About the Book Scientists refer to the pineal gland as the "atrophied third eye." Indeed, it, along with the pituitary, is the third eye chakra or energy center, but are more dormant than atrophied. According to Max Heindel's, in the distant past, man was in touch with the inner worlds through an activated pineal and pituitary gland. Manly traces the historical significance of the gland and its spiritual value.