via Science Daily
“The human gut is filled with 100 trillion symbiotic bacteria — ten times more microbial cells than our own cells— representing close to one thousand different species…
On a.. philosophical level.. the findings suggest that our concept of “self” should be broadened to include our many trillions of microbial residents. These bacteria live inside us for our entire lives, and they’ve evolved to look and act like us, as part of us.”
Findings in biology give the age-old philosophical inquiry, “Who am I?”, a whole new meaning. Many sages have said that yoga is essentially a path toward self-realization. Do these scientific findings shake your sense of “self”?
Mazmanian suspects that genetic mutations in these pathways could be responsible for certain types of immune disorders including inflammatory bowel disease The question is do patients get sick because they are rejecting bacteria they shouldnt reject? .On a more philosophical level Mazmanian says the findings suggest that our concept of self should be broadened to include our many trillions of microbial residents.