Andrija Puharich
Per ChatGPT
Dr. Andrija Puharich (February 19, 1918 – January 3, 1995) was an American physician, inventor, parapsychologist, and researcher who made significant contributions to the study of psychic phenomena and extrasensory perception (ESP). His work included groundbreaking studies in parapsychology, controversial claims regarding extraterrestrial contact, and collaborations with notable psychics such as Uri Geller. Puharich remains a polarizing figure, celebrated by some for his visionary insights and criticized by others for his speculative and unconventional methods.
One of his most interesting lectures is here.
Early Life and Education
- Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Croatian immigrant parents.
- Earned a medical degree from Northwestern University in 1947, specializing in internal medicine.
- While pursuing his medical career, Puharich developed a deep interest in parapsychology and the potential of the human mind.
Professional Career and Research
1. Research on Paranormal Phenomena
- Puharich founded the Round Table Foundation in 1948, a research institute dedicated to studying ESP and psychic phenomena.
- He explored the boundaries of consciousness, attempting to bridge science and mysticism.
- His experiments often involved mediums, shamans, and psychics, seeking to understand the mechanisms behind purported paranormal abilities.
2. Work with Uri Geller
- Puharich introduced Israeli psychic Uri Geller to international audiences in the early 1970s.
- He conducted experiments with Geller to investigate his claims of telekinesis, telepathy, and remote viewing.
- Puharich speculated that Geller's abilities were linked to extraterrestrial influences, particularly a group of entities known as “The Nine.”
3. Studies on "The Nine"
- Central to Puharich’s later work was his exploration of “The Nine,” an alleged group of cosmic intelligences.
- Puharich believed these entities communicated through select mediums and provided insights into human evolution and cosmic order.
- Critics dismissed these claims as speculative and unsubstantiated, but they attracted a devoted following.
4. Psychedelic Research
- Puharich conducted early experiments with psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and LSD, to explore altered states of consciousness.
- He sought to uncover the therapeutic and spiritual potential of psychedelics in enhancing mental abilities and facilitating paranormal experiences.
5. Invention and Patents
- Puharich held numerous patents for medical devices and technologies, including a hearing aid for the deaf.
- His scientific work demonstrated an interest in practical applications of his research, though his forays into the paranormal overshadowed his technical contributions.
Key Contributions and Claims
1. Investigation of Psychic Phenomena
- Puharich’s experiments often focused on verifying the abilities of psychics and mediums, including Geller, Peter Hurkos, and others.
- He documented instances of remote viewing, telepathy, and psychokinesis, though his findings remain controversial due to methodological weaknesses.
2. Extraterrestrial Contact
- Puharich claimed that advanced extraterrestrial intelligences guided humanity’s spiritual and technological development.
- He linked these entities to "The Nine," whom he described as guardians of universal knowledge.
3. Healing and Human Potential
- Puharich investigated the potential for the human mind to influence physical healing and well-being.
- His work inspired the development of modern practices in holistic and integrative medicine.
Pages that link to this page