July 24th, 2010
For a less technological version of entrainment, several different musical products are available which allow you the choice of brainwave state. The Brainwave Suite is one example of this music based system. This four CD volume allows the choice of alpha, theta, delta, or an alpha/theta mix. Another choice of this type is the “Five Directions” CD set. Any of these types of music requires headphones, as the binaural technology cannot be processed by the brain when the sounds are played by speakers.
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June 23rd, 2010
A somewhat more high tech means of reaching meditative states comes from biofeedback technologies. Although many devices exist, one of the most entertaining and engrossing I’ve found is the series which begins with The Journey to the Wild Divine.
The Wild Divine series is a group of rather sophisticated computer programs which provide a rather amazing and detailed means of monitoring internal physiological states during meditation. Provided with each of the programs is a biofeedback hand monitor which communicates with your computer via a USB cable. Events on the screen change as the physiological rates change in your body. The first two programs have a nearly video game appearance, and require that you find various locations in order to access the particular meditative exercises. The graphics which follow successful completion of each exercise are stunning.
My favorite of the three, though, is the last, which provides a direct series of tutorials on different meditative methods and different types of breathing exercises. Also included in this software is a heart rate variability monitor which allows for direct video biofeedback for this important physiological measure which many researchers claim correlates with heart health. This program is called Healing Rhythms. Another benefit set of this programs are the video instruction modules which include the likes of Andrew Weil and Deepak Chopra. The ability to objectively observe the level of relaxation using the software makes all three of the programs excellent training tools, even for those who find meditation otherwise “boring.” These are all available for both Mac and PC platforms. Note I have no connection with the company or their website.
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May 3rd, 2010
Over the course of time, sometimes months to years, meditative practice allows the diligent student the ability to remain consciously aware at different rates of brainwave activity than that of waking state [beta]. It has also been observed that various types of drumming, from tribal to raves, provide a rapid access to trance states based upon the rhythm combined with overpowering volume of sound. In some manner these sounds alter brainwave state through a process usually referred to as entrainment. Once a particular brainwave state is achieved in this manner, it becomes easier to access the state without necessarily having to use the technology again.
For the individual wishing to experience a more solitary experience of binaural beats than tribal drumming, there are several options, ranging from CDs to light-sound machines. Robert Monroe studied the ability of sounds provided at slightly different pitches to cause an entrainment of brainwaves which related to the difference between the sound frequencies in each ear.
As one example of this technology, LoopLogic515 created by Christopher Olive and Michael Landgraf is a simple CD which has high quality sound to provide binaural beat technology. This is likely one of the least expensive means to use binaural beats in meditative experience. A stereo headset is required for the CD to work properly, and noise canceling helps remove external distractions. Also important for this particular item is the ability for your CD player to repeat a single track nearly indefinitely. Each track provides binaural entrainment to the brainwave frequency equal to the number of the track, but since each track is only two minutes in duration, it is necessary to repeat the track in order to have time for an adequate meditation session. The CD is definitely not designed to play from beginning to end, rather you select the brainwave rate and use that throughout a single session. Entrainment rates range from 1hz to 37hz on this CD.
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March 8th, 2010
There has been more response to the Candle Flame entry than any other, so perhaps a bit more examination would be appropriate.
Another aspect to notice is that after studying the flame for several minutes, intently, and with minimal blinking, it will appear either in the mind’s eye or vividly against a white wall [look away from the candle in this last instant] in reversed colors. A yellow candle flame will appear blue-ish or purple-ish. You can test this with various other objects, as was done both in the Indian Tattwa meditations, and in the Golden Dawn practices. If you focus attention, as an example, on a red triangle, the afterimage on a white wall or in the mind, will be green.
The Golden Dawn and other groups made intense meditation diagrams using these complementary colors together. They referred to them as “flashing colors.” You can experience the intensity, for example, by drawing or printing a bright red triangle upon a bright deep green background. In using this object for visual meditative practice, the red triangle will jump out at you during the eyes open contemplation due to the maximal contrast between foreground and background. You can create any object at this intensity by using the exact complementary color as a background or foreground to the color of the object. This effect can be so jarring than many artists painting in a more subtle style will avoid the exact complementary color as being too bold.
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January 24th, 2010
J. DANIEL GUNTHER is a life-long student of esotericism, mythology, psychology and religion. For over thirty years he has been a member of A.’.A.’., the teaching Order established by Aleister Crowley. He is considered one of the foremost authorities on the doctrines of Thelema and the syncretic method of Magick and Mysticism taught by A.’.A.’. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Initiation in the Aeon of the Child, published by Ibis Press. Along with James Wasserman, he is the co-editor of the forthcoming book, Pythagoras, His Life and Teachings, which will be released in the Spring of 2010, also published by Ibis Press. He is on the editorial board of The Equinox, published by Weiser, and has served as consultant and advisor for numerous other publications in the field of occultism.
In the process of Initiation in the Aeon of the Child, it is the “Point of View” that is critical to the success of the aspirant. What is the “Right Perspective?”
What is the True Message of the Averse Mysteries of Horus, Child of the New Aeon?
