It must be acknowledged that personality possesses an independent reality beyond matter, space, and time, and that it derives its theory from its own subjective and intuitive resources.

Corresponding to supplementary question 3: recruit approximately 300 novices, randomly assigned to 12 months of standardized self-observation training, attention and relaxation active control, or health education; additionally include approximately 100 long-term practitioners as an exploratory cohort. At baseline, 3 months, and 12 months, collect resting-state fMRI, EEG, inflammatory markers, and cortisol. Pre-register default mode network connectivity as the primary neural endpoint; use a 2×2 sub-design or balanced instructions to distinguish training content from expectancy effects. EEG is used for electrical activity and temporal dynamics; default mode network spatial connectivity is primarily assessed by fMRI. If central neurotransmitter indicators are needed, add a substudy of approximately 100 participants using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure regional GABA/glutamate; peripheral blood neurotransmitter concentrations cannot substitute for brain levels. This design adjudicates the physiological effects of training but cannot adjudicate ontological claims about transcendence of space-time.

Longitudinal Effects of Self-Observation Training on Default Mode Connectivity, EEG Dynamics, and Inflammatory Biomarkers

Training-induced physiological changes do not require overturning existing hypotheses; only if an independent, space-time-transcending causal effect is confirmed would the hypothesis that personality activity conforms to physical space-time causal constraints be revised.

J. David Creswell，Carnegie Mellon University，Health and Human Performance Laboratory; Judson A. Brewer，冥想与默认模式网络研究; Helané Wahbeh，Institute of Noetic Sciences; University of Virginia Division of Perceptual Studies，异常体验的神经影像研究；[研究项目](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/our-research/neuroimaging-studies-of-psi/)

Deriving theory from the subjective and intuitive is an allowed mode of hypothesis generation; claims of transcendence beyond matter, space, and time, without independent predictions, are not more specific than existing explanations based on expectancy, learning, and neuroplasticity.

EEG changes are themselves electrophysiological changes, and blood biochemical changes are not fingerprints of non-materiality; researchers with similar work do not necessarily endorse Seth's claims, and listing names does not indicate confirmed collaboration or funding intentions.