I've been traveling, and have had no access to the internet for about a week.  Today's the first day I am in a room with internet access. 

Lots of stuff to ponder, when you have been away from the internet for a week. 

At any rate, one important note, that I've seen from Hokai, is that Daniel Ingram has put his book, Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha, in blog format.

Worth reading, a bit at a time.

Video from David Johnson - know NOTHING about this guy, but interesting video - a dry discussion - let me know what you think.

I don't know who might have read this post on Subjective Reality by Steve Pavlina.

It is an interesting mix between the non-dual perspective, and the New Age perspective - (I'm specifically thinking about Seth type of material.)

Certainly, the description of the subjective is pure advaita.

 Simply read any of Ramesh Balsekar's works, and the similarity is quite apparent.

Or perhaps, this is closer to A Course In Miracles outlook.

Where the digression begins to occur, is the entry of what I would call "co-creation".  Here is a section of Pavlina's Q&A:

Question:  So if I were to believe in something that didn’t exist or that wasn’t possible yet, it would actually begin to manifest in the physical universe?

Answer: Yes, it would.  The physical universe is a summation of thought.  So first of all, in order to change this universe, you must adopt the belief that creation by thought is possible.  You must not only believe it.  You must know it.

If you try to create by thought, yet deep down you still believe it’s impossible or highly improbable, then it will not manifest for you.  The physical universe, including time and space, can only manifest in a manner that is congruent with your beliefs.

So here now an INDIVIDUAL belief will begin to have an affect on the OUTER subjective world experienced.  Beliefs are the mediating entity between the true subjective self and the normal objective self.

This is as opposed to the advaita view - that the experienced outer world - the normal world of form - is actually the subjective's dream - Brahma's dream - and not "your" dream.  "Not MY will, but THINE."  And implicit in this, is the surrender to God, the subjective, WHAT IS, rather than an attempt at manipulation through  "belief changing".

But again, it isn't JUST that simple as that because - guess what?  Each individual is blessed with a "creative self", and an ability to affect the world, at least on a social level. 

So Pavlina's version of Subjective Reality for the "world" and how to affect that world, is a bit different from - say, the "two truths" doctrine.

Or, the more sophisticated version of the Two Truths doctrine promoted by Ken Wilber, that is Integral Theory.


I could say more on this, but I would like others feedback as well.  Any thoughts?  Post and trackback on your blogs and I'll link and discuss, or comment here, if you feel so inclined.

Per has a good article on "inner and outer integrations".

Specifically regarding recognizing non-dual Self, Big Mind, etc - there are a variety of methods which shift a person's selfhood, and yet do so in different ways.

I've been enjoying going through the ILP Kit, and listening to the Dvd's.

One of the things I am pleased about, is the "Integral Inquiry" long form.  This is your basic eastern meditation practice - and actually, is the variation that I adopted for "ease in a busy life", over 10 years ago.

the basic practice is a quick centering, and then breath counting - and then I use the same thing, in that the breath counting stops after awhile, and the breath is simply paid attention to.

So that is simply good to know.  This basic practice in various traditions can get a lot of refinements, such as breathing in one notril, then the other.  Breathing in energy, breathing it out, etc.  But the basic practice of counting breaths and resting in awareness, is the ground.

For me, when this practice is very deep, therre is a subtle dissolving of the inner and outer awareness, into just awareness meeting what is arising - in and out.

This is a fundamentally different practice - and a different viewpoint - than say, Big Mind, or Advaita pointing out instructions.   In that type of embracing the "view" - there is a fundamental shift of identity - somewhat separate from awareness arising.  In this "seeing" is different, in that the identity shifts to this subtle quietly joyful identity, that arises moment by moment, breath by breath.

the two have not met, for me - which eventually is supposed to happen.  

People like Brad Warner (assuming he is being honest and on the level) look at Big Mind, Advaita Vedanta, and says they are B.S.  Just sit, until all the contents of consciousness are met, and the clarity of what is will shine through. 

However, there is a profound awakening that happens through BigMind, Advaita Vedanta, Course in Miracles, Tibetan Buddhism, etc. 

Because that understanding is so profound -and yet can also fall away (in my experience) - it's still an open question whether "the view" - which is open for anybody to shift into, and experience the profoundness of - is some type of final end.

Here is the link.

I bought the ILP Kit.

Finally.

Should be here in a few days. 

What's interesting is some of the divisions in the Kit, from what I hear. 

1 minute, 10 minute, and 35 minute versions for the 3 Body workout, for example.

Also, a lot of activity around ILP groups, in the Bay area and elsewhere.  I will document this here in future posts, never fear...

Distinguishes between development and maintenance, of different practices.

Check it out.

Since I've posted some about meditation, it's effects, and a few days ago pointed to some research showing changes in the brain for meditation, I thought it would be worthwhile for those who have both a spiritual and research bent, to mention a good place to start regarding these investigations.

The Physical and Psychological Effects of Meditation, published by the Institute of Noetic Sciences, is as good a place as any to start.  You'll find a lot more references from here, to other sources and places that are continuing research now.

