NeuroScience and Contemplative Traditions

Wow. Huge thanks to Vaj for truning me on these links. Just click and watch when you have time. 

Actually, strike that. Make the time. 

Really great stuff. 

Video of Conference Presentations Now Available
Conference videos are available via Google Video. Videos are available for those presenters who have released them for public viewing. Videos for those presentations appearing on the conference schedule, but not listed here, are not available. Follow these links to view videos:

Sunday Afternoon - The Neuroscience of Buddhist Contemplative Practices
Andrew Dreitcer, opening remarks
B. Alan Wallace, presenting
Daniel J. Siegel, responding

Sunday Evening - The Neuroscience of Jewish Contemplative Practices
Rabbi Henoch Dov Hoffman, presenting
Rick Hanson, responding

Monday Morning - The Neuroscience of Christian Centering Prayer
Rick Hanson, "Forming Your Spirit"

Monday Panels - Scientific, Philosophic, Contemplative and Theological Perspectives in Conversation
Group 1
Brent Field
Martinez Hewlett
Greg Peterson

Group 2
William Waldron
Petr Janata
Steve Padilla
Daniel Siegel
Larry Ward

Group 3
Roland Faber
David Roy

Group 4
Thandeka
Ed Bastian

Monday Evening - Developing a Contemplative Mind
Monica A. Coleman, "On Baking and Biking"
Daniel Siegel, responding

POSTED BY ANNE WALKER AT 11:22 AM 0 COMMENTS 

Download Conference Papers

Welcome letter by Andrew Dreitcer (20Kb)
Opening Address by Andrew Dreitcer (24Kb)
"Space, Time and Deity: Considerations on Theological Presuppositions of Inquiry" by Roland Faber (26Kb)
"Forming Your Spirit: Practical Ways to Use Brain Science to Cultivate Wholesome States of Mind" by Rick Hanson (78Kb)
"The Neuroscience of Jewish Contemplative Practices" by Rick Hanson (26Kb)
"How might music-related spiritual experiences manifest themselves in the brain?" by Petr Janata (10Mb)
"A Perspective on Neuroscience and Contemplation" by Ben Johnson (24Kb)
"Four Process Observations on Neuroscience & Spiritual Practices" by David E. Roy (68Kb)
"Science and Religion: Mortal Enemies or Synergistic Allies?" by David E. Roy (30Kb)
"A Buddhist Philosophical Critique of Naturalizing Mind" by William S. Waldron (137Kb)
"Climbing Taos Mountain" by Martinez Hewlett (40Kb)

An addendum to Mystic vs Esoteric

A good way to think of the difference between the two is that the esoteric paths are paths of effort. The mystical paths emphasise letting go of effort. In most cases even the simple effort of single pointed meditation needs to be released to allow true contemplation.

As an aside, I first encountered this process described in these terms meditation and contemplation, from Namkhai Norbu explaining the difference between threkChod and shine in Dzogchen. I later encountered the same exact description when reading Theresa of Avila. I found on Sunday when hanging out with JR that Norbu borrowed the terms from Theresa.

Esoteric vs Mystic

Esotericism vs Mysticism

So today I wanted to write a bit about the Esoteric vs the Mystic. Since both of these terms have different meanings for different people at different times, I need to narrow these terms a bit. For instance, when speaking of religion in general we can thing of most of them as having an exoteric (outer) and esoteric (side). Islam for instance (exo) has within it Sufism (eso); Judaism (exo) has Merkava and Khabbalah (eso); Buddhism has Sutra (exo) and Tantra (eso); Christianity (exo) has to many esoteric branches within it to even count. In this case the division is between an outer religion for the masses, and an inner practice for few. In most cases the outer religion rests much more on the development of faith (pistis), and the inner religion depends more upon direct experience (gnosis).

Once we focus exclusively on the interior practices of direct experience, the term Esoteric takes on another facet which distinguishes it not from Exoteric, but from Mystic. In this case Mystic paths tend to be concerned with union or ultimate realization directly and as fast as possible. Esoteric paths on the other hand, while having the same ultimate goal, tend to be much more concerned with mapping the territory and levels between the material and divine, doing things in graduated stages, and traveling the various by-ways and off-shoots that one may encounter on the way.

For instance, when one thinks of classical Gnosticism, Khabbalah, Hermetics, Tantra, Alchemy etc, we think of it is esoteric. However, when you think of Zen, Dzogchen, Sufism, Quakersism, and Hesychasm we think of them as mystics. In Christianity the esotericists have been marginalized completely, while mystics like John of the Cross, Jacob Boheme, Meister Ekhart, and even Thomas Merton have, while still on the fringe, been somewhat acceptable.

