Tuesday, 4 January 2011
An Encounter with the Subud Brotherhood....
Blogger Reference Link http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
Right back in 1983 I was doing research for a possible article on the Subud Brotherhood. In Windsor I met Dominic Rieu, my key contact. He was a charming fellow of the old boy network. At the time if I recall correctly the conference centre of Anugraha was nearing completion. The word which is Sanskrit means Unexpected Place.
Anyway, I nearly had the chance of meeting Bapak the founder of Subud who was visiting Anugraha. Unfortunately, it was not to be due to other commitments. When I met Dominic I mentioned that the receiving of the "Holy Spirit", or "Higher Energy" during the practice of Latihan as it was called was like the Kriyas in Indian yoga. These Kriyas, or actions are an outward result of the purifying Power of the Spirit (similiar to the Pentacostal experience). They may involve strange movements such as jerks, and other kinds of actions. However, the human will can stop the process at any stage of the Latihan experience.
Anyhow, Dominic Rieu seemed impressed by the above "revelation", and the Indian mystical connection ..along with my knowledge on the Subud Brotherhood. He showed me a book which he had recently written, and published. I was allowed to borrow it along with other material.
Rieu died sometime ago in his nineties..Here is a link to him which also has link to a Times Obit on him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._C._H._Rieu
Bapak the founder of the Subud Brotherhood wrote something of his inner experiences in certain "controversial" writings. These have yet to be traced by me. They maybe similiar to those of Indian Mystics.
Interestingly, I posted a link on Multi-Dimensional Science on a Subud discussion group. One lady made the claim that if people were able to record in writing something of their inner experiences on receiving the "Holy Spirit" it could cause premature awakenings in others which would not necessarily be desirable. This reminded me of Swami Muktanandas highly descriptive accounts of his visions, and the the like which could in some cases cause people reading them to awaken the Kundalini energies, and hence, bring about "higher" changes in conciousness. Whether this leads to "desirable" consequences is another matter.
Sant Kirpal Singh a respected Shabd Yoga Master gave a brief "critical" comment on Subud.
http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/col/col-7.htm
"....The mystic base in the case of Subud is much more important than in that of Christian Science, yet is often directed toward the same end. It seeks, through following a certain course of exercises called Latihan, to put its followers in touch with hidden psychic powers. It does not seem to enhance consciousness directly but enriches it indirectly through increasing one's powers of intuition. Whether one looks atthe experiences of Mohammad Raufe or those of John Bennett, one realizes that in the case of Subud, a person may serve as a medium for higher spiritual forces,curing people of diseases, without becoming a conscious co-worker. The result is that instead of progressing to higher and still higher planes of consciousness, until one merges with the Infinite, one tends to cultivate a passive receptivityto psychic powers which may not necessarily be of the higher kind. Many disciples during Latihan reproduce strange animal or bird experiences--a far cry from the Nirvikalp Samadhi or the Sehaj Samadhi spoken of by the greatest mystics."
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Improvised Voice Instrumental Music.
The following is from the p2pfoundation.
Blogger Reference Link http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
To many ordinary music lovers, musicians, and composers the above will at first appear to be outlandish. Evidence clearly indicates though that the human voice can be trained to imitate the sounds of musical instruments very effectively. Certain performances by a capella groups such as the Swingle Singers,the House Jacks(American) and Vocal Sampling (Cuban)are good examples of this. Indeed, there have been some "experimental" uses of it (of varying quality) via "mainstream" pop (eg. Bobby McFerrin), and classical music (eg. Gorecki who used a form of "chanting"in his famous Symphony No. 3.). Infact, the voice has not only been utilised to produce musical sounds effectively but also a whole variety of other "noises" too. The Hollywood Film Chorale Sounds Effects Choir springs to mind especially their Honda advert which involved the sounds of what a car can make in certain situations, and climes. This ofcourse was undertaken by the human voice."
A.Basic Answers to Objections concerning Voice Instrumental Music.
Some people may think that effective vocalisations, or improvisations of musical instruments as being something "mad", or "too avant-garde". Au contraire, it is "natural", and challenging but has yet to attain a high degree of mainstream musical respectability.
Others might think of the whole subject as being something puerile. Again, it is not if the vocalisers concerned can create mature, and interesting sounds.
Along with good whistling (which if performed well can sound just like an instrument being played)ordinary melodious, and "non-melodious" Voice Instrumental Music is seen by some as being something which is common, and cannot be taken too seriously as a genuine art-form. Of course, people do hum (which can give an illusion of hearing many instruments at once in a band, or an orchestra even)their favourite tunes at times. This is quite "common" but it is never really developed into something better, and more artistic when perhaps it aught.This in fact requires skill, and practice, and is not as easy as it might look.
Furthermore, if most, or indeed, perhaps all the sounds of all musical instruments can be imitated then it raises the question of their necessity! Naturally, such a claim is absurd to a certain extent. Voice Instrumental Music should be seen as just another way of performing music which is both entertaining, and interesting.
B. The Emergence of Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. Basic Theory, and Practice.
Now, we shall have a somewhat brief look at melodious Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. This goes beyond Voice Instrumental Music as already indicated, and is more important. It is something which could be seriously developed. It could have important commercial implications if a cappella performers could be trained to do it successfully.
In many respects, it could represent a "revolutionary" step in the world of music because it involves musical intelligence to a very profound degree. It is spontaneous," free-form", impromptu/on the spot performances of new music which can be based on any musical style (eg. pop, baroque, jazz, renaissance, medieval, et al). It is a theory yet to be made provable by expert performers who would appear live on the public stage, on the radio, on the internet, and on television. Each performance would produce new high quality music by means of the human voice. It would be recorded for prosterity (if it is of a high professional quality), and/or even be transcribed into musical score if desired by means of specially programmed computers.
One performer could produce a simple tune be it string-like (eg.lute, guitar) piano-like, woodwind-like (eg. recorder, flute), and so on. The aim of Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is not necessarily to get an exact replication of an instrument (though purists may insist!). Rather it is the desire to create greater, and greater musical diversity by means of the voice. Some of this may not even have any obvious comparison to any known musical instrument.
How could the above be undertaken? As soon as one performer starts the others could with expert listening imitate the spontaneous melodious notes using distinct different instrumental-like vocal sounds in the most harmonious way possible. This for an amateur would be difficult in extremis. It would require some practice.
Another approach could involve the "opening" performer to stop after a few minutes, and one, or more person could carry on . Yet, they would produce a new "free-form" composition spontaneously. Other ideas could be introduced.
Of course, it must be said that Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is not exactly the same as the Jewish Nigunin of the Kabbalah tradition, Tuva Singing, Scat Singing in Jazz, Buddhist/Tibetan Chanting, Puirt a Beul(or Celtic Mouth Music, or "diddling"),Beatboxing, Yodelling, and other throat, or overtone singing. These vocal expressions are fine to a point but are not necessarily "melodious". Yet, Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is in essence more "refined", and artistic par excellence. This is the point to grasp. Naturally enough, it can challenge orthodox musical thinking, and if successfully performed could open up new areas of music.It could even have esoteric, or spiritual implications too. It could be used as a form of creative concentration, and meditation. The scope is infact vast as well as the possible introduction of new spontaneous styles done in a mature manner.....
Yet, how could one learn to do it? The most obvious way for a beginner is to listen to music in general, and to instruments individually. Then, one simply tries to imitate the sound, and record them at home to see how realistic, and three dimensional they may appear. It is necessary to be a firm task master as on all this to ensure that quality sounds are produced. Such sessions should be short to avoid tiring out the vocal cords.
Onomatopeia is one method which could be used as a teaching aid for melodious Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. In music it can involve words that sound like the actual sound so to speak! For example, "boom" of a drum acts as a verbalisation of a musical sound. Another instance, is the "twang" of a guitar. In other words, verbal Voice Instrumental, Music and to a certain extent a non-verbal Improvised Voice Instrumental Music can be created all at once.The Swingle Singers have done notable examples of this but like Scat Singing seem to notably use non-sense words in the process (eg Bah, Bah, La, La, Na, Na, etc). In Improvisation, the concern is the spontaneous creation of non-verbal music. However, verbal Voice Instrumental Music can be used to attain this if necessary as an aid for training purposes.
YouTube notably has many examples of Voice Instrumental Music. Of course, it can be improvised as well as clearly stated here. Many search words in the above article can be used to find visual/audio material (eg. Swingle Singers, House Jacks, Vocal Sampling, Beatboxing, Yodelling et al).
The above was written by Robert Searle who has also contributed p2pfoundation entries on Multi-Dimensional Science, and Transfinancial Economics.
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.com/2010/08/introduction-to-blogger-robert-searle.html
"Vocalised dance music is suprisingly widespread....."
David Munrow(1942-1976).
Blogger Reference Link http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
Description
This entry is concerned with the possible development of Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. Essentially, it involves the use of the human voice to imitate musical instruments realistically but at the same time producing new compositions spontaneously (ie. improvised, impromptu/on the spot pieces). This latter feature distinguishes it from ordinary melodious, and "non-melodious" Voice Instrumental Music, and is an area which can be deemed as being mainly terra incognito as far as "mainstream" music is concerned.To many ordinary music lovers, musicians, and composers the above will at first appear to be outlandish. Evidence clearly indicates though that the human voice can be trained to imitate the sounds of musical instruments very effectively. Certain performances by a capella groups such as the Swingle Singers,the House Jacks(American) and Vocal Sampling (Cuban)are good examples of this. Indeed, there have been some "experimental" uses of it (of varying quality) via "mainstream" pop (eg. Bobby McFerrin), and classical music (eg. Gorecki who used a form of "chanting"in his famous Symphony No. 3.). Infact, the voice has not only been utilised to produce musical sounds effectively but also a whole variety of other "noises" too. The Hollywood Film Chorale Sounds Effects Choir springs to mind especially their Honda advert which involved the sounds of what a car can make in certain situations, and climes. This ofcourse was undertaken by the human voice."
Discussion
Before going into more detail about Improvised Voice Instrumental Music it is arguably necessary for us to get some further insight on Voice Instrumental Music itself.A.Basic Answers to Objections concerning Voice Instrumental Music.
Some people may think that effective vocalisations, or improvisations of musical instruments as being something "mad", or "too avant-garde". Au contraire, it is "natural", and challenging but has yet to attain a high degree of mainstream musical respectability.
Others might think of the whole subject as being something puerile. Again, it is not if the vocalisers concerned can create mature, and interesting sounds.
Along with good whistling (which if performed well can sound just like an instrument being played)ordinary melodious, and "non-melodious" Voice Instrumental Music is seen by some as being something which is common, and cannot be taken too seriously as a genuine art-form. Of course, people do hum (which can give an illusion of hearing many instruments at once in a band, or an orchestra even)their favourite tunes at times. This is quite "common" but it is never really developed into something better, and more artistic when perhaps it aught.This in fact requires skill, and practice, and is not as easy as it might look.
Furthermore, if most, or indeed, perhaps all the sounds of all musical instruments can be imitated then it raises the question of their necessity! Naturally, such a claim is absurd to a certain extent. Voice Instrumental Music should be seen as just another way of performing music which is both entertaining, and interesting.
B. The Emergence of Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. Basic Theory, and Practice.
Now, we shall have a somewhat brief look at melodious Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. This goes beyond Voice Instrumental Music as already indicated, and is more important. It is something which could be seriously developed. It could have important commercial implications if a cappella performers could be trained to do it successfully.
In many respects, it could represent a "revolutionary" step in the world of music because it involves musical intelligence to a very profound degree. It is spontaneous," free-form", impromptu/on the spot performances of new music which can be based on any musical style (eg. pop, baroque, jazz, renaissance, medieval, et al). It is a theory yet to be made provable by expert performers who would appear live on the public stage, on the radio, on the internet, and on television. Each performance would produce new high quality music by means of the human voice. It would be recorded for prosterity (if it is of a high professional quality), and/or even be transcribed into musical score if desired by means of specially programmed computers.
One performer could produce a simple tune be it string-like (eg.lute, guitar) piano-like, woodwind-like (eg. recorder, flute), and so on. The aim of Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is not necessarily to get an exact replication of an instrument (though purists may insist!). Rather it is the desire to create greater, and greater musical diversity by means of the voice. Some of this may not even have any obvious comparison to any known musical instrument.
