Good to Know About the Paranormal — Quora Answers Book 2

About the Cover Tree Lake Reflection Artist: Bessi. https://pixabay.com/photos/tree-lake-reflection-water-calm-838667/ I wanted the book cover to convey a sense of mystery and spirituality. To me, a lone tree evokes both. In Nature, a solitary tree is often growing where others have not been able to grow. They are colonizers of difficult terrain. The tree’s reflection enhances the mystery. In the Hermetica, “As above, so below” comes from the Emerald Tablet which is thought to be a 6,000-year-old text attributed to Hermes. It is so named because of stories about green clay it was thought to be written on. The green was probably because of the presence of copper oxide. Considering the content of the tablet, it was probably titled something like The Truly Great Work. From Line 1: It is true and no lie, certain and to be depended upon, that which is above is as that which is below; and that which is below is as that which is above, for the performance of the one truly great work. Line one of the Emerald Tablet About which I say in The Hermes Concepts Discourse: (1) This principle signifies that everything existing in the physical aspect of reality has its correspondence in the greater reality. Perhaps a clearer explanation of this principle is that everything in the physical (below) has been expressed from the etheric (above). In turn, that which has been expressed has an influence on the expresser (and other personalities). The lone tree is found in many ancient cultures

as the Tree of Life. It generally represents the people’s relationship with Nature. The Tree of Life is often depicted as a tree (above) and the roots (below). The Hermetic Tarot includes a Tree of Life which represents the seeker’s progression toward spiritual maturity. It is seen as a roadmap for how to apply the 22 Major Arcana of the Hermetic Tarot to disclose the way to transform the coarse personality driven by human instincts (lead) to the finer form of spiritual maturity (gold). See the 22 Major Arcana of the Hermetic Tarot in Question 177 of this book. The Axis Mundi is described as a spiritual pillar connecting the earth to the heavens. It was often represented by the ancients as a tree with branches extending to heaven and roots extending to the center of earth. In the cosmological model I use, each of us is our own Axis Mundi. So, the lone tree is my imagined place of quiet from which I contemplate our spiritual nature and seek ways to convey what I learn to you. Thus, the two figures under the tree are you and me as we teach each other about our actual nature. Back Cover Progression When we begin our transition out of this lifetime, we will not wonder if we had been a good person. We will wonder if we have gained understanding about our nature and the nature of the reality we inhabit. A student’s progress in ancient wisdom schools is typically measured

with an initiation. Initiations involve a test, often posed as a challenge which must be answered before the student is allowed to pass through a passage to the next level. It may go like this: “You have been taught about the relationship between meaningful and pleasureful ways. You have been given the opportunity to contemplate these and examine their implication. Now I ask you to compare discriminating intelligence to morality.” You see, the test is not about the lessons. It is about understanding gained by examining the implications of the lessons. In the end, understanding is that part of awareness that informs our next act. The questions posed in this book are from Quora.com. They are not necessarily wise, but they offer opportunities to test understanding. I have included answers based on my understanding of our nature and the nature of the reality we inhabit. It is my intention that you might read them and gain a degree of understanding that can inform your next decision. We Do Not Work Alone Admittedly, this book is all about reality according to Tom Butler. Should you disagree with what I have said, your disagreement is with me. Much of what I think is true is anchored on what I have learned in the study of transcommunication with Lisa, so if you like the book, thank her. This book is different for me in that its content has been guided by people asking questions on Quroa.com. While I have been selective about which

questions I have answered, those that I did answer have inspired me to find new ways to examine old issues. I often argue that active participation in a community is the golden way to understanding. Thus, I must thank the questioners of Quora for being part of my cooperative community. Table of Contents Use License About the Cover Back Cover Progression We Do Not Work Alone Introduction to Book Two Section 1 Theories and Concepts Introduction Question 1 What's your representation of reality? Question 2 Could consciousness/unconsciousness be considered dimensions why or why not? Question 3 Which one- materialism, dualism, panpsychism or idealism? Question 4 What frequency to which is a spectrum of physical energies/reality? Because everything is energy and most people divide energies/reality into Physical and Metaphysical, visible and invisible. Question 5 What is panpsychism? Question 6 How do you approach Kant on causation (causation, philosophy)? Question 7 What’s the difference between the brain and the mind and where does the mind reside? Question 8 What is the formula of understanding the self? Question 9 Are there any philosophical theory that supports that we are spiritual beings having a human experience? Question 10 What is an example of conceptualizing your own philosophy of the self? Question 11 Reality exists, and not nothingness. So where does reality/universe “lie”? Well, reality being “something,” it is in something, because if it is not there, it isn’t. It is difficult to explain. Question 12 What are some examples of metaphysical thinking? Question 13

Why would you reject the study of metaphysics? Question 14 What are the most important recent developments in the philosophy of mind? Question 15 What is a good proof of human being minded? Question 16 What would be your own theory or point of view on understanding the self, if you could create it? Question 17 How is reality forever changing and we can't claim to know the truth? Question 18 What is the difference between reality and what the brain thinks it is seeing? Question 19 Is consciousness a real thing? Question 20 Distinguish opinion from truth. What are some examples? Question 21 Can you please comment on how the evidence of the afterlife as revealed to you compares to the account of the afterlife in the extensive writings on the subject by Emanuel Swedenborg, the 18th century philosopher, scientist, etc.? Question 22 Why does free will exist? How should we incorporate into our daily lives with free will? Question 23 Is the world just a battle of ideas, or is there a fundamental truth? Question 24 Is there any way to disprove the simulation hypothesis? I don't want to be in a computer simulation. Question 25 Is objectivity a method of understanding or it should rather be seen as a standard or test of reality? Question 26 Does belief affect reality? Question 27 We perceive physical reality with a lag due to our brains having to process things before we can even see what is in The Present.

So we technically always perceive The Past due to that lag. Can a conscious physical thing ever perceive The Present? Question 28 Where do you think the observer is? Question 29 If consciousness is the ultimate reality, then could it bridge the divide between living and non-living matter and give all to gather different dimensions to cosmology? Question 30 Is it true that our thoughts create our reality? If so, then can we not control our own destiny just by controlling our thoughts? Question 31 What are the best arguments favorable to metaphysics and non-physics? Question 32 What made you question whether the paranormal was real? Question 33 If humans have all five senses and can carry out an infinite number of different actions in the astral plane, then why are we given a physical body? Question 34 How can one distinguish between disorder and the supernatural? Question 35 Is free will real or just an illusion? What motivates you to think that? Question 36 What would be the implications if we mastered the technology of dimensional transcendentalism from Doctor Who (more space on the inside than what appears from the outside)? Question 37 How much evidence do skeptics need of the paranormal when we have millions of photos and videos of ghosts and millions of real life ghost stories people have told over the centuries? Question 38 Hypothetically speaking, what if all paranormal entities and concepts are all real and true? Question 39 If human consciousness is uploaded as

data onto an Android (I read and watched fiction a lot) what would that be: A. An abomination, B. A miracle of finally achieving immortality? Where would the soul be? Question 40 Everything I see and hear happens in my brain. If that's true, then where am I actually? Question 41 In a book I am reading, it says that a person’s consciousness is their frequency. Will you please comment on this? I assume consciousness determines frequency of vibration. Question 42 When someone refers to their inner selves as a "spirit ghost", would that mean that would be their original personality or self? Question 43 How do we 'create' consciousness considering that we hold no factual evidence that it is generated from the neural network in our brain? Question 44 In principle, could a brain be rewired to experience more pleasure and/or pain (neuroscience, perception, neurophysiology, brain, pain, psychology)? Question 45 Do we give energy to things or facts or incidents when we think about them? Question 46 What causes consciousness to travel through a tunnel during Near-death experience? How can the deficiency of Oxygen supply in the eye or occipital lobe explain the sense of high speed in the tunnel and meeting Deceased loved ones at its end? Question 47 How is it possible that there is an accurate knowledge if each one perceives reality in their own way? Question 48 Is this a real world or a virtual world? Because it seems real it feels real but are

we stuck in our mind? I mean all of our 5 senses is manipulated or being controlled and it showing what we want to see. Can someone explain it for me? Question 49 What are any real metaphysical or practical spiritual powers besides the Claire and Tarot? Question 50 How do we perceive that reality is as is? Question 51 There's the other and then there's the here. The other can't be known and the here is only known through its material manifestation. Is it not true that if a ghost appears in your room, that the ghost must be a material thing and from the here? Question 52 Which among the theories on “self” as a cognitive construction best explains your personality dynamics? Question 53 How do you formulate your own philosophy of the self, explain your concept, and provide examples and illustrations? Question 54 Is the paranormal/supernatural a subset of metaphysics? Question 55 If there is no randomness, does it ultimately mean there can’t be free will as well? Question 56 Based on the learning that you gain in this lesson, can you create your own ethical principles and be able to explain these principles? Question 57 What is the danger in thinking that what you know is the truth? Question 58 What is duality of being, and why should I care? Question 59 Let us say that we define free will as the ability to consciously choose any one out of two or more options available to

us. If the above definition is accepted, then do human beings have free will? Question 60 Can the paranormal ever become normal? Question 61 Why can the senses not always be trusted? Question 62 The four traits of the human persons are made evident through our actions. What is in our human nature that is intangible element, along with the body, defines us persons? Question 63 What if an animal developed a human-like consciousness? Question 64 Does honesty really matter? Question 65 Is mindfulness a reality check of our thought process and deliverables? Question 66 What stands between an individual and reality? Question 67 Does past experience affect what we see or what we do? Question 68 How is the truth perceived? Question 69 What is Kant’s theory to discuss if the continued reliance on natural gas can still be considered an ethical approach for energy consumption? What is your ethical stand in the conclusion? Question 70 What is perception? That golden seconds? Or illusion or schizophrenia or reality? I don't know what to believe anymore because I don't believe in myself what to do anymore? Question 71 What does your critical thinking process look like when you are presented with information? When do you know you have arrived at or near the truth? Question 72 How can it be proven that consciousness is not of the body? Is it because consciousness (pure sense of awareness/existence) cannot catch a disease or become influenced or damaged like the mind and body?

