The first qualifier to discern, to make the beginning body of the first distinctions is, any sort of spiritual and religious experience that occurs before dawn, especially between three to five am. Also those with exceptional lucidity and transparency, but I shall get to those next. However, there are things common to both. Meanwhile, these usually occur before the sunrise is visible. They could occur as dreams and visions; in meditation, inner journeys, prayer and fasting, or in any number of ways combined. It could be by chance, as we say, a seeming accident, without any action taken or declared intention.
In my native tongue and culture, Farsi and Persian, it is known that if one has dreams at dawn, the likelihood of it being called "siddiqe" - sincere - is higher. So when you say, you had a profound dream at dawn, they reply, "May it be sincere."
In most cultures early dawn and before dawn is the time to meditate and pray. It is said the life-force is strongest at this time, the last third of the night, sometime between three and five. Some scientists have suggested that certain radiations from the Sun are most present at such times, especially right at dawn when the Sun is rising at its very zenith. Thus, the meditator rises beforehand and awaits Dawn. I've heard of ways to measure Gamma Rays, and other such subtle energies at this time, though I have not actually seen the study myself.
Sun gazers gaze into the Sun at that time, only for seconds as it is rising. However, this practice is done with great care and proper warnings and instructions. It is a practice that goes back to the Zoroastrians and Sumerians. Most important is, not to gaze into the Sun unless you may do so at its zenith from a place where its lowest point is seen - especially for a beginner. I've met individuals who've had permanent damage to their eye from improper practice in this regard. The same is true of the Sun setting, when certain radiations are most abundant at that time.
It is important to study these kinds of dreams, visions, and experiences. Many Scientists and discoverers have done so, as recorded in their own journals and retelling. Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison[1], and Carl G. Jung are but a few. Jung especially crossed between his dreaming time and conscious waking time, when the spirit of a holy man appeared to him, crossing into his waking time, before witnesses present[2]. It is especially of great value to note those experiences that occur on these auspicious hours before Dawn, or anytime, when there's a striking reality and lucidity in such dreams and visions. Sometimes they occur in waking flashes, or at certain moments and locations; in nature with exceptional beauty, for example; or in holy and sacred grounds, like cemeteries and shrines.
Most importantly, we must open the conscious active mind upon waking to notate these experiences, as Carl G. Jung did, for we find a continuity of lucidity and transparency between the superconscious, sub-conscious, and conscious active mind; realities from beyond enter into the time space continuum, thereby thinning the veils of subtle realms and hard facts. We must take notes of one kind or another. Some keep a recording device handy. Many researchers and scientists have done this in varying capacities to be woken up, or remain awake whilst having the experience.
Still more refined and important, is when one is naturally woken up. On such occasions, I have definitely woken up by a power far beyond me. As to the details each time, I shall get into that when and if relevant. However, the times these natural waking moments occur to me often, are in noon power-naps and before dawn, when I'm struck awake in the vision dream itself, sometimes with the impact felt for days or even weeks! That's not an exaggeration, for I do like to embellish or exaggerate. Notating these and spending time with them, relaxing into them and studying one's self in these particular cases, is of paramount import. Pray with them and through them, meditate on them, write on them, and do all that is necessary to show an appreciation on your part, that the divine spark may continue to source you from these highest peaks.
Such discoveries that happen naturally, and without the force of will, are of the utmost divine origin. When the force of will and experimentation is employed, their value is often diminished, for the ego interferes. When they're clearly proven through self-knowledge and an inner knowing of the Creator, one can not ignore them. They happen naturally and effortlessly, and unpack themselves in time, as divine graces and gifts. Every cell of the body registers them without doubt, and eternally. That is the finest and most refined level of inspiration.
