type of stuff just wont be reported on or even let public if theres any serious results

[Nameless One]

Breatharianism is like "free energy" its suppressed

[ragtag]

Funnily, the other day in a program about dieting, they mentioned a guy that lived on water and minerals for a year and two weeks. He was around 450 pounds when he started, and was basically living off his own fat for a year. I believe he lost around 200 pounds, during this year. They were talking about how evolution has given us fat, as in history there has generally been a cycle of feast and famine, and during the famine, people with lots of fat on their body were the most likely to survive. Survival of the fattest, if you must.

[Andrew Gubb]

You need more than calories to live.. that guy was breaking established science with his 1 year fast really..

[openeyes]

Originally Posted by Nameless One

See that pisses me off (no pun intended) that these studies are always so short but thats just me complaining

I wonder if the studies require that it be limited to 10 days because that's what's medically considered safe (although that would negate the point of the study). In one of my ultralight hiking books, Beyond Backpacking by Ray Jardine, it's said that according to current medical thought an active person can go 8 days without food or water if it's about 60 degree F, or 10 days if they rest. I imagine if someone is used to fasting, meditating, and slowing down their metabolism, they can go a little beyond 10 days, particularly if they're allowed to rest and meditate.

I do hope they continue for the 2 extra weeks mentioned in the video, and maybe an official news source outside of India will report on it in English.

[shivraj]

Doctors conducting tests on him are surprised as to how Jani could survive for 65 years without food or water
Usually, if a person does not urinate for 72 hours, he faces grave chances of kidney failure, say medical practitioners. But Prahalad Jani affectionately known as Mataji who claims to have survived without food and water for 65 years, and on whom a team of 30 doctors conducted rigorous medical tests - has not passed stool or urine for 65 years. It has baffled medical experts and scientists.
"During the tests we found that in Prahalad Jani's bladder, amount of liquid fluctuates even when he does not pass urine," said a member of the team of medical experts that conducted medical tests on Mataji.
Fifteen days of medical tests (started on April 22) on Mataji were completed on Thursday at 3:30 pm and all reports of medical tests - cardiac, MRI of chest, abdomen and spine, EEG reports - were normal. And this at the age of 82 years. Dr G Ilavazahagan, director, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and neurologist Sudhir Shah while briefing about Mataji's medical reports said that different tests at different time were conducted as per the protocol set up by partners.
"We did blood tests for haematology, biochemistry, hormone profile and the reports were in the pre-determined safety range throughout the observation period as per the protocol," said Dr Shah. Doctors however said that they will take time to analyse the reports but they have decided to meet every fortnight to discuss different medical results to reach a conclusion.
They said, his nerve conduction studies reveal normal nerve function which is not likely in a person of his age. Mataji's EEG is also normal and we are analysing data during meditation if there are any changes.
Matajis' lungs' functions are quite normal as per reports by Dr Mukesh Patel and his team. Physician and diabetologist Dr Urman Dhruv, is also part of the team that is conducting this observational study in collaboration with Sristi and government of Gujarat.
Observational studies are being conducted to understand the mechanism by which Mataji is able to survive without food and water. During the study, a protocol of round the clock strict surveillance was followed with the help of CCTV camera and personal observations. He was taken out for MRI, USG and X-ray and exposure to sun under continuous video recording.

[kayleeabc]

Originally Posted by shivraj

Indian military scientists say they are studying an 82-year-old who claims he has not had any food or drink for 70 years,.

Prahlad Jani, who claims to be a wandering sadhu or holy man, is considered a breatharian who can live on a spiritual life-force alone.

Jani says he is fed by a goddess who pours an elixir through a hole in his palate.

He has now spent six days with no food or water under observation and doctors say his body has not yet shown any adverse effects from hunger or dehydration.

Jani has also not passed urine or a stool in that time and remains healthy, showing no sign of lethargy, say his observers.

If his claims are verified, it will be a breakthrough in medical science, say the scientists, and be of benefit to the military as his technique could be used to help soldiers survive longer without food, or disaster victims to hang on until help arrives.

70 years without any food and drinks? how can he surrive. that's amazing stroy. no wonder it catch the scientist interests.

[Nameless One]

Awaiting more news!!

[shivraj]

15 days are over and still survived without water and food !! ...

Human body is a miracle, that's for sure.. our 100 years of research and knowledge has gone in vain.. lol

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by shivraj

Doctors conducting tests on him are surprised as to how Jani could survive for 65 years without food or water
Usually, if a person does not urinate for 72 hours, he faces grave chances of kidney failure, say medical practitioners. But Prahalad Jani affectionately known as Mataji who claims to have survived without food and water for 65 years, and on whom a team of 30 doctors conducted rigorous medical tests - has not passed stool or urine for 65 years. It has baffled medical experts and scientists.
"During the tests we found that in Prahalad Jani's bladder, amount of liquid fluctuates even when he does not pass urine," said a member of the team of medical experts that conducted medical tests on Mataji.
Fifteen days of medical tests (started on April 22) on Mataji were completed on Thursday at 3:30 pm and all reports of medical tests - cardiac, MRI of chest, abdomen and spine, EEG reports - were normal. And this at the age of 82 years. Dr G Ilavazahagan, director, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and neurologist Sudhir Shah while briefing about Mataji's medical reports said that different tests at different time were conducted as per the protocol set up by partners.
"We did blood tests for haematology, biochemistry, hormone profile and the reports were in the pre-determined safety range throughout the observation period as per the protocol," said Dr Shah. Doctors however said that they will take time to analyse the reports but they have decided to meet every fortnight to discuss different medical results to reach a conclusion.
They said, his nerve conduction studies reveal normal nerve function which is not likely in a person of his age. Mataji's EEG is also normal and we are analysing data during meditation if there are any changes.
Matajis' lungs' functions are quite normal as per reports by Dr Mukesh Patel and his team. Physician and diabetologist Dr Urman Dhruv, is also part of the team that is conducting this observational study in collaboration with Sristi and government of Gujarat.
Observational studies are being conducted to understand the mechanism by which Mataji is able to survive without food and water. During the study, a protocol of round the clock strict surveillance was followed with the help of CCTV camera and personal observations. He was taken out for MRI, USG and X-ray and exposure to sun under continuous video recording.

Well non of that sounds biased in the slightest bit.. '

Why would a doctor say he's surprised by the guy not eating or drinking for 65 years? They say that as if they believe it, with out any sort of proof what's so ever. That shows clear bias on the doctors part.


First you have the article saying that he CLAIMS he hasn't passed stool or urine for 65 years, and in the same sentence SAY he hasn't passed stool or urine for 65 years. All the while, they are doing nothing but taking him at his word.

15 day study does not make for a conclusion. All it proves is that this guy has trained his body very well.

[funchy]

Every time someone has made this claim, somehow it could never be verified. People claim things all the time. Crazy people claim they can fly, which is disproven the moment they jump out a window.

I wonder how long this guy lasts before he becomes ill or collapses. What he is proposing is impossible. He is creating energy from nothing? He's not losing any water to perspiration or exhalation... is he also creating water from nothing? And he is alive but his cells are generating absolutely no waste?

[shivraj]

Humans cannot survive more than 6 days without water. This is a fact !!

15 days without water was a safe bet to test a human body. But he survives !!

There must be something... may be direct matter to energy conversion? Some process we don't know yet?

something like E=MC^2 ?