Question 73 Subtle energies cannot be detected with physical instruments. That doesn't mean they don't exist? Question 74 Does the mind exist or is it a spontaneous phenomenon based on past memories or conditioning? Question 75 How do we know we become mind or self during living everyday if truth is we are energy in body who run both body and mind? Question 76 Why are spiritual phenomena like law of attraction, magic & psychic abilities so inaccessible or non-existent on earth? If we are really spiritual beings having a human experience, why can't we direct that experience with our innate spiritual powers? Question 77 Isn't even the idea of thoughtlessness a thought? Can we ever be thoughtless? Question 78 If "being present" and "realize the reality" are so important for our spiritual journey, why do we have an imagination which is often capable to create many different "realities"? Question 79 Earthworms do not have eyes so they can't fathom vision. Do you think there are other higher beings with much higher senses than us that we can't even fathom their reality? Question 80 What does the emergent theory of consciousness mean/say? Question 81 Can we find truth as beings with purely individual experience and reactions? "True for me, but not for you" seems true, but it is itself a contradiction. Do we start at a level playing field? Materialism, theism or something else? By what standard? Question 82 What is the role of attention in sensory processes? Question 83

Do we all have an animal self? Question 84 Could the tunnel of light be our spirit travelling faster than the speed of light? Question 85 What is an example of a material, a mental, and a social object? What are their metaphysical differences? Question 86 Why are there still many profoundly metaphysical questions that remain unanswered by science? Section 2 Science Introduction Question 87 When people describe our reality as a "Hologram", do they literally mean it's an illusion made of light, or that we're living in something that tells our senses it's real but is a Fake, and a "Base ONE" reality exists "beneath" it? Question 88 Why do scientists speak of things being real that they only suppose are real? Artist's concepts are used as if they were visual evidence of a theory or what they suspect to be true? Question 89 What does science and scientism mean? Question 90 1) How does Moore counter the skeptics in denying the existence of the external world? What is analytic in Moore’s proof of the external world and defense of common sense? Question 91 What is the connection of phenomenology and philosophy? Question 92 Is there any scientific proof of spirit existence after death? Question 93 Why can't science measure the spiritual, paranormal, and esoteric world with physical instruments? Question 94 Is it scientism to claim everything we can't explain now will eventually be explained by science? Question 95 Is metaphysics the discussion of notions at the highest level

of linguistic abstraction? Question 96 Is spiritual energy considered pseudoscience? Question 97 What is it called when a falsified theory is proposed as true, and it appears true because it stems from an empirically verifiable event? Question 98 Which scientific development do you think will start a new age of enlightenment (new renaissance) in humanity? Question 99 Is there any scientific knowledge that is not provided by the combination of empirical evidences and formal logic? Question 100 What does it mean for a principle to be intuitive, and what is intuitive evidence? Question 101 Should young people read philosophy, since reading philosophy helps us to build different views on ontology, teleology and Metaphysics? Like Nietzche, Schopenhaur, Hegel, Heidegger, Kant, Wittgenstein, Marchx and Engels? Question 102 What are the downsides to a person having a lot of skepticism? Question 103 Why is there a need to recognize our philosophical orientation as a scientist? Question 104 What is the importance of recognizing the difference between the truth and opinion? Question 105 What is pseudoscience? Question 106 Is a deterministic model, at least as far as free will in human beings is concerned, an example of scientism? Question 107 How do I differentiate between an illusion voice (as mind also cheats) and intuition voice from inside? Question 108 What is the real difference between a skeptic and delusions? Question 109 Does quantum physics explain paranormal events? Question 110 Can the law of attraction be considered the same as physical laws, since neither of

these are visible but manifest their existence in everyday life? Question 111 Do Spiritual psychologists have graduate degrees in Spiritual psychology from an accredited university? And are they professionally licensed to practice? Question 112 Why can’t science explain paranormal activities? Question 113 If thought is energy then why can’t it be stored externally? Question 114 Should Wikipedia be used for research? Question 115 Are skeptics open to being proved wrong? What do they do when it happens? Question 116 Does Wikipedia take the theory of evolution as fact? How does a media of non-biased information like Wikipedia handle theories which aren't universally accepted? Question 117 How do we know the subconscious exists? Are there proofs it exists? Question 118 How does skepticism relate to scientific literacy? Question 119 Up to what extent does a hypothesis have to be testable to be regarded as scientific (philosophy of science, truth, scientific method, falsifiability, philosophy)? Question 120 Do human beings have free will? Is causal determinism true? If things are randomly Decided (as per quantum mechanics), then would it show that human beings have free will? Question 121 Why can't physical instruments detect subtle energies and the paranormal world? Question 122 How can we prevent science from becoming scientism? Question 123 Given that Darwinism proves that communication is manipulative inherently, how do we Separate real information from false? Question 124 Pretending you are the subject of the phenomenological study, how will the researchers obtain data from you? Question 125 Are all "paranormal activities"

explainable by Science? For example, the Pepper's ghost effect has been used by many to capture photos of "spirits". Aren't all such photos explainable, as such illusions are the result optical experiments? Question 126 What is prescience? Question 127 Does the brain actually form representations of the outside world? Question 128 How is it that our brains are able to produce images in our heads that we can see yet at the same time not see in reality? (If that makes sense. I'm not very good with wording) Question 129 Is it a duty of persons of a science (here, psychology) to investigate the possibilities of important new tools and possible discoveries? Question 130 What was the global consciousness project? Did the experiments at Pear Labs prove anything? Question 131 What is scientific proof or explanation for ghosts? Question 132 How should the fact of our being pure awareness/consciousness (as opposed to a causally determined physical self) impact the way we ought to live? The result seems to be a quasi-nihilism of sorts (i.e. this life doesn't really matter). Thanks Daisi! Question 133 How would the scientific literature landscape and culture change if survivorship bias was reduced and failed or inconclusive studies were published more frequently? Question 134 Do thoughts have energy? Question 135 Which is accurate science or spirituality and why? Question 136 How do I become a paid paranormal investigator? Question 137 Hi this is really important. Can anyone recommend me books that include the following topics: science

and the universe in relation to the human mind, spiritually, consciousness and all the potentials of the human mind (e.g astral projection)? Question 138 Why has science not yet created a device that detects immaterial energies like ghosts? Question 139 Is empathy empiricism or rationalism? Question 140 Why is posthumanism poorly regarded in the mainstream science community? Question 141 For the people who think that consciousness is due to complex computations in the brain, how can we make sure that the highly intelligent AI that we have created have a true subjective experience? Question 142 Is consciousness a form of energy? Not the electrical flow between neurons, but the thought itself? Section 3 Psi Functioning Introduction Question 143 If mediums and psychics are real, why don’t they ever contact people like Einstein or people from many years ago like Alexander the Great? Question 144 What are ways to open a spiritual portal? Question 145 Is it possible to see yourself without a mirror or reflection? Question 146 To what extent can sensory perception be shared? Question 147 How is visualization in a thought produced? Question 148 Are there any genuine psychic phenomena? Question 149 How can I become more self-aware? Question 150 How do I understand that my thoughts are my reality? I always hear people say this, but I physically cannot grasp this concept. Question 151 Do we as human beings have a limited ability to read each other’s minds? What are the means and apparatuses we use to

read another's mind? Question 152 Should I believe what a psychic tells me? I paid and researched this person. Many people are against this. What do you think? Question 153 Why should you try to manifest outcomes when we are told nothing happens without divine timing? Question 154 Is psychokinesis real? Question 155 Does consciousness move something physical? Question156 Why did some people seem to have some degree of consciousness? Isn't all humans being supposed to have the same degree of it? Question 157 How can I improve my psychic abilities? Question 158 What are the correlations between clairaudience, telepathy, and qi gong? Question 159 How do psychics know not only truths about you, but truths about people we inquire about with little to no information and be absolutely correct? Prefer to hear from only non sceptics please. Question 160 Why do sceptics find fault with psychics and tarot card readers but rarely with astrologers and palmists? Question 161 Why can't psychics predict the date and time of the events they predict? Question 162 Do you believe psychics are really or scam artists? Section 4 Ghosts Introduction Question 163 Is it you who is haunted or is it your house? What is it like for you to experience paranormal activity no matter where you live? Question 164 How true is it that mirrors are like a portal between spiritual and physical realms? Question 165 How do ghost hunters test new equipment without having a control to measure against? Question 166

