05-21-2012, 09:07 PM
The information regarding the neural ganglia is significant and the first I'd heard of this, and your presentation of this fact explains much.
I do not see either where you would draw the implication that natural entheogens was espoused as being intrinsically better or worse than any other method. Each and every methodology and process that may lead one to betterment of spiritual standing and advancement of consciousness is considered beneficial and desirable to utilize. Retaining a straight spine, incense, subjecting oneself to tones, focusing upon a lighted source, these are methods which will lead to the desired effect of facilitating a deeper meditative state and perhaps pave the way for higher experience somewhere down the line of one's individual spiritual practice. However, there is little comparison to be made between the states of consciousness induced by natural sacraments and what results from focused perceptual awareness and mindfulness. Perhaps a conjunction of the two would be a better final analysis that one may reach.
I am slightly confused on your emphasis on physical temporal sensation and categorization of certain facets as causing an 'artificial induction' of experience. One is merely a sentient content of consciousness interacting with the various forms which consciousness has taken. Whatever manifests as real to the perceiver is thus reality, and it is only through outside subjective perception and speculation that the conclusion of artificiality of experience or method is considered. To one, the practice and beliefs of the shaman may be viewed as calculated insanity or derangement following hogwash hallucinations. To the shaman himself, it is communion with guiding forces or spiritual cleansing. To another, none of what the shaman experiences is real because that individual doing the judging and speculation has little to no frame of reference or similar experience with which to use to comprehend the shaman's understandings and declarations.
Indeed, at the end of the day the individual is tasked with reflection and extracting from all which he has undergone on that day the valuable lessons, if any, which may be applicable to his own existence and may direct the design of his evolution. I would add however that it is impossible to escape from reality when one dwells within reality and is the ground of which all phenomenon in one's perceived reality occurs upon. How then, may one escape from themselves?
I do not see either where you would draw the implication that natural entheogens was espoused as being intrinsically better or worse than any other method. Each and every methodology and process that may lead one to betterment of spiritual standing and advancement of consciousness is considered beneficial and desirable to utilize. Retaining a straight spine, incense, subjecting oneself to tones, focusing upon a lighted source, these are methods which will lead to the desired effect of facilitating a deeper meditative state and perhaps pave the way for higher experience somewhere down the line of one's individual spiritual practice. However, there is little comparison to be made between the states of consciousness induced by natural sacraments and what results from focused perceptual awareness and mindfulness. Perhaps a conjunction of the two would be a better final analysis that one may reach.
I am slightly confused on your emphasis on physical temporal sensation and categorization of certain facets as causing an 'artificial induction' of experience. One is merely a sentient content of consciousness interacting with the various forms which consciousness has taken. Whatever manifests as real to the perceiver is thus reality, and it is only through outside subjective perception and speculation that the conclusion of artificiality of experience or method is considered. To one, the practice and beliefs of the shaman may be viewed as calculated insanity or derangement following hogwash hallucinations. To the shaman himself, it is communion with guiding forces or spiritual cleansing. To another, none of what the shaman experiences is real because that individual doing the judging and speculation has little to no frame of reference or similar experience with which to use to comprehend the shaman's understandings and declarations.
Indeed, at the end of the day the individual is tasked with reflection and extracting from all which he has undergone on that day the valuable lessons, if any, which may be applicable to his own existence and may direct the design of his evolution. I would add however that it is impossible to escape from reality when one dwells within reality and is the ground of which all phenomenon in one's perceived reality occurs upon. How then, may one escape from themselves?
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