G N O S I S / T H E O S I S
"Meditation is really kind of retuning your brain."
KATHERINE MACLEAN Ph.D., Leading meditation researcher and postdoctoral fellow in psychology at Johns Hopkins University
KATHERINE MACLEAN Ph.D., Leading meditation researcher and postdoctoral fellow in psychology at Johns Hopkins University
Meditation is one of many powerful techniques for achieving gnosis/theosis; but, with due deference to Ms MacLean (who I'm sure is a lovely, intelligent and well intentioned woman check-out this article...), I am put in mind of this sentiment from Aleister Crowley. "Science is always discovering odd scraps of magical wisdom and making a tremendous fuss about its cleverness."
(Frankly I am not sure what frustrates me more, arrogance of a society that can only believe in something that they invent themselves or the ignorance of a society that is quite obviously (in the case of meditation and other gnostic/theostic techniques) at least two millennia behind the game and too dumb to know it. Western man is so in awe of his recent material success that he doesn't realise that in terms of spiritual development he's still groping his way through the dark ages. I shudder at the concept of Columbus 'discovering' America, like it wasn't there before it was noticed by a European. I'd like to say that it's racism; but it's so much worse than that.)
Think about this, yes, agreed 'meditation is like retuning your brain', but how would Ms MacLean have expressed this concept if she (or we for that matter) didn't have the 20th century reference to radio to make the analogy possible? Meditation definitely does 'retune' the brain (you don't need a micro-encephalograph to demonstrate this) but, and here's where the Western 'discovery' begins to seem a bit short on substance, to which channel, and to what ends? Without the metaphor 'to direct the attention....work it out - retune is just sloppy...complete.
Let's expand the radio analogy to its logical conclusion. And lets not limit our technique to meditation alone and include all the other techniques. Meditation tunes consciousness to the negative waveband; that is it reduces sensory input. But there are another 360 degrees on the dial to explore. Be aware that, just like a radio, the brain has multiple frequencies and that meditation (powerful and effective though it is) is not the only technique which can achieve this result. And, of supreme importance, there are other entities (non corporeal entities) out there whose existence and motivation need exploring and understanding.
Mystics and magicians over the centuries have employed dozens of methods of achieving union with the divine in order to manipulate reality. And some of the most spectacular results stem from a combination of said techniques. Nothing is simple; everything is complicated. Think about that for a second.
There's an obstacle between everyday reality and the wonders of the unconscious or we'd all be tripping all of the time. Psychologists call it thye endopsychic barrier. Freud says that it's a collection of unassimilated psychic junk acting as a log-jam at the 'limen' (threshold of consciousness). Either way you have to get past it to access the deeper levels. There's numerous techniques aimed at this objective.
Anyone with children stands a pretty good chance of knowing the Bear Hunt Chant.
Gonna catch a big one
I'm not afraid
What's that up ahead? (Shades eyes)
At this point the participants encounter the first of a series of obstacles (elaborated or extemporised by the chant leader).
Oh no! Tall grass
Can't go over it (hands high)
Can't go under it (hands low)
Gotta go through it
For each of the obstacles encountered (tall grass, river, mud, forest, snowstorm) there's a way of overcoming it.
And just like in the Bear Chant, when you meet the endopsychic barrier, you have to go over it, under it, through it by whatever means.
(Frankly I am not sure what frustrates me more, arrogance of a society that can only believe in something that they invent themselves or the ignorance of a society that is quite obviously (in the case of meditation and other gnostic/theostic techniques) at least two millennia behind the game and too dumb to know it. Western man is so in awe of his recent material success that he doesn't realise that in terms of spiritual development he's still groping his way through the dark ages. I shudder at the concept of Columbus 'discovering' America, like it wasn't there before it was noticed by a European. I'd like to say that it's racism; but it's so much worse than that.)
Think about this, yes, agreed 'meditation is like retuning your brain', but how would Ms MacLean have expressed this concept if she (or we for that matter) didn't have the 20th century reference to radio to make the analogy possible? Meditation definitely does 'retune' the brain (you don't need a micro-encephalograph to demonstrate this) but, and here's where the Western 'discovery' begins to seem a bit short on substance, to which channel, and to what ends? Without the metaphor 'to direct the attention....work it out - retune is just sloppy...complete.
Let's expand the radio analogy to its logical conclusion. And lets not limit our technique to meditation alone and include all the other techniques. Meditation tunes consciousness to the negative waveband; that is it reduces sensory input. But there are another 360 degrees on the dial to explore. Be aware that, just like a radio, the brain has multiple frequencies and that meditation (powerful and effective though it is) is not the only technique which can achieve this result. And, of supreme importance, there are other entities (non corporeal entities) out there whose existence and motivation need exploring and understanding.
Mystics and magicians over the centuries have employed dozens of methods of achieving union with the divine in order to manipulate reality. And some of the most spectacular results stem from a combination of said techniques. Nothing is simple; everything is complicated. Think about that for a second.