How could the above be undertaken? As soon as one performer starts the others could with expert listening imitate the spontaneous melodious notes using distinct different instrumental-like vocal sounds in the most harmonious way possible. This for an amateur would be difficult in extremis. It would require some practice.
Another approach could involve the "opening" performer to stop after a few minutes, and one, or more person could carry on . Yet, they would produce a new "free-form" composition spontaneously. Other ideas could be introduced.
Of course, it must be said that Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is not exactly the same as the Jewish Nigunin of the Kabbalah tradition, Tuva Singing, Scat Singing in Jazz, Buddhist/Tibetan Chanting, Puirt a Beul(or Celtic Mouth Music, or "diddling"),Beatboxing, Yodelling, and other throat, or overtone singing. These vocal expressions are fine to a point but are not necessarily "melodious". Yet, Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is in essence more "refined", and artistic par excellence. This is the point to grasp. Naturally enough, it can challenge orthodox musical thinking, and if successfully performed could open up new areas of music.It could even have esoteric, or spiritual implications too. It could be used as a form of creative concentration, and meditation. The scope is infact vast as well as the possible introduction of new spontaneous styles done in a mature manner.....
Yet, how could one learn to do it? The most obvious way for a beginner is to listen to music in general, and to instruments individually. Then, one simply tries to imitate the sound, and record them at home to see how realistic, and three dimensional they may appear. It is necessary to be a firm task master as on all this to ensure that quality sounds are produced. Such sessions should be short to avoid tiring out the vocal cords.
Onomatopeia is one method which could be used as a teaching aid for melodious Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. In music it can involve words that sound like the actual sound so to speak! For example, "boom" of a drum acts as a verbalisation of a musical sound. Another instance, is the "twang" of a guitar. In other words, verbal Voice Instrumental, Music and to a certain extent a non-verbal Improvised Voice Instrumental Music can be created all at once.The Swingle Singers have done notable examples of this but like Scat Singing seem to notably use non-sense words in the process (eg Bah, Bah, La, La, Na, Na, etc). In Improvisation, the concern is the spontaneous creation of non-verbal music. However, verbal Voice Instrumental Music can be used to attain this if necessary as an aid for training purposes.
More Information
Internet Resources:YouTube notably has many examples of Voice Instrumental Music. Of course, it can be improvised as well as clearly stated here. Many search words in the above article can be used to find visual/audio material (eg. Swingle Singers, House Jacks, Vocal Sampling, Beatboxing, Yodelling et al).
The above was written by Robert Searle who has also contributed p2pfoundation entries on Multi-Dimensional Science, and Transfinancial Economics.
http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.com/2010/08/introduction-to-blogger-robert-searle.html
"Vocalised dance music is suprisingly widespread....."
David Munrow(1942-1976).
Friday, 29 October 2010
Inner Experiences, and the Coded Diaries of Kirpal Singh...
Quite recently, I was stunned to discover that there was in existence a coded diary of Kirpal Singhs inner experiences. Moreover, it offers 52 questions which could possibly determine whether someone had reached the "highest" plane of Sach Khand in Sant Mat. In a most peculiar manner it reminded me about my evolving project of Multi-Dimensional Science.
http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
The following are extracts from Arran Stephens excellent book the link to which can be found as follows.
http://www.mothandtheflame.com/index.html
"You (ie Arran Stephens) may be aware that after Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji left the body in 1948, our Master (ie. Kirpal Singh) retreated to Rishikesh where he spent most of his time in deep meditation. When not meditating he wrote down his inner spiritual experiences in a diary in a coded language. Our Master devised this code so that he could send confidential letters and poems for the eyes and ears of Baba Sawan Singh only whenever he was unable to go himself...He taught his language to Tai Ji, as she and her husband were frequent visitors to Hazur, and could read these confidential messages to him. Master kept these diaries-comprising over six hundred pages in three volumes-absolutely secret. They have been lying neglected in a cupboard at Sawan Ashram these last thirty years."
"Yes, I ve heard these rumours."
Harcharan continued,"Tai Ji is convinced that only the true successor will be able to decipher them, but no one has yet turned up who can. She says that she is not going to live much longer, and decided to orally translate the manuscripts to me before it is too late. Just yeaterday I had written down the first installment as she translated it into Hindi. These few pages here come from a portion dealing with our Masters conversations with various Saints in the higher planes. You are the first to see and hear any portion of thise rare revelation. It begins with a conversation between our Master and the departed Baba Jaimal Singh, or "Baba Ji" as we known him." As Harcharan read from the Masters diary, I copied the questions:
....The Being Who is called God never deceives anyone. When separated from all untruth, God unites that soul with Him. Addressing BabaJi, I asked Him, "In this world, where illusion reigns supreme there are many clever people posing as Masters, Sants, Satgurus, Mahatmas and Faqirs, who deceive innocent seekers, claiming access to higher regions, or that they have realized God. Preying on the susceptiblities and naivete of seekers after truth, they imitate saintly behaviour and quote the scriptures. How may one determine the actual stages they claim to have attained?"
Baba Ji replied: "The following questions should be put to any Sadhu, Sant, Faqir, or Master when the need arises, to determine the extent of the inner ascent. Outer appearances and saintly behaviour can be imitated to some extent but only only one who has traversed all the inner regions, who is fully conversant with every secret, will be able to answer all these questions correctly."
There were fifty-two unual questions concerning the inner features of the subtle planes. Beginning with visions and passages through the Astral plane, each question lead to higher and higher regions, culminating in Sach Khand. But there were multiple trick questions and unless one had personally traveled those regions, the one being questioned would be exposed.......... "
Arran Stephen further claimed that he was "...going to put these 52 questions to all the successor-claimants! Then we ll see who, if any, can answer them competently."
The above extracts are found in his book The Moth, and the Flame p 318-319.
When Kirpal Singh died in 1974 one of his claimants was his son Darshan Singh. When Arran met the latter his form changed into that of the former!! Then, the fifty-two questions were asked, and they were answered correctly, and in great detail...In other words, Darshan was the "real" successor to Kirpal.....
Also, it should be added that the coded diaries describe glimpses of meetings, and conversations with great Teachers from the past...such as Christ, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Buddha, Zoroaster, Rumi, Guru Gobind Singh, et cetera...
..Here, is an answer to a following comment below...
Normally, I would not publish a comment in capital letters but in this case I will make an exception.
i) I agree that the 52 Questions needs to be treated with a large pinch of salt. However, I suspect that what is experienced in the "Beyond" is in full, or in part the projections of our Lower Self, or the Higher Self depending on our degree of evolution.
ii)Yes, Arran may have "deceived himself" (in small case) about Ajaib Singh as being the real successor of Kirpal Singh. As for Rajji, or Rajinder Singh I would rather keep an open mind as I do not know enough about him.
iii) Personally, I do not think whether a Guru is necessarily perfect, or not really matters. Ideally, he, or she should be. But what probably matters most is ones faith, and belief in him, or her. In effect, he, or she may manifest ItSelf in the form of ones Chosen Ideal that may inwardly appear during meditation. Ofcourse, this would not be true in all cases, and is probably dependent on ones own evolution. See Faqir Chand on all this.
http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
The following are extracts from Arran Stephens excellent book the link to which can be found as follows.
http://www.mothandtheflame.com/index.html
"You (ie Arran Stephens) may be aware that after Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji left the body in 1948, our Master (ie. Kirpal Singh) retreated to Rishikesh where he spent most of his time in deep meditation. When not meditating he wrote down his inner spiritual experiences in a diary in a coded language. Our Master devised this code so that he could send confidential letters and poems for the eyes and ears of Baba Sawan Singh only whenever he was unable to go himself...He taught his language to Tai Ji, as she and her husband were frequent visitors to Hazur, and could read these confidential messages to him. Master kept these diaries-comprising over six hundred pages in three volumes-absolutely secret. They have been lying neglected in a cupboard at Sawan Ashram these last thirty years."
"Yes, I ve heard these rumours."
Harcharan continued,"Tai Ji is convinced that only the true successor will be able to decipher them, but no one has yet turned up who can. She says that she is not going to live much longer, and decided to orally translate the manuscripts to me before it is too late. Just yeaterday I had written down the first installment as she translated it into Hindi. These few pages here come from a portion dealing with our Masters conversations with various Saints in the higher planes. You are the first to see and hear any portion of thise rare revelation. It begins with a conversation between our Master and the departed Baba Jaimal Singh, or "Baba Ji" as we known him." As Harcharan read from the Masters diary, I copied the questions:
....The Being Who is called God never deceives anyone. When separated from all untruth, God unites that soul with Him. Addressing BabaJi, I asked Him, "In this world, where illusion reigns supreme there are many clever people posing as Masters, Sants, Satgurus, Mahatmas and Faqirs, who deceive innocent seekers, claiming access to higher regions, or that they have realized God. Preying on the susceptiblities and naivete of seekers after truth, they imitate saintly behaviour and quote the scriptures. How may one determine the actual stages they claim to have attained?"
Baba Ji replied: "The following questions should be put to any Sadhu, Sant, Faqir, or Master when the need arises, to determine the extent of the inner ascent. Outer appearances and saintly behaviour can be imitated to some extent but only only one who has traversed all the inner regions, who is fully conversant with every secret, will be able to answer all these questions correctly."
There were fifty-two unual questions concerning the inner features of the subtle planes. Beginning with visions and passages through the Astral plane, each question lead to higher and higher regions, culminating in Sach Khand. But there were multiple trick questions and unless one had personally traveled those regions, the one being questioned would be exposed.......... "
Arran Stephen further claimed that he was "...going to put these 52 questions to all the successor-claimants! Then we ll see who, if any, can answer them competently."
The above extracts are found in his book The Moth, and the Flame p 318-319.
When Kirpal Singh died in 1974 one of his claimants was his son Darshan Singh. When Arran met the latter his form changed into that of the former!! Then, the fifty-two questions were asked, and they were answered correctly, and in great detail...In other words, Darshan was the "real" successor to Kirpal.....
Also, it should be added that the coded diaries describe glimpses of meetings, and conversations with great Teachers from the past...such as Christ, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Buddha, Zoroaster, Rumi, Guru Gobind Singh, et cetera...
..Here, is an answer to a following comment below...
Normally, I would not publish a comment in capital letters but in this case I will make an exception.
i) I agree that the 52 Questions needs to be treated with a large pinch of salt. However, I suspect that what is experienced in the "Beyond" is in full, or in part the projections of our Lower Self, or the Higher Self depending on our degree of evolution.
ii)Yes, Arran may have "deceived himself" (in small case) about Ajaib Singh as being the real successor of Kirpal Singh. As for Rajji, or Rajinder Singh I would rather keep an open mind as I do not know enough about him.
iii) Personally, I do not think whether a Guru is necessarily perfect, or not really matters. Ideally, he, or she should be. But what probably matters most is ones faith, and belief in him, or her. In effect, he, or she may manifest ItSelf in the form of ones Chosen Ideal that may inwardly appear during meditation. Ofcourse, this would not be true in all cases, and is probably dependent on ones own evolution. See Faqir Chand on all this.
Friday, 24 September 2010
A Certain Ethical Problem in Esotericism..
This short "thought-piece" challenges the esoteric orthodoxy of many traditions. It centres on the concept, and likely reality of reincarnation, and the so-called law of karma, or "perfect justice". It is accepted without question especially in the Buddhist, and Hindu traditions.
Reincarnation is also the "only" real explanation for the so-called injustices of life itself. Yet, it is believed rightly, or wrongly that there is a fundamental "flaw" in it which undermines the need for the "continous necessity" of re-birth, and indeed, the law of karma itself. This can no longer be ignored, and needs to be openly discussed as never before. Here, we will just touch upon the key areas.....
1. Free Will, or Conditioned Free Will?
It is not our intention here to review the notion of free will in Western Philosophy. Most people though would agree that our thoughts, words,and actions are largely conditioned by our past. Pure unconditioned free will is largely, if not wholly "non-existent". As such the rewards, and punishments we receive in this life due to the present, or past actions of another former birth are in the main due to our mental conditioning.
2. Virtual Non-Awareness of Subconcious, and Unconcious Forces Moulding the Concious Mind.
The central ethical problem is this. Since we are largely unaware of what makes us decide the way we do then it becomes clear that "we" are not totally responsible for our actions. In various esoteric traditions it can be said that our (mechanical) mind is in control of the soul (both can be seen as independent "entities" which interact with one another). The injustice of this is that we are really unaware of this predicament, and how it so greatly influences us to do right, or wrong. How many times have we heard people say that "I did not mean to do it", or "I cannot help the way I am"?
