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Dark retreat is practiced in Vajrayana. It is also practiced by Mantak Chia.
By all accounts, one experiences "visions".
Based on your knowledge, what do you suppose happens when someone secludes themselves in pitch black darkness for several weeks?
Are these visions merely clairvoyance or is it more profound than that?
Here is a biological description of what could be happening
The darkness actualizes successively higher states of divine consciousness,
correlating with the synthesis and accumulation of psychedelic
chemicals in the brain. Melatonin, a regulatory hormone,
quiets the body and mind in preparation for the finer and subtler
realities of higher consciousness (Days 1 to 3). Pinoline, affecting
the neuro-transmitters of the brain, permits visions and dream-states
to emerge in our conscious awareness (Days 3 to 5). Eventually,
the brain synthesizes the “spirit molecules” 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine
(5-MeO-DMT) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), facilitating
the transcendental experiences of universal love and compassion
(Days 6 to 12)
From Darkness technology by Mantak Chia
***SORRY just noticed this was in Ask Robert Forums***
-I just copied and moved the copy here, so it can stay- CF
D.O.
You might have seen this already. Just in case anyone else is interested in the effects of sustained exposure(12 days) to darkness as a form of "technology" of spiritual experience.
‘Melatonin Stage’ (Day 1 to 3)
Complete isolation from external light causes the pineal gland to
flood the brain with the neurotransmitter melatonin (average 2 to 5
mg/day), manifesting initially as the need for sleep and rest. The
eyes recuperate from the over-stimulation of the visual world, releasing
the grip of mental concerns, plans, agendas, and letting the
energies settle. Melatonin is essential for maintaining the hibernation
state, which facilitates the emergence of spiritual consciousness.
The person retains a child-like biological condition where
melatonin is conserved and recycled, not wasted in biological continuation.
When this substance works together with the yellow marrow
in the bone, the reddish firing reaction will activate a gentle
interaction between the sacred water and the light. The sacred
waters are the inner fluids that are responsible for producing bone
marrow and other bodily fluids. The waters run not only in the center
of the bones, but also in the spinal connections between the
Crown and Perineum Points.
‘Pinoline Stage’ (Day 3 to 5)
After about three days, when melatonin concentration reaches
sufficient levels (15 to 20 mg) the body then begins to produce the
superconductor pinoline, whereby a greater fluidity of thought and
healing of the body starts to occur. Pinoline induces cell replication
(mitosis) and intercalates with DNA molecules. The ‘pinoline stage’
is normally activated only in the womb, in lucid dreaming, or in near
death experiences. Within this state we can metaprogram the brain
to the Unity of Self, heightening awareness of the pathways with
which we filter reality. At this stage, the nervous system becomes
aware of itself. We become aware of the hologram of the external
world that we create constantly in our head24.
When the pinoline is triggered you activate your clairsentient and
clairaudient powers. You may see light and visions, hear music, and
gain phenomenal insight. A decoding of the DNA then begins to
take place. Cosmic particles are attracted to us and decoded in the
form of sound, light, knowledge and realization. The particles, which
have the same cell structures as humans (and from which the Tao
believes you evolved), are attracted to you magnetically. The body
has approximately six trillion cells, which correspond to the universe
‘without’. Each of these cells can be seen as a computer with unlimited
power and potential. Each cell can become a super conductor, able
to receive information from space. You are able to decode this
universal information carried from outer space, which may be as old
as nothingness itself. When you enter this primordial state or force
you are reunited with the true self and divinity within. You literally
‘conduct’ the universal energy. You may see into the past and future,
understand the true meaning of existence, and begin to understand
the order of things. You return to the womb, the cocoon of our
material structure and Nature’s original Darkness.