The Esoteric paths tend to rely upon complex external maps and processes for generating experience. Most emphasize passing through various spheres or encountering specific beings in a specific order. Various levels of the subtle body are explored and strengthened. Esoteric paths cultivate certain virtues and qualities in the mind and body one at a time, each one counterbalancing the other and leading one closer and closer towards divinity or enlightenment.

Mystic paths tend to cast aside the complex maps of the esoteric paths and focus instead upon simplicity, openness, relaxation, and direct perception without need of modification. Love is emphasized strongly by mystics of the Sufi and Christian traditions as a path in and of itself. Instead of traveling specific levels, the mystics see enlightenment as something that can be attained in an instant. Whereas Esoteric paths tend to utilize lots of rituals in their work, Mystics emphasize silence and meditation. Where the esoteric paths emphasize a path to travel, the mystics tend to emphasize realizing that you are already there and always were.

Most practical magick is an off-shoot of the various esoteric paths, yet ironically I consider myself more of a mystic than an esotericist when it comes to my own spiritual path. From the first mystical experience I had when I was five, to all the most important experiences I have had since, they have almost all been brought on by mystic methods rather than esoteric work. That’s not to say that I haven’t had a good many experiences brought on by esoteric ritual, but I largely consider these secondary, none have shaken me to the core. For instance, every month the Sodality I belong to works a path on the tree of life, but I consider that more about going over territory that I have already traveled in greater detail. It’s like taking a plane to California, than going back and walking it to enjoy the trip. If you have already been to the destination, there is no hurry.

If you attain Gnosis through mystical means, than you can use the various aspects of the esoteric paths as tools to accomplish this or that. Namkhai Norbu is very big on this. He teaches Tantra from a Dzogchen perspective, insisting that if one realizes rigpa, one need not bother with many of the Tantric processes in order to use some of the Tantric Sorcery. Instead you can use the Tantric Sorcery to support your Gnosis when needed. That’s why you will find lots of really short, pithy sadhanas filled with action mantras at a Norbu retreat, whereas you tend to find long (sometimes painfully long) sadhanas at most Tantric teachings, and than have to pull teeth to get someone to talk about the magtickal actions (dbang g).

Of course there are many examples of how these two are mixed. Abramelin for instance uses primarily mystical methods for attaining the K&C of the HGA and than applies that to further Esoteric work like binding the demons and so on. I don’t think that one is better than the other. In all cases I think that there are thousands of different ways to suit thousands of different dispositions. What teaching is “higher” than another depends solely upon what teaching would be best for you. Milarepa for instance encountered a Dzogchen teacher before he went to Marpa. Because it was too subtle of a teaching, he didn’t grasp it, and thus it was not a higher teaching for him. This is true even for completely outer paths. If your “outer life” has a higher volume than your “inner life” than outer religion is higher for you than any esoteric or mystical persuit. If however your inner life is more “real” to you than the “outer life”, you need eventually to decide if you are mainly a mystic or an esoteric.

Act of Consecration of Man

Does anyone have a ritual script for the Christian Communities "The Act of Consecration of Man"?

Fideli d' Amore

Hows this for an obscure dream reference? I dreampt last night that I was being initiated into the Fideli d' Amore, the mystical order that Dante belonged to. Though of course I knew about it I havent read about it recently to my knowlege. 

The initiation took place undreground in a catacomb of white archways (which is the first thing that I see when I do my yearly Sirus working, so thats probably where that comes from). Under each of the arches were suspended large calligraphy paintings from Ibn Arabi, which is not totally off according to what I know about the order. I was being taught how to view my wife and children as Sophia to reveal myself as Christ. 

I awoke quite peaceful and had the opportunity to meditate for about an hour and a half this afternoon on the beach, which helped maintain that peace all day long. 

Financial Hand Testimonial

I have been getting some feedback in from the Financial Hands already. 

This one arrived today and is posted here with permission:

"Hello, Jason:
 
There must be something to your Magic Hand; because in this time of layoffs - the company I work for being no exception in any small measure - I received a $1500 bonus check today. I feel a little guilty while folks are being laid off around me, but I appreciate the gift nonetheless, and realize the MH's potency.  The magic worked two-folds for me.  One, I recieved extra monies from the most unlikeliest source. And two, I get to keep my job for the time being.
 
So thanks, Jason.
 
I look forward to your book, your 52 week thing you're working on....and I won't fail to mention your Magic Hand and website to others.
 
Much appreciations...."

The Future of Christian Mysticism

I actually got the attention of my publisher by ripping Carl McColeman a new asshole for his article on beliefnet about Spellbooks hurting Wicca. 

Since Carl converted to Christianity however, I have been one of his biggest fans. 

He wrote a great article here: on The Future of Christian Mysticism. 

Follow his site if its your cup of tea.