Western, and eastern psychologies recognize this in their own ways. If we were fully aware of how, and why we do certain things, and were in true concious control then the law of karma would be rightly applicable. The opposite situation appears to be true, and makes a mockery of the resulting "justice". The question is why? There are esoteric answers but they do not seem to fully justify this situation as we shall shortly see.
Furthermore, with the possible future emergence of Multi-Dimensional Science we may well be able to find how much of our minds are conditioned from actions in this, and previous lifetimes. This could be undertaken via controlled experiments.
3. Four Basic Pro, and Con Arguments, and the Possible Interactions of the Higher Self.
Many psychic communications from the "lower planes" usually claim that "free will" exists. Man is seen as the concious architect of his destiny. However, when we come to great mystics such as the Sufi, and Christian ones (eg. Rumi, and Boehme) it would appear that "free will" is nothing but an illusion as perceived from the "higher planes" of Being. Everything is seen in this world, and the next as the outworkings of the Divine.
Anyway, let us see the key arguments for, and against what has so far been discussed.
1a) In order to achieve spiritual evolution (ie. learning via experience to try, and hopefully bring about higher virtues, and greater purification in ourselves from one life to another) people have no choice but to have a mind through which the soul has to somehow function. Reincarnation notably into the limited physical universe is the only way to do this.
2a) The above claim assumes wrongly that an almighty, and super intelligent God, or the Universal Power cannot come up with something far better, and much fairer to achieve spiritual unfoldment, and ultimately union with the Divine after seemingly endless incarnations. In other words, we do not have full justification for the present "universal" predicament.
1b) The amount of suffering via life after life is nothing compared with the infinite bliss, and final union with the Divine.Thus, whether the process is"unfair" in any way is largely immaterial.
2b) Again, this does not address the central ethical problem of human beings making, and paying off good, and bad actions which are largely the outcome of conditioned free will. This is naturally confounded by the seeming fact that we are unaware of the subconcious, and unconcious influences of our minds!
3a) It has been claimed that what we are discussing here is simply beyond the mind, and the reasons for it can only be understood intuitively.
3b) Many people would regard this "argument" as a cop out when perhaps we have not really thought, and/or researched hard enough. Yet, to be fair it would also be right to say that we cannot explain everything in esotericism by the mind as there are always worlds, and forms of knowledge which are totally ineffable.
4a) In certain hypnotic regressions into past lives, and especially what happens between lives it has been claimed that souls are usually given a plan for the next incarnation. Indeed, they may well agree to receive specific negative experiences (meant to be remedial rather than retributive) that may help them to "grow" more spiritually. These are usually the result of "their" past actions. More incredibly, certain "advanced" souls may "volunteer" to experience bad things for the ultimate aim of speeding up their progress towards total perfection (the ultimate goal of spiritual evolution via experience after "endless" rounds of rebirth. and probable union with the "Divine").
4b) From the general mystical perspective, lives on earth,and other planets are meant to be a means of learning via experience for the pressing need to develop greater, and greater spiritual qualities. This ofcourse can be an uneven path, and may result in a certain amount of spiritual "devolution".
An added dimension to this is the Higher Self which is our Pure Being working to a certain extent via the lower subtle bodies including the mind (ie. the mental body). It is the "God Within", and at the same time is part of the Infinite Power. It is who, or what we really are. Reincarnation is the way in which we re-discover our Selves. Since It can manifest ItSelf as our Chosen Ideal (eg. Christ, Krishna et al), and act as an inner guide before, or after death. It emanates from realms well beyond our limited understanding of time, and space.
In the light of what has been said the Higher Self may during the intermediate stage between births, and deaths may make the lower self, and lower mind accept certain future negative experiences to encourage spiritual growth. This whole process is laid bare in a state of superconciousness when one can see ones previous lives instantaneously, and objectively. It is then that we understand "everything". But is this really a full moral justification? Is it right that when one is incarnate that one is largely unaware of this arrangement if we had agreed to it conciously in the intermediate stage? Again, let us repeat ourselves is there not a better way of doing things? The answer we think is yea!
If what we have been discussing are part justifications rather than full ones it could perhaps even be argued that to a large degree reincarnation, and the so-called law of karma are "null,and void." In the physical world we could perhaps get legal recompense for such an "injustice!" In the spiritual one we have a different ball game. The person, or rather Being to be blamed ofcourse would be our own Higher Self which ofcourse to the limited vision, and understanding of our human mind is absurd! All the same, if our initial claim is indeed correct it should be possible to change things on the "other side" (or via controlled OOBEs, or meditation) with the help possibly of like-minded beings. It could be powerful bargaining counter for the lower mind, and self to achieve liberation from the wheel of births, and death (plus possible other matters) since the very ethical basis of this whole process of "evolution" is seriously in doubt.
4.Beyond the Mind, Beyond All Reason?
In a most bizarre fashion all that has been said for, and against this major ethical issue in esoterism is all correct. If we assume that the infinite psycho-spiritual universe consists of non-absolute truths then this would be possible, and "acceptable!" In other words, Esoteric Relativism.
On the other hand, the endless unseen realities would have absolute truths. Such Esoteric Universalism seems to be more "rational", and acceptable. Yet, it could be said that if the unseen (and indeed, the visible) universe is infinite then everything, and anything is, and can be possible. In effect, it goes beyond all reason which would be seen as the "ultimate(!)" limited illusion.
There are certain arguments which could be used in support for Esoteric Relativism,and they could include the following;-
i) Who created God? This is the classic question notably found in Western Philosophy. One answer is ofcourse is that He created Himself..... and we as the Higher Self are a part of It,and potentially It! This whole notion ofcourse defies reason...
ii) The universe in its "totality(!)" is probably infinite. This too defies reason because how can anything be limitless, and beyond our ability to imagine, and completely quantify in any "scientific" manner?
iii) In the many worlds interpretation of Quantum theory it is perfectly possible that parallel universes exist with an infinite number of alternate histories. Ofcourse, if correct this has some rather interesting implications for mysticism, and especially our claimed "unfairness" of the reincarnation process in connection with the mind, and conditoned free will.
No doubt we could present some more "evidence" that Esoteric Relativism could be the Absolute Reality so to speak. Whether it is, or not is largely unprovable by normal means, and will probably remain an Eternal Mystery. Yet, the claimed "unfairness" of reincarnation just mentioned would be fully, or partly justified in an infinite number of ways, and indeed, in an infinite number of worlds. This point was already expressed differently right at the start of this section of the present essay.
Indeed,there would probably be realities where reincarnation as a means of spiritual evolution would not exist. Again, such realities would inhabit countless numbers of different universes, and have their own kinds of "justifications." In the end the Truth cannot really be limited by finite reality but is boundless, and creative in any infinite number of ways both conceivable, and inconceivable to our limited mind, and vision.
What we have been reading here is very important. It can also be expanded by further debate, and research in the future. It is something which is well worth exploring.
A NOTE. Opinions expressed above are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the webhost, or anyone else on the Kheper website.
Kheper Home Essays Home Topics Index New or updated Search
Reincarnation is also the "only" real explanation for the so-called injustices of life itself. Yet, it is believed rightly, or wrongly that there is a fundamental "flaw" in it which undermines the need for the "continous necessity" of re-birth, and indeed, the law of karma itself. This can no longer be ignored, and needs to be openly discussed as never before. Here, we will just touch upon the key areas.....
1. Free Will, or Conditioned Free Will?
It is not our intention here to review the notion of free will in Western Philosophy. Most people though would agree that our thoughts, words,and actions are largely conditioned by our past. Pure unconditioned free will is largely, if not wholly "non-existent". As such the rewards, and punishments we receive in this life due to the present, or past actions of another former birth are in the main due to our mental conditioning.
2. Virtual Non-Awareness of Subconcious, and Unconcious Forces Moulding the Concious Mind.
The central ethical problem is this. Since we are largely unaware of what makes us decide the way we do then it becomes clear that "we" are not totally responsible for our actions. In various esoteric traditions it can be said that our (mechanical) mind is in control of the soul (both can be seen as independent "entities" which interact with one another). The injustice of this is that we are really unaware of this predicament, and how it so greatly influences us to do right, or wrong. How many times have we heard people say that "I did not mean to do it", or "I cannot help the way I am"?
Western, and eastern psychologies recognize this in their own ways. If we were fully aware of how, and why we do certain things, and were in true concious control then the law of karma would be rightly applicable. The opposite situation appears to be true, and makes a mockery of the resulting "justice". The question is why? There are esoteric answers but they do not seem to fully justify this situation as we shall shortly see.
Furthermore, with the possible future emergence of Multi-Dimensional Science we may well be able to find how much of our minds are conditioned from actions in this, and previous lifetimes. This could be undertaken via controlled experiments.
3. Four Basic Pro, and Con Arguments, and the Possible Interactions of the Higher Self.
Many psychic communications from the "lower planes" usually claim that "free will" exists. Man is seen as the concious architect of his destiny. However, when we come to great mystics such as the Sufi, and Christian ones (eg. Rumi, and Boehme) it would appear that "free will" is nothing but an illusion as perceived from the "higher planes" of Being. Everything is seen in this world, and the next as the outworkings of the Divine.
Anyway, let us see the key arguments for, and against what has so far been discussed.
1a) In order to achieve spiritual evolution (ie. learning via experience to try, and hopefully bring about higher virtues, and greater purification in ourselves from one life to another) people have no choice but to have a mind through which the soul has to somehow function. Reincarnation notably into the limited physical universe is the only way to do this.
2a) The above claim assumes wrongly that an almighty, and super intelligent God, or the Universal Power cannot come up with something far better, and much fairer to achieve spiritual unfoldment, and ultimately union with the Divine after seemingly endless incarnations. In other words, we do not have full justification for the present "universal" predicament.
1b) The amount of suffering via life after life is nothing compared with the infinite bliss, and final union with the Divine.Thus, whether the process is"unfair" in any way is largely immaterial.
2b) Again, this does not address the central ethical problem of human beings making, and paying off good, and bad actions which are largely the outcome of conditioned free will. This is naturally confounded by the seeming fact that we are unaware of the subconcious, and unconcious influences of our minds!
3a) It has been claimed that what we are discussing here is simply beyond the mind, and the reasons for it can only be understood intuitively.
3b) Many people would regard this "argument" as a cop out when perhaps we have not really thought, and/or researched hard enough. Yet, to be fair it would also be right to say that we cannot explain everything in esotericism by the mind as there are always worlds, and forms of knowledge which are totally ineffable.
4a) In certain hypnotic regressions into past lives, and especially what happens between lives it has been claimed that souls are usually given a plan for the next incarnation. Indeed, they may well agree to receive specific negative experiences (meant to be remedial rather than retributive) that may help them to "grow" more spiritually. These are usually the result of "their" past actions. More incredibly, certain "advanced" souls may "volunteer" to experience bad things for the ultimate aim of speeding up their progress towards total perfection (the ultimate goal of spiritual evolution via experience after "endless" rounds of rebirth. and probable union with the "Divine").
4b) From the general mystical perspective, lives on earth,and other planets are meant to be a means of learning via experience for the pressing need to develop greater, and greater spiritual qualities. This ofcourse can be an uneven path, and may result in a certain amount of spiritual "devolution".
An added dimension to this is the Higher Self which is our Pure Being working to a certain extent via the lower subtle bodies including the mind (ie. the mental body). It is the "God Within", and at the same time is part of the Infinite Power. It is who, or what we really are. Reincarnation is the way in which we re-discover our Selves. Since It can manifest ItSelf as our Chosen Ideal (eg. Christ, Krishna et al), and act as an inner guide before, or after death. It emanates from realms well beyond our limited understanding of time, and space.
In the light of what has been said the Higher Self may during the intermediate stage between births, and deaths may make the lower self, and lower mind accept certain future negative experiences to encourage spiritual growth. This whole process is laid bare in a state of superconciousness when one can see ones previous lives instantaneously, and objectively. It is then that we understand "everything". But is this really a full moral justification? Is it right that when one is incarnate that one is largely unaware of this arrangement if we had agreed to it conciously in the intermediate stage? Again, let us repeat ourselves is there not a better way of doing things? The answer we think is yea!
