8 Limbed Path of Yoga

Yoga is a spiritual, physical and mental practice that originated in ancient India. There are several different branches of yoga, but most follow a similar path of personal development and self-realization. The traditional eight-limbed path of yoga, outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, includes the following stages:

1. Yama: ethical guidelines for living, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, and non-excess.
2. Niyama: personal disciplines, including cleanliness, contentment, self-study, and self-surrender to a higher power.
3. Asana: physical postures, designed to improve health and strength and prepare the body for meditation.
4. Pranayama: control of breath, designed to control the flow of prana (life force) in the body.
5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses, designed to still the mind and prepare for deeper meditation.
6. Dharana: concentration, the focusing of the mind on a single object or idea.
7. Dhyana: meditation, the ability to maintain concentration for extended periods of time.
8. Samadhi: union with the divine, the final stage of yoga in which the individual self is absorbed into the universal self and the distinction between the two disappears.

It's important to note that these stages are not necessarily linear and may be practiced simultaneously. Additionally, the path of yoga is different for each individual, some may reach the final stage (Samadhi) faster and others may take longer. Also, Yoga is not only a physical practice and it's essential to consider the spiritual and mental aspects as well.

Samadhi

Samadhi is a term that is often used in the context of Hinduism and Buddhism, and it refers to a state of deep meditation or concentration in which the individual is able to achieve a higher level of consciousness and experience a sense of unity with the universe. The concept of samadhi has a long history that can be traced back to ancient Indian scriptures and spiritual traditions, and it has played an important role in the development of many Eastern spiritual practices.

There are various methods that have been developed over the centuries for attaining samadhi, and these methods are often referred to as "yogas" or "paths." One of the most well-known methods for attaining samadhi is through the practice of yoga, which involves physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Another method for achieving samadhi is through the practice of mindfulness, which involves paying attention to one's thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgment.

In Hinduism, the goal of samadhi is often seen as the attainment of spiritual enlightenment, or moksha, which is the ultimate release from the cycle of birth and death. In Buddhism, samadhi is viewed as a necessary step on the path to enlightenment, or nirvana, which is the state of perfect peace and understanding.

There are many different interpretations of what samadhi actually is, and there are many different ways in which it can be experienced. Some people describe samadhi as a state of pure consciousness, in which the individual is able to transcend the ego and experience a sense of unity with the universe. Others describe it as a state of pure bliss or ecstasy, in which the individual is able to experience a deep sense of joy and contentment.

Regardless of how it is described or experienced, samadhi is seen as a highly sought-after state in many Eastern spiritual traditions, and it is often viewed as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. Many people spend years or even lifetimes attempting to achieve samadhi, and for those who are able to attain it, the experience is often described as transformative and life-changing.

Temporal lobe epilepsy

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a type of epilepsy that is characterized by seizures that originate in the temporal lobes of the brain. The temporal lobes are located on the sides of the brain and are involved in a variety of functions, including memory, language, and emotion. People with temporal lobe epilepsy may experience a wide range of symptoms during seizures, including changes in behaviour, hallucinations, and altered consciousness.

Some people with temporal lobe epilepsy may also experience religious experiences during seizures. These experiences can be very intense and may involve feelings of intense spiritual or mystical experiences, such as a sense of oneness with the universe or encounters with deities or other spiritual beings. Some people may also experience visions or hallucinations of religious imagery or have vivid memories of past religious experiences.

It is important to note that these experiences are typically the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain and are not necessarily indicative of a person's true spiritual beliefs or practices. It is also important for people with temporal lobe epilepsy to work with a healthcare provider to manage their condition and prevent seizures, as uncontrolled seizures can have serious health consequences.

Dr Sam Parnia - NDEs Research

I used to work in the same hospital as Dr. Sam Parnia when he started this research in the mid-to-late 1990's. He became a virtual household name amongst the staff, such was the level of interest in his potential findings.

Dr. Sam Parnia is a physician and researcher who has conducted extensive research on near-death experiences (NDEs). NDEs are reported by some people who have come close to death or have been pronounced clinically dead, and describe a range of experiences that can include feelings of peace, encounters with deceased loved ones, and transcendental or mystical experiences.

Dr. Parnia's research has focused on understanding the scientific basis for NDEs and determining whether they represent a real phenomenon or are simply a product of the brain's activity during a crisis. He has conducted several studies on NDEs, including the AWARE (AWAreness during REsuscitation) study, which was a large-scale, international study that aimed to investigate NDEs and other cognitive experiences that may occur during cardiac arrest.