A big, clearly formed golden orb showed up in my room this morning. I don’t think it was a ghost orb. What do orbs mean? Question 167 Why are some souls earthbound as in hauntings, when most return "home"? Question 168 Are ghosts echo's of the past? I've been watching these ghost hunting shows on YouTube for some reason and they just make me question about what those anomalies are. Section 5 Spiritualism and Mediumship Introduction Question 169 For a school project, I am doing spirituality. what are some key things I should know when it comes to things like manifestation and etc? Question 170 What does the Grim Reaper tarot card mean? Question 171 People who believe the mind is SEPERERATE from their brain, why are you convinced of this? Question 172 How can I become more self-aware? Question 173 Can spiritualism save you? Question 174 How does someone achieve the level of 'Tarot Master'… especially as there are no professional Tarot qualifications? Question 175 How do I become spiritually in tune? Question 176 What does it mean to be educated and to be enlightened? Question 177 What is the spiritual significance of water? Question 178 Why is it said that at the moment of enlightenment a being becomes the totality of existence, yet how can they experience every consciousness simultaneously or be everywhere at once? Is spirituality scamming people with fantastical claims? Question 179 How can you be a model spiritually? Question 180 What is the meaning of

this quotation, "The living soul of man, once conscious of its power, cannot be quelled"? Question 181 Einstein said: "Although I am a typical loner in daily life, my consciousness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has preserved me from feeling isolated". What is the "invisible community"? Question 182 Why is it often said that the veil between the physical and spiritual dimensions is very thin? Where is the evidence for this statement when most people are stuck behind a "brick wall" and frustrated with a lack of anything spiritual in their life? Question 183 In Buddhism it is said that ignorance leads to thinking there is a self and that considering yourself as “me” or “I” contributes to that. What is the alternative way to perceive the singular experience of the individual mind, if not “me” or “I”? Question 184 Has anyone turned their backs on spiritualism after realizing they were spiritual bypassing? How has this shaped your view of spiritualism and did it keep you stuck in the trauma? Question 185 Can you be a spiritualist, and find relief in the planets and crystals, as well as praying to God? Question 186 What is ethics based on its scientific and philosophical senses? Question 187 What are the effects of metaphysical problems on human acts? Question 188 Why is getting into spiritualism so hard? Question 189 How do you explain this recent study that demonstrates the sensory cortical regions: visual

cortex and temporal cortex are indeed activated during mediumistic trance of spiritual hearing and apparitional experiences? Question 190 Do plants have souls? Question 191 What does it mean to not be self aware? Question 192 Could someone define and explain what is spiritualism. Is it related to spirits? I am thoroughly confused. Question 193 How do you know that we are spiritual beings having human experiences rather than human beings having spiritual experiences? Question 194 Is our subconscious mind the same thing as our spirit? Section 6 ITC Introduction Question 195 Does EVP actually work? Question 196 Do you have any experience with the Electronic Voice Phenomenon, the use of electronic equipment to communicate with the dead? Question 197 Where do voices on EVP (Electric voice phenomenon) comes from? Question 198 How could the phenomena of EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) be scientifically explained? Question 199 What is the best EVP recorder available in 2021? Question 200 How do people not know that the "Ghost Box" paranormal investigation "tool" does not work? Question 201 Excluding pareidolia: What do you think might be the source of, or causes Electronic Voice Phenomena to be present in some audio recordings? Question 202 I watched a documentary about the paranormal and ghost investigators used a “spirit box” to try to communicate with a spirit in a supposedly haunted house. Are these machines real? How are they supposed to work? Question 203 What could explain otherwise unexplainable EVP's? Question 204 Why didn't we develop technologies to

detect ghosts and try to communicate with them? Question 205 Can using a spirit box be dangerous? Is there a chance I could accidentally invite a malicious spirit into my home? Question 206 How would I go about getting EVPs that I captured, analyzed? I hear messages very clearly while playing the recordings normally, and reversed as well. I would consider most of them grade A and B EVPs. Question 207 How or why does EVP work? Why do people think it's caused by ghosts? Question 208 Can EVP (electronic-voice phenomena) be used to read and transmit brainwaves and if so, how do you block them? Section 7 Community Introduction Question 209 Why do you edit for Wikipedia (I'm writing an essay on Wikipedia and need primary data)? Question 210 How do metaphysical naturalists approach ethics? Question 211 How does a layperson find a spiritual master? Question 212 What books/ audiobooks are good for trying to understand reality/consciousness and just making you aware of what life really is? Or any advice you have on this topic? Question 213 We know from surveys that 80% of mainstream scientists dismiss psi and the paranormal. But nobody seems to ask how do engineers feel about it? Question 214 Who postulates that the human mind at birth is a blank slate or tabula rasa? Question 215 What makes Wikipedia unreliable? Question 216 Are esoteric people delusional? Question 217 How do we control our Destiny? Question 218 Why does the New Age believe everything has

to be no bad vibes instead of doing shadow work, or having discernment when needed? Question 219 What are some negative aspects of skepticism? Question 220 Skeptics believe that only science is everything, however is there a world of magic, supernatural phenomena, and mysticism that they miss out on experiencing because they are covered by ignorance? My Qualifications Index References Other Books Introduction to Book Two This is the second of two books containing my Quora.com answers. The first book help 242 answers. This book consists of my answers to 221 questions posed by apparently average citizens on the website named Quora. Anyone can answer Quora questions. Just go to Quora.com and sign up. You can select the categories you are interested in. My list includes Parapsychology, Deep Thoughts, The Paranormal and Mindfulness to name a few. Of course, the idea is to have the public create free content for Quora so that people will come and read the ads embedded on each page. I think one of the reasons the business model works is that people can ask thoughtful questions in a pretty safe environment. And of course, like me, many people are happy to share their opinion. Be aware though, Quora offers to pay money to people who attract a lot of answers. Some of the questions show they are coming out of the questioner’s mental random question generator. I like answering Quora questions because the questioners provide me a virtual cooperative community. Many of the questions are

novel and force me to find a different way of explaining the concepts I write about. I write about a relatively small set of concepts such as Duality, ITC and survival. The concepts are complex and there are many ways they integrate into a whole. I have written books on the subjects, but I suspect my approach has always been a little too technical. I tend to work alone because I have not managed to find more than a few thoughtful people who will collaborate and give me much needed sensibility checks. As I think to answer a question, I occasionally have one of those realizations and that helps me better understand my subject. The reason I think you will benefit from reading the answers offered here is that, collectively, they paint a picture of information that is vital to all of our spiritual progression. While I might make the same point in many of the questions, each repeat tends to be from a different perspective. One of those perspectives might finally sink in for you. Intellectual Authority to Answer Many of the questions I have answered should be answered by someone who has academic and research experience in the subject. For instance, I am not a psychologist, yet I have answered several questions in the Consciousness section that are clearly intended for a Ph.D. You will see that I frequently address the role parapsychologists play in the study of things paranormal. I am a critic (79) of many things

parapsychological and am probably not the best one to talk about them to the public. Knowing this, I try to put my grievances aside and cast a positive light on the field of study. Afterall, people outside of our community are watching. You will also see that I have claimed subject matter authority that is outside of my formal education as an engineer. It is important to me that you, and people reading my answers on Quora, understand my qualifications. I often warn the reader at the beginning of the article that I am not a psychologists or parapsychologists. I explain my qualification (2) to answer these questions at the back of this book. If you take time to review them, you will see that I am more like that old man next door who knows more about how to fix things in your house than the scientist who only knows how they work. At the most, I am a science reporter. Oh, and an inveterate shade tree philosopher. As well as I can tell, people who should be answering Quora questions are not. I often write about the Academic-Layperson Partition in which people with an advanced degree, relevant or not, tend to shun people without. When an effort is made by an academic to communicate, it is too often from behind an ivory wall of science babble. I ran into the same absence of academic authority when I was an active Wikipedia editor. In almost every instance, my efforts