If what we have been discussing are part justifications rather than full ones it could perhaps even be argued that to a large degree reincarnation, and the so-called law of karma are "null,and void." In the physical world we could perhaps get legal recompense for such an "injustice!" In the spiritual one we have a different ball game. The person, or rather Being to be blamed ofcourse would be our own Higher Self which ofcourse to the limited vision, and understanding of our human mind is absurd! All the same, if our initial claim is indeed correct it should be possible to change things on the "other side" (or via controlled OOBEs, or meditation) with the help possibly of like-minded beings. It could be powerful bargaining counter for the lower mind, and self to achieve liberation from the wheel of births, and death (plus possible other matters) since the very ethical basis of this whole process of "evolution" is seriously in doubt.
4.Beyond the Mind, Beyond All Reason?
In a most bizarre fashion all that has been said for, and against this major ethical issue in esoterism is all correct. If we assume that the infinite psycho-spiritual universe consists of non-absolute truths then this would be possible, and "acceptable!" In other words, Esoteric Relativism.
On the other hand, the endless unseen realities would have absolute truths. Such Esoteric Universalism seems to be more "rational", and acceptable. Yet, it could be said that if the unseen (and indeed, the visible) universe is infinite then everything, and anything is, and can be possible. In effect, it goes beyond all reason which would be seen as the "ultimate(!)" limited illusion.
There are certain arguments which could be used in support for Esoteric Relativism,and they could include the following;-
i) Who created God? This is the classic question notably found in Western Philosophy. One answer is ofcourse is that He created Himself..... and we as the Higher Self are a part of It,and potentially It! This whole notion ofcourse defies reason...
ii) The universe in its "totality(!)" is probably infinite. This too defies reason because how can anything be limitless, and beyond our ability to imagine, and completely quantify in any "scientific" manner?
iii) In the many worlds interpretation of Quantum theory it is perfectly possible that parallel universes exist with an infinite number of alternate histories. Ofcourse, if correct this has some rather interesting implications for mysticism, and especially our claimed "unfairness" of the reincarnation process in connection with the mind, and conditoned free will.
No doubt we could present some more "evidence" that Esoteric Relativism could be the Absolute Reality so to speak. Whether it is, or not is largely unprovable by normal means, and will probably remain an Eternal Mystery. Yet, the claimed "unfairness" of reincarnation just mentioned would be fully, or partly justified in an infinite number of ways, and indeed, in an infinite number of worlds. This point was already expressed differently right at the start of this section of the present essay.
Indeed,there would probably be realities where reincarnation as a means of spiritual evolution would not exist. Again, such realities would inhabit countless numbers of different universes, and have their own kinds of "justifications." In the end the Truth cannot really be limited by finite reality but is boundless, and creative in any infinite number of ways both conceivable, and inconceivable to our limited mind, and vision.
What we have been reading here is very important. It can also be expanded by further debate, and research in the future. It is something which is well worth exploring.
A NOTE. Opinions expressed above are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the webhost, or anyone else on the Kheper website.
Kheper Home Essays Home Topics Index New or updated Search
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Chico Xavier...........
Blogger Reference Link http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
The following is a published internet post from myself to the Paranormal Review in connection with the remarkable medium, Chico Xavier....It maybe of interest...
"I learnt about Chico Xavier through a book by Guy Lyon Playfair (The Flying Cow, and renamed The Unknown Power if I recall correctly). He was a veritable wonder! I am very pleased to see that there is a film created about his life, and work. Hopefully, it will get wide publicity.I believe mysticism, psychic research, and science can be married together. My evolving project which was inspired in part by Playfairs book (read back in 1977!!) on Chico Xavier, and indeed, in Brazilian Spiritualism has lead me to develop a new paradigm which will be of great interest...
http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
I am shortly in the process of writing a book on the above subject with the projected title of Psychic, and Spiritual Science; Towards a New Paradigm.. "
R.S.......................
The following is a cut, and paste job which has the following title
Chico Xavier: medium and superstar
publication date: Apr 15, 2010
Despite being predominantly Roman Catholic, Brazil is currently celebrating the centenary and paranormal achievements of an incredible automatic writing medium - Francisco (Chico) Cândido Xavier - in a way that no other country has ever done before.POSTAGE STAMP: the Brazilian Post Office has issued a first class stamp which depicts Chico autographing one of his many books, which Spiritists believe were dictated by spirits. It is the second time the South American country has featured Chico on its stamps: the first was his 50th birthday.The new stamp went on sale on 2 April - the day on which he was born 100 years ago - and will continue to be used by the Brazilian postal services until December 2013. It recognises his dedication to others, humility and dignity.
MEDAL: the Brazil Mint has produced a commemorative medal marking Chico's centenary, which will be issued tomorrow - 16 April - to coincide with the opening of the 3rd Brazilian Spiritist Congress in Brasilia. The congress is part of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation's "Chico Xavier Centennial Project".
MOVIES: Chico Xavier: the Movie (see trailer at end of this post/see link at end of this article) debuted on 2 April - the day of his centenary. The film, which tells Chico's life story, had already caught the imagination of the Brazilian media a month before its release, with a cover story about the famous medium in Brazil's Time magazine.Later this year, Twentieth Century Fox will release (on 3 September) Nosso Lar (in English, Our Home: the Astral City). This is based on a novel received by Chico from André Luiz, a doctor, describing his experiences on waking up in the spirit world (see second trailer). In doing so, it tackles many of the issues that people ask about life, death and the next world - at least, from a Spiritist perspective.In addition to the above events, Chico's remarkable achievements, both as a medium and a humanitarian, are being celebrated with a host of other events, including more films, TV documentaries, books and exhibitions, throughout Brazil.
I met Chico briefly when he visited England in 1965. A friendly, simple man with a ready smile and an ill-fitting wig, it was difficult to comprehend just how much impact his mediumship was having on Spiritism and Brazilians in general. He and physician Dr Waldo Vieira, who acted as translator, came to the UK and went on to the US to build relationships with Spiritualist organisations in both countries.The purpose was also to create a foundation for Spiritism, which is based largely on the teachings of Allen Kardec and has a strong Christian theme as well as belief in reincarnation. His spiritual guide, Emmanuel, was said to have lived as Senator Publius Lentulus in Roman times before being reincarnated as Father Damian in Spain and then as a professor at the Sorbonne.
What made Chico special was his prolific output of books produced by automatic writing, which is known in South America as psychography. Over 400 books were written through his hand, including some in foreign languages in which he was not fluent, and he donated the copyright of all these works to be used by Spiritist charities to help the needy.Each day, poor people queued outside his home in Uberaba to receive free food and for the opportunity to speak a few words with him. He was regarded by many as a guru and celebrities were among regular visitors to his home seeking advice from him or the spirits who communicated through him.As for sceptics, Chico's response was simple. The sheer output - around 100,000 handwritten pages - in different styles and on a diversity of subjects made it impossible for him to be the author. He was merely a channel.I cannot help wondering what this simple, sincere soul will be making of the celebrations and superstar status that he now has.
I think he will be amused and also pleased that the message of survival of death contained in his work is reaching an even wider audience.Despite his advancing years, he continued to work until his death, on 30 June, 2002, the day on which Brazil won the World Cup. In doing so, he fulfilled an ambition, having said in a TV interview some years earlier that he hoped to die on a very happy day for his country, so that his death would not be remembered with sorrow.
The original link of the above can be found here plus two video links to the above movie.
http://paranormalreview.com/articles/20100415_2
Further Information.
The Paranormal Review is connected with Roy Stemman a journalist, and sceptical believer whom I (ie. the blogger) once talked to over the phone in about the early 1980s. I was wondering whether he had received a letter from me for possible publication in his excellent but short-lived Alpha Magazine dealing with the paranormal. The content of it was to do with a simple technique I had developed for so-called astral projection. It just involved a form of auto-suggestion in which the following was repeated, "I will project myself, I will project myself, I will project myself..."
RS.
The following is a published internet post from myself to the Paranormal Review in connection with the remarkable medium, Chico Xavier....It maybe of interest...
"I learnt about Chico Xavier through a book by Guy Lyon Playfair (The Flying Cow, and renamed The Unknown Power if I recall correctly). He was a veritable wonder! I am very pleased to see that there is a film created about his life, and work. Hopefully, it will get wide publicity.I believe mysticism, psychic research, and science can be married together. My evolving project which was inspired in part by Playfairs book (read back in 1977!!) on Chico Xavier, and indeed, in Brazilian Spiritualism has lead me to develop a new paradigm which will be of great interest...
http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
I am shortly in the process of writing a book on the above subject with the projected title of Psychic, and Spiritual Science; Towards a New Paradigm.. "
R.S.......................
The following is a cut, and paste job which has the following title
Chico Xavier: medium and superstar
publication date: Apr 15, 2010
Despite being predominantly Roman Catholic, Brazil is currently celebrating the centenary and paranormal achievements of an incredible automatic writing medium - Francisco (Chico) Cândido Xavier - in a way that no other country has ever done before.POSTAGE STAMP: the Brazilian Post Office has issued a first class stamp which depicts Chico autographing one of his many books, which Spiritists believe were dictated by spirits. It is the second time the South American country has featured Chico on its stamps: the first was his 50th birthday.The new stamp went on sale on 2 April - the day on which he was born 100 years ago - and will continue to be used by the Brazilian postal services until December 2013. It recognises his dedication to others, humility and dignity.
MEDAL: the Brazil Mint has produced a commemorative medal marking Chico's centenary, which will be issued tomorrow - 16 April - to coincide with the opening of the 3rd Brazilian Spiritist Congress in Brasilia. The congress is part of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation's "Chico Xavier Centennial Project".
MOVIES: Chico Xavier: the Movie (see trailer at end of this post/see link at end of this article) debuted on 2 April - the day of his centenary. The film, which tells Chico's life story, had already caught the imagination of the Brazilian media a month before its release, with a cover story about the famous medium in Brazil's Time magazine.Later this year, Twentieth Century Fox will release (on 3 September) Nosso Lar (in English, Our Home: the Astral City). This is based on a novel received by Chico from André Luiz, a doctor, describing his experiences on waking up in the spirit world (see second trailer). In doing so, it tackles many of the issues that people ask about life, death and the next world - at least, from a Spiritist perspective.In addition to the above events, Chico's remarkable achievements, both as a medium and a humanitarian, are being celebrated with a host of other events, including more films, TV documentaries, books and exhibitions, throughout Brazil.
I met Chico briefly when he visited England in 1965. A friendly, simple man with a ready smile and an ill-fitting wig, it was difficult to comprehend just how much impact his mediumship was having on Spiritism and Brazilians in general. He and physician Dr Waldo Vieira, who acted as translator, came to the UK and went on to the US to build relationships with Spiritualist organisations in both countries.The purpose was also to create a foundation for Spiritism, which is based largely on the teachings of Allen Kardec and has a strong Christian theme as well as belief in reincarnation. His spiritual guide, Emmanuel, was said to have lived as Senator Publius Lentulus in Roman times before being reincarnated as Father Damian in Spain and then as a professor at the Sorbonne.
What made Chico special was his prolific output of books produced by automatic writing, which is known in South America as psychography. Over 400 books were written through his hand, including some in foreign languages in which he was not fluent, and he donated the copyright of all these works to be used by Spiritist charities to help the needy.Each day, poor people queued outside his home in Uberaba to receive free food and for the opportunity to speak a few words with him. He was regarded by many as a guru and celebrities were among regular visitors to his home seeking advice from him or the spirits who communicated through him.As for sceptics, Chico's response was simple. The sheer output - around 100,000 handwritten pages - in different styles and on a diversity of subjects made it impossible for him to be the author. He was merely a channel.I cannot help wondering what this simple, sincere soul will be making of the celebrations and superstar status that he now has.
I think he will be amused and also pleased that the message of survival of death contained in his work is reaching an even wider audience.Despite his advancing years, he continued to work until his death, on 30 June, 2002, the day on which Brazil won the World Cup. In doing so, he fulfilled an ambition, having said in a TV interview some years earlier that he hoped to die on a very happy day for his country, so that his death would not be remembered with sorrow.
The original link of the above can be found here plus two video links to the above movie.
http://paranormalreview.com/articles/20100415_2
Further Information.
