The Meditation Blog

Liber XVI

Gregory Brown — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:03:56 +0000

Liber XVI is a meditation described by Aleister Crowley. The details and the entire sequence for the meditation are beyond the purpose of this blog entry, however, examining the first line of the meditation is a useful practice.

To paraphrase, one is to look within one’s mind as carefully as possible and find the spot in the brain where subjective experience suggests that your thought arises. If you can’t find that spot, then find the spot where you judge your thoughts.

I am fully aware that there is not an identifiable location in the brain where one can measure thoughts as they arise. This is of no matter.

Practice this a bit, and consider what this subjective sense means to you or suggests regarding the reality of thoughts.

Where to they come from?

This is somewhat akin to the yoga aphorism: “I have thoughts, but they are not me. I have emotions but they are not me.” Perhaps an aphorism that would bring some sanity to the world of division.

Nevertheless: does it mean anything that you can identify where “thoughts come from?” And if so, where were they before you experienced them?

David Paradise Light Sound Machines

Gregory Brown — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:11:02 +0000

Mind Alive, Inc., makes the David Paradise L/S machines, some of which also include cranio-electro stimulation as an option. CES may magnify the results of the light/sound entrainment patterns. The website provides links to data regarding the use of these devices for enhancing performance, and improvement of various symptoms. http://www.mindalive.com/index.htm The device itself is small, and has multiple built in programs which can either slow the brain waves for relaxation or aiding in meditation, or can speed the brainwaves to improve alertness. The electrical supply can either be set to recharge the unit for periodic battery use, or to be simply plugged in long term. The numerical pad on the control panel has keys which double for functions, although later models appear to have a different control interface. In addition to the built in functions, control of each aspect of the light goggles and sound can be manually controlled. The device ships with Tru-Vu goggles which provide an even illumination with separate activation of left and right visual fields to increase the entrainment. I particularly like the sound input mode of this device which allows a CD player or iPod to provide music which is then integrated into the light/sound program. I have found this particular device to be well made, durable, and reliable.

Presentation and Thoughts 2

Gregory Brown — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:11:49 +0000

If you have an interest in following the ideas in the Presentation and Thoughts entry from November, 2011, please follow at www.consciousnessblog.net

Light and Sound Machines

Gregory Brown — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:01:29 +0000

On of the rather powerful technologies that I have found for entraining particular brainwave states is the light-sound machine. These use not only the binaural sound beats in stereo headphone, but also flashing goggles that stimulate the visual fields. Due to the flashing lights it is important that individuals with seizures should probably not use these devices, or if they do, they must choose the color of the light goggles carefully: refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Please discuss the use with this technology with your own neurologist if you fit in this category. These devices range from the quite simple to the technologically sophisticated. Some, such as the newer David Paradise units also include cranial electro stimulation if preferred. Some of both the Sonic Pro and the David devices allow for audio input from your favorite music to be included in the sound portion of the experience. The newest versions of the devices actually allow the sounds from music to alter the light frequency for stunning visual effects.

These devices have multiple built in programs for specific brainwave pattern entrainment, and allow for the download of additional programs from the manufacturer. Some even have a computer interface program that allows for you, the user, to create your own programs. Note: for those of us Apple users, none of the companies have direct Mac compatible software or even downloads, although some of them allow Windows emulation software to allow for this function.

The research sited from the David Paradise site indicates that much like other binaural technologies, although the device helps you reach a particular brain state, it doesn’t mean that you are forever dependent on the device to reach the state in the future. The ability to reach the state reliably apparently allows more rapid access to the state during meditation without the device at later dates.

A somewhat dated book, by Michael Hutchinson, which reviews the technology in some depth is MegaBrain. This is well worth a read, as there is no single source that gives background material in more detail.

Presentation and Thoughts

Gregory Brown — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:42:54 +0000

I had the honor of speaking at the International Alchemy Conference in Long Beach in September of this year. The topic was on the Union of Opposites. Carl Jung, M.D., noted that this process of uniting opposites was the means to expand consciousness. He further noted, that it was rarely performed because of the general effort involved. His process related to identifying unconscious aspects of the personality and allowing them to actively interact with conscious awareness in his method of Active Imagination. The ego rarely enjoys being unseated, though, and unless these opposites are given energy and allowed time and interaction, typically the unconscious attempt at representing wholeness will be lost to the ego’s attempt to regain control. Of course, this merely leads to further and more intense attempts by the unconscious to be heard, demonstrated in life by the repetitive patterns and mistakes we all find ourselves within.

Jung further noted that the opposites can never unite on the same plane or the same level in which they interact. This creation of a new “third” or the synthesis from the thesis and anti-thesis forms the mark of rapid psychospiritual growth. Some of the more common phases of this path will be explored in upcoming posts.

Energy Psychology

Gregory Brown — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:00:57 +0000

A relatively new entry into techniques for rapid mind change is encompassed under the overall category of Energy Psychology. This family of techniques generally combines accupressure tapping with one form of affirmation or another. Scientific data are beginning to emerge, and many theoretical anatomical considerations have been described in detail by Dr. Fred Gallo. What makes this a technology for mind change is the rapid effect which is discussed by the originators of the technique. The sequence is rapidly accomplished by individuals, and may or may not require the support of a professional. Two primary sites to review and consider:

http://www.emofree.com

This is Gary Craig’s site who founded the version called Emotional Freedom Technique.

http://www.masteringeft.com

This is the site of Patricia Carrington, Ph.D., which utilizes her version called the Choice Technique.

Binaural OOB Training

Gregory Brown — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:22:22 +0000

William Buhlman is one of the most clear authors who writes about the Out of Body experience [at least that I’ve found], and his direct informative style was the flavor of the weekend seminar as well. As an experiential workshop, the two and a half days included about 10 different meditative practices designed to increase the likelihood of experiencing a willed OOB. Several of the techniques are described in his book, “Adventures Beyond the Body,” and some are included in CDs designed by William which use the binaural technology to help the brain entrain to the 4hz range. More information is available at his website: http://www.astralinfo.org/

2011 International Alchemy Conference

Gregory Brown — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:01:14 +0000

Tibetan Chimes

Gregory Brown — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:06:13 +0000

It seems that the effectiveness of creating some form of binaural beat technology was discovered on a practical level long before modern technology. The traditional Tibetan “Tingsha” cymbals or bells were slightly off pitch of one other to create form of sound wave prominent only when both bells sounded. These are commonly used in various meditation retreats in the US to announce the beginning of a meditative practice or to create a sacred space with sound. As with many of these technologies, test the bells first to make sure they provide a relaxing and positive experience for you as an individual. They are a highly portable means of producing a clear sound that many find conducive to meditative practice.

Music Meditation Experiences

Gregory Brown — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:36:56 +0000

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.