Beyond the mind

[pinkmint]

Hiya... everyone!!

Someone got me thinking today, so I would like to ask a question.
How can we go beyond our limited mind( if it's at all possible) and what benefits would we encounter?
Does meditation do this? if so what type?
thanks

[pert -5]

The limited can go no further than what its boundaries define.  There are, however, several methods of transcending our pre-defined human limitations.  Perhaps the most notable is the philosophy of Yoga.  Yoga defines every human being as a conduit for the All (God, Brahman, sum of existence, etc.) to manifest into everyday reality.  For that matter, Yoga defines everything as a similar conduit.  There is no limitation afforded to us by degree, it is our perspective which is convoluted. Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga are all viable paths to take.  Bhakti Yoga is a bit more difficult for a solitary practitioner, but I'm sure some could persevere.

As for benefits.... see for yourself.

[Enigma]

I've always found LSD and entheogens particularly useful in this area.

[pert -5]

I've always found LSD and entheogens particularly useful in this area.

To what extent, pray, may I ask?

[Enigma]

I haven't done much past recreational use but Stanislav Grof has done some interesting work with LSD psychotherapy. 

[pert -5]

I haven't done much past recreational use but Stanislav Grof has done some interesting work with LSD psychotherapy. 

I guess I'll let you go with that.  There is much beyond your recreational use...  Oh man, when you trade knowledge for understanding...   

[Enigma]

There is much beyond your recreational use...  Oh man, when you trade knowledge for understanding...   

Pray tell

[pert -5]

Pray tell

Beyond recreational use of psychedelics there is guided, purposeful use.  I'm sure you are familiar with such employment of chemical reagents?  When I used to use psychedelics extensively I used to do them with an intent and purpose, and I also kept detailed records of the experiences.  These were often written during the experiments.  When I look back at those records they provide some extremely interesting insight into the workings of the mind during the use of particular drugs.  Now, I will admit that there were times when I just took the psychedelic and "tripped balls," having a good time and laughing at the wood grain of the floor or some such activity, but the majority of my experimentation was geared toward an understanding of the aspects of consciousness not normally experienced by a sober individual--with copious records to document such excursions.

Later experience--that coming from delving into Jnana Yoga, as well as other spiritual exploration--has shown similar results to those I had gotten from psychedelics.  This being true especially during the beginning stages of such Yogic practices.  Psychedelic experience is quickly outpaced though; from both ends of the experience I can say that this is so.

I like to use the analogy that psychedelics are like peeping through the keyhole where beyond the door is the results of sincere Yogin meditation.  Well, psychedelics can get past the door too, but it is like a drunken stagger rather than a sober, scientific exploration.

Anyway, my comment about knowledge vs. understanding:
Knowledge is equivalent to saying, "I have read how to drive a car."
Understanding is equivalent to saying, "I have driven a car."

[Enigma]

Any tips on using psychedelics for self-discovery?

[pert -5]

Any tips on using psychedelics for self-discovery?

- Have a question or intent in mind before ingestion.  Pre-planning is a boon to such workings.

- Take the right dosage.  Too much of anything is bad, let alone something that can have such a profound effect on the mind.  Everyone is different, your mileage may vary.

- Know thyself.  The more you understand about how your mind works when sober, the more insight that will be gleaned from its behavior when under the influence of psychedelics.

- Keep a Record!!  This one can not be overstressed enough.  Write down EVERYTHING that comes to mind during the experience.  It may be deemed rubbish later, but, sometimes, it may not be.  This is perhaps the most important step in the process.

- Choose your substance carefully.  Heroin may evoke some notion that was previously hidden, but more often than not it will just bring about lust and greed.  I know people that discuss Aristotle when high on weed, and I also know people who put straws up their noses and make *oink* sounds when high on weed.  Different strokes for different folks.