There's an obstacle between everyday reality and the wonders of the unconscious or we'd all be tripping all of the time. Psychologists call it thye endopsychic barrier. Freud says that it's a collection of unassimilated psychic junk acting as a log-jam at the 'limen' (threshold of consciousness). Either way you have to get past it to access the deeper levels. There's numerous techniques aimed at this objective.
Anyone with children stands a pretty good chance of knowing the Bear Hunt Chant.
Gonna catch a big one
I'm not afraid
What's that up ahead? (Shades eyes)
At this point the participants encounter the first of a series of obstacles (elaborated or extemporised by the chant leader).
Oh no! Tall grass
Can't go over it (hands high)
Can't go under it (hands low)
Gotta go through it
For each of the obstacles encountered (tall grass, river, mud, forest, snowstorm) there's a way of overcoming it.
And just like in the Bear Chant, when you meet the endopsychic barrier, you have to go over it, under it, through it by whatever means.
Awareness Meditation
Relaxed posture; but not too relaxed now; deep slow breaths, don't force it; when you are ready (you'll know when), gently close your eyes. Just feel those alpha waves softly thrumming in the background. Practice, practice, practice; one day you'll be able to perform ritual in this state.
Relaxed posture; but not too relaxed now; deep slow breaths, don't force it; when you are ready (you'll know when), gently close your eyes. Just feel those alpha waves softly thrumming in the background. Practice, practice, practice; one day you'll be able to perform ritual in this state.
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation, as the name suggests, requires a partner. The subject, whilst in a progressively relaxed state, is lead into an imaginary landscape through stages, each of which have a particular significance. The kabbalist's 'tree of life' is one such popular venue.
Guided meditation, as the name suggests, requires a partner. The subject, whilst in a progressively relaxed state, is lead into an imaginary landscape through stages, each of which have a particular significance. The kabbalist's 'tree of life' is one such popular venue.
Breath Modification
The brain functions, or not, depending on the supply of oxygen it receives. Between those two extremes there is a whole range of opportunity to alter states of consciousness by selectively reducing or increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain.
The brain functions, or not, depending on the supply of oxygen it receives. Between those two extremes there is a whole range of opportunity to alter states of consciousness by selectively reducing or increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain.
Dance and Movement
From the spectacular massed whirling of the Sufi to the spirit possession of Buddhist temple dancers and the erotic gyrations of the Voudon congregation, tripping the light fantastic can really get you along way towards where you want to go. Me, I've got two left feet.
From the spectacular massed whirling of the Sufi to the spirit possession of Buddhist temple dancers and the erotic gyrations of the Voudon congregation, tripping the light fantastic can really get you along way towards where you want to go. Me, I've got two left feet.
Drumming and Rythym
'Entrainment' is a physiological phenomena in which patterns of pulsed energy sympathetically effects another object, this principal applies to most things including the brain. Adjust the brain's rhythm and you alter the type of consciousness; drumming works wonders in this respect.
'Entrainment' is a physiological phenomena in which patterns of pulsed energy sympathetically effects another object, this principal applies to most things including the brain. Adjust the brain's rhythm and you alter the type of consciousness; drumming works wonders in this respect.
Chanting and Sound
Gift this simple repetitive task to your internal robot; and, whilst he is doing what he does best, you have your consciousness all to yourself. Mundane and higher levels of consciousness temporally separate. It takes time; but, with persistence spiritual clarity is a done deal.
Gift this simple repetitive task to your internal robot; and, whilst he is doing what he does best, you have your consciousness all to yourself. Mundane and higher levels of consciousness temporally separate. It takes time; but, with persistence spiritual clarity is a done deal.
Sex
Much of what comprises magical ritual is a thinly disguised sexual allegory. Orgasm smashes through to the unconscious and is the most accessible form of gnosis. Tantrics would disagree; but when introducing myself to 'higher powers' I'm not sure I'd want to have my tackle out at the time.
Much of what comprises magical ritual is a thinly disguised sexual allegory. Orgasm smashes through to the unconscious and is the most accessible form of gnosis. Tantrics would disagree; but when introducing myself to 'higher powers' I'm not sure I'd want to have my tackle out at the time.
Drugs
The academic term is altered states of consciousness; that's 'getting out of your face' to you and me. Psychoactive compounds are readily available; but popping down to your friendly neighbourhood drug dealer (for me at least) seems somewhat incompatible with the ethos of high magic.
The academic term is altered states of consciousness; that's 'getting out of your face' to you and me. Psychoactive compounds are readily available; but popping down to your friendly neighbourhood drug dealer (for me at least) seems somewhat incompatible with the ethos of high magic.
Costume
A priest who was asked at what point Holy Communion began replied that it was the moment he donned his vestments. Clothing marks a vital difference between humans and animals and is a powerful modifier of mood. Your robe signals your unconscious that the game's afoot.
A priest who was asked at what point Holy Communion began replied that it was the moment he donned his vestments. Clothing marks a vital difference between humans and animals and is a powerful modifier of mood. Your robe signals your unconscious that the game's afoot.