‘5-MeO-DMT Stage’ (Day 6 to 8)
At this stage the pineal gland starts to produce the neuro-hormone
5-MeO-DMT (aka ‘akashon’). This psychoactive tryptamine is highly
luminescent and also extremely phosphorescent due to the amount
of phosphene that it transmits onto the visual cortex. 5-MeO-DMT
switches on 40% more of the cerebral cortex and awakens the nervous
system to become aware of itself; ‘beingness’ results. Hence,
the possibility of metaprogramming the nervous system’s bio-computer
- activating healing and conflict message assortment of the
nervous system. 5-MeO-DMT is the empathogenic neurotransmitter
that expands the emotional body between ‘infinity and zero’. It gives
rise to telepathy in the emotional and intuitive bodies. It engages the
awakening of the ‘Flower of Life’, the spine, which begins to glow in
a state of beingness and peace.
5-Meo-DMT discharges the Darkness from the Darkness. A bright
light is activated and one experiences a born-again mentality. This
Great White Light, the manifestation of the astral body, enables the
self to project externally. At this point, some degree of ‘N-Methyl-DAspartare
Inhibition’ (NMDA-I) usually occurs. This is a ‘soft form’ of
the slowing of the glutamate input signals into the cells. This makes
it easier for the nervous system to cause electrons to stop flowing
within the cells, allowing for profound meditative trance states. 5-
MeO-DMT intercalates with messenger RNA. One can see in 3 dimensional
Holon pictures, as the thoughts behind language.
“Techniques taught in the Darkness enable one to read and go
beyond the matrix, by unifying all directions, and externalize the soul
computer so that one can start to interact with ones own genetic
code of the Tree of Life. In this intensive process 5-MeO-DMT activates
the entire spine, the Tree of Life. The spine is activated and
reprogrammed and you can start to process the illusion of the dream
from its binary code into the unified translated Self: the Unity Self.
Through 14 days of total light isolation your consciousness can be
expanded to the wider range of wave emanations and transduce the
core hologram of reality that is coherently programming ones nervous
system to the Unity Self25.”
Many exercises will be practiced during this period: compacting
Chi, consciousness and awareness into the nervous system, working
with the Silent Self and anchoring the Immortal Body.
The 5-MeO-DMT prepares the nervous system, through its
empathetic state of being and self awareness of the nervous system,
for the DMT or dimethyltryptamine production of the pineal gland, in
psychoactive milligram doses.
‘DMT Stage’ (Day 9 to 12)
When DMT levels reach more than 25 mg, one’s experience can
become very visual. DMT is the visual Third Eye neurotransmitter. It
enables the energy body and spirit to journey into hyperspace, beyond
third dimensional realms of time and space. It is intensely energizing.
“After some 10-12 days one starts to see in infrared, and
ultraviolet, one can actually run across the room and touch a person,
by seeing their heat patterns. The Holon Images exteriorize
and one is walking in a Virtual Reality, which appears to be the DNA
language macro uploaded, and interactive.”
When you reach the ‘DMT state’ you begin to function consciously
from the various psychic centers or chakras. The bodily processes
of Healing Love are then combined with those of the Darkness. The
human states of true compassion and sexual arousal create a new
chemistry and a new vibration within the body. This ‘special’ vibration
occurs at a frequency of 8Hz. ‘As in the macrocosm, so it is in
the microcosm’; hence if we make love, then all the cells and DNA
actually make love as well. The DNA crosses over, like two serpents
intertwining in an erotic embrace. You need the orgasmic vibration
to arouse this crossover process which leads to the ‘two giving birth
to three’; the conception of new cells. The two vital states are compassion
and arousal leading to orgasm. Both are inextricably linked
to love. When this ‘love-vibration’ reaches the pineal gland a new
hormone is produced, which in turn creates whole body conductivity.
Only when you feel the waves of orgasmic vibration and unconditional
love for the self and others can the process be activated and
the essence of the Darkness is magnified.
At this stage of the Darkness retreat, the required amount of sleep
tends to diminish dramatically. Although the day may last 24 hours,
3 hours of sleep can seem like 12. During this period we will engage
in further practices; psychic games and interactivity, Taoist
Dream Yoga (advanced levels) and Imagination Expansion
From Darkness technology by Mantak Chia
Dear heliac... (or anyone else who has deep knowledge about this)
Very interesting.
