Most people in the experiments
went only this far, piercing through the barriers of their conscious minds by
the artificial means of externally turning off their sense organs. They could
not penetrate through the subconscious realm, crowded with long-stored internal
sensations. A few, however, were able to go beyond and their experiences in
those warm water tanks often changed their lives.
After their conscious minds were
stilled for lack of external stimulation, they were able to calm also the
restless internal wandering of the subconscious, and touched the
super-conscious level of the mind. They experienced that state of ineffable
bliss and oneness, like that described by the saints and mystics of all ages
seeking union with their true Selves, with God. One person said that he felt as
if he were "the center of the universe."
The seekers; stilling the senses
Throughout history, there have
been individuals who have not been satisfied with the experiences of the
conscious and subconscious layers, as most people are and have searched for a
way to go beyond - Yogis, religious saints, alchemists, Sufis, primitive
medicine men and shamans, psychics and mystics. They have used a variety of
strange and often painful methods to transcend the sense level of experience,
but all these methods have one element in common; they all attempt to still the
senses and penetrate the restless, shallow layers of the mind to attain the
infinite glory within.
Monks turned their backs on the
noise and stimulation of the world and sought "sensory deprivation"
in the solitude of Himalayan mountain peaks or jungle caves. Saints and prophets of all religions
controlled their tongue by long fasting and their vocal cords by long periods
of absolute silence. They practiced celibacy, and remained immobile for many
hours, absorbed in internal prayer and meditation.
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