When the force of will and experimentation is employed, one must be careful in this regard. For example, taking notes and leaving the experience be is one thing. That is still quite natural to note something of import. However, when some go on obsessing and are imbalanced - and I have made that mistake at times - there are precautions. But you must decide if something that has happened to you requires deeper attention, and ultimately only you know. Therefore, I believe, staging a sacred and sincere experiment is one thing; and doing something out of childish curiosity is quite another; not childlike, for that would be good and innocent; but "childish" as in rash and manipulative, driven by selfish aims, as misbehaving children.
Many spiritual types are still driven by their own self-interest and agenda. That creates a whole different outlook and reception of forces. It invites a different kind of inspiration altogether.
Many get themselves in trouble by experimenting with hypnosis, dreams, visions, and the like. In fact, many discoverers have made such mistakes, and sometimes admitted to their errors. For example, practices and practitioners of hypnosis and altered states often warn the premature use of such things by immature individuals, especially those with aims of fame and fortune. Also those that speak of other timelines, lifetimes, and such, who are not spiritually developed - many are medical practitioners with little spiritual evolution - often admitted to making such errors, sometimes at the expense of their clients. This area must be treated with care, between one's self and the Creator foremost. If it is to know thyself and the Creator, it is most safe.
I consider many among those who use altered states and hypnosis to access information as either; 1) unconscious hijackers of intelligence, somewhat like unconscious thieves; 2) immature individuals, as in those young souls in the new-age seeking attention, fame, and fortune; or 3) ill-intended individuals. Of the three, the third is obviously most dangerous, but fewer are in that category. Those of the second category are common, and many are founders of new-age movements and religions, but I shall refrain from naming them for that is not necessary.
Majority do not know what they're doing, whether they are of the first or second category. The first category are those who are a mix of things; childish, curious, attention-seeking; a mishmash regardless of what they know or do not know. In the end, they appear unconscious to me, as in they ultimately and simply do not know.
For example, I have seen religious people, who force their ideologies and prejudice by use of hypnosis and various kinds of suggestion that is not obvious at first. New-age folk do that too. If these were in olden times, we would call what they do "Black Magic", that is a manipulation of the life-force. They hook individuals in that way. Also, among indigenous tribes, there are those that utilize the deliberate use of Black Magic, and it can be potent and powerful, when they actually will to do evil magic. Many modern practitioners of the new-age, without knowing it, are afflicted by a whole range and variety of Black Magic. This is due to their immaturity and unconsciousness. It can be serious, for I have personally seen many of them end-up in psych-wards. And those that mix new-age stuff with indigenous Shamanic practices, there are many such ones, who do an injustice to their own good tribes' names. For example, many Native American and African practitioners manipulate their practices for fortune or fame, and this is a disgrace to their elders; nevertheless, they are as rebellious children.
Then again, some licensed practitioners and medical doctors, including a number of renown Mediums and Channels, utilize certain techniques with futile end-results. Some have admitted to their errors and the detrimental effects on themselves and others as they've matured. These things are not obvious at first. What happens in many such cases, is that people innocently partake of a paranormal phenomena, since it seems important at first. However, all too often, they are not fully aware of their own fears and subconscious whims and ambitions, and they ignore the original intent or calling, or they misconstrue that original experience. As a result, there are interferences and distortions, fragmentations, and sometimes such people in roles of leaderships take their audiences up and down with them. But to each their own, as likes find one another to learn similar lessons.
I do not want to mention the aforementioned groups by name, for we all know some here and there. They are more abundant that we may know, or want to know. Often they deeply influence pop-culture. For it is easier to pretend we all want to belong somewhere, and people generally do not investigate the sources of the things they profess or follow.
One clear distinction is what I call "rogue followers"; which is the majority of those who seek spirituality as empty followers; but since they do not truly receive the blessings of their teachers and elders, they are "rogue". That is their "energy signature", and I use the word loosely to mean the feeling they emote, the presence behind their actions. Most new age religions and activist movements have this element of "rogue followers", and so one who sees beyond the veil can easily recognize the spirits around them. In spirit they're followed by many desperate, empty, and un-evolved spirits, just like themselves. They could be helped and released from these spirits, if they would so repent and humble themselves before the higher celestial forces of heaven and the Creator. But those that go so far, unfortunately do not return. Many founders in the psychedelic drug movements, the hippie and feminist movements, some of whom were renowned scholars and teachers, are of this group that form many trends in pop-culture.
