Very little is known in depth of the biochemical and physiological changes induced at the cellular level by human behavioral states. For study of the physiology of behavior at this level, the erythrocyte may be useful, because it is readily available and its metabolism and metabolic control are comparatively well understood. In this report we describe a marked decline of red cell glycolytic...
The evolution of LSD use and the controversy surrounding it are reviewed. LSD is treated as a powerful drug whose mind-revealing effects embodied the potential for both psychological harm and personal insight. Predominant motives for LSD use appear to have shifted from desire for self-exploration to a desire for fun. Early LSD use, stimulated by curiosity and adventure seeking, focused on the...
In research conducted over several years and with over 200 subjects we have developed various techniques for inducing and manipulating lucid dreams. Lucidity can be achieved in the following ways: by practice in developing a critical-reflective frame of mind concerning one's state of consciousness, by intention and autosuggestion, and by methods involving apparatus. It is also possible to...
The concept of self-actualization is central to humanistic psychology. But what is this self that is to be actualized? Maslow, who introduced the term, thought that it belonged to the realm of Being, most easily accessed through peak experiences. It was essentially something transcendent, and to contact it was to partake of something like a mystical experience. But Maslow, in company with many...
In biology, man is an object of research; therefore the question might be asked whether inspirations can go from biological data to the reflections on the mind-matter relation in man. The social aspect of man, as treated by sociobiology, is left out of consideration. The knowledge that man is mind, or has a mind, is no result of biological research. It is a datum from philosophy. The biologist,...
Medical technology has not reduced the death rate from cancer for 50 yrs, in spite of its physical and psychological morbidity. A broader approach is required and investigation of certain apparently successful unorthodox holistic cancer therapies suggests that the personality of the therapist is crucial. The spiritually convinced, charismatic healer has all the qualities of a meditator, and...
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is an Indian spiritual teacher who has had a considerable influence in the West over the past twenty years. His teaching has two aspects, practical (the practice of Transcendental Meditation) and theoretical. As a philosopher, Maharishi claims to be an exponent of the Advaita Vedanta according to Sankara, yet his presentation is modern and practical. This thesis examines...
This paper addresses the empirical testability of the Vedic psychological theory found in the Bhagavad-Gita.It is suggested that research on a meditation practice which is consistent with the descriptions of the Bhagavad-Gita may be used to assess the theory's testability.Research on the Transcendental Meditation (TM) and TM-Sidhi program is reviewed as evidence relating to the following...
10 good dream recallers spent 2 nights in the sleep lab during which they were awakened 4 times per night from REM sleep, twice during their highest alpha activity in REM, and twice during low REM alpha. 5 were given alpha feedback training prior to sleep onset. Arousals from high alpha REM sleep yielded significantly higher lucidity ratings. Alpha feedback had no effect upon lucidity or REM...