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Altered States

Travelling between the world, underworld-material world- spirit world, shamans, universal human unconscious, hypnosis, humanity, sanskara, shiva brahman vishnu, ralph waldo emerson, Transcendentalism ...

There is no great and no small

To the Soul that maketh all:

And where it cometh, all things are;

And it cometh everywhere.

I am owner of the sphere,

Of the seven stars and the solar year,

Of Caesar's hand, and Plato's brain,

Of Lord Christ's heart, and Shakspeare's strain. RWE

The idea of a between-life state also features in other religious beliefs and practices. Tibetan Buddhists believe that when we die we must go through what they call the Bardo state. This is seen as a journey taken by the consciousness at the time of physical death. At that moment it is said that a clear light will appear and if you recognize this light, you will become enlightened. Unfortunately, not many of us do so. However, there are other chances with another five coloured lights that follow. The rule of thumb is to go to the brightest one you see, as the paler, softer lights can lead you in a backwards direction. Your consciousness will move through seven stages of the Bardo during a period of 49 days. During this time, your consciousness will come face to face with many demons, which are projections of your own mind. You must try to accept them rather than run away in fear, in order to reach the brightest light that you can. Whatever state you have reached at the end of 49 days will determine your conscious state at the beginning of your new life.

Walking Stones

Christianity Buddhism and Hinduism

I spoke to a Christian street preacher this morning after listening to him talk for about 30/40 minutes. He came over and mentioned that I had been listening intently for a long time, really I had been watching all the people in the street and how they reacted to him. The only people who took leaflets were old or pregnant. I was quite aware that he seemed to be trying to scare people about being sinners and hell. I dont think he was a bad person, he genuinely believed what he was saying but I just couldnt get my head round to his way of thinking.

I went to the Buddhist Centre just to see what it was like really. Not as friendly as I had expected. An old woman showed me round but when I asked her about Buddhism she couldnt really answer my questions. I filled out a little form requesting to meet the manager of the centre which was all very formal. I think ill try to find some more homely Buddhists.

I spoke to a Hindu priest briefly on the phone but I had pretty much no idea what he was saying so I just tried my best to get off the phone. I think I will try to go and see him anyway, I might need someone to come with me though... could be an akward situation.