Clothing
Humanity is the only species which wears clothes (excepting, perhaps, hermit crabs). It is one of our strongest of our social conventions. Wanna change the way you think, change your clothes. Wanna REALLY change the way you think, do without them altogether. Go on, be my guest.
Humanity is the only species which wears clothes (excepting, perhaps, hermit crabs). It is one of our strongest of our social conventions. Wanna change the way you think, change your clothes. Wanna REALLY change the way you think, do without them altogether. Go on, be my guest.
Lighting
We have inherited (allegedly) three primal fears from our arboreal primate origins. Snakes. Falling. Darkness. Snakes still bite, falling still hurts, but with the advent of electric lighting the dark has lost much of its potential to harm. The psychological impact of the dark, however, is undimmed.
We have inherited (allegedly) three primal fears from our arboreal primate origins. Snakes. Falling. Darkness. Snakes still bite, falling still hurts, but with the advent of electric lighting the dark has lost much of its potential to harm. The psychological impact of the dark, however, is undimmed.
Ordeal
Ordeal, in the ritual context, takes the form of a challenge; either a personal challenge or a challenge of trust in an individual or group. It presupposes some level of real or imagined risk, such as fire walking or bungie jumping, and as such has an explicit fear component.
Ordeal, in the ritual context, takes the form of a challenge; either a personal challenge or a challenge of trust in an individual or group. It presupposes some level of real or imagined risk, such as fire walking or bungie jumping, and as such has an explicit fear component.
Fear
Civilisations develop to minimise the causes of fear which is viewed as a negative emotion. But the vacuum is filled with anxiety; now that's truly negative. We need the stimulation of fear, and we look to the entertainment industry to supply it. Nothing concentrates the mind like fear.
Civilisations develop to minimise the causes of fear which is viewed as a negative emotion. But the vacuum is filled with anxiety; now that's truly negative. We need the stimulation of fear, and we look to the entertainment industry to supply it. Nothing concentrates the mind like fear.
Pain
The woman in this Pompeii fresco is preparing for flagellation by her sisters of the cult of Dionysos. Pain ordeal has always been a common form of initiation. Pain triggers endorphins (the brain's happy chemicals) and can enable recipients to access prolonged ecstatic states.
The woman in this Pompeii fresco is preparing for flagellation by her sisters of the cult of Dionysos. Pain ordeal has always been a common form of initiation. Pain triggers endorphins (the brain's happy chemicals) and can enable recipients to access prolonged ecstatic states.
Incense
Your olfactory system sends powerful signals to the denizens of the collective unconscious. The powerful mood-altering properties of incense have long been recognised. Recipes exist to induce specific states of consciousness in sympathy with magical objectives; trust your nose.
Your olfactory system sends powerful signals to the denizens of the collective unconscious. The powerful mood-altering properties of incense have long been recognised. Recipes exist to induce specific states of consciousness in sympathy with magical objectives; trust your nose.
Symbolism
The language of the more profound levels of the unconscious is composed, not of words, but of symbols. As such, symbolism communicates directly with the most profound aspects of your being and correctly presented acts as a powerful mood-altering stimulus.
The language of the more profound levels of the unconscious is composed, not of words, but of symbols. As such, symbolism communicates directly with the most profound aspects of your being and correctly presented acts as a powerful mood-altering stimulus.
Group dynamic
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20). David Émile Durkheim (the pioneering French sociologist) describes this effect as 'collective effervescence' - a cohesive group is so much more than the sum of its parts.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20). David Émile Durkheim (the pioneering French sociologist) describes this effect as 'collective effervescence' - a cohesive group is so much more than the sum of its parts.
Secrecy
You undergo an intensely profound experience; the first thing you want to do is tell someone all about it, but don't. You'll instantly find yourself in a psychic powder keg. Secrecy has enormous power; it enhances psychological significance and deepens unconscious responses.
You undergo an intensely profound experience; the first thing you want to do is tell someone all about it, but don't. You'll instantly find yourself in a psychic powder keg. Secrecy has enormous power; it enhances psychological significance and deepens unconscious responses.
Visual Aids
The object of focus can be a simple candle flame or a complex Buddhist mandala. At length the optical effects can be astounding (especially if augmented by a mantra). But, entertaining though these light shows can be, you must avoid being distracted from your ultimate purpose.
The object of focus can be a simple candle flame or a complex Buddhist mandala. At length the optical effects can be astounding (especially if augmented by a mantra). But, entertaining though these light shows can be, you must avoid being distracted from your ultimate purpose.
Location
Places have energy, ambiance. Some places have it naturally (call it an intersection of ley lines or the flow of chi, whatever). And we erect buildings to synthesise the feeling of 'specialness'.
Places have energy, ambiance. Some places have it naturally (call it an intersection of ley lines or the flow of chi, whatever). And we erect buildings to synthesise the feeling of 'specialness'.
Music
Music is a supremely powerful mood modifier; skipping over the endopsychic barrier it plunges deep into the unconscious. Try this...
Music is a supremely powerful mood modifier; skipping over the endopsychic barrier it plunges deep into the unconscious. Try this...
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis