Special features of the landscape of awakening
Nigel Hamilton, Aaron Balick, Alexandra Chalfont, Steve Johnson, Martin Pollecoff, Heward Wilkinson
May 8, 2018 DOI: 10.4324/9780429472176-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Waking Dream Process |
| Key points | Argues that mystical experiences of colour and light, explored consciously through the Waking Dream Process, transform consciousness and act as a gateway to subtler states, with lucid dreaming serving as a catalyst for the exploration and transformation of the human psyche. Darkness is proposed to act as a veil protecting against premature exposure to hidden psychic forces. |
Abstract
In David&s;s initiation dream, he has a glimpse into the awakening ahead and finds that: "lights and colours of every hue are all manifest in this vast heavenly space". Darkness is acting as a veil protecting us from premature exposure to the hidden, psychic forces of our inner world. Mystical experiences of colour and light have in common the sense of attention and consciousness being totally captivated and uplifted. Many describe the experience as transcendental. Inevitably, consciousness descends and returns to the mind level where colours are perceived, once again, through the "overlaid" faculties of human mind and body. The experience of encountering these colours, particularly when using the Waking Dream Process to explore the dream consciously, transforms our consciousness and acts as a gateway to a much subtler state. Lucid dreaming is a catalyst for the exploration and transformation of the human psyche, transforming our perceptions, our consciousness and, ultimately, awakening us to a greater reality beyond dreaming.