The Paranormal Review is connected with Roy Stemman a journalist, and sceptical believer whom I (ie. the blogger) once talked to over the phone in about the early 1980s. I was wondering whether he had received a letter from me for possible publication in his excellent but short-lived Alpha Magazine dealing with the paranormal. The content of it was to do with a simple technique I had developed for so-called astral projection. It just involved a form of auto-suggestion in which the following was repeated, "I will project myself, I will project myself, I will project myself..."
RS.
Friday, 10 September 2010
The Kheper Version of Multi-Dimensional Science...
I thought I might as well include here the Kheper version of Multi-Dimensional Science though there is a link to it on the p2pfoundation which is also on this blog.
Multi-Dimensional Science, or MDS is an attempt to fully integrate science with mysticism, and religion. Naturally enough, it includes parapsychology, or psychical resarch which is the evolving science into claimed "supernatural" phenomena.
Before proceeding further, it must be made very clear that in NO way is MDS a religion, cult, or sect even though it may use terms associated with them. Admitedly, most of this new "science" consists of speculative metaphysical issues such as reincarnation, post mortem existence, pre-destination, other worlds, et al. Essentially, MDS hopes to largely indirectly prove, or alternatively disprove the the reality, or non-reality of such "revelations".
This article, or paper is a simple brief non-technical account of the above subject. Incidently, MDS is in the process of research, and development which may take several years to complete.
The basic thesis, and methodology of Multi-Dimensional Science (MDS).
Central to mysticism, and religion is the concept of an unseen non-physical psychic, or spiritual universe. It is undetectable by our by five limited senses, and by other means. In religion, and indeed, in western philosophy it can only be accepted on grounds of faith, or belief. In mysticism though such non-physical realms can be "proven" via direct experience by the awakening sixth sense of mind, and conciousness during some form of meditation, or spiritual technology. This whole process involves "going within" oneself, and entering the inner realms, or planes of higher conciousness.
This normally invisible non-physical universe may well be a shared objective reality rather than the figment of the imagination. Those who claim to visit it via some form of meditation, or indeed, through deliberately induced out-of-body experiences (or OOBEs) should be able to independently come up with corroborative information concerning the major sights, and energies witnessed. This is the main underlying concept of MDS. Moreover, it puts emphasis on the need to collect data on the psycho-spiritual "energies" which are said to exist. Such claimed forces manifest themselves in a variety of ways such as colourful auras, pulsating lights, and sounds along with rays coming out of beings, and objects, et al.
To see whether such reports are indeed independently correlative, or not requires in MDS five special steps. They are explained in the following:-
Step One: A search for specific willing psychics, and mystics who have regular if not daily inner experiences of various "energies". They are termed as Multi-Dimensional Observers, or MDOs for short. A large number of them may well emanate from the psychic healing field.
Step Two: The aim here is to find out what kind of experiences they have via an initial questionaire. A more elaborate, and detailed one(s) may follow.
Step Three: When the data via the questionaires has been collected it may well be found that the "energies" described are independently corroborated beyond the mathematical laws of chance. If so such information should be converted on paper, and computer into images, or pictures of the Unseen.
Step Four: Such visible depictions of the "energies" should be interpreted into mathematical models for an on-going theory, or working hypothesis concerned with the nature, and purpose of the "Great Beyond".
Step Five: If MDOs continue to give largely reliable data concerning their inner experiences then they should be involved in various studies, and experiments. They may be able to help us see how psycho-spiritual "energies" can benefit humanity. In effect, MDS could be the greatest scientific breakthrough in the world because it offers for the first time methods that can prove (albeit indirectly) the non-physical psychic, and spiritual reality of life. This could have massive untold implications for medecine, psychology, physics, biology, parapsychology, et al. In academia the inner experiences discussed here are referred to as phenomenology.
Furthermore, for the individual it would mean that their existence would become more happier, and fulfilling as never before imaginable. The reason being that a new generation of meditational methods would come into existence based on scientific research rather than just on purely faith, and belief.
Knowledge concerning the psychology of human beings would include serious objective information concerning their "energies", and how they could be best used.
Moreover, there would be a far greater scientific understanding of claimed psychics powers, and their actual modus operandi will become clearer. Though mainstream science has given humanity many great technological benefits such as computers, television, aeroplanes, better medecine, and the like it will probably be nothing compared with the advances made by MDS. It may well be that in the far future people will become like "gods" self-reliant with "full" authentic knowledge concerning spiritual, and psychic development. Such evolution would ultimately supersede modern technology, and even Multi-Dimensional Science itself.
Apart from the above another suprising, and controversial aspect of our subject is that it may well be possible to quantify non-physical energies. This would be in keeping with true science. Let us take an example of what we mean. Suppose Mr. Z has an aura which is a certain measurement from the body. Tested, and reliable MDOs should by means of a simple physical "tool" be able to gauge its length. With their inner vision opened they should independently come up with the correct measurement. In a similiar manner other properties such as weight, and velocity concerned with psycho-spiritual energies should be quantifiable with the aid of physical detectors, or by non-physical methods not discussed here.
Of course, all that we have said may be utter nonesense. But, it is not, because its own inbuilt reasoning is simply alien to our normal ways of understanding. Moreover, counter-arguments could be created against MDS even if it produces correlative results via its questionaires of the MDOs. This could notably include that brain physiology being similiar from one person to another may be the real reason why mental "illusions" appear to be independently corroborative. In the philosophy of science such counter-arguments like this would appear to be in line with the concept of falsification posited by the philosopher Karl Popper.
The success, or failure of MDS largely rests on collecting sufficient corroborative data on the inner experiences of MDOs. As yet this needs to be done. Critics will undoubtedly claim that most of the ideas presented here are totally premature but the author, and indeed, originator of this unique system is confident that the necessary correlative information will emerge from the questionaires. This admitedly suggests bias, and an unscientific approach to the subject concerned. However, when the data has been brought together the evidence, or rather "proof" will speak for itself.
Multi-Dimensional Science is a New Paradigm.
At first sight MDS may appear similiar to other scientific, or "new age" ideas. This is incorrect. It is though made up of old methods brought together for the first time into one system. This is the key point to understand.
Firstly, the notion that MDOs, and other "senstive " people can be used by researchers to give hopefully correct information concerning "higher" energies is not completely new. Von Reichenbach for example used this method, and succeeded in getting corroborative data concerning the existence of the so-called Odic Force.Secondly, simple, and complex questionaires have been used by researchers, and organisations to explore Near-Death-Experiences (or NDEs), and Religious, or Mystical Experiences. Thirdly, converting images of the Unseen into visible pictures is again nothing new.
Charles Leadbeater, a leading light in the Theosophy movement notably had changes in the human aura recorded as "accurate" colourful depictions for all to see. Fourthly, using mathematics to try to describe something of the "other world" is by no means unique.
Developing Elaborate, and Detailed Questionaires.
There are a number of existing descriptions published of the "Great Unseen" which can help us frame questionaires. New unpublished reports about it from MDOs would also prove beneficial especially in connection with the "existence" of psycho-spiritual energies.
An important aspect of all this is that one needs to be aware that some of these inner experiences may to varying degrees be indescribable in the language of this world. Sometimes, symbols may be used, and these may still have a scientific value if they crop up again elsewhere. Infact, the questionaires themselves should give researchers some idea as to what extent, and in what way inner experiences, or visions if you will would be totally indescribable, or ineffable.
To get some notion of how elaborate, and detailed a questionaire could be the following should suffice. Readers can skip it, and go to the next section of the article/paper if they desire..
Auras: How large is it around the body usually? Does it have a specific colour? Do you see thoughts leaving, and entering it? What sounds does it usually make? Do you get specific "smells" from particular types of auras? Does it change shape around the body? Are there different layers in the aura? et cetera.
Inner Sounds: Do you hear sounds during waking conciousness from people, and objects which may be non-physical? Is there a specific one in meditation? If you hear more than just one inner sound then what is it like? Maybe they are instrumental, choral, or something else? Does the sound, or sounds enter the top of the head, through the ears, or wherever else? et cetera.
Inner Lights: Do you see disembodied lights now, and again in the physical, and non-physical worlds? How do they appear? Do they have colours which change? Do they "shape-shift" into particular objects that are easily describable? Do the inner lights create specific sounds? et cetera.........
The Chakras ( or energy centres of the psychic body). Do they create specific sounds? Do their coloured lights change? Are thoughts seen to enter, and leave them? Do they change shape sometimes? Do patterns appear in the centres? Can rays be seen entering them? et cetera...........
Some Important Theoretical Points About "The Hidden Reality".
No doubt many ordinary mainstream scientists will regard the following as being "pseudo-scientific".
However, this is unimportant as the following is only meant to be a brief non-technical account easily understood by anyone in connection with the "the higher worlds" of being.
It is believed that these realms exist at a vibratory rate beyond the speed of light itself. They consist of various levels, or Spiritual Regions in ascending order around our planet, and beyond. They can be simply illustrated diagrammatically by using horizontal (or circular lines)lines. The spaces in between them represent the Spiritual Regions. Each of these Realities can be sub-divided further by thinner lines which make up the intermediate planes, or spheres of existence. In other words, ("minor") worlds within Worlds (ie. the Spiritual Regions). Their number altogether is probably infinite. Traditionally, from an occult, or esoteric viewpoint they are seven Spiritual Regions, and seven intermediate planes. Yet, the number of these different levels tends to vary in mythology, and in mystical writings.
Each Spiritual Region is said to have distinguishing key sights along with inner Sounds, and (Coloured) Lights. As one ascends the "matter" of these worlds becomes increasing self-luminious, and more subtle in nature. At the same time, conciousness is progressively expanded.
To contact such realities via meditation, or OOBEs requires ones personal awareness to become like a mental radio. It tunes into the energy levels, or frequencies of the different intermediate planes. By doing so via concentrated effort one does not only see, and hear them but one can actually enter, and interact with them.
At this point, it is important to appreciate the fact that the simple, or complex visionary experiences cannot (as yet) be fully explained in purely materialistic terms in spite of the many decades of brain research. This is also true about certain powerful drugs, and electrical stimulations (ie. Neuro-Theology) which can cause such subjective experiences to manifest. But, it does not provide a scientific answer as to how the actual mental imagery itself is created. MDS takes the view that such visual thoughts may largely be a non-physical phenomena which is intimately related to the "wiring", or neuron nerve networks of the brain.
Esoteric tradition believes that human beings consist of multiple-parts referred to as subtle energy bodies. They exist simultaneously in different worlds. They belong respectively to the vital, emotional, mental, higher mental, and soul Regions.
The MDS questionaires may well reveals variations in what groups of MDOs may well describe in the Unseen Universe. This is because they may be able to tune into different intermediate planes, or spheres of being.
Deception (deliberate, or otherwise) and self-deception may cause problems, and experiments needed to determine such situations need to be carefully thought out. There may be beings, and powers that may bring about difficulties with future MDS studies.
The Question of Truth, and "Unknowingness"?
Many religions, and their (mystical) sects have a tendency to believe that theirs is the only pathway to "God", or the "Ultimate Reality". Whether this is true, or not is essentially a matter of personal belief. However, MDS may be able to throw some light on this subject, but admitedly it would probably be unable to fully prove it.
Here, it is suggested that the Radhasoami Faith could be the key to this great mystery. It believes that during what is called surat shabd yoga the soul can by means of inner Sound, and Light enter the highest Spiritual Region in which God can be realized. The Radiant Form of the inner living Perfect Master, or Satguru may well manifest itself. This acts as the essential guide to the Spiritual Regions. Like most eastern "groups" the Sikh sect of the Radhasoamis believes in reincarnation, and via shabd yoga one can be liberated from births, and deaths.
Anyway, it is claimed that it has as it were an accurate,and complete basic "road-map" to God in the highest Spiritual Region. It is interesting to point out that virtually all religions, and sects emanate from this "other world". Yet, the Radhasoamis claim that they all have their source of origin in the lower intermediate planes of the Spiritual Regions. In other words, their founders (eg. Buddha, and Mohammed) and indeed mystical practices (eg. raja yoga, kundalini yoga of the Indian tradition), and their practioners have mistaken these realms for being the final destination of their teachings. Incidently, such realms may have a residing "god" which would be easily mistaken for the highest of the highest. In other words, their spiritual knowledge is incomplete, and inaccurate.
Of course, the way to ascertain whether such claims are true, or false would be an elaborate comparative study via questionaire of the inner experiences had by them, and by those who follow surat shabd yoga.