to communicate with parapsychologists about these phenomena have not ended well. Now, I am of the mind that, if parapsychologists want to sequester themselves from the intellectually unwashed, I am happy to give them a good reason as I turn my support to the emerging field of Consciousness Studies. Another important consideration is that Quora answers are read by the public, most of which, I expect, are not familiar with the paranormalist community. It seems that if I did not answer, only the religious or skeptics would. Attitude If you are familiar with my other writing, especially Section II of Your Immortal Self, (4) you may have noticed that I think community is of the utmost importance for personal development and the future possibility that we might someday understand these phenomena. I also feel that the academic community treats paranormal subjects like their plaything—entertainment in their retirement years. The problem with academics migrating from the established culture of mainstream science to the paranormalist frontier is that they bring their elitist culture with them. It manifests as the Academic-Layperson Partition. At the least, it is a hinderance to gaining further understanding about the nature of these phenomena. I often think of parapsychologists in terms of the Wizard Syndrome. That is the assumption that superior academic training automatically gives them authority in unrelated study. Because of the Partition, the usual feedback mechanism provided by collaboration between those qualified to study and those able to produce phenomena is mostly missing. On average, laypeople

are little better. An emergent practice amongst wannabe experts is to claim credibility by using the name of a historically significant person. That is exactly the practice that has so corrupted the historical record of Hermetic teaching that we no longer know what to believe of work attributed to him. As a fan of ancient wisdom, I will never forgive those ancient Greeks. Certainly, I cannot condone our contemporary Greek-like plagiarists. The discernment of laypeople in the paranormalist community is often overshadowed by: The Wizard of Oz syndrome which is the layperson’s counterpart to the Wizard Syndrome mentioned above. We who are not academically trained have been culturally conditioned to accept anything a person with a Ph.D. says … without question. Hyperlucidity (38) is my term for a short-term change in behavior marked by the tendency to find phenomena everywhere despite considerable testimony to the contrary by peers. Laypeople tend not to bother with discernment. Possibly the greater sin is that their friends do not bother to correct them, even when their friends do not see the phenomena being shown them. Silver Bullet is a way of saying that paranormalists tend to turn toward the easiest way of producing phenomena, to communicate with discarnate loved ones or for self-improvement even though there is no objective evidence that the technique works. Of course, I point to the radio-sweep technique for EVP as a classic example, but mental mediumship is a close second. Scientism is a version of the Wizard of Oz

Syndrome. It is the belief that only established science tells the truth. That is, if science does not say it is so, it cannot be and therefore must be fraud. This usually becomes a factor when dealing with the skeptic community, but skepticism occurs at all levels. It is common for a person who accepts mental mediumship as a fact to argue that physical mediumship is fraudulent. Take some time to read some of the other answers to the questions I answered. In the eBook version, the date answered includes a link to the Quora page for my answer. Other answers can be accessed from a link at the bottom of that page. For the paperback version, go to quora.com/profile/Tom-Butler-79/answers. All of my answers are there. From the perspective of Duality, the answers offered from the faithbased point of view are exactly what we do not want the public to think is true. That is one of the reasons I answer. While I am sympathetic about religious beliefs, I see no public benefit in teaching that they are truth without framing them in the context of research or at least naturalist studies. Finally, my dissatisfaction with the lack of community cooperation sometimes shows in my answers. While I stick to my convictions, it is for you to look beyond this old man’s discontent and find the greater truth. Arrangement of this Book I signed up for several categories of questions based on my interest and whether I think I can

add something useful to the conversation. The questions are sent to me via email. I have preserved the date on which I answered each question and a link to the web page the original is on. From there, you can see other answers. It is an interesting exercise to review other answers. When compared to other answers, one of the things I notice about my answers is that I have a rather different perspective. Perhaps my effort to change my perspective from body-centric to personality-centric is working. As they come to me, the questions are in one of the Quora categories. I have organized them in this book as they make sense to me. Thus, there are: Section 1 Theories and Concepts Section 2 Science Section 3 Psi Functioning Section 4 Ghosts Section 5 Spiritualism and Mediumship Section 6 ITC Section 7 Community I understand that the Table of Contents is long. I set it up that way because it seems doubtful that many people will read this book cover-tocover, but instead, find questions that seem interesting. Please be aware that much of what is included in these answers is substantiated on my Etheric Studies (15) website. In turn, the two books, Your Immortal Self (129) and Exploring the Mindful Way (75) are written to integrate the material in a more cohesive whole. I am always available for questions using the Contact Tool at the bottom of each web page. Question 1 What's your representation of reality? Answered April 28,

2022 Answer Excellent question! Each of us has a mental “map” of the physical world we inhabit. If the Physical is all there is and we cease to exist when we die, our physical habitat is all there is. We can only get to know our reality as it is. Even then, there is a difference between the actual physical world and our perception of it. For instance, is night just dark or is it also scary? We also have a mental sense of “I am this.” Terms like “I am awake,” “In my dreams,” “I think,” and something like “Heaven” express a mental “map” of reality that is beside our physical map. While studying apparent paranormal phenomena such as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) and mental mediumship, I have found it useful to develop a model of our mind. The diagram represents the version of reality I have learned from that exercise. I think of it as our spiritual anatomy. It is explained under the Concepts Tab of Etheric Studies. (3) The diagram represents two life fields. One is our immortal self and the other is our human avatar. Here is the basic life field fractal Diagram. If we think of a life field as the basic building block of reality, then reality consists of life fields and the expressions of life fields. The organization of reality would be governed by the same kind of “rule set” that has evolved out of the Big Bang expansion of our physical universe.

In order to bound the model, I say that reality began as the expression of curiosity. We, as an aspect of the greater reality in the same sense that our human avatar is an aspect of the Big Bang, would have the purpose of satisfying that curiosity by gaining understanding through experience. One reason our sense of reality is important rests with the question of whether we are our body or a spiritual being having a human experience. The answer to this question ultimately determines how we make decisions. If we are our human, then legacy is everything. If we are a spiritual being, legacy is important but what we do now matters here and hereafter. Question 2 Could consciousness/unconsciousness be considered dimensions why or why not? Answered April 20, 2022 Answer In the context of consciousness, “dimension” is usually a term used to indicate differences in our perception of reality. These differences and how they are described tend to be explained in different ways, depending on the teacher’s point of view. For instance, the Monroe Institute (4) teaches that their Hemi SyncTM induces different states of consciousness. Those could be described as different dimensions of mind. In ancient wisdom teachings, the difference between our physical perception of reality and the actual nature of reality was sometimes explained as a sort of layer cake of planes of existence. In more contemporary culture the planes are more often described as dimensions. The diagram below is something of a composite of a

few systems of thought. The column on the left is from the Hermetic Tree of Life. The numbered planes represent states of awareness. Note that “0” or “Knowledge” is below understanding and wisdom. As illustrated below, changing perspective from decision making entirely guided by instincts to decision making guided by discerning intellect is a more contemporary model for how I think “dimensions” are intended here. People who are seekers after spiritual maturity are learning to consider the implications of their thoughts and actions. Most people are decidedly not seekers. In the illustration below, the two sides of the Dominance Threshold can be thought of as two different dimensions. The process of developing perception is a mostly unconscious “preprocessing” of environmental signals that results in conscious awareness of a version of those signals that agrees with the person’s worldview. In that sense unconscious-to-conscious is a process that enables awareness. It is the intention to develop greater discerning intellect that represents the dimension we consciously experience. Question 3 Which one- materialism, dualism, panpsychism or idealism? Answered April 19, 2022 Answer Metaphysical Materialism – Also known as Physicalism, this is the point of view that nothing exists except matter and naturally occurring principles organizing the behavior of matter. In this, reality is thought to have begun with the rapid expansion of a singularity popularly known as the “Big Bang.” That event produced matter and organizing principles. Everything including life and consciousness is thought to be the product of that event. Materialism is a

useful way of day-to-day modeling our physical experience. However, Physicalism does not reasonably explain apparent nonphysical phenomena. Metaphysical Dualism – The point of view that reality consists of a physical aspect and a nonphysical aspect. By nonphysical, it is intended that mind and the expression of mind are not subject to known physical principles and are thought to exist in an aspect of space sometimes referred to as the Psi Field where the expression of mind is Psi. In Physical Dualism, the Psi Field is modeled as an emergent aspect of the physical that permeates the physical as a medium of propagation for thought. In Strict Dualism, the etheric represents the reality field and the Psi Field is seen as an emergent quality of the greater reality. Metaphysical Panpsychism – The point of view that consciousness is an emergent quality of physical matter. In effect, it is argued that even subatomic particles have a degree of consciousness. It is a version of physicalism that provides for the emergence of mind out of ordinary matter that avoids speculation about a nonphysical aspect of reality. Metaphysical Idealism – This is a Strict Dualism point of view holding that physical matter is an expression of mind. For idealism to be true, it is necessary that mind exist “outside” of the physical aspect of reality. In Physicalism, biological death means extinction of consciousness. In Physical Dualism, death means extinction with possible residual memory in the hypothetical Psi Field. In Strict Dualism, consciousness is thought

