Discussion 3: Analysis of Hallucinations
Aside from the mystical aspect of the psychedelic experience discussed above, which has been well documented [10] (see also Psychedelics and Religious Experiences at the Psychedelic Library), even if not accepted by mainstream intellectuals, the other important aspect of the textual data involved alterations in sensory modalities during the hallucinogenic experience. It is in terms of the sensory alterations, the so-called "hallucinations" created by these drugs, where the idea of tying kundalini to these drug effects is potentially a novel idea with important implications for the study of psychology and parapsychology. In short the idea is this: it is claimed that awakening the kundalini leads to the manifestation of psychic powers (called siddhis in Yoga philosophy). Now, if it is true that hallucinogenic drugs mimic kundalini phenomena or possibly even stimulate the kundalini itself, then the critical implication is this: the so-called "hallucinations" of the hallucinogenic drug user are not hallucinations at all but are manifestations of siddhis or psychic abilities. If this is a true statement, or an even close to true statement, then the consequences and implications are overwhelming, especially for the science of parapsychology.
Let me be clear here; I am not saying that hallucinogens enhance psi, as some parapsychologists have attempted to measure. The Western concept of "psi" is much different from the Eastern concept of siddhis. I am saying that hallucinogens awaken the kundalini and in doing so confer siddhis (or psychic abilities) which were only latent prior to the drug triggering them off. Thus, the visual "hallucinations" of the hallucinogen user are actually rudimentary forms of clairvoyance (corresponding to activation of the third eye chakra), the audio hallucinations are rudimentary forms of clairaudience (corresponding to activation of the throat chakra), the enhanced empathy is in reality the activation of the heart chakra, and the mystical experience induced by hallucinogens is the activation of the crown chakra conferring enlightenment, which is the end goal of kundalini yoga and all the yogas. Similar parallels can be drawn between chakra activation and all the effects experienced under hallucinogenic drugs.
Again, the implications of this possibility are astounding in terms of developing an empirical program for studying the mechanisms operating within our consciousness. First, such a view provides a consensus for viewing the effects of mind altering substances. The effects of these drugs correspond to the effects of awakened kundalini. Second, that a drug can confer siddhis indicates that there is a physiochemical basis for the siddhis, including enlightenment itself. This fact in itself would allow parapsychology to enter the realm of neurochemistry and biology in general. Furthermore, it shows to the Western mind that there is indeed a factual basis for Eastern teachings, a basis not discordant with Western scientific methods. As well, it forces the Western mind to more literally accept Eastern teachings. Finally and most important, such a connection forces the Western mind to expand its views of what the brain and body are, what their latent potentials are and to realize that this "machine" called the brain and body has within it marvelous potentials yet to be rediscovered by modern civilization, though known by past ages. Much more evidence from history can be drawn to support this logic, but again, must be deferred to stay within the scope of this paper.
The astonishing implications do not stop at simply equating hallucinogenic effects with kundalini and siddhis in general, for the question arises as to the nature of the content of these perceptions, these so-"hallucinations". Again, the term "hallucinations" explains nothing for it only begs the question as to the mechanisms behind the so-called "hallucinations". It is amazing to this author that professionals in fields relevant to the action of hallucinogenic drugs (i.e. neuroscientists, psychologists, medical professions) do not ask these questions. They are not even curious about it. In this regard, current ideas and smug misconceptions in these fields clearly stifle the profundities implicit in the mode of action of these drugs. In part this is perhaps due to the utter lack of experience of these people with altered states of consciousness of any kind. However, lack of experience of something that is there to be experienced is no excuse. The Church discovered this some 400 years ago when it failed to look through the newly invented telescope. Today, hallucinogenic drugs are a "telescope" into the inner realities described for centuries in the East and in other cultures as well.
Clearly these "hallucinations" are perceptions of some sort and the crucial questions are: what is it that is being perceived? How is it that these perceptions arise? In the most general sense we are dealing with perceptions not grounded in sensory input. But do these perceptions exist solely in the brain? Are they created by the brain? Is it possible that these perceptions may come from beyond the brain and its neural circuitry? At present such questions cannot be answered with any certainty, and given the utter lack of research in these directions, it is unlikely that answers are forthcoming. However, today's technology could shed substantial light on these questions. The means are within our grasp, all we need is the curiosity and desire to tackle these questions.
A second line of thought involves the nature of the imagery perceived both during kundalini awakening and during hallucinogenic drug experiences. Just what is this imagery? Where does it come from? There are many common themes to visual imagery in both these altered states, particularly the seeing of highly dynamic intricate color patterns. This author suggests that, in part at least, these images are direct perceptions of the internal structures of the person's tissue. Far fetched as this sounds, others have made exactly this claim (such as Alan Watts) and it is by no means an original thought of this author [11] In other words, those amazing color patterns the yogi or hallucinogen user are seeing are the chemical reactions and electronic conduction occurring somewhere in that person's tissue. Such a thought is also highly consistent with occult literature that speaks of astral planes of dynamic color and of astral bodies filled with colors that indicate emotional states [12].
Most likely, the color patterns observed during closed eyed imagery in these altered states are direct visual perceptions of the release, binding and metabolism of neurotransmitters, the conduction of electricity through nerve cells, and perhaps even blood flowing through the vasculature of the brain.
References for Discussion Section
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