But, ¿what diet is adviced to follow when at such extended darkness periods? ¿A liquid fasting, may be?
¿And about environmental conditions? Mixed with light isolation, may be wise advice to ensure sound isolation.
¿Anyother advice? ¿What about use of an isolation tank? Using this setup, feeding can be done through a thin pipe located nearly (or fixed to) mouth; and debris (only urine, done liquid fast) exhausted through a pipe fixed at urethra ending, in order to avoid unwanted distractions (need of to getting to water closet). Previous deep purging is advisable.
Extreme scenario like previous paragraph exhibit, is nothing compared with tibetan hermits reality. Monks during years in highly isolated stone built cells, with the only help of an external servant monk.
And at ending isolation period, ¿what type of exit to normal light/sound is adviced?
My best regards,
Ángel
Darkness Nutrition
Food is specially prepared to meet the requirements of the body,
mind, and spirit in attaining the goals of darkness enlightenment.
Fresh juices and soups are served for “breakfast” and a light organic
meal is prepared for the afternoon. The diet consists of simple,
often liquid foods. Seaweed and blue green algae meet many of
the general dietary requirements, supplying high concentrations of
the eight essential amino acids required by the body (see below).
Fresh juices, especially from the noni (Morinda) fruit, supply the
metabolic enzymes necessary for developing the neuro-endocrine
system to its highest potential.
Sufficient levels of tryptophan are especially important for the
Darkness experience (See: Chemistry of Consciousness p. 28). Tryptophan
is one of 20 amino acids, which are the basic building blocks
of proteins. It is one of the eight “essential” amino acids, meaning it
cannot be synthesized by the body from other amino acids, and
must therefore be ingested in foods. Adults need from 3.5 mg/kg/
day to 350-500 mg of tryptophan per day.
43
As tryptophan crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is converted to
serotonin with the assistance of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. Tryptophan
is also converted in the body to niacin (vitamin B-3) and
picolinic acid. Giving high doses of vitamin B-6 along with tryptophan
increases its conversion to niacin and decreases its uptake into the
nervous system. Low blood tryptophan levels have been reported
in depressed patients and are corrected with tryptophan supplementation.
Tryptophan is better absorbed in the brain when consumed
as part of a high carbohydrate meal.
Some of the tryptophan-rich foods available at Tao Garden, and
recommended for the Darkness retreat, are listed below, along with
several other tryptophan-rich foods.
Tryptophan-Rich Foods(Tao Garden39) Tryptophan-Rich Foods
· Seaweed, Blue-Green Algae · Cottage Cheese
· Tofu, Soy Milk, Soy Yogurt, · Milk and Milk Products
Soy Beans · Malt
· Brown Rice · Legumes
· Bananas, Dates, Figs · Almonds, Soy Nuts
· Peanuts · Brewer’s Yeast
· Watermelon Seeds · Animal Protein: Beef,
· Fish and other Seafoods Turkey, Chicken
Levels of tryptophan in some common foods40:
· Fish and other seafoods 800-1,300 mg/lb
· Meats 1,000-1,300 mg/lb
· Poultry 600-1,200 mg/lb
· Peanuts, roasted w skin 800 mg/cup
· Sesame seeds 700 mg/cup
· Dry, whole lentils 450 mg/cup
Accessory Vitamins
B6 (pyridoxene); Sources: Meats, fish, green leafy vegetables,
legumes, bananas, whole grains.
B12 (Cobalamin); Found almost exclusively in animal products
(meats, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, yeast, cheese).
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Blue Green Algae
Algae are the fundamental basis of the entire food chain — the foundational
nutrient source for creating and renewing all life on earth.
Blue green algae are the crème de la crème of all algae, one of the
planet’s most powerful foods. This single-celled organism (actually
a bacterium) is richly endowed with a vast array of easily assimilated
nutrients including essential fatty acids, active enzymes, vitamins,
amino acids, minerals, proteins, complex sugars, and
phytonutrients.
