Walter and Mary Jo Uphoff

foreword by Berthold E. Schwarz, M.D.

Published in the U.S. by:

NEW FRONTIERS CENTER

Oregon, Wisconsin 53575

and simultaneously in Great Britain by:

COLIN SMYTHE Ltd.

Gerrards Cross, Bucks

DEDICATION

Dedicated to all who have the courage to examine the evidence for things that may seem to be outside of generally accepted belief systems, and the ability to defer judgement, both "pro" and "con," until enough evidence has accumulated to warrant even a tentative conclusion, and the integrity and flexibility of mind to modify their conclusions if the evidence strongly suggests they are in error. (This includes the authors.)

FOREWORD

Beginning as skeptics, the Uphoffs have studied psychic phenomena for more than forty years. During the last four years, since Prof. Uphoff took early retirement from the University of Colorado, they have given a good deal of their attention, energies, affection and resources to their search of psi, possibly the ultimate reality. Earlier, their New Psychic Frontiers, an innovative parapsychology text, aroused wide interest by exploring psychic areas often ignored by others. Now, in Mind Over Matter, they present new and challenging material on psychokinesis. For example, they tell about two Japanese youths, principally Masuaki Kiyota, and to a lesser extent, Hiroto Yamashita, who have demonstrated extraordinary abilities in metal bending, thoughtography and telepathy. The Uphoffs observed the young men in many mindboggling experiments in Japan and at their Wisconsin farm where these young psychics had their light moments and also participated in workshops directed by Prof. John Hasted and participated in by leading scientists.

Their American visit also included an all-too-brief stint at the Mayo Clinic. The Uphoffs have interviewed physicists, physicians and other experts in the pure and behavioral sciences who subjected the boys to ingenious tests. In addition to describing the technical criteria, including various devices and gadgets, the Uphoffs, by caring and giving of themselves, demonstrated a singular ability to establish a most necessary prerequisite for successful experiments - warm rapport with the youths.

Mrs. Uphoff's notes describe the interplay between some of the paranormal feats and the personalities of the boys. Although purists might object that anecdotal information should not be included, I strongly disagree. These sidelights are worthwhile and may be helpful in penetrating the mystery of psychokinesis. The Uphoffs give revealing glimpses into Masuaki's and Hiroto's characters, whimsicalities, and other emotional traits, some pertaining to the universality of youth, and some with specific cultural and familial aspects. The highly adaptable youths and the equally flexible Uphoffs graciously adjusted to these conditions, be they at the Kiyota home and restaurant in Japan, TV studios, or in the United States. Many of the reported items point the way for future experimentation and speculation. For instance, there are detailed clues in Masuaki's family history and in his mention of the cryptic Zenefu: "a life" without a body.

Mind Over Matter gives the reader a wide-angle, and at times, a highly personal perspective to psychokinesis by citing studies of other leading "mediums" like Uri Geller, Matthew Manning and Silvio. Supporting comments and articles by leading parapsychologists, East as well as West, do much to enhance the value of the book. There is a lively section on the role of the professional debunkers of psychokinesis and the influence of this on future research. Prof. Uphoff does not pull his punches and the reader, if not amused, might become incensed at reports of some of the chicanery and grossness perpetrated by the so-called "exposures." But he can read for himself and decide.

There is discussion about psychokinesis and the influence of training, the role of the group, and the significance of frustrating situations. The Uphoffs delve into the theoretical and possible practical applications of these unique abilities. For example, in medicine there are possible psychokinetic factors in such age-old questions as 1) why people get sick, and 2) how they get well. Related to this is also the fondly cherished hope that by studying psychokinesis in relation to interdependent psychic and psychodynamics, we human beings might better learn how to live with each other, as well as with ourselves.

In reference to military applications, Prof. Uphoff does not mince words about any theoretically possible destructive use of psychokinesis and the categorical need to come to grips with the menace of war to our shrinking world with its ever increasing population.

Mind Over Matter is a practical compendium that will be of interest to all who are curious about the nature of psychokinetic talent. Some may discover that they have hidden or latent abilities of their own. It is hoped that from this, gifted new experimenters and subjects will step forth and make discoveries which will push forward the frontiers of knowledge and advance an understanding of how these processes work. On the up-beat side, the Uphoffs have prepared a reasoned and expanded account of the near-limitless potential of a human being; and they present this intricate and complex subject matter in a straightforward way that is brave in outlook, measured in in-look, and something that will challenge thoughtful readers and serve as a model for future investigations.