Unfortunately, in keeping with esoteric tradition the world over such personal information is generally never disclosed.
Strictly speaking, the methods of some meditation, and resulting experiences are for the awakening intuition and not for the mind. They are thus meant to be experienced, and not discussed. As such they are largely kept "secret" from the masses, and are only intended for real seekers after Truth. Moreover, such knowledge in the wrong hands could be misused for personal rather than spiritual gain. In spite of all this alot already exists in the public domain.
As already mentioned the Radhasoamis not only believe in an inner Perfect Master but also in an outer one in the physical world. There are number of organisations which purport to have one. Such an Adept of shabd yoga is seen as being the visible material incarnation of the Supreme Power. However, Faqir Chand the "unknowing mystic" claimed that devotees came to him about their inner, and indeed, outer "miracles" with his spiritual form. Yet, though he was supposed to be omniscient he said he knew nothing about all these things. This same "unknowingness" appears in many present day "Perfect Masters". Some have argued that if they did display "knowingness" they would be openly using psychic powers to attract a following which is contrary to the teachings of the Radhasoami Faith. Thus, they pretend to be "human" when actually they are not.
Faqir Chand though came up with a simple theory. He believed that it was the devotees faith, and belief in him as the Master which prompted the inner, and outer experiences of his spiritual form. He, himself had nothing to do with it! He suggested, or so it would seem that it was the devotees Higher Self, or ones pure personal God within which actually acted as the Master on the inner, and outer worlds of reality. In other words, belief, and faith in the outer Teacher was essential for spiritual phenomena. This ofcourse also implied that even a criminal posing as a guru could have the exact same effect. This also may be the reason why a few Radhasoami Satgurus past, and present may have experienced "moral falls", and yet, in spite of this their outer form, and teachings could still be valid as it was the devotees Higher Self which ultimately was the real cause of spiritual evolution. Incidently, devotees claim that since the Master is "God" he, or indeed she can do anything as a test of faith. Who can question the Almighty?
This is a big subject which we cannot further expand upon here.
The Association for Multi-Dimensional Science.
If the questionaires yield valuable correlative material the next possible stage would be to set up a non-profit Association for Multi-Dimensional Science.
It would have the following basic aims:-
It would continue to search out willing MDOs for possible studies, and experiments.
It would try to build an ever-expanding directory of Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Judaic, Shinto, Sufi, and other mystical sects. This in itself would require detective work as most of them do not advertize themselves. This would involve i) contacing scholars, and writer ii) the internet iii) interfaith organisations iv) charity registers v) esoteric magazines vi) existing directories....and so on.
The need for on-going research, and development into a general theory, or working hypothesis of the Unseen Universe. This would involve ideas from Theosophy, the Alice Bailey Teachings, Spiritualism, Maharishis Vedic Science, and Technology, Pearsons Survival Physics, Bohms Implicate Order,and the like.
As well as this concepts from "mainstream" science would have to be included such as Quantum Mechanics, the Multi-verse, the Fourth Dimension, Tachyons, Anti-Matter Worlds, et al.
Finally, it must be remembered that the proposed Multi-Dimensional Science probably cannot give totally provable answers as to what the ultimate nature and purpose of Truth is really all about. It is quite possible that there are no absolute truths, and that the universe is itself infinite. Science can only go so far, and at the end of the day it is arguably our own personal experience that really matters.<./p>
Finally, MDS is a huge subject, and what has been presented cannot do it true justice. There are many many aspects to it.
An Important Notice.
Readers should understand, and appreciate another factor in the research, and development of MDS which was not fully high-lighted in the above body of the text. It is this. One of the big problems with "higher worlds" is that their lower intermediate planes, or spheres can be partly, or wholly made up of subjective projections externalised into objective realities. Such mental phenomena can be active, or static, or in between so to speak. Yet, the difference between genuine shared reality, and such self-created objects, and "beings" must be carefully determined with the Questionaire process already described.
It has been pointed out that MDS is similiar but not identical with Professor Tart's ideas referred to as State-Specific Science. However, the former arguably offers by far the most advanced, and complete set of methods for "scientifically" investigating "higher worlds," and so-called altered states of conciousness, or ASCs. This is the key point.
It is also interesting to claim that though genuine "objective" inner sights in shabd yoga, and other forms of meditation may not be necessarily experienced. In other words, it is possible to make spiritual progress, and "ascension" without even being aware of it during life....
Some References.
Ash, David, and Peter Hewitt, The Vortex; Key to Future Science. McMillans, 199O.
Bohm, David, Wholeness, and the Implicate Order, Routledge, and Kegan Paul, 198O
Capra, F. Tao of Physics, Shambhala, 2OOO edition.
Hardy, Alistair. The Spiritual Nature of Man. Oxford University Press, l979.
Karagulla, Shafica, Breakthrough to Creativity: Your Higher Sense Perception, De Vorss. n.d.
Leadbeater, C.W. Man, Visible, and Invisible, Quest Publishing. n.d.
McKinney, Neuro-Theology; Virtual Religion in the 21st Century. American Institute of Mindfulness 1994.
McTaggert, The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe, Harper Collins 2001.
Muktananda, Play of Conciousness, Siddha Yoga Meditation Publications, 1994.
Moody, Raymond, Life Afte Life, Bantam, 1976 edition.
Puri, J R, The Radhaswami Teachings, Radha Soami Satsang Beas, l979, and also his two vol Mysticism: the Spiritual Path by the same publisher.
Kheper Home Essays Home Esoteric_Science A New Integral Paradigm Topics Index New or updated Search
Multi-Dimensional Science, or MDS is an attempt to fully integrate science with mysticism, and religion. Naturally enough, it includes parapsychology, or psychical resarch which is the evolving science into claimed "supernatural" phenomena.
Before proceeding further, it must be made very clear that in NO way is MDS a religion, cult, or sect even though it may use terms associated with them. Admitedly, most of this new "science" consists of speculative metaphysical issues such as reincarnation, post mortem existence, pre-destination, other worlds, et al. Essentially, MDS hopes to largely indirectly prove, or alternatively disprove the the reality, or non-reality of such "revelations".
This article, or paper is a simple brief non-technical account of the above subject. Incidently, MDS is in the process of research, and development which may take several years to complete.
The basic thesis, and methodology of Multi-Dimensional Science (MDS).
Central to mysticism, and religion is the concept of an unseen non-physical psychic, or spiritual universe. It is undetectable by our by five limited senses, and by other means. In religion, and indeed, in western philosophy it can only be accepted on grounds of faith, or belief. In mysticism though such non-physical realms can be "proven" via direct experience by the awakening sixth sense of mind, and conciousness during some form of meditation, or spiritual technology. This whole process involves "going within" oneself, and entering the inner realms, or planes of higher conciousness.
This normally invisible non-physical universe may well be a shared objective reality rather than the figment of the imagination. Those who claim to visit it via some form of meditation, or indeed, through deliberately induced out-of-body experiences (or OOBEs) should be able to independently come up with corroborative information concerning the major sights, and energies witnessed. This is the main underlying concept of MDS. Moreover, it puts emphasis on the need to collect data on the psycho-spiritual "energies" which are said to exist. Such claimed forces manifest themselves in a variety of ways such as colourful auras, pulsating lights, and sounds along with rays coming out of beings, and objects, et al.
To see whether such reports are indeed independently correlative, or not requires in MDS five special steps. They are explained in the following:-
Step One: A search for specific willing psychics, and mystics who have regular if not daily inner experiences of various "energies". They are termed as Multi-Dimensional Observers, or MDOs for short. A large number of them may well emanate from the psychic healing field.
Step Two: The aim here is to find out what kind of experiences they have via an initial questionaire. A more elaborate, and detailed one(s) may follow.
Step Three: When the data via the questionaires has been collected it may well be found that the "energies" described are independently corroborated beyond the mathematical laws of chance. If so such information should be converted on paper, and computer into images, or pictures of the Unseen.
Step Four: Such visible depictions of the "energies" should be interpreted into mathematical models for an on-going theory, or working hypothesis concerned with the nature, and purpose of the "Great Beyond".
Step Five: If MDOs continue to give largely reliable data concerning their inner experiences then they should be involved in various studies, and experiments. They may be able to help us see how psycho-spiritual "energies" can benefit humanity. In effect, MDS could be the greatest scientific breakthrough in the world because it offers for the first time methods that can prove (albeit indirectly) the non-physical psychic, and spiritual reality of life. This could have massive untold implications for medecine, psychology, physics, biology, parapsychology, et al. In academia the inner experiences discussed here are referred to as phenomenology.
Furthermore, for the individual it would mean that their existence would become more happier, and fulfilling as never before imaginable. The reason being that a new generation of meditational methods would come into existence based on scientific research rather than just on purely faith, and belief.
Knowledge concerning the psychology of human beings would include serious objective information concerning their "energies", and how they could be best used.
Moreover, there would be a far greater scientific understanding of claimed psychics powers, and their actual modus operandi will become clearer. Though mainstream science has given humanity many great technological benefits such as computers, television, aeroplanes, better medecine, and the like it will probably be nothing compared with the advances made by MDS. It may well be that in the far future people will become like "gods" self-reliant with "full" authentic knowledge concerning spiritual, and psychic development. Such evolution would ultimately supersede modern technology, and even Multi-Dimensional Science itself.
Apart from the above another suprising, and controversial aspect of our subject is that it may well be possible to quantify non-physical energies. This would be in keeping with true science. Let us take an example of what we mean. Suppose Mr. Z has an aura which is a certain measurement from the body. Tested, and reliable MDOs should by means of a simple physical "tool" be able to gauge its length. With their inner vision opened they should independently come up with the correct measurement. In a similiar manner other properties such as weight, and velocity concerned with psycho-spiritual energies should be quantifiable with the aid of physical detectors, or by non-physical methods not discussed here.
Of course, all that we have said may be utter nonesense. But, it is not, because its own inbuilt reasoning is simply alien to our normal ways of understanding. Moreover, counter-arguments could be created against MDS even if it produces correlative results via its questionaires of the MDOs. This could notably include that brain physiology being similiar from one person to another may be the real reason why mental "illusions" appear to be independently corroborative. In the philosophy of science such counter-arguments like this would appear to be in line with the concept of falsification posited by the philosopher Karl Popper.
The success, or failure of MDS largely rests on collecting sufficient corroborative data on the inner experiences of MDOs. As yet this needs to be done. Critics will undoubtedly claim that most of the ideas presented here are totally premature but the author, and indeed, originator of this unique system is confident that the necessary correlative information will emerge from the questionaires. This admitedly suggests bias, and an unscientific approach to the subject concerned. However, when the data has been brought together the evidence, or rather "proof" will speak for itself.
Multi-Dimensional Science is a New Paradigm.
At first sight MDS may appear similiar to other scientific, or "new age" ideas. This is incorrect. It is though made up of old methods brought together for the first time into one system. This is the key point to understand.
Firstly, the notion that MDOs, and other "senstive " people can be used by researchers to give hopefully correct information concerning "higher" energies is not completely new. Von Reichenbach for example used this method, and succeeded in getting corroborative data concerning the existence of the so-called Odic Force.Secondly, simple, and complex questionaires have been used by researchers, and organisations to explore Near-Death-Experiences (or NDEs), and Religious, or Mystical Experiences. Thirdly, converting images of the Unseen into visible pictures is again nothing new.
Charles Leadbeater, a leading light in the Theosophy movement notably had changes in the human aura recorded as "accurate" colourful depictions for all to see. Fourthly, using mathematics to try to describe something of the "other world" is by no means unique.
Developing Elaborate, and Detailed Questionaires.
There are a number of existing descriptions published of the "Great Unseen" which can help us frame questionaires. New unpublished reports about it from MDOs would also prove beneficial especially in connection with the "existence" of psycho-spiritual energies.
An important aspect of all this is that one needs to be aware that some of these inner experiences may to varying degrees be indescribable in the language of this world. Sometimes, symbols may be used, and these may still have a scientific value if they crop up again elsewhere. Infact, the questionaires themselves should give researchers some idea as to what extent, and in what way inner experiences, or visions if you will would be totally indescribable, or ineffable.
To get some notion of how elaborate, and detailed a questionaire could be the following should suffice. Readers can skip it, and go to the next section of the article/paper if they desire..