Blue green algae have an amino acid profile that is nearly in
exact proportion to the requirements of the human body. It contains
over 60 minerals and trace minerals in naturally chelated form so
the body can absorb them into the cells. With the exception of vitamins
D and K, all vitamins are present to provide fuel for our cells
(Vitamin D and K are produced naturally by our body). Blue green
algae contain the Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) Omega-3 and Omega-
6, and are one of the highest known natural food sources of beta
carotene (a cell regenerator and potent neutralizer of free radicals)
and chlorophyll (excellent chelating ability to escort toxins out of the
body). The food is also 97% assimilable, digestible and useable by
the body.
Spirulina, a spiraled blue green alga, is one of the most common
nutritional varieties of blue green algae. A spirulina factory is located
in Lampang, southeast of Chiang Mai (see
www.spirulina.co.th).
From Darkness technology by Mantak Chia
here's my 2c:Quote:
Originally Posted by D.O.
Q. What is the difference between a "trip" or a "hallucination" and a "vision?" What makes each one 'real?' for most people, veracity comes from verification - if some one else can verify it, then it must be at least 66% real, right? most people always have at least 1/3 doubt.
once we realize that we can't rely on others to establish our opinions, thoughts or worldview, we realize we have to trust (or test) our senses of perception...which eventually reveals that some things can only be sensed mentally. also (and more relevant to your question) the senses must be functioning properly.
let us consider some examples of improper sense function:
go to walmart, winco or any chain supermarket and shop around, or just hang out. pay attention to how spiritually aware you are before, during and after the trip. the combination of over-labeling the products, the bright lights, the bright floor, the noisy people, the music, the noise generating toys, and more, etc. will completely overwhelm the senses for several hours or longer. first, the stores will overwhelm and exhaust your sense-organs, then second they will overtake your mind. This is apparent afterwards when for nor good reason, people start talking in marketing slogan- speak with phrases like "gotta have it!" and "just do it." and "have it your way" and "i'm lovin' it" etc.
one more example:
got to a concert. how long does the music stick in your head? probably for days or longer.
to summarize:
most people have never experienced proper functioning of their mind or sense organs (including the brain). After the first few hours of 'recovery' from normal life, the sense organs recover and the mind calms down, and that's when monks on retreat start to see things - usually their own deeper thoughts bubbling up and usually not spiritual visions - although i admit it can be either.
in order to perform their higher spiritual functions, the aspects of the body must not be doing any physical functions. period.
my 2c
[QUOTE=-asalantu-;101518]Dear heliac... (or anyone else who has deep knowledge about this)
But, ¿what diet is adviced to follow when at such extended darkness periods? ¿A liquid fasting, may be?
yes liquid diet organic fresh fruits and vegetables is most advisable
¿And about environmental conditions? Mixed with light isolation, may be wise advice to ensure sound isolation.
yes both light and sound proofing is essential
Extreme scenario like previous paragraph exhibit, is nothing compared with tibetan hermits reality. Monks during years in highly isolated stone built cells, with the only help of an external servant monk.
it is not necessary to spend years. although long enough is important. the ideal is that if one wants to stay longer in the dark, then one can.
And at ending isolation period, ¿what type of exit to normal light/sound is adviced?
very gentle re-entry, with no commitments for at least a week.
/QUOTE]
regards from alto
more information at websites below
www.darkroomretreats.com . . . . . . . . . www.andrewdurham.com
dear Alto: Forums rules don't allow the posting of links until one has 10 posts, to avoid drive-by spamming. I'm leaving it because it does not appear to be an advertisement or a commercial site, but please refrain from posting any more links until you've been active in the forums the requisite amount. Thanks.
ooo my apologies folks. thank you for leaving, as i probably will not be posting again. my only interest is non-profit posting about darkroom retreating.
You can still discuss the theme, as I'm sure you have a lot of stuff to say, stories to tell, etc. Then after, links are ok.