My advice: Avoid extremes. Pray. Let the divine and your own creativity guide you naturally. Ask and receive, but do not force. Experiment with your own creativity, but with pure intent to know yourself and your Creator. Do not consult others generally. For such matters, first study yourself thoroughly. General information is only for cross-referencing. When it comes to spiritual information, take great care before you take counsel. However, if you find those who are truly "God-sent" then listen carefully, and do not change what they tell you. First, listen and appreciate their many years of wisdom and experience. The outcome is obvious. A person and company with purer intent draws you closer to your desired results without further due or delay. Remember, the greatest things in life are given freely, as the air you breathe, as your organs give. Remember, God is not for sale. You feel closer to your own very heart in good company. Avoid wicked company. The purer and more transparent the intent, the purer and more transparent the finding, inwardly and outwardly. If your result is harmful or not helpful, look at yourself and purify yourself and intentions. The divine is always present. You must learn to be attentive and present. Be willing, ready, and obedient to be called to attention.
The majority of us are a mix of things. The humblest approach is to be willing and ready to be humbled often. Repent often, as in forgiveness and willingness to refine and learn. We have picked up many afflictions and bad habits along the way; from pop-culture, ancestry, religions, and such. Learn to unlearn. Do to undo. Know unknowing, the heart's unknowing of the mind. Let the heart un-know the know-it-all attitude of the modern perfectionist mind.
The threshold and threshing-floor of knowing and unknowing... is where the heart is, the treasure, home.
I have ventured off a bit, but I shall pick it up in the next essay. After a time, the loose ends come together.
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(C) Houman Z. Emami
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References
1. http://www.wilywalnut.com/Thomas-Edison-Power-Napping.html, accessed, Thursday, March 16, 2017
2. See Jung's Map of the Soul, by Murray Stein, in describing and developing his latter philosophy Jung refers to a holy man as his teacher. This man appeared to him from spirit, from the holy land of Israel. In the physical realm, he knocked and was welcomed, before the eyes of witnesses who verified the event. They too were at Jung's place at the time. After much dream study and reflection in the former part of his life, this event was a natural result in spirit entering the wakeful time space continuum.
"Other luminaries such as Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan have shared that secret weapon. And it is called Power Napping!
"Now while you can 'get by' on 4 or 5 hours sleep a night, new research by Dr. James B. Maas, author of the book "Power Sleep", shows that's not enough for peak health. You need to compensate in other ways. As much as anything, Edison delighted in the popular image of being a heroic tireless inventor who proclaimed sleep "a heritage from our cave man days." But really he needed to nap in the day to keep his brain functioning well. It's said that he could sleep at the drop of a hat and was once discovered asleep in a cupboard!
"So Edison used power napping to catch up on much-needed rest and to give his phenomenal brain a break from conscious effort, allowing his unconscious processes to do the genius thinking for him. Let's see how that worked...
During his day, Edison would take time out by himself and relax in a chair or on a sofa. Invariably he would be working on a new invention and seeking creative solutions to the problem he was dealing with. He knew that if her could get into that "twilight state" between being awake and being asleep, he could access the pure creative genius of his subconscious mind.
"To prevent himself from crossing all the way over the "genius gap" into deep sleep, he would nap with his hand propped up on his elbow while he clutched a handful of ball-bearings. Then he would just drift off to sleep, knowing that his subconscious mind would take up the challenge of his problem and provide a solution. As soon as he went into too deep a sleep, his hand would drop and the ball-bearings would spill noisily on the floor, waking him up again. He'd then write down whatever was in his mind."
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