I have found over time that the topics in this Mind-Tech Blog highly overlap with another of my blogs, the Meditation Blog. For further updates, please use this link to it.
Meditation Blog
March 8th, 2010J Daniel Gunther Lecture in Las Vegas
January 24th, 2010J. DANIEL GUNTHER is a life-long student of esotericism, mythology, psychology and religion. For over thirty years he has been a member of A.’.A.’., the teaching Order established by Aleister Crowley. He is considered one of the foremost authorities on the doctrines of Thelema and the syncretic method of Magick and Mysticism taught by A.’.A.’. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Initiation in the Aeon of the Child, published by Ibis Press. Along with James Wasserman, he is the co-editor of the forthcoming book, Pythagoras, His Life and Teachings, which will be released in the Spring of 2010, also published by Ibis Press. He is on the editorial board of The Equinox, published by Weiser, and has served as consultant and advisor for numerous other publications in the field of occultism.
| In the process of Initiation in the Aeon of the Child, it is the “Point of View” that is critical to the success of the aspirant. What is the “Right Perspective?” What is the True Message of the Averse Mysteries of Horus, Child of the New Aeon? J. Daniel Gunther examines this question with some of the most important Archetypes of Aversion that have sprang from the Collective Unconscious and the message they communicate to us concerning the Spiritual Life and our Point of View. How does the System of Initiation in the Aeon of the Child promise such rewards for its aspirants in this incarnation? Why must you learn to walk upon your hands? Join us March 27th, 2010 to hear J. Daniel Gunther answer these and other questions central to the Mysteries of the Inward Journey. He will complete his Lecture by a dramatic recitation from Liber VII. “ This book is both enlightened and enlightening and a welcome addition to the post-Crowleyan literature. It is clearly deserving of a place in a curricula of A.’.A.’., and O.T.O. and it deserves to be welcomed and studied carefully by Thelemites of all persuasions. ” - Hymeneaus Beta, Frater Superior, Ordo Templi Orientis “ In my opinion, this is the most important original work to be published since the death of Aleister Crowley. ” -James Wasserman Date: 27 March 2010 – 6 pm $25 in advance via paypal/$30 at the door (but seating is limited) Location: Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas 700 Twin Lakes Drive Las Vegas, Nevada 89107 Visit www.ahbh-oto.org to register |
Energy Psychology
December 22nd, 2009A relatively new entry into techniques for rapid mind change is encompassed under the overall category of Energy Psychology. This family of techniques generally combines accupressure tapping with one form of affirmation or another. Scientific data are beginning to emerge, and many theoretical anatomical considerations have been described in detail by Dr. Fred Gallo. What makes this a technology for mind change is the rapid effect which is discussed by the originators of the technique. The sequence is rapidly accomplished by individuals, and may or may not require the support of a professional. Two primary sites to review:
This is Gary Craig’s site who founded the version called Emotional Freedom Technique.
This is the site of Patricia Carrington, Ph.D., which utilizes her version called the Choice Technique.
Western Meditation Styles
October 31st, 2009The alchemical tradition from the Western perspective developed a philosophy and system of spiritual growth which was shrouded in symbolism. Part of the reason much of the material from that time was communicated in such symbolically dense terminology was the need to hide the true meaning from church authorities. The work of Carl Jung, M.D., in the early twentieth century led to the revitalization of much of the symbolism and artwork of the alchemists. His suggestion was that the alchemists were encoding deep psychological symbolism in the spiritual imagery.
Many of the diagrams and images developed by the alchemists showed mandala-like patterns that were quite similar in form to the Yantras from Eastern paths. These images tend to flood the mind with symbolic expression, such as the image of the Azoth shown below. It can be used as a focus of meditation, much like the Yantra image from an earlier post.
For a full description of the meaning of this image, please the excellent book by Dennis Hauck: “In Search of the Emerald Tablet,” which one of few introductory texts which actually makes the concepts of alchemy understandable to the interested reader.
Meditation with Breath 1
September 26th, 2009Another traditional series of techniques of altering consciousness uses the breath to change awareness.
This simple circular breath is perhaps one of the easiest of these methods, and one which we will build upon over the next few entries.
Sit down and allow thoughts of the day to fade. Observe the breath as it naturally flows for a few moments. Close your eyes.
When ready, inhale slowly but comfortably. Make sure that first the abdomen expands, then the chest, then the tips of the shoulder. This full breath fills the entire lung space. Don’t neglect to expand the abdomen first. You will reverse this sequence for the exhalation and try to empty the lungs completely by pulling the abdomen in at the end of the exhale.
For this particular breath exercise, count the number of seconds of the inhalation, do not pause, immediately start the exhalation for the same number of seconds as the inhalation. Again, do not pause at the end of exhalation, but start the next inhalation which should also last for the same number of seconds. The breath is similar to a large circle with the inhalation being half, and the exhalation being the other half, with no breath holds at any point. Always flowing.