Dr. Parnia's research has generated significant interest and has been featured in numerous media outlets. However, the scientific community remains divided on the subject of NDEs and the validity of Parnia's findings. Some researchers believe that NDEs may be the result of the brain's activity during a crisis, while others believe that they may represent some kind of transcendental or spiritual experience.

Overall, Parnia's research on NDEs has contributed to a better understanding of these experiences and has sparked debate and discussion within the scientific community about their nature and possible causes.

Robert Anton Wilson

Robert Anton Wilson was a philosopher, writer, and futurist who is best known for his work in the field of transmodernism and his influential role in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1932, Wilson was a voracious reader from a young age and had a particular interest in science fiction, occultism, and Eastern philosophy. He received a degree in psychology from Brooklyn College and later pursued a career as an advertising copywriter.

In the 1960s, Wilson became involved in the counterculture movement and began to explore alternative ways of thinking and living. He became a member of the Discordian society, a group that sought to challenge traditional modes of thought and promote chaos and disorder as a means of encouraging creativity and personal growth.

Wilson is perhaps best known for his work on the "Illuminatus! Trilogy," a series of novels co-written with Robert Shea that explores themes of conspiracy, anarchism, and the power of the individual. The novels, which were published in the 1970s, became popular among the counterculture movement and helped to introduce many people to transmodernism and the ideas of chaos magic.

In addition to his work on the "Illuminatus! Trilogy," Wilson was a prolific writer and produced a large body of work that covered a wide range of topics, including psychology, neuroscience, metaphysics, and social criticism. He was also a popular speaker and lectured on various topics at universities and conferences around the world.

Throughout his career, Wilson was known for his wit, his skepticism, and his refusal to accept conventional wisdom at face value. He encouraged people to question authority and to think for themselves, and his ideas continue to influence people today.

Robert Anton Wilson was a remarkable thinker and writer who played a significant role in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. His work continues to inspire and influence people around the world and serves as a testament to the power of individual thought and the importance of questioning authority.

John C. Lilly - Floatation Tanks

John C. Lilly was a physician, neuroscientist, and psychoanalyst who is best known for his development of the flotation tank, also known as the sensory deprivation tank. Lilly was interested in the effects of isolation and sensory deprivation on the brain and behavior, and he developed the flotation tank as a way to study these effects.

The flotation tank is a small, enclosed space that is filled with a solution of water and Epsom salt, which allows users to float effortlessly. The tank is designed to be completely dark and soundproof, and it is meant to provide a space for complete sensory deprivation.

Lilly was interested in the ways in which the brain adapts to the absence of external stimuli, and he believed that the flotation tank could provide a unique opportunity to study this process. He also believed that the tank could have therapeutic benefits, as it allows individuals to relax and meditate in a peaceful and calming environment.

Lilly's work with the flotation tank sparked controversy and was met with criticism from some in the scientific community, who saw it as unscientific and lacking in rigor. However, his work also inspired further research on the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain and behavior, and the flotation tank has become a popular tool in the field of psychology and meditation.

Today, flotation tanks are used in a variety of settings, including spas, wellness centers, and research labs. They are often used as a form of stress reduction and relaxation, and they are thought to have a number of potential benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and promoting overall well-being.

Overall, John C. Lilly's development of the flotation tank was a pioneering and influential contribution to the fields of psychology and neuroscience, and it continues to be an important tool in the study of the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain and behavior.

Timothy Leary - Design for Dying

"Design for Dying" is a book written by Timothy Leary, a controversial figure in the field of psychology known for his advocacy of the use of psychedelic drugs in the exploration of consciousness. In the book, Leary discusses his belief that death is a natural and inevitable part of life, and that it is important for individuals to think about and prepare for their own death.

Leary argues that rather than viewing death as something to be feared, we should embrace it as a natural part of the cycle of life. He suggests that by accepting death and planning for it, we can live our lives more fully and authentically. To this end, he proposes a "design for dying" that includes four key components:

1. The "death zone": This is the time leading up to death, and Leary suggests that it is important for individuals to use this time to reflect on their lives, make peace with their past, and express their love and gratitude to those around them.
2. The "death ritual": Leary suggests that individuals should plan a ritual or ceremony that reflects their personal beliefs and values to mark the transition from life to death. This could be a traditional funeral or burial, or it could be a more personal celebration of life.
3. The "death support team": Leary suggests that individuals should surround themselves with a supportive network of friends and loved ones to help them through the dying process and provide comfort and care during their final days.
4. The "death message": Leary advises individuals to consider what they would like to leave behind as a legacy or message to those they leave behind, and to plan for this in advance.

Overall, "Design for Dying" is a thought-provoking and controversial book that encourages readers to consider death as a natural and inevitable part of life, and to think about how they would like to approach their own death.