METHODS FOR DEVELOPING CONSCIOUSNESS

An enormous amount of scientific research has been performed to establish the benefits that accrue to the practice of various methods for developing our consciousness. Science has shown that proper methods of consciousness development are not a matter of imagination or suggestion. Nor are the methods of consciousness development restricted to the arcane practices of a few elite 'mystics'. The methods are easily accomplished by anyone. The benefits are real. They involve every aspect of one's life: mental, physical, and social. Intelligence and creativity improve as does health and social relationships. This awakening has established the fact that what was once deemed to be mystical has a sound scientific basis and is available to all of us..

These methods have come down to us through the ages. The specifics include: meditation, prayer, Yoga, Tai Chi, diet, rules for living, service to and treatment of others, and many more.. All of these have become part of this awakening in places were but a few years ago they were unknown. Many millions practice meditation while only a few years before meditation was practiced by a mere handful.

Most often these methods are associated with the East, but that is not accurate. Another facet of this awakening is the more general awareness that meditation has always been known and practiced in the West. Usually such practices were related to the more mystical branches of the western religions, but these mystical branches are now becoming well known, or at least much better known, by millions. The greater interest in Sufism, the growing exoteric movement among the Kabbalists, and the discovery of the Gnostic Gospels are all associated with this global awakening. The same is true of physical exercises and dietary principles. Prayer, of course, has always been universal in all cultures, but its true nature and benefits are becoming better understood and experienced.

There are many forms of each of these practices. They can be involved or simple. Everyone is encouraged to discover for themselves which ones and which kinds of each one are most suitable for them. An enormous literature exists with which the beginner can examine the possibilities, but instruction by an experienced teacher is best.

Experienced practitioners have discovered that for maximum results, individual techniques are usually part of a larger system. Adaptation to the needs and experience level of the practitioner should be considered. For these and other reasons locating a competent instructor is most important.

In this web site we have identified some of the most prominent and successful masters of these various methods. We have also collected some of the most important works on this subject written by these masters. In addition we have made it possible to contact them so that you may pursue your interest if you do not already have a satisfactory program of your own. On the other hand it is always worthwhile gaining a little bit more knowledge and a bit more familiarity with the whole field.