Drugless Paths to the Mystical Expeience

[Keith Davis]

This has been a very cool discussion, indeed. Somehow it has become two streams...
Qigong/taiji also includes breath work, or can, anyway. Various forms of breathing can be practiced for different reasons. Also, different hand postures, I think called mudras in Indian tradition, can be practiced. Standing and sitting meditation. Wang Fengming has a lot of interesting information in his book/DVD about these practices.
www.worldtaiji.com

Another teacher, who I regard highly, my favorite, actually, never veers away from the truth that you are already that which you are seeking, and that no practices are necessary to realize this truth. Simply take a look at it for yourself.
States come and go, but the fact of our presence never changes. The I is present before the birth of the body with it’s accompanying consciousness, and continues after the so called death of the body/consciousness.
www.sailorbobadamson.

Personally, I’ve come to think/feel that reaching a state of genuine relaxation opens up all possibilities for connecting with that sense of presence. Bob calls it “re-cognizing”.

Sometimes when I’m playing the piano, I find myself in that state where it’s just happening...

We now have a spa with a floatation tank in my town. I had some interesting experiences doing this many years ago, and look forward to trying it again. It is so relaxing...
A good massage can put you in a relaxed state.
Lying on the floor is great. Use a blanket or something not too padded. Keep your kidneys warm.Maybe elevate your head an inch or so if needed. Some easy stretches and rolling around, then just lie there and let yourself turn into a puddle. Starfish posture, my friend calls it.
I found this useful toy, recently.
https://www.optp.com/The-Occipital-Float

Best to all.

kd



Www.innergroovemusic.com

> On Jun 2, 2018, at 8:05 AM, Ian Livingston <igrlivingston at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Throwing in the Buddhist meditation on death and dying.
> 
>> On Sat, Jun 2, 2018 at 4:53 AM, Joseph Tracy <brook7 at sover.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Meant to post this to the list earlier, probably all been covered by now.
>> 
>> Cool discussion all the way around.
>> 
>> I find qigong is my most powerful and accessible practice with wonderful
>> effects on physical maintainence and health. There are those who use it as
>> a path into  profound mystical trance states; takes discipline and
>> tenacity. For me it is an instant change of mental state and energy flow
>> which works much better than yoga.
>> 
>>  There is a shamanic tradition of drumming to induce trance promoted by
>> many including The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, a group founded by
>> Michael Harner who was one of the anthropologists who first reported on
>> ayahuasca.
>> 
>> Holotropic breathwork works for many.
>> 
>> Making art can be pretty mind altering.
>> 
>> If you are looking for something on the order of Ayahuasca, my
>> understanding is that one of the few non- drug methods that is similar in
>> intensity is 8-9 days in absolute darkness. This requires either someone
>> set up to provide the experience and feed you etc. or a lot of
>> preparation.    Apparently the pineal gland eventually releases  a powerful
>> amount of DMT.
>> 
>> I think that one of the hard things about non chemical holotropic states
>> is they require a disciplined break from daily routine. Fasting, sweat
>> baths, chanting, drumming, vision quest, deep meditation, kundalini,
>> wilderness immersion - they all have the best chance when the disciple is
>> deeply and singularly focused.
>> --
>> Pynchon-L: https://waste.org/mailman/listinfo/pynchon-l
>> 
> --
> Pynchon-L: https://waste.org/mailman/listinfo/pynchon-l