Michael Murphy is co-writer of this article, which makes sense to me, since as a book, The Future of The Body is as good a place as any to start as a reference book for studies on meditation, or studies of human potential in general.

The two main tomes in my library during the 90's, were SES, and The Future of the Body.

For myself, I thought for awhile that I would have loved to get paid to do the type of research that is investigated by the Institute of Noetic Sciences.  I entertained getting a PhD there, but I couldn't imagine being on the hook for 80K to 100K at the end of it.

For the spiritual research crowd, is there another comprehensive reference work that is just as important? 

Let me know! 

Also, this TYPE of research, or at least the analysis and recommendation of this type of research, can be forwarded by the blogosphere.  We are starting to do some of this with IntegralWiki, and the framework of Michael Bauwens. 

But, it goes slowly, since the demands of life interfere.

Vince has begun the reflection on his 6 week retreat, with his first installment. 

Definitely go check it out!

I saw this worksheet on preparing for an exercise program from Ryan. What is excellent about this, is a modified version of this program can be utilized in any integral practice module that one is beginning as a new practice. My own interest is in continuing to explore the 5 Essential Practices of an Integral Practitioner   more »

 Recently, I had some time to do thinking about Integral Practice and I've realized, that I have strayed a bit from my earlier thoughts about what I was going to do with this site.

Partly, because my thoughts have evolved, and my interests go to other things besides simply practice - right now, Holistic and  Integral Theory, Non-Duality, and evolving technology.

So, getting back to the basics of Integral Practice, here's the beginning of a series of posts, regarding what are the ESSENTIAL practices to take up, to be a productive, loving, integral practicioner in the world. 

1st Tier - Essentials - or The Five Petals

Career and Money
Health and Exercise
Spiritual Practice
Interpersonal Relationships (Romance, Family Friends, Community)
Psychological Health and Stability

2nd Tier - Self-Improvement and Self-Actualization
Creativity
Productivity
Individual Passion Projects  (Intellectual Research, Spiritual Retreats, Community Service, Website and Design, Auto Mechanics, Carpentry, Gardening, Hiking, Adventures, Travel, etc, etc.). 
Volunteerism, Environmental and Political Action

3rd Tier - Mastery

Of any of the above subjects, whether money, creativity, building, growing communities, spiritual understanding, leadership etc.

4th Tier - Genius, Improvement of world's conditions, Realization

Profound impact and improvement in the lifeworld.  Example - Ramana Maharshi, Gandhi, Einstein, Berners-Lee, Dali, etc.


My own inclination, is that the five areas above in essentials are the building blocks of what needs to be practiced, in order for 2nd through 4th tier flowering to arise.

Now, there's a caveat to this - and the caveat is, if one's area of expertise/genius is evident, and one's dedication to this area so fierce, then life usually excuses a person from having to be "well-rounded" in having all five areas flowing.  However, this is usually apparent, because you will have "backers" who will be willing to fund your genius - or you have gone out of your way to learn/study/teach in the optimal "social centers" for your genius.  So your life centers around that and nothing else, and it has always been so.

Even still, greater happiness usually will occur, in paying attention to all the 5 areas, no matter who you are.

In the next few weeks, I'm going to be examining each area of life, with the following template:

a.  Personal self-evaluations regarding each area, that actually result in some self-knowledge.
b. A recommendation of a basic practice, that one can do daily, and also an "all-in" path, that utilizes the retreat or "basic training" style of grounding a new practice.
c. Directing, through links, to the type of online support, community, and volunteerism, that is essential for "regular people" to be successful in taking on and sticking with a new practice.

Mike Harris has a very short but sharp post regarding what created change from a psychotherapeutic point of view. Make sure to read the article he references. 

If you look at the percentages Mike references (not sure where they come from)

40% is what Clients bring to the therapy room and what influences their lives outside of it.
30% is the relationship between Therapist and Client.
15% is the technique.
15% hope/placebo.

I'm going to make an assumption (big one) that the same type of percentages apply to creating a stable practice, or in any change.


In terms of PRACTICE then, we can rely on 40% coming from initiative, and what we want to achieve (and then this 40% is influenced by our desires and habits, positive and negative). 

30% is the relationship.  If something like this is true, you are looking at NEEDING a group of fellow travellers, fellow practitioners, not only for the "support", but also for that ineffable mystery of the other, that "We and Us" aspect of life, of community, that shapes our lives.

15% technique.  This could apply to the type of meditation, the type of exercise, the type of intellectual study.  These are important, but lack the importance of the first two aspects.

15% placebo.  Well, this doesn't work when measuring something like my pecs, after weight-lifting for two years!  They are a little bigger, but it's hardly noticable!  (Although I feel a lot stronger, so maybe placebo does have an effect.)

What this points to is an "Integral Community Center" of whatever means - that will concentrate on the Essential Practices for the 21st century.

More on that in another post...

I was actually sick on the Thursday and Friday before the weekend - so I wasn't sure how I would be during the Integral training weekend. 

I did end up being pretty tired - but the experiences were pretty cool.  I'll say more later today or tomorrow, but I have a lot of work in the office to catch up on now.

Meditation for revolution indeed.