to precede the biological lifetime and continue after biological death. From my study of things paranormal, I have become an advocate of the survival hypothesis, meaning that a person is an immortal etheric personality entangled with a human during the human’s lifetime. The point of view that best supports that seems to be Dualism. One of the implications of Dualism is that reality consists of life field and the expressions of life fields. In that, the Strict Dualism view of Idealism model seems to be most useful. Question 4 What frequency to which is a spectrum of physical energies/reality? Because everything is energy and most people divide energies/reality into Physical and Metaphysical, visible and invisible. Answered November 15, 2021 Answer The term “energy” is intended to mean a physical characteristic. In common practice, we say that something or someone is energetic, indicating more than usual activity. It is common practice for people interested in human potential to say that many different characteristics of mind and consciousness have an energetic nature. Frequency is a characteristic of energy, and it is common for people to indicate how much two minds are in agreement as “on the same frequency.” To increase spiritual energy means to become more in tune with the “ideals of the Source” or some similar wording for that which is considered greater than the rest of us. Consider two lines from the Emerald Tablet: Thou shalt separate the Earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, by means of

a gentle heat, and with great ingenuity. Line 7 It ascends from Earth to heaven, and descends again to Earth. Thereby it receives the power of the superiors and the inferiors. Line 8 See The Hermes Concepts. (1) It is worth taking a little time examining that essay. The Emerald Tablet is thought to be a 6,000 years-old instruction from Hermes to seekers for how to manage the transmitting of their course nature to a more lucid nature. Read that as “transmute low frequency to high frequency” except that using a physical term with physical connotations tends to lock our thinking into a physical perspective. Part of the seeker’s work is to learn how to think from a mind-centric perspective rather than the body-centric one we are taught from birth. The people who claim the right to study things paranormal call themselves parapsychologists. Some schools of parapsychological thought have found it useful to describe the influence of thought as a field of influence rather than a physical energy. The influence of thought is called “Psi.” A hypothetical field thought to enable the propagation of Psi is referred to as the “Psi Field.” The Psi Field is known to be nonlocal, meaning that a Psi effect in one part can be simultaneously experienced in other parts of the field. I know from the study of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) (aka Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)), that Psi apparently cannot shield thought from our equipment or perceptual faculty. The characteristics of Psi appear to

violate principles of physical energy. This is why I argue that naming mental processes with terms intended for the physical provides a false reference. A better term is something like more or less “discerning intellect.” The Psi Field also appears to be conceptual rather than objective. For instance, a thought might be about a thing but is not the thing itself. This implies that the clarity of perception in thinking is the conceptual equivalent of physical energy. For instance, I think of a seeker after enlightenment as a person who has learned to habitually examine the implications of ideas. Being more introspective is thought to lead to greater discernment, which in turn, leads to greater lucidity. It is greater lucidity that opens the door for greater understanding which is possibly our purpose for this physical experience. The Perceptual Agreement Organizing Principle (5) I use for my own studies is defined as: Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate. The more correctly we understand the actual nature of reality the more we are able to experience of reality. That, in effect, moves us closer to the Source. Question 5 What is panpsychism? Answered November 7, 2021 Answer Panpsychism is from the Greek term “pan” meaning all, everything, whole, and “psyche” meaning soul, mind. It literally means that everything is conscious to some extent. This includes stars, trees, rocks and subatomic particles. I can think of three different ways of looking at how

consciousness is universally expressed. Physical The physical universe-centric view is exemplified by David Bohm’s Implicate Order hypothesis. (6) He proposed that everything is implied by everything else. Using a holographic image to illustrate this concept, every part of the universe implies the rest. I recommend The Holographic Universe (7) by Michael Talbot as a primer for this concept. With the help of Michael Talbot, I visualize the Implicate Order as a field of organizing influence that permeates physical space, and which represents the influencing principles that just naturally results in everything there is. it is this field of organizing principles that also implies consciousness. In this, the arrow of creation is from the most fundamental aspects of physical reality toward the greatest structures. Metaphysical If Dualism is a reasonable hypothesis, that is, if it is reasonable to argue that our nonphysical conscious self is independent of our physical organism, then it must also be reasonable to argue that consciousness precedes the physical. Put another way, physical things are the expression of consciousness. The metaphysics I study can be taken as an example and should not be considered a widely accepted academic view. I refer to “things” coming from the influence of mind as intended order. For instance, we see this in Electronic Voice Phenomena, (8) apports, (9) precipitated art (10) and matter-through-matter (11) demonstrated in the séances room. The Implicit Cosmology (3) I study is an example of how consciousness appears to be related to the physical from the conscious-self

perspective. In short terms, reality consists of life fields and their expressions. The Creative Process (12) is the mechanism for the expression of intended order: Changes in reality are expressed via personality’s attention on an imagined outcome with the intention to make it so. In this, the arrow of creation is from some hypothetical etheric First Cause into the physical. It is distinct from creationism in that it proposes an evolving reality formed through individual and collective expressions of intention as bound by organizing principles. It does not suppose divine intervention. Question 6 How do you approach Kant on causation (causation, philosophy)? Answered November 7, 2021 Answer This is an interesting subject because it goes to the heart of the idea of Natural Law. As I understand it, Kant argued that concepts existed independent of our experience of them. From a priori knowledge in Encyclopedia Britanica: (13) A priori knowledge, in Western philosophy since the time of Immanuel Kant, knowledge that is acquired independently of any particular experience, as opposed to a posteriori knowledge, which is derived from experience. The Latin phrases a priori (“from what is before”) and a posteriori (“from what is after”) were used in philosophy originally to distinguish between arguments from causes and arguments from effects. Put another way, Kant argued that there were characteristics of reality that are inherent in the fact that reality exists. From Kant and the Thing in Itself: (14) The world as it is before mediation Kant calls the noumenal world,

or, in a memorable phrase, Das Ding an sich, a phrase which literally means “The thing in itself”, but whose sense would be more accurately caught by translating it as “the thing (or world) as it really is”(as distinct from how it appears to us). I think quantum physicist David Bohm also addressed the idea of fundamental characteristics of nature with his The Implicate Order. (6) From the linked article: The theory of the Implicate Order contains an ultraholistic cosmic view; it connects everything with everything else. In principle, any individual element could reveal "detailed information about every other element in the universe." The central underlying theme of Bohm's theory is the "unbroken wholeness of the totality of existence as an undivided flowing movement without borders. The Implicate Order model provides one of the arguments for describing reality in terms of a hologram. That is, any part implies the whole. There are a number of naturally occurring principles identified in physics. For instance, things tend to decay at about the same rate. Energy is conserved within a system. From my study, it seems clear that concepts precede objective things. That is, a personality imagines a thing as a concept or set of concepts from which the physical object is produced (built). Each of us physically experience built objects according to our personal worldview. However, we also unconsciously (psychically) sense the concept which intended the object. A psychic is one who has learned to more clearly sense the concepts that precedes

things. A common term for that is lucidity. I refer to the model of reality I am using today the Implicit Cosmology. (3) It holds that reality consists of life fields (you and me) and the expression of life fields (things). The expression can be described as the expression of intended order. The expression of intended order is moderated by naturally occurring principles. In effect, they are implicate in the sense that Bohm intended. While physical principles organize the behavior of the physical aspect of nature, more conceptual principles organize the behavior of the greater reality. An important example is the idea that we cannot experience an aspect of reality for which we have no references. I refer to that as the Principle of Perceptual Agreement. (5) One need not know the principle for it to have an influence. The influence precedes the experience. In that sense, I have arrived at the same understanding expressed by Kant. Question 7 What’s the difference between the brain and the mind and where does the mind reside? Answered November 6, 2021 Answer From the Physicalist point of view, mind is an emergent quality of the bioelectric functioning of the brain. In Physicalism, mind is always related to some part of the brain. When the brain dies, mind ceases to exist. From a Physical Dualist point of view, mind is an emergent quality of the bioelectric functioning of the brain, but has a nonphysical aspect represented by psi functioning (psychic sensing and psychokinetic expression).

