altered states and transcendental experiences

1. altered states and transcendental experiences

2. Overview- Nikki-basic introduction, explanation of transcendental and peak experiences, what universally defines a peak experience, and the long-term effects of peak experiences Megan-introduction to various types of drug Sean-music and transcendence Eva-transcendental dance David-binaural beats

3. Achieving Altered States… -drugs containing psychedelic substances (mescaline-active ingredient in the peyote cactus, psilocybin-active ingredient in some types of mushrooms, LSD, morning glory seeds, many more) -meditation/sustained meditation -breathing exercises -self-awareness exercises -self-actualizing techniques -deprivation (food, sleep, sensory stimulation) -infection

4. Terminology -TRANCENDENTAL EXPERIENCE, MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE, PEAK EXPERIENCE= THE SAME THING!!!! (FOR THE MOST PART)

5. What makes an experience mystical or transcendental?? There are NINE universal characteristics… 1. Unity 6. Paradoxicality 2. Transcendence 7. Alleged ineffability of time and space 8. Transciency 3. Deeply felt positive mood 9. Persisting positive 4. Sense of sacredness changes in attitude 5. Objectivity and reality and behavior

6. UNITY -The most important characteristic of the mystical experience Two types: internal unity-loss of ego or usual sense of self identity external unity-a sense of underlying oneness, you “see” that at the most basic level all things are a part of the same undifferentiated unity, all living things share the same energy

7. Transcendence of time and space -loss of usual sense of time and space TIME-loss of clock time, and may also be one’s personal sense of past, present and future SPACE-loss of usual orientation as to where you are at during the experience (loss of geographical location) -often described as experiences of “eternity” and “infinity”

8. Deeply Felt Positive Mood JJJJJJJJJJ The most universal elements are the feelings of JOY, BLESSEDNESS, and PEACE -the unique character of these feelings in relation to the mystical experience is the intensity that elevates them to the highest levels of human experience, tears may be associated with any of these elements because of the overpowering nature of the experience

9. Sense of Sacredness Sacred-that which a person feels to be of special value and “capable of being profaned” -a non-rational, intuitive response of awe and wonder in the presence of inspiring realities -no religious beliefs or traditional theological terminology need be involved, even thought there may be a sense of reverence or a feeling that what is experienced is holy or divine

10. Objectivity and Reality -intuitive illumination of “ultimate” reality, (not the usual, everyday consciousness, not the “ordinary” reality) -certainty that this “ultimate” reality is truly real (it is not a subjective illusion)

11. Paradoxicality -mystical experiences tend to be logically contradictory, i.e. The “I” both exists and does not exist, the separateness from, and at the same time unity with objects in the experience of external unity (a paradoxical transcendence of space)

12. Alleged Ineffability -Words fail to adequately describe an experience that is beyond words (the Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao)

13. Transciency -The experience is of a temporary nature, as compared to usual experience

14. Persisting Positive Changes in Attitudes and Behavior These changes are divided into Fourgroups: 1. Stronger sense of personality, undesirable traits may be reduced or eliminated, one’s sense of inner authority may be strengthened, vigor and quality of life may be increased, an inner optimistic tone may result, resulting in increased feelings of happiness, joy, and peace

15. Continued… 2. Changes in attitude and behavior towards others including more sensitivity, more tolerance, more real love, and more authenticity as a person by virtue of being more open and more one’s true self with others

16. Continued… 3. Changes toward life in a positive direction including philosophy of life, sense of values, sense of appreciation of life and the whole of creation. Life may seem richer. The sense of reverence may be increased, and more time may be spent in devotional life and meditation

17. Continued… 4. Positive change in attitude toward the mystical experience itself means that it is regarded as valuable and that what has been learned is thought to be useful. The experience is remembered as a high point, the mystical experiences of others are more readily appreciated and understood.