Find a comfortable number of seconds for the inhalation/exhalation: don’t struggle or strain, and don’t slow the cycle to a point of feeling “air hunger.”
Meditation with Mantra
July 27th, 2009Much of the early research on meditation followed the TM movement in the United States, which uses a short word or phrase as a mantra. The term mantra in this context simply refers to a single sound which can be repeatedly mentally for a specific period of time. Other authors opine that the choice of word or sound is not important, in contrast to the TM perspective.
Likewise the choice of a sound should be one which has no direct meaning to you and which is not designed as an affirmation or with a direct purpose. The goal is simply to find a word or sound which has a soothing quality, like many words ending in the letter ……M. This may be why mantras related to the Indian word OM are popular and generally easy to use.
Sit comfortably, and quietly. Draw full attention to the sound you’re chosen. Let that sound fill your awareness and allow it to repeat. When your thoughts drift away from the sound, and they likely will, gently and easily return your attention to the sound. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for this practice and try to use it daily.
EEG studies have demonstrated that this practice synchronizes brainwaves throughout the brain, and slows brainwaves initially to a relaxed alpha state, but with practice into an even more relaxed theta state.
David Paradise Light Sound Machines
June 27th, 2009Mind Alive, Inc., makes the David Paradise L/S machines, some of which also include cranio-electro stimulation as an option. CES may magnify the results of the light/sound entrainment patterns. The website provides links to data regarding the use of these devices for enhancing performance, and improvement of various symptoms. http://www.mindalive.com/index.htm The device itself is small, and has multiple built in programs which can either slow the brain waves for relaxation or aiding in meditation, or can speed the brainwaves to improve alertness. The electrical supply can either be set to recharge the unit for periodic battery use, or to be simply plugged in long term. The numerical pad on the control panel has keys which double for functions, although later models appear to have a different control interface. In addition to the built in functions, control of each aspect of the light goggles and sound can be manually controlled. The device ships with Tru-Vu goggles which provide an even illumination with separate activation of left and right visual fields to increase the entrainment. I particularly like the sound input mode of this device which allows a CD player or iPod to provide music which is then integrated into the light/sound program. I have found this particular device to be well made, durable, and reliable.
Light and Sound Machines
May 26th, 2009On of the rather powerful technologies that I have found for entraining particular brainwave states is the light-sound machine. These use not only the binaural sound beats in stereo headphone, but also flashing goggles that stimulate the visual fields. Due to the flashing lights it is important that individuals with seizures should probably not use these devices, or if they do, they must choose the color of the light goggles carefully: refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Please discuss the use with this technology with your own neurologist if you fit in this category. These devices range from the quite simple to the technologically sophisticated. Some, such as the newer David Paradise units also include cranial electro stimulation if preferred. Some of both the Sonic Pro and the David devices allow for audio input from your favorite music to be included in the sound portion of the experience. The newest versions of the devices actually allow the sounds from music to alter the light frequency for stunning visual effects.
These devices have multiple built in programs for specific brainwave pattern entrainment, and allow for the download of additional programs from the manufacturer. Some even have a computer interface program that allows for you, the user, to create your own programs. Note: for those of us Apple users, none of the companies have direct Mac compatible software or even downloads, although some of them allow Windows emulation software to allow for this function.
The research sited from the David Paradise site indicates that much like other binaural technologies, although the device helps you reach a particular brain state, it doesn’t mean that you are forever dependent on the device to reach the state in the future. The ability to reach the state reliably apparently allows more rapid access to the state during meditation without the device at later dates.
A somewhat dated book, by Michael Hutchinson, which reviews the technology in some depth is MegaBrain. This is well worth a read, as there is no single source that gives background material in more detail.
Binaural OOB Training
April 26th, 2009After spending a delightful weekend in Sedona, AZ, at a workshop by William Buhlman, I thought it useful to share some impressions. William is one of the most clear authors who writes about the Out of Body experience [at least that I’ve found], and his direct informative style was the flavor of the weekend seminar as well. As an experiential workshop, the two and a half days included about 10 different meditative practices designed to increase the likelihood of experiencing a willed OOB. Several of the techniques are described in his book, “Adventures Beyond the Body,” and some are included in CDs designed by William which use the binaural technology to help the brain entrain to the 4hz range. More information is available at his website: http://www.astralinfo.org/
Tibetan Chimes
April 6th, 2009It seems that the effectiveness of creating some form of biaural beat technology was discovered on a practical level long before modern technology. The traditional Tibetan “Tingsha” cymbals or bells were slightly off pitch of one other to create form of sound wave prominent only when both bells sounded. These are commonly used in various meditation retreats in the US to announce the beginning of a meditative practice or to create a sacred space with sound. As with many of these technologies, test the bells first to make sure they provide a relaxing and positive experience for you as an individual. They are a highly portable means of producing a clear sound that many find conducive to meditative practice.