When the brain dies, mind continues as residual memory. From the Strict Dualist point of view, mind is entangled with the biological brain but is otherwise a separate entity (symbiont) that existed before and will exist after the lifetime of the biological host (avatar). According to one version of Physical Dualism, mind exists in the Psi Field. The expression of mind is modeled as Psi and the Psi Field is seen as an emergent quality of the physical which propagates Psi. The Strict Dualism model I am working with today I refer to as the Implicit Cosmology (3) holds that the physical aspect of reality exists as the collective expression of many etheric life fields. In that view, the Psi Field is the reality field or is an aspect of the greater reality. The answer depends on which of the three versions of metaphysics you accept: • Physicalists have yet to figure out where in the mind exists in the brain. • Physical Dualists require that mind is an electromagnetic process that depend on an improbable version of conservation of energy. Yet, all of the evidence indicates that Psi is not electromagnetic. • Strict Dualism require that a person is an etheric personality (mind 1) entangled with a human (mind 2, avatar) during the human’s lifetime, but is otherwise immortal. I find more evidence supporting this two-mind version of self. Question 8 What is the formula of understanding the self? Answered November 1, 2021 Answer “Spiritual seeking” is a term

often used to describe the life-long process of self-discovery. Here, “self-discovery” means realizing personal potential by aligning choices, attitude and point of view with the actual nature of reality. You may be more familiar with terms like self-realization or developing discernment or discerning intellect. This is not a religious idea. We have capabilities that are naturally part of our makeup but that are often overlooked. Seekers intend to, in effect, actualize those capabilities by changing the way they think. An example of changing ways of thinking is learning to pay attention to the way we make decisions. Are our decisions based on the available evidence or on the assumption that what we have always believed or what our friends tell us is right. As a learning tool, I often ask myself if it is my human instincts or my discerning intellect making the choice. Our human’s instincts are focused on assuring the dominance of our personal gene pool above all others. Even when we do a nice thing for someone, it is likely our actions are at least unconsciously motivated by the understanding that the good might be rewarded, thus furthering dominance of the personal gene pool. We come into this lifetime mostly guided by our human’s instincts. It is arguable that our choices are also influenced by a sort of altruistic self that is focused on the good of the community. An important concept in seeking is that each of us are, in turn, a student, a role model

and a wayshower. Behaving as if we have an altruistic nature urging us to make choices more for the greater good than for self-survival helps us consciously moderate our human’s instincts. A saying on my website (15) is “Believe what you wish but understand the implications of what you believe.” We make the world, experience-byexperience based on what we think is true … our worldview. However, such truths are seldom in agreement with the actual nature of things. It is often difficult to know what is actual and what has been distorted through the lens of our worldview. The direct benefit of a two-mind model of self—one being our altruistic self and one being our human self—is that it gives us reason to examine our choices to see if they make sense and support our desire to be more spiritual. In effect, what I think of as the mindful way is learning to habitually examine implications with the intention of aligning choices with the actual nature of reality. The answer, then, is something like the Mindful Way. (16) Question 9 Are there any philosophical theory that supports that we are spiritual beings having a human experience? Answered November 1, 2021 Answer Most philosophers I am aware of are Physicalists, in that their philosophical musing is based on the assumption that mind is an emergent quality of biological brain. I think what you are looking for is the reason many people accept that there is a difference between the spiritual self

and the human self. Dualism holds that there is a physical and a nonphysical (etheric) aspect of reality. In what I think of as Physical Dualism, mind is modeled as an emergent quality of brain. In effect, mind is thought to be an illusion caused by biological processes. In one version, once mind has been produced by brain, it continues to exist after bodily death as residual memory. That model does not seem to address the evidence of spiritual being-human body entanglement. In what I think of as Strict Dualism, a person can be modeled as an etheric personality entangled with a human during the human’s lifetime. That is the “spiritual beings having a human experience” version. The implications of Strict Dualism (spiritual being-human entanglement) include: • The spiritual being can be considered a symbiont and the human is an avatar. • Our sense of self is anchored to the spiritual being but tends to be overshadowed by the human’s mind. • The behavior of a person is governed by influenced from the etheric personality and the human. That is a two-mind model for survival. • A person’s perception and expression processes are likely developed as a blend of etheric personality and human influences. Those processes are informed by worldview which is like a memory database holding human instincts, cultural training and memory. • Entanglement is probably in the perception and expression functional are of the mind shared by the symbiont and avatar. These are nonphysical or etheric functional areas.

If the Strict Dualism model is largely correct, probably the best evidence for the duality would be in the way a person makes choices. For instance, close examination of how people decide will show that decision making is on a continuum from the blindly followed instinctual urge to assure dominance of the personal gene pool above all else at one extreme and increasing discerning intellect and altruism toward the other end of the spectrum. Research has shown the existence of nonphysical mind. There are wellconsidered studies indicating mediumship does sometimes include discarnate communicators. Near-Death experiences and examples of apparent reincarnation point toward the validity of Strict Dualism. Often, the communicator in Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) (17) seems to be a discarnate personality. The Bigelow Institute of Consciousness Studies (18) sponsored an essay contest asking the question: “What is the best available evidence for the Survival of Human Consciousness after Permanent Bodily Death?” The winning essays have been posted on the BICS website. As you read them, remember to examine the implications of the author’s proof. I have posted a review of the essays at Review of Runner Up BICS Essays. (19) Question 10 What is an example of conceptualizing your own philosophy of the self? Answered October 31, 2021 Answer Questions about why people behave as they do has been part of the foundation of my self-image. A second part has been my experiences and how they may have shaped my thinking. A third part has been science. Finally, the fourth

part has been my understanding of the paranormal, especially Instrumental TransCommunication, Psi and mediumship. My current sense of who I am is that I am an immortal personality entangled with a human avatar. As they say in Spiritualism, I am a spiritual being having a human experience. The trick is in learning to live with a spirit-centric perspective, rather than the more common body-centric one. I have this on my personal website: (15) “Believe what you wish but understand the implications of what you believe.” By that, I seek to remind myself to suspend my “right-wrong” judge long enough to examine the implications of what I think is true. An important implication of the symbiont-avatar relationship, where I am the symbiont, is that my human is a living organism. It must have a mind and there must be formative principles organizing my human’s organism. Think of the human mind as the morphogenic mind. Rupert Sheldrake made a good effort to model those principles in his Hypothesis of Formative Causation (aka Morphic Resonance). See Morphic Resonance and Morphic Fields - an Introduction. (20) The implication of being an etheric personality having a physical experience is that my human’s mind should be expected to have an influence on my thinking. In fact, scientists tell us that we are greatly influenced by biologically evolved instincts, especially the instinct to assure the dominance of our personal gene pool above all others. My thinking and choices are largely determined by an urge to assure survival

moderated by my discerning intellect’s urge to gain greater understanding. I see one of my purposes in this lifetime as learning to manage my human’s instincts. The intended result is greater lucidity and more altruistic behavior. The above diagram is intended to illustrate that concept. Question 11 Reality exists, and not nothingness. So where does reality/universe “lie”? Well, reality being “something,” it is in something, because if it is not there, it isn’t. It is difficult to explain. Answered October 30, 2021 Answer Parapsychologists study reported experiences that seem to exist outside of physical science. One such “paranormal” phenomenon they study is referred to as anomalous information access such as psychically sensing information that is miles away. Another is influence at a distance as we see in healing intention. Then there is the apparent influence of meditating people on the randomness of random processes. All three forms are well documented to exist, so that is not the question I will try to address here. I study audio and visual Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) of which Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) is a common name for the audible form. Few parapsychologists are interested in ITC, but there is sufficient objective evidence to argue its existence. A common characteristic of these phenomena is their apparent nonlocal dependency. That is, they behave as if there is no distance between the sensor and that which is being sensed, even though it might be halfway around the world. One important implication of this nonlocal characteristic is that

there is an aspect of reality that does not obey physical principles. Parapsychologists sometimes refer to this nonlocal space as the Psi Field where Psi represents the influence of thought. A second important implication is that, if there is no distance except where we assign distance to our experiences, then it is arguable that reality is a singularity. Taking a different perspective, all of my study suggests that the Psi Field is conceptual, meaning that we think about the idea of things and not the actual thing. We assign physical meaning to thoughts about things that are customarily considered physical. An example is the way EVP appear to be formed. It appears that the communicating personality (incarnate or discarnate) expresses intended order on a chaotic process to form the message. If available audio energy is very orderly, EVP will be less likely to form. The difference in energy is that the chaotic (useful for EVP) energy is conceptually indeterminant while very orderly energy (not useful) is conceptually determinant. The implication of this dichotomy is that reality is both a singularity and conceptual. When sages tell us that we are all one, they literally mean that we are one in the singularity. I will spare you the cosmology for this other than to say that the only thing that separates you and me is our worldview. That defines how we translate experience into perception. Consider the essay The Cosmology of Imaginary Space. (21) It is an attempt to illustrate how reality

might be experienced as a vast place, even as it is a singularity. And by the way, the Big Bang origin or the physical universe means the physical is a singularity. In the end, I think the answer to the question can only be given in terms of Dualism. As an engineer, I am trained to put problems in a context. The most fundamental characteristic of the reality singularity is arguably the concept of curiosity. I see the most fundamental formative influence of reality as a life field. I model life fields (you and me) as a core personality with the purpose of gaining understanding to satisfy curiosity, a set of processes enabling the consideration of environmental information to form perception and expression as moderated by worldview (memory, instincts) and an experiencer function (I think I am this). It is useful to model reality as a source life field functioning as the reality field and expressing curiosity about itself. Think of the initial life field as the top fractal. As with the Mandelbrot Set, within that reality field are life field sub-fractals and their expression. The physical, then, would be a collective expression of life fields. As with the scientists and the Big Bang singularity, I have no speculation for how curiosity began. Question 12 What are some examples of metaphysical thinking? Answered October 28, 2021 Answer Metaphysics is defined as the study of first cause and fundamental principles. Technically, this definition could apply to such mundane subjects as speculation