Auras: How large is it around the body usually? Does it have a specific colour? Do you see thoughts leaving, and entering it? What sounds does it usually make? Do you get specific "smells" from particular types of auras? Does it change shape around the body? Are there different layers in the aura? et cetera.
Inner Sounds: Do you hear sounds during waking conciousness from people, and objects which may be non-physical? Is there a specific one in meditation? If you hear more than just one inner sound then what is it like? Maybe they are instrumental, choral, or something else? Does the sound, or sounds enter the top of the head, through the ears, or wherever else? et cetera.
Inner Lights: Do you see disembodied lights now, and again in the physical, and non-physical worlds? How do they appear? Do they have colours which change? Do they "shape-shift" into particular objects that are easily describable? Do the inner lights create specific sounds? et cetera.........
The Chakras ( or energy centres of the psychic body). Do they create specific sounds? Do their coloured lights change? Are thoughts seen to enter, and leave them? Do they change shape sometimes? Do patterns appear in the centres? Can rays be seen entering them? et cetera...........
Some Important Theoretical Points About "The Hidden Reality".
No doubt many ordinary mainstream scientists will regard the following as being "pseudo-scientific".
However, this is unimportant as the following is only meant to be a brief non-technical account easily understood by anyone in connection with the "the higher worlds" of being.
It is believed that these realms exist at a vibratory rate beyond the speed of light itself. They consist of various levels, or Spiritual Regions in ascending order around our planet, and beyond. They can be simply illustrated diagrammatically by using horizontal (or circular lines)lines. The spaces in between them represent the Spiritual Regions. Each of these Realities can be sub-divided further by thinner lines which make up the intermediate planes, or spheres of existence. In other words, ("minor") worlds within Worlds (ie. the Spiritual Regions). Their number altogether is probably infinite. Traditionally, from an occult, or esoteric viewpoint they are seven Spiritual Regions, and seven intermediate planes. Yet, the number of these different levels tends to vary in mythology, and in mystical writings.
Each Spiritual Region is said to have distinguishing key sights along with inner Sounds, and (Coloured) Lights. As one ascends the "matter" of these worlds becomes increasing self-luminious, and more subtle in nature. At the same time, conciousness is progressively expanded.
To contact such realities via meditation, or OOBEs requires ones personal awareness to become like a mental radio. It tunes into the energy levels, or frequencies of the different intermediate planes. By doing so via concentrated effort one does not only see, and hear them but one can actually enter, and interact with them.
At this point, it is important to appreciate the fact that the simple, or complex visionary experiences cannot (as yet) be fully explained in purely materialistic terms in spite of the many decades of brain research. This is also true about certain powerful drugs, and electrical stimulations (ie. Neuro-Theology) which can cause such subjective experiences to manifest. But, it does not provide a scientific answer as to how the actual mental imagery itself is created. MDS takes the view that such visual thoughts may largely be a non-physical phenomena which is intimately related to the "wiring", or neuron nerve networks of the brain.
Esoteric tradition believes that human beings consist of multiple-parts referred to as subtle energy bodies. They exist simultaneously in different worlds. They belong respectively to the vital, emotional, mental, higher mental, and soul Regions.
The MDS questionaires may well reveals variations in what groups of MDOs may well describe in the Unseen Universe. This is because they may be able to tune into different intermediate planes, or spheres of being.
Deception (deliberate, or otherwise) and self-deception may cause problems, and experiments needed to determine such situations need to be carefully thought out. There may be beings, and powers that may bring about difficulties with future MDS studies.
The Question of Truth, and "Unknowingness"?
Many religions, and their (mystical) sects have a tendency to believe that theirs is the only pathway to "God", or the "Ultimate Reality". Whether this is true, or not is essentially a matter of personal belief. However, MDS may be able to throw some light on this subject, but admitedly it would probably be unable to fully prove it.
Here, it is suggested that the Radhasoami Faith could be the key to this great mystery. It believes that during what is called surat shabd yoga the soul can by means of inner Sound, and Light enter the highest Spiritual Region in which God can be realized. The Radiant Form of the inner living Perfect Master, or Satguru may well manifest itself. This acts as the essential guide to the Spiritual Regions. Like most eastern "groups" the Sikh sect of the Radhasoamis believes in reincarnation, and via shabd yoga one can be liberated from births, and deaths.
Anyway, it is claimed that it has as it were an accurate,and complete basic "road-map" to God in the highest Spiritual Region. It is interesting to point out that virtually all religions, and sects emanate from this "other world". Yet, the Radhasoamis claim that they all have their source of origin in the lower intermediate planes of the Spiritual Regions. In other words, their founders (eg. Buddha, and Mohammed) and indeed mystical practices (eg. raja yoga, kundalini yoga of the Indian tradition), and their practioners have mistaken these realms for being the final destination of their teachings. Incidently, such realms may have a residing "god" which would be easily mistaken for the highest of the highest. In other words, their spiritual knowledge is incomplete, and inaccurate.
Of course, the way to ascertain whether such claims are true, or false would be an elaborate comparative study via questionaire of the inner experiences had by them, and by those who follow surat shabd yoga.
Unfortunately, in keeping with esoteric tradition the world over such personal information is generally never disclosed.
Strictly speaking, the methods of some meditation, and resulting experiences are for the awakening intuition and not for the mind. They are thus meant to be experienced, and not discussed. As such they are largely kept "secret" from the masses, and are only intended for real seekers after Truth. Moreover, such knowledge in the wrong hands could be misused for personal rather than spiritual gain. In spite of all this alot already exists in the public domain.
As already mentioned the Radhasoamis not only believe in an inner Perfect Master but also in an outer one in the physical world. There are number of organisations which purport to have one. Such an Adept of shabd yoga is seen as being the visible material incarnation of the Supreme Power. However, Faqir Chand the "unknowing mystic" claimed that devotees came to him about their inner, and indeed, outer "miracles" with his spiritual form. Yet, though he was supposed to be omniscient he said he knew nothing about all these things. This same "unknowingness" appears in many present day "Perfect Masters". Some have argued that if they did display "knowingness" they would be openly using psychic powers to attract a following which is contrary to the teachings of the Radhasoami Faith. Thus, they pretend to be "human" when actually they are not.
Faqir Chand though came up with a simple theory. He believed that it was the devotees faith, and belief in him as the Master which prompted the inner, and outer experiences of his spiritual form. He, himself had nothing to do with it! He suggested, or so it would seem that it was the devotees Higher Self, or ones pure personal God within which actually acted as the Master on the inner, and outer worlds of reality. In other words, belief, and faith in the outer Teacher was essential for spiritual phenomena. This ofcourse also implied that even a criminal posing as a guru could have the exact same effect. This also may be the reason why a few Radhasoami Satgurus past, and present may have experienced "moral falls", and yet, in spite of this their outer form, and teachings could still be valid as it was the devotees Higher Self which ultimately was the real cause of spiritual evolution. Incidently, devotees claim that since the Master is "God" he, or indeed she can do anything as a test of faith. Who can question the Almighty?
This is a big subject which we cannot further expand upon here.
The Association for Multi-Dimensional Science.
If the questionaires yield valuable correlative material the next possible stage would be to set up a non-profit Association for Multi-Dimensional Science.
It would have the following basic aims:-
It would continue to search out willing MDOs for possible studies, and experiments.
It would try to build an ever-expanding directory of Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Judaic, Shinto, Sufi, and other mystical sects. This in itself would require detective work as most of them do not advertize themselves. This would involve i) contacing scholars, and writer ii) the internet iii) interfaith organisations iv) charity registers v) esoteric magazines vi) existing directories....and so on.
The need for on-going research, and development into a general theory, or working hypothesis of the Unseen Universe. This would involve ideas from Theosophy, the Alice Bailey Teachings, Spiritualism, Maharishis Vedic Science, and Technology, Pearsons Survival Physics, Bohms Implicate Order,and the like.
As well as this concepts from "mainstream" science would have to be included such as Quantum Mechanics, the Multi-verse, the Fourth Dimension, Tachyons, Anti-Matter Worlds, et al.
Finally, it must be remembered that the proposed Multi-Dimensional Science probably cannot give totally provable answers as to what the ultimate nature and purpose of Truth is really all about. It is quite possible that there are no absolute truths, and that the universe is itself infinite. Science can only go so far, and at the end of the day it is arguably our own personal experience that really matters.<./p>
Finally, MDS is a huge subject, and what has been presented cannot do it true justice. There are many many aspects to it.
An Important Notice.
Readers should understand, and appreciate another factor in the research, and development of MDS which was not fully high-lighted in the above body of the text. It is this. One of the big problems with "higher worlds" is that their lower intermediate planes, or spheres can be partly, or wholly made up of subjective projections externalised into objective realities. Such mental phenomena can be active, or static, or in between so to speak. Yet, the difference between genuine shared reality, and such self-created objects, and "beings" must be carefully determined with the Questionaire process already described.
It has been pointed out that MDS is similiar but not identical with Professor Tart's ideas referred to as State-Specific Science. However, the former arguably offers by far the most advanced, and complete set of methods for "scientifically" investigating "higher worlds," and so-called altered states of conciousness, or ASCs. This is the key point.
It is also interesting to claim that though genuine "objective" inner sights in shabd yoga, and other forms of meditation may not be necessarily experienced. In other words, it is possible to make spiritual progress, and "ascension" without even being aware of it during life....
Some References.
Ash, David, and Peter Hewitt, The Vortex; Key to Future Science. McMillans, 199O.
Bohm, David, Wholeness, and the Implicate Order, Routledge, and Kegan Paul, 198O
Capra, F. Tao of Physics, Shambhala, 2OOO edition.
Hardy, Alistair. The Spiritual Nature of Man. Oxford University Press, l979.
Karagulla, Shafica, Breakthrough to Creativity: Your Higher Sense Perception, De Vorss. n.d.
Leadbeater, C.W. Man, Visible, and Invisible, Quest Publishing. n.d.
McKinney, Neuro-Theology; Virtual Religion in the 21st Century. American Institute of Mindfulness 1994.
McTaggert, The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe, Harper Collins 2001.
Muktananda, Play of Conciousness, Siddha Yoga Meditation Publications, 1994.
Moody, Raymond, Life Afte Life, Bantam, 1976 edition.
Puri, J R, The Radhaswami Teachings, Radha Soami Satsang Beas, l979, and also his two vol Mysticism: the Spiritual Path by the same publisher.
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Thursday, 9 September 2010
Esoteric Secrecy.
A cut, and paste copy of my esoteric secrecy article from the kheper website
Blogger Reference Link http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
Most mystical, or esoteric societies generally have something in common the world over. Their meditational practices, and the resulting inner experiences are regarded in the main as being confidential. Such esoteric "secrecy" has been around for centuries, and centuries. At initiation intellectual knowledge of the meditational practices are given out. It may take place in a ritual setting where it is transmitted by speech. On the other hand, instructions may be sent via the post, or even by email! Anyway, there are a number of important reasons for esoteric secrecy which we shall discuss here:-
I. Direct Mystical Experience is not the same as Intellectual Knowledge.
Direct mystical experience is totally different to intellectual knowledge. This is the key reason why meditational practices are kept "secret". With mysticism we are normally dealing with"higher realities" that are very difficult to describe accurately in the language of this world. As such symbolism may have to be used. Some of this may for example be found in the Surangama Sutra, or the classic Tibetan Book of the Dead. What we are trying to say here is that mystics do not want to confuse esoteric experience with intellectual knowledge. The former is strictly speaking for the awakening intuition, and not the mind.
Moreover, from a traditional esoteric viewpoint inner visionary "ascents" in meditation are seen as proof enough that "greater realities" exist. Indeed, it has been argued why it is we should continually theorise about such things as reincarnation, pre-destination, subtle bodies, higher, and lower beings, et al when their existence can be proven "beyond doubt" by "going within"? This kind of mentality though is not totally suitable for the Western mind.
Anyway, it is possible to get some idea intellectually about "secret" meditational practices from privately (or publicly) circulated literature of a mystical society. Usually, there is someone with experience to whom one can turn to. For example, the author did so, and discovered that the Sufi Azeemia Foundation had practices similiar to surat shabd yoga in which the soul is transported by inner Light, and Sound via meditation.
