When I was in college, too many decades ago, I had a friend who was
inducing "LSD-like experiences" (his words) by connecting his head to a single
D battery.

The key issue, in my view, is whether LASTING change 'unfolds' intrinsically or
is 'induced' extrinsically.  In the first case, using neurofeedback, the brain
can learn or re-learn.   In the second case, when stimulation is 'put into' the
brain, the result may be temporarily alterered states but I question whether
there is 'learning'.   Is the brain any different once the subject is no longer
hooked up to an external source of energy?  If it's different, is it different in
ways that the brain 'naturally' is when receiving nerurofeedback?   Is it also
possible that the brain can be 'wrongly' re-wired from an external source, even if
there is short term pleasure or a transitory 'enlightenment' experience?   I even
wonder if there could be an addictive element...might a subject feel compelled
to go back again and again for another 'fix'?   It may be electro-magnetic, but
it appears to function like a drug.   I acknowledge, as one who has used
various drugs (I was a subject in 'legal' psylocybin experiments at Ohio
State University and 'legal' marijuana experiments at the University of
Michigan), they can and do open 'the doors of perception' and thereby offer
an invitation to further 'inner work' that otherwise may not have happened.

It seems to me that ALL 'mystical experiences' occur in the brain.   Externally
induced experiences, to me, are like getting a complete blood transfusion on a daily
basis.   It seems simpler to just keep my blood healthy and flowing naturally,
which is roughly akin to what neurofeedback does for the CNS, in my view.  

In my view, 'enlightenment' is an ongoing process, not a fixed state.  If 'it' can't
be brought up from inside more or less continually, then perhaps it ain't the real
thing (whatever THAT is).   "Rotating electromagnetic fields"  look pretty sexy, yes;  
my bias says that this is another form of sophisticated 21st century entertainment.
Of course research showing different outcomes could sway me in another direction.  
That would be a huge undertaking.  At this moment, I have my doubts.  I own that
I'm part Luddite and part skeptic, with a pinch of gadfly.

I look forward to any answers to John's question about others' reports.

~ All best, Michael   



on 11/28/06 3:45 AM, John Thompson at nhtc@... wrote:

I remember when this research was first reported some years ago.
Whilst it is not neurofeedback it is rater curious.  Apparently by
stimulating parts of the brain with rotating weak electromagnetic
fields mystical experiences occur. Now it seems this technology has
been commercialized and is freely available.  The fact that these
experiences can be induced raises some interesting philosophical and
ethical questions.  The link below is for the website.  Has anyone on
this list heard any reports arising from the use of this?

http://www.shaktitechnology.com/rotating/index.htm

Regards to all
John