about the origin of a biological trait or the formation of an island. But more often it is applied to the study of such abstract questions as the origin of reality and naturally occurring organizing principles. I am sure academically trained philosophers will offer a rather different answer. From my perspective as an engineer who studies paranormal phenomena, I see metaphysics as the examination of how people think and how phenomena might occur. Metaphysical Dualism, which holds that the physical is an aspect of a greater, nonphysical reality, has been useful in helping me model such phenomena as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). Because of the apparent support for survived personality after bodily death, I refer to that speculation as Survival Metaphysics. It is important to remember that metaphysical speculation is just a “What if” exercise. A good metaphysician should be able to develop a model of reality based on metaphysical speculation. Such cosmological models should account for knowns and should be useful for developing testable hypothesis. I have evolved what I refer to as the Implicit Cosmology (3) based on my metaphysical speculation. It is complex, but over time, has proven useful. Question 13 Why would you reject the study of metaphysics? Answered October 24, 2021 Answer Metaphysics is the study of first causes and fundamental principles. I like to think of it as the implication of concepts. From the personal point of view, it is often concerned with questions about existence (who am I) and purpose (why do I

exist). From an engineer’s point of view, the really important product of metaphysical musing is an implied cosmological model. Point of view defines how metaphysics are considered. For instance, in astronomy, which assumes reality consists of the physical universe (Physicalism), the Big Bang is the dominant metaphysical model for first cause. That first cause is the singularity that is thought to have suddenly expanded to form the universe. There is evidence of a Big Bang event early in the existence of the physical universe. Proposing an expanding singularity to explain that evidence has produced a useful cosmological model of the universe which continues to be evolved as more evidence is discovered. See What Is the Big Bang Theory? (22) I have spent a few decades trying to develop a hypothetical model to explain reported experiences classified as paranormal. These experiences include both audible and visible forms of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) which included Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), psychic functioning and the influence of intentionality of physical processes. Most scientists (mainstream academia) maintain these phenomena are illusion, misattribution or fraud. That point of view does not help us understand the objective, repeatable experiences that can be witnessed and practiced by many. My approach has been to look for a model of reality that can account for these phenomena while applying known and emerging science. In effect, I am working with a metaphysical proposition that implies a useful cosmology. In this way, the implied cosmology can be thought of as a pre-science approach

to explaining observed experiences. It is not claimed as the answer, only a useful model. My example of metaphysical thought is, I think, typical for emerging science. I will say that the metaphysical concepts. as I approached them, should be taken as propositions and not as facts. Without a resulting cosmology which can lead to reasonable hypotheses, metaphysics is more an abstract exercise than a useful tool. To judge the usefulness of a particular metaphysical view, one should first understand the assumptions made by the metaphysician. Question 14 What are the most important recent developments in the philosophy of mind? Answered October 24, 2021 Answer I cannot speak as an academically trained philosopher or consciousness researcher. My point of view is that of a Spiritualist and the lay study of possible survival of consciousness after bodily death. From that perspective, I can argue that the most important recent development in the philosophy of mind is the realization that environmental information is first sensed by our mostly unconscious mind. There, it is “preprocessed” so as to determine if we agree based on our worldview. Our worldview is like a database holding our instincts, memory and map of the world. If incoming information is consistent with what we think is real, we will consciously experience it but probably in a slightly tailored form to better agree with what we expect. We might never become aware of incoming information if it is much different from what we expect. Learning occurs when ambiguous information

is only slightly different from what we expect, and thus, is able to modify our worldview. The reason I think this is a big deal is that virtually everyone I know … seekers, metaphysicians parapsychologists, Spiritualists and paranormalists in general … assume they are directly sensing their physical and spiritual environment. In actuality, they seldom do. Instead, they sense their environment as that information has been filtered to agree with their expectation. Skilled practitioners (mediumship, psychic, ITC) are able to more directly manage the unwanted filtering by worldview. Else, they are at least partially delusional. As for the rest of us … well, there is nothing wrong with our thinking that a little discernment and academic guidance cannot fix. Question 15 What is a good proof of human being minded? Answered October 24, 2021 Answer As a Dualist, I understand this question as implying that “What is a good proof that our human has a mind?” Strict Dualism holds that a person is a relatively long-lived etheric personality entangled with a human during the human’s lifetime. That is the proposition that a person has two distinct minds entangled in a symbiontavatar relationship. Our “I think I am this” aspect of who we think we are, is dominated by the immortal (symbiont) personality but the human avatar’s survival instincts dominate behavior of the entangled person from birth. In this model, the avatar’s body-mind is thought to become free of the symbiont and joins something like a morphogenic mind for that species.

Think of the morphogenic mind as a collective consciousness. (Think thoughtform) This view is useful for modeling and agrees with the Implicit Cosmology (3) but there is otherwise too little known for informed speculation. When the human dies, the relatively immortal “I think I am this” mind is free to have other experience depending on perceptual agreement. A person’s behavior is influenced by: Human instincts as the urge to assure dominance of the personal gene pool. This the fundamental driver of the human mind. Urge toward discerning intellect. This would be more associated with the immortal self. Temperament in which a person makes choices based on the combined influence of instincts and discerning intellect. The objective of a person seeking greater discerning intellect (a seeker) is to experience reality as it is rather than as the person has been taught. In effect, that amounts to the symbiont learning to moderate its avatar’s human instincts. And so, in many if not all ancient teachings, guidance for right living assumes the existence of a morphogenic mind (course or gross body, lead) and an etheric discerning mind (subtle or finer body, gold). (The discerning mind is often referred to as spiritual self.) An example of ancient teaching is Lin 7 of the Emerald Tablet (1) reads: Thou shalt separate the Earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, by means of a gentle heat, and with great ingenuity. The Emerald Tablet is thought to be a 6,000-year-old instruction from Hermes for the

Great Work in which seekers are guided to gain the dominance of their discerning intellect over their gross (human) nature. The idea that our immortal nature is only temporarily entangled with a human body, and that the human is a living organism, implies that our human has a mind and that in some way it is associated with our mind during its lifetime. Such characteristics as instinct, urge to seek discernment (curiosity) and temperament seem to support the two-mind concept and that the human’s mind brings substantial and distinct influence on how the “I think I am this” makes decisions. Question 16 What would be your own theory or point of view on understanding the self, if you could create it? Answered October 24, 2021 Answer It is helpful to consider the perspective we wish to hold when considering our nature. The Temperament Mediated Perception Diagram below may help this discussion. The left side represents a person who is more guided by instincts and the right represents a person who is becoming more lucid and self-aware. Two Minds Think of who we are as two minds. First, there is our human aspect which is guided by our human’s instincts to do things that promote dominance of our gene pool above all others. This mind is dominant when we are born. Wanting to be part of the “in crowd” or trying to get along with the big guy in the community are symptoms of thinking dominated by instincts. There are plenty

of examples of this in the news as some groups seek to dominate over “others.” Our second mind is our spiritual nature. I use the term “spiritual” in the sense of higher ideals, altruism and the urge to understand our actual nature. It is not intended as a religious ideal. Perhaps a better term is discerning intellect. That is in agreement with the ancient Katha Upanishad’s instruction for enlightenment. The Razor’s Edge - Katha Upanishad. (23) Our discerning self is a small voice when we are young, but for some of us, it becomes more persistent as we age. In the diagram, I have placed a vertical line indicating the transition from instinct dominated to discerning intellect dominated thinking. Think of that transition as enlightenment. In practice, it is a slow change in thinking that begins with the realization that the imperatives we have been responding too most of our lives are really our body’s survival instincts. In effect, we begin to realize that we are not our body and can benefit by examining the implications of our body mind’s decisions. For the majority of us, self is our human’s point of view. Those of us who have begun the journey of seeking greater discernment are learning to understand self as a universal perspective in which the collective mind is a shared experience to which we contribute and from which we gain further understanding. The usefulness of the Two-Mind solution to self is determined by how well you can learn

to examine the implications of the fundamental concepts. As I say on my website, (15) “Believe what you wish but understand the implications of what you believe.” Self is little more than a roving camera for your human’s gene survival if you do not learn to consciously, habitually examine the implications of your thoughts and choices. Question 17 How is reality forever changing and we can't claim to know the truth? Answered October 22, 2021 Answer One of the most important parts of seeking greater discerning intellect is the recognition that reality is organized according to naturally occurring principles. Some people refer to the principles as Natural Law. While many systems of thought postulate that organizing principles are part of the expression of some form of First Cause such as God or Infinite Intelligence, the idea of Natural Law is not a religious or New Age concept. In physical science, the Big Bang theory for the beginning of physical reality is thought to have produced naturally occurring physical principles such as the natural rate of decay and electron charge. It is good to consider Physicist David Bohm’s idea of Implicate Order to illustrate one view of emerging qualities of physical reality. See The Implicate Order. (6) Most metaphysical models I have seen that address the formation of reality also propose that, actual reality is organized by principles that evolved with reality. However, to make sense, it is necessary to think in terms of Physicalism and Dualism. In physicalism, actual reality