It is also important to point out that some mystical societies have little, or "no" secret knowledge. For example, the Subud Brotherhood involves simply a transmission of purifying spiritual energy, and allowing it to take over the mind, and body. Its actions though can be stopped at will. On the other hand, kriya yoga has a whole progressive series of initiations in which "secret" techniques are divulged to the disciple for his, or her spiritual advantage.
Some esoteric societies have tried to get their new disciples to sign a legally binding document in which they cannot publicly divulge the inner "secrets" of their tradition. Reiki, or the so-called Radiance Technique has tried to do just that but much detailed information has already been published about it over the years.
II. Misuse of "Higher" Knowledge.
Another reason for esoteric "secrecy" is that such "sacred" information could be used notably for the development of psychic powers. Most mystical societies believe in the need to achieve "God-Realization", or alternatively the "Ultimate Reality" as understood by Buddhists. As such psychic powers if gained to any extent via meditation can prove to be a distraction on the path, and may lead one in the wrong direction. Intellectual knowledge as to how they can come about can also be corrupted, and cause all sorts of problems.
III. Ego Inflation.
Talking about initiation secrets, or ones inner experiences can seriously inflate the ego which is contrary to spiritual evolution. As stated earlier meditational instructions are intended for personal use, and not for anything else. Yet, some esoteric societies are not that strict. Their disciples may be allowed to disclose their inner experiences but only if there is a genuine need for it.
IV. Respect.
To keep the meditational knowledge as secret as is possible shows respect for ones chosen path. This is simple esoteric etiquette.
For example, Radha Soami Satsang Beas which teaches surat shabd yoga issues at initiation a piece of paper on which certain basic knowledge is contained. Ideally, this should be burnt after it has been read, and intellectually absorbed. This shows respect as there is now no chance of it falling into the wrong hands!
Significantly, masters can, and have been known to show respect for their own tradition. Here, we give again another example of this from surat shabd yoga. Rai Saligram, or Huzur Maharaj in one of the volumes of Prem Patra briefly discusses the Spiritual Regions. He uses the symbol of a flame in which he gives the names, and correct sequence of these Realms. At the same time, he describes them as having specific "lights", or luminous coloured "skies". Yet, he makes no mention of the key sights, or of the particular order of the Sounds for each successive Spiritual Region. In other words, he shows respect to his tradition because he does not give the full "secret".
V. Esoteric Knowledge "Useless" without a Master.
Esoteric knowledge is generally taught by a master who has hopefully experienced most, if not all the possible pitfalls of his, or her path. Thus, spiritually fit to help other people he, or she is largely indespensable. Hence, intellectual data concerning meditational practices by itself is largely "useless" without such a one, and secrecy is necessary in so far as some other person may attempt to go it alone which could be "disasterous. "
Fortunately, or unfortunately, alot of information already exists on all this in the public domain. Often bits, and pieces of it are scattered about in a mystical societies "authorized" public, and private literature. With careful research it can be slowly, or quickly put together like an intellectual jigsaw puzzle. Thus, esoteric "secrecy" is to some extent a nonesense.
VI. Esoteric Knowledge is for the Few.
Trying for whatever reasons to spread meditational instructions to all, and sundry is wrong, and rediculous. Many people would think such knowledge was madness, or rubbish. Thus, the need to keep it largely to oneself.
Some Light on Instant "Spiritual" Experiences.
There are some mystical societies which claim that they can give instant "spiritual" experiences. Though such phenomena can be very encouraging for the disciple it does not mean that he, or she is any more special than anyone else in terms of spiritual growth. This is the key point to grasp. Depending on where one goes anyone can infact have an instant "spiritual" experience.
I, the author for example once attended a Sahaja Yoga meeting in which the now controversial guru Mataji Nirmala Devi was presiding. She claims that the kundalini can be activated by following her instructions, and that it is not experienced as heat, but rather as coldness, and/or wind. In one of her meditational "exercises" I suddenly became aware of a "vortex", or whirlpool of "wind" from the top of my head. Other people claimed to have had the same thing, and it is interesting to point out that psychic depictions of this energy exist.
At the time of the first initiation certain kriya yoga Teachers can make one aware of the kundalini going up, and down the spine. This instant spiritual experience can only continue if one is prepared to regularly undertake certain meditation practices which ofcourse are meant to be "secret". . for the disciple only.
However, some spiritual teachers believe that such inner phenomena are really just tricks. This may well be true in some cases but surely not all.
Sometimes due to past karmas, or actions (if we believe in reincarnation) one may across a specific mystical path, and may have an instant spiritual experience at the time of initiation, or even long before (eg. having a vision of seeing ones Master before physically meeting him or her).
Back in 1990 when I had finished interviewing Dr. Sharma (a "Satguru" of Shabd Yoga, and a successor of Faqir Chand) I became aware of being surrounded by highly subtle invisible energies of higher conciousness. The whole process of being possessed by them was so natural, and so spontaneous.
Postscript: I was once initiated "by mistake" into a Sufi sect headed by Sheikh Nazeem from Cyprus. At the Mosque I was suddenly surrounded by the "brothers" in their special robes, and hats. I was trapped I could not run away, and even if I did I felt it would be very rude of me. So, I just played along. Unfortunately, no instant spiritual experiences were involved!
Kheper Home Essays Home Topics Index New or updated Search
images not loading? error messages? broken links? suggestions? criticism?
contact webmaster
text content copyright © Robert Searle 2005, all rights reserved page uploaded 17 September 2005
Blogger Reference Link http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science
Most mystical, or esoteric societies generally have something in common the world over. Their meditational practices, and the resulting inner experiences are regarded in the main as being confidential. Such esoteric "secrecy" has been around for centuries, and centuries. At initiation intellectual knowledge of the meditational practices are given out. It may take place in a ritual setting where it is transmitted by speech. On the other hand, instructions may be sent via the post, or even by email! Anyway, there are a number of important reasons for esoteric secrecy which we shall discuss here:-
I. Direct Mystical Experience is not the same as Intellectual Knowledge.
Direct mystical experience is totally different to intellectual knowledge. This is the key reason why meditational practices are kept "secret". With mysticism we are normally dealing with"higher realities" that are very difficult to describe accurately in the language of this world. As such symbolism may have to be used. Some of this may for example be found in the Surangama Sutra, or the classic Tibetan Book of the Dead. What we are trying to say here is that mystics do not want to confuse esoteric experience with intellectual knowledge. The former is strictly speaking for the awakening intuition, and not the mind.
Moreover, from a traditional esoteric viewpoint inner visionary "ascents" in meditation are seen as proof enough that "greater realities" exist. Indeed, it has been argued why it is we should continually theorise about such things as reincarnation, pre-destination, subtle bodies, higher, and lower beings, et al when their existence can be proven "beyond doubt" by "going within"? This kind of mentality though is not totally suitable for the Western mind.
Anyway, it is possible to get some idea intellectually about "secret" meditational practices from privately (or publicly) circulated literature of a mystical society. Usually, there is someone with experience to whom one can turn to. For example, the author did so, and discovered that the Sufi Azeemia Foundation had practices similiar to surat shabd yoga in which the soul is transported by inner Light, and Sound via meditation.
It is also important to point out that some mystical societies have little, or "no" secret knowledge. For example, the Subud Brotherhood involves simply a transmission of purifying spiritual energy, and allowing it to take over the mind, and body. Its actions though can be stopped at will. On the other hand, kriya yoga has a whole progressive series of initiations in which "secret" techniques are divulged to the disciple for his, or her spiritual advantage.
Some esoteric societies have tried to get their new disciples to sign a legally binding document in which they cannot publicly divulge the inner "secrets" of their tradition. Reiki, or the so-called Radiance Technique has tried to do just that but much detailed information has already been published about it over the years.
II. Misuse of "Higher" Knowledge.
Another reason for esoteric "secrecy" is that such "sacred" information could be used notably for the development of psychic powers. Most mystical societies believe in the need to achieve "God-Realization", or alternatively the "Ultimate Reality" as understood by Buddhists. As such psychic powers if gained to any extent via meditation can prove to be a distraction on the path, and may lead one in the wrong direction. Intellectual knowledge as to how they can come about can also be corrupted, and cause all sorts of problems.
III. Ego Inflation.
Talking about initiation secrets, or ones inner experiences can seriously inflate the ego which is contrary to spiritual evolution. As stated earlier meditational instructions are intended for personal use, and not for anything else. Yet, some esoteric societies are not that strict. Their disciples may be allowed to disclose their inner experiences but only if there is a genuine need for it.
IV. Respect.
To keep the meditational knowledge as secret as is possible shows respect for ones chosen path. This is simple esoteric etiquette.
For example, Radha Soami Satsang Beas which teaches surat shabd yoga issues at initiation a piece of paper on which certain basic knowledge is contained. Ideally, this should be burnt after it has been read, and intellectually absorbed. This shows respect as there is now no chance of it falling into the wrong hands!
Significantly, masters can, and have been known to show respect for their own tradition. Here, we give again another example of this from surat shabd yoga. Rai Saligram, or Huzur Maharaj in one of the volumes of Prem Patra briefly discusses the Spiritual Regions. He uses the symbol of a flame in which he gives the names, and correct sequence of these Realms. At the same time, he describes them as having specific "lights", or luminous coloured "skies". Yet, he makes no mention of the key sights, or of the particular order of the Sounds for each successive Spiritual Region. In other words, he shows respect to his tradition because he does not give the full "secret".
V. Esoteric Knowledge "Useless" without a Master.
Esoteric knowledge is generally taught by a master who has hopefully experienced most, if not all the possible pitfalls of his, or her path. Thus, spiritually fit to help other people he, or she is largely indespensable. Hence, intellectual data concerning meditational practices by itself is largely "useless" without such a one, and secrecy is necessary in so far as some other person may attempt to go it alone which could be "disasterous. "
Fortunately, or unfortunately, alot of information already exists on all this in the public domain. Often bits, and pieces of it are scattered about in a mystical societies "authorized" public, and private literature. With careful research it can be slowly, or quickly put together like an intellectual jigsaw puzzle. Thus, esoteric "secrecy" is to some extent a nonesense.
VI. Esoteric Knowledge is for the Few.
Trying for whatever reasons to spread meditational instructions to all, and sundry is wrong, and rediculous. Many people would think such knowledge was madness, or rubbish. Thus, the need to keep it largely to oneself.
Some Light on Instant "Spiritual" Experiences.
There are some mystical societies which claim that they can give instant "spiritual" experiences. Though such phenomena can be very encouraging for the disciple it does not mean that he, or she is any more special than anyone else in terms of spiritual growth. This is the key point to grasp. Depending on where one goes anyone can infact have an instant "spiritual" experience.
I, the author for example once attended a Sahaja Yoga meeting in which the now controversial guru Mataji Nirmala Devi was presiding. She claims that the kundalini can be activated by following her instructions, and that it is not experienced as heat, but rather as coldness, and/or wind. In one of her meditational "exercises" I suddenly became aware of a "vortex", or whirlpool of "wind" from the top of my head. Other people claimed to have had the same thing, and it is interesting to point out that psychic depictions of this energy exist.
At the time of the first initiation certain kriya yoga Teachers can make one aware of the kundalini going up, and down the spine. This instant spiritual experience can only continue if one is prepared to regularly undertake certain meditation practices which ofcourse are meant to be "secret". . for the disciple only.
However, some spiritual teachers believe that such inner phenomena are really just tricks. This may well be true in some cases but surely not all.
Sometimes due to past karmas, or actions (if we believe in reincarnation) one may across a specific mystical path, and may have an instant spiritual experience at the time of initiation, or even long before (eg. having a vision of seeing ones Master before physically meeting him or her).
Back in 1990 when I had finished interviewing Dr. Sharma (a "Satguru" of Shabd Yoga, and a successor of Faqir Chand) I became aware of being surrounded by highly subtle invisible energies of higher conciousness. The whole process of being possessed by them was so natural, and so spontaneous.
Postscript: I was once initiated "by mistake" into a Sufi sect headed by Sheikh Nazeem from Cyprus. At the Mosque I was suddenly surrounded by the "brothers" in their special robes, and hats. I was trapped I could not run away, and even if I did I felt it would be very rude of me. So, I just played along. Unfortunately, no instant spiritual experiences were involved!
Kheper Home Essays Home Topics Index New or updated Search
images not loading? error messages? broken links? suggestions? criticism?
contact webmaster
text content copyright © Robert Searle 2005, all rights reserved page uploaded 17 September 2005
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