By George A. Boyd © 2004
A variety of religious and spiritual experiences arise
because the attention is focused on different locations on the GCC. Factors
that condition where the attention is focused on the GCC include:
Factor
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Description
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1
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Language specific to a band of the Continuum: chants,
songs, scriptures, etc. to specifically focus attention.
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2
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Images and archetypal figures specific to a band of
the Continuum. Pictures, sculptures, idols, movies, etc. draw the
attention to certain levels of the GCC.
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3
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Feeling states specific to a band of the continuum.
Ecstasy, great sadness, etc., evoked by focusing the attention by
invocation or worship.
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4
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Movements or postures specific to a band of the continuum.
Ritual movements done during prayer or worship ceremonies, sacred
dances or mudras.
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5
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Beliefs delimiting the level of the continuum in which
one functions. Defining who is the Master or Savior, what happens
after death, etc., directs attention on the GCC. Descriptions of
God, cosmology, origins or spiritual essence, purpose of life and
evolution, landmarks or delineation upon the path.
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6
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Identity states specific to a band of the continuum.
Social identification with a religious group or sect (external),
internal identification with one of the 12 spirits, a nucleus of
identity or other essence within also focuses attention.
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7
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Intuitive resonance with one of the octaves of being.
A disciple or initiate within a band of the continuum mirrors and
resonates from a specific octave of being (darshan).
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8
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The way in which songs, chants or sermons are intoned
resonates with different bands of the continuum.
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9
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Different images and archetypes arise at different
bands of the GCC and have a powerful suggestive effect.
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10
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Feeling states may become conditioned to words (e.g.,
Savior, Demon, Heaven, Hell, Salvation, Damnation, Liberation) or
images (Jesus on the cross, Krishna with his flute, the Buddha in
meditation, Siva as Nataraja dancing).
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11
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Certain movements spontaneously arise from the unconscious;
others personify forms of inner vehicles.
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12
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Beliefs can condition the entire gamut of emotions
from fear and dread, to hope and faith, to awe and reverence, to
joy and gratitude, to love and compassion.
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13
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"Rebirth" experiences, revelation of mysteries, or
initiation into meditations that focus the attention on one of nuclei
can shift the foundation of individual identity. External group
identity conditions acceptable behavior, speech and values.
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14
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Satsang, inspired speaking from an ensouling entity,
preaching under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, prophecy or channeling
from a form of the Divine or other allegedly advanced spiritual
entity can powerfully resonate with one of the octaves of Being,
and awaken that ensouling entity and its corresponding spirit.
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If you have been active in one or more religious or
spiritual groups, then you may wish to examine these factors in order
to see where the beliefs, rituals and the meditation/prayer practices
of these groups focused your attention.
We have our meditation students examine the effects
of different chants to see their differential action on their awareness.
When you can clearly understand how these factors influence the focusing
of your attention, you can learn to direct your attention at will to any
band of the GCC that you wish. This brings Mastery of Raja Yoga.
Disciples of the Mudrashram® tradition learn to
recognize these factors and identify where certain beliefs and practices
focus the attention on the GCC. It is important to ultimately establish
inner landmarks to delineate where these factors lead the attention. This
will help you to gain the ability to understand and, later, guide others.
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