began with the Big Bang. In Dualism, physical reality is seen as an aspect of a greater reality. Yes, the Big Bang theory may be correct relative to physical space. Evolution is based on the past. Becoming physical requires a process that is governed by those naturally occurring principles. Now consider the Hypothesis of Formative Causation aka Morphic Resonance proposed by Rupert Sheldrake. See Morphic Resonance and Morphic Fields - an Introduction. (20) The theory was intended to help explain how cells in a biological organism knows how to differentiate during morphogenesis. For instance, will they be skin cells or bone cells? Sheldrake proposes that there is a sort of species-specific (etheric or nonphysical) database that governs the formation of each instance of the species. He refers to the database as Nature’s Habit. To explain evolution, he suggests that creative solutions to environmental problems will sometimes change Nature's Habit which is, in turn, propagated across every instance of the species. In Strict Dualism, the physical is thought to be an emergent aspect of actual reality. In effect, the mental aspects of life forms express local reality as a collective process based on the momentum of prior understanding. I like to think curiosity is the prime mover of the formation of reality. In effect, you and I are part of the collective of personalities experiencing the nature of Nature’s Habit. In turn, our understanding feeds back to evolve that nature. To the degree that the above concepts are true, I speculate

that reality and its organizing principles have the momentum of a collective memory but evolves as the collective understanding matures. Question 18 What is the difference between reality and what the brain thinks it is seeing? Answered October 20, 2021 Answer It seems to be becoming accepted theory in psychology that our mind, in effect, preprocesses sensed information. The effect is that we become consciously aware of our environment based on the results of that preprocessing. The yardstick by which incoming information is preprocessed is sometimes referred to as Worldview. Worldview is like a database representing memory, instincts, cultural training and acquired understanding. If incoming information is not recognized by worldview, it may not even be experienced. More likely, what we become consciously aware of about that incoming information is what we think of it. For instance, if we expect to experience a fun event, we are more likely to experience a fun event than a boring one. We can teach our mind to be more open. I think of understanding as a measure of how well we correctly experience actual reality. Remembering that there is personal reality—what we think is true, local reality—as our environment is represented to us and actual realty, understanding can be thought of as how well we have aliened our personal reality with actual reality. In Spiritualism, this understanding is thought of as lucidity. The tool with which we become more lucid is sometimes referred to as discerning intellect. I like to use the idea

of a threshold of enlightenment as a way to discuss the transition in mental processing from dominated by human instincts to dominated by discerning intellect. It is the vertical green bar in the diagram below. Of course, in this model, brain is a transmitter-receiver for mind. It is mind that more or less correctly experiences reality. Since few people come close to actual understanding, it is most useful to think that we converge on understanding. We only do this with intention. Left to itself, mind will be pretty much ruled by our human’s primal urge to assure dominance of its gene pool. Question 19 Is consciousness a real thing? Answered September 25, 2021 Answer Speaking as a layperson, I see consciousness as a mental state that emerges from the set of functions related to perception and expression. Think of your mind as a computer with supporting peripherals such as keyboard (conscious intention), display (conscious perception) and camera (attention, sensed information). Of course, the computer (mind) includes a database containing inherited instructions (instincts) for how to function and an acquired database containing memory beliefs and cultural training. Think of these combined databases as Worldview. Working with the functional areas described by the instruction set database, the combined databases produce perception and expression. The mind’s operating instructions can be represented by the Attention Complex Diagram below. The diagram represents the mostly unconscious mind. Our conscious self functions as a sort of roving video camera to produce the input of environmental information for

mind. Note that External Influences includes signals from the five bodily senses. The Intention Channel is the only influence conscious self has on mostly unconscious mind. In most cases, that influence shows as something we wish to focus on. For self-improvement, some people deliberately try to direct the perceptual processes by managing their intention. I say “mostly unconscious” because we typically have only occasional glimpses into the “raw” environmental information before it is modified by Worldview for presentation to our conscious awareness. Presumably, increasing discerning intellect (lucidity) improves our conscious awareness of our mostly unconscious perception-expression functions. Also note that perception and expression are both outputs of the perception process. We think of perception as what we become consciously aware of. Expression is our perception as it is “sent” into the world, mostly as movement commands to the body. When we think of sentient life, we think of the presence of the perception and expression outputs that are meaningfully moderated based on Worldview. That is, expression is said to be intelligent and interactive in a meaningful way. The perception and expression process are a “hard wired” part of our mind and there is always an output. If, for instance, we ignore a particular element of perception, we tell our mind via the Intention Channel that we are not interested. In response, our mostly unconscious mind will tend not to send us that information. A person seeking (a seeker) to realize personal potential is told to habitually intend accordingly. Mind makes

decisions. Once made, those decisions reinforce Worldview. A seeker wishing to understand experience as they are, and not as taught via cultural training, learns to suspend judgement with the idea of waiting for more information before making a decision. Because it is always producing perception signals, mind is a storyteller. By that, I mean that it will tend to explain every external signal in a way that is consistent with your worldview. Mindful living amounts to habitually intending that the stories are as true to actual as possible. That part of who you are that you think of as “I am this” is considered conscious when it is receptive to the perception output of mostly unconscious mind. Consciousness is a real thing to the extent that you pay attention to the perception and expression signal of your mind. Question 20 Distinguish opinion from truth. What are some examples? Answered September 24, 2021 Answer The definition of the words “truth” and “opinion” is widely known. However, distinguishing the difference is a rather different issue. As an engineer, I have learned that there are no absolutes, which means there are no certainties. That is why I find it difficult to answer direct questions without allowing for variables. While that can make for awkward conversations, I think it illustrates that opinions should come with a plus-orminus caveat. For instance, saying “I think it is heavy” is probably more correct than saying “It is heavy.” Because people do not normally qualify their statements of

opinion, it is necessary for the listener to mentally qualify the statement. For instance, when I hear someone say that there is no such thing as global warming, I consider whether the person is qualified to make such a statement. I also consider if the person means global warming in the common sense, as opposed to a local effect such as a flood. Finally, I consider if the person is prone to strong, unexamined ideological beliefs—religious or philosophical. Some people tend to parrot what they have been told or have seen in the media without discernment. It is good to make a practice of asking yourself how they know what they are saying. One need not be confrontational or always correcting others. After all, your decision as to the truth or opinion of a comment is probably just your opinion. Telling the difference is important to help you manage what you allow into your worldview. It is not your responsibility to manage their worldview; however, understand that you are always a role model just by being. If the qualifications of the speaker are not known, it is necessary to assume the speaker is expressing an opinion. Or, as I like to put it, it is necessary to suspend judgement until more, possibly collaborating information comes in. Beware of the Wizard of Oz Syndrome. Many Ph.Ds. behave as if they think they have superior knowledge, even for subjects outside of their training. Accepting that false academic authority as automatically true is

not unlike the munchkins of the Wizard of Oz movie. Remember there is mediocracy at all levels. My personal website includes the saying: “Believe what you wish but understand the implications of what you believe.” It is especially important to examine the implications of long held personal truths. The engineer’s way is to assume there might be a plus-or-minus caveat for every truth, be it religious, social or academic. We are easily fooled. All we can do is remain on the alert. Asking if what someone says agrees with your personal opinion is not a reliable measure for truth. Determining the sensibility of a statement intended as truth is an exercise that teaches your mostly unconscious mind to be on the alert for upspoken caveats. Always test your teacher! Uncertainty and curiosity are potent tools for self-education. Ancient teachers taught the need to learn to make meaningful choices (discerning intellect) as opposed to pleasurable ones (human survival instincts). They also taught the power of self-creation based on examination of beliefs. This question is best answered from the perspective of self-education in the form of habitual examination of assumptions. What are the implications? Question 21 Can you please comment on how the evidence of the afterlife as revealed to you compares to the account of the afterlife in the extensive writings on the subject by Emanuel Swedenborg, the 18th century philosopher, scientist, etc.? Answered September 19, 2021 Answer The Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies (BICS) (18) conducted an essay writing contest

asking the question “What is the best available evidence for the Survival of Human Consciousness after Permanent Bodily Death?” Of 1,300 applications, they accepted 205 and named 26 winners. The results are posted on the BICS website. Also see Review of Runner Up BICS Essays. (19) My point is that at least 1,300 academically trained individuals think they have a good argument for the survival of sentient consciousness after physical death. With that in mind, I submit that there is evidence of postmortem survival. In my study of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) which includes Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), information tends to be out of date after twelve to fifteen years. Researchers are producing more experimental results and developing more effective models to help describe what is known about Psi functioning and survival. I am a Spiritualist and understand the tendency to experience what I expect. Science is one of my guiding lights, as is direct experimentation of my own and members of the Association TransCommunication (ATransC). (24) Emanuel Swedenborg’s guiding light was then current science and religious teaching. I expect Emanuel Swedenborg did all he could to remain an informed academic, but as we understand today about perception, it is almost impossible to resist coloring experiences as we have been taught. For that reason, I think his work is of historical interest but of zero use as a guiding light. Pick more contemporary teachers but use caution. Probably most modern-day spiritual teachers are still teaching out of the old books. Use

discernment and many