J. Daniel Gunther examines this question with some of the most important Archetypes of Aversion that have sprang from the Collective Unconscious and the message they communicate to us concerning the Spiritual Life and our Point of View.
How does the System of Initiation in the Aeon of the Child promise such rewards for its aspirants in this incarnation? Why must you learn to walk upon your hands?
Join us March 27th, 2010 to hear J. Daniel Gunther answer these and other questions central to the Mysteries of the Inward Journey. He will complete his Lecture by a dramatic recitation from Liber VII.
“ This book is both enlightened and enlightening and a welcome addition to the post-Crowleyan literature. It is clearly deserving of a
place in a curricula of A.’.A.’., and O.T.O. and it deserves to be welcomed and studied carefully by Thelemites of all persuasions. ” – Hymeneaus Beta, Frater Superior, Ordo Templi Orientis
“ In my opinion, this is the most important original work to be published since the death of Aleister Crowley. ” -James Wasserman
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December 22nd, 2009
This is a practice designed both as a meditative practice and as a means of further developing the faculty of concentration.
Place a lit candle at approximately eye level and darken the room appropriately. Find a comfortable position and focus complete concentration on the candle flame.
If you keep your eyes open, you mind observe a sensation of merging with the flame. If you close your eyes, focus upon the after-image in your mind and try to maintain that image as a visualization exercise.
After some practice with these basic exercises, you may wish to extend the visualization with eyes closed of the flame of light growing and encompassing your body. This can be imagined as purifying and as protective.
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October 31st, 2009
There are several generally recognized brainwave patterns within the brain which can be measured with EEG technologies. Each of these brainwaves seems to correlate with different experiential realities. Most people sleep through all of the brainwave patterns other than active Beta brainwaves, and thus rarely experience some of the expanded awareness available.
The Beta brainwave state is that involved with thinking, cognitive activity, work, driving and other goal focused activity. It is necessary and useful to technological progress, and general daily functioning.
Alpha brainwaves begin in the eyes-closed state, and become more coherent across the brain hemispheres in meditative practice. The Alpha state typically increases a sense of relaxation, and in the sleep-deprived western world, many will fall into sleep states rapidly.
Theta brainwaves are typically experienced in sleep, but as the meditator extends practice over time, theta level brainwaves can be experienced. When consciously aware during Theta state, the individual may experience ecstatic states, dream like visions, and some even out of body experiences.
Delta brainwaves are expressed in phases 3 and 4 of deep sleep, usually far outside of awareness. When the advanced meditator learns to remain conscious at this brainwave state, the experience is often of a pure empty void.
Part of the descriptions of spiritual progress described across cultures appears to correlate with the act of remaining conscious at slower brainwave frequencies. To a large degree this is what is found when studying long term meditators using concentrative methods, such as mantras.
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September 26th, 2009
To move away from breath based exercises for awhile: here is a meditation loosely based upon a meditation from the yogic traditions that has the potential of leading to rather profound results.
Take a few moments to relax and allow your breathing to become calm and regular, but don’t really focus upon it.
After you’ve allowed some space from the immediate concerns of life, focus upon your foot with as much mental clarity as possible, but certainly don’t allow frustration to develop over lack of absolute clarity. Once the idea of your foot occupies your mind, mentally say to yourself: “This foot is not me. If I was without this foot I would still be me. What then am I?” During the final part of this mental statement, imagine that your foot disappears. Repeat this sequence with each area of the body: the other foot, the calves, the thighs, etc., up to and including the head, face and brain.
What is “I” in absence of the brain. . . . . ?
What insights arise from this exercise after a few weeks of daily practice?
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July 27th, 2009
With this breathing pattern, you choose a particular count for each of the four phases of the breath. The number for your count must obviously be lower than the highest numbers in the threefold breath, as the period of time in complete exhale is usually not comfortable for as long as time spent in full inhale. This breathing pattern is quite relaxing and centering, in my experience.
Start with a reasonable count such as four or six: inhale to that count, hold the full inhale for that count, exhale to that count, hold the full exhale to that count. Slowly increase the number of the count as is comfortable for you. This is not a marathon, it should be relaxing and peaceful.
After daily practice for a few weeks, how does this compare to the other breathing patterns in terms of subjective experience during and after the practice?
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June 27th, 2009
The threefold breath adds a phase in that the peak of inhalation is held for a bit. Typically the pattern is to hold your breath four times longer than the inhalation, and to exhale for a time period double that of the inhalation. As an example, breath in to the count of 4, hold the breath for a count of 16, and exhale to the count of 8. If this is too difficult, then reduce the count of the inhalation, and then keep the ratios the same. Other examples could be 3:12:6, or later in the practice 5:20:10. Take it easy during practice: try to get full inhalation and full exhalation, but don’t strain, and don’t exhaust your muscles. It may take time to build this practice comfortably, and will certainly take weeks of practice to see results. You will likely feel warmer while doing this practice. Observe your experience during each phase, and monitor your impressions. Using a metronome may help the cycle be more regular.
More advanced versions of this practice include inhale through left nostril, exhale right, inhale right, exhale left as a single cycle. Start simply, though, and add these additional pieces slowly.
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