Time and Reality (Godel)

The illusion of the passage of time arises from the confusing of the given with the real. Passage of time arises because we think of occupying different realities. In fact, we occupy only different givens. There is only one reality, without time.

-- Kurt Godel

Laws of Manu 12.102

One who knows the true meaning of the teachings of the Veda becomes fit for union with ultimate reality even while remaining here in this world, no matter what stage of life he is in.

-- Laws of Manu, 12.102

Abyss

We don't look into the Abyss, we look out of it from within it.

Logical necessity (Einstein)

What I'm really interested in is whether God could have made the world in a different way, that is, whether the necessity of logical simplicity leaves any freedom at all.

– Einstein

Inquirers into Wonder (Heidegger)

Only because of wonder, the revelation of Nothing, does the “Why?” spring to our lips. Only because this “Why?” is possible as such can we seek for reasons and proofs in a definite way. Only because we can ask and prove are we fated to become inquirers in this life. The inquiry into Nothing puts us, the inquirers, ourselves in question. It is a metaphysical one.

-- Heidegger, from "What is Metaphysics?"

Lifestream of Synchronicity (Bertiaux)

Somewhere at the heart of it all there is a certain energy, which cannot be seen, for it makes itself known and felt only in oracles. This energy, which is the lifestream of synchronicity, is in reality the presence of the Genius of IFA, acting out the enjoyment of the play of being-space-consciousness. By entering the waters of synchronicity which float endlessly in the spaces of what is, we can communicate with this magickal power, and thereby find ourselves within the continuum of being – yet moving beyond it, only to desire to merge with it once more.

-- Michael Bertiaux, from Voudon Gnostic Workbook (p. 363)

Scientific "Thinking Cap" Boosts Brain Power

Scientists have created a real-life thinking cap which works by zapping electricity through the brain. The strange-looking headgear has had extraordinary results and experts believe it could help people be more creative. The device was developed by the University of Sydney's Center for the Mind and suppresses the left side of the brain to catalyze the more creative right side into action.

The device, which uses two electricity conductors, significantly boosted results in a simple math test. Out of a sample of 60 participants, three times as many people who wore the cap were able to complete it, compared to those who tried it without. The cap was inspired by accident victims who experienced a sudden surge in creativity after damaging the left side of their brains.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3404056/Thinking-cap-zaps-brain-to-make-people-more-creative.html

Short-term Meditation Changes Brain

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital had meditation study participants take part in an eight-week meditation program requiring only 30 minutes of unstructured meditation per day. Brain scans conducted at the end of the test period showed that even within this brief span of time, changes in certain parts of the brain could be detected.

The brain scans showed that participants' hippocampal regions had increased, suggesting an increase in capacity for memory and learning. Also, the density of the amygdala decreased, implying a decrease in stress and anxiety.

Such studies demonstrate that the brain is highly malleable and readily responds to even short-term, light meditational discipline.

Source:

http://io9.com/5741192/even-a-little-meditation-can-change-the-structure-of-your-brain

Yoga Sutras: Subtle Attainments

The subtler attainments come with birth or are attained through herbs (ausadhi), mantra, austerities and rituals (tapas) or concentration (samadhi).

– Patanjali, Yoga Sutras, 4.1

Petros to Teach Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Petros will be teaching an in-depth class on the famous Yoga Sutras of the ancient Indian master Patanjali. This form of spiritual practice is also known as Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga) and Ashtanga Yoga (Eight-limbed yoga), and is a complete system of attainment used by meditators for centuries.

Location:
Alpha Book Center
4532 N. 7th St.
Phoenix AZ

Date: Friday 7 January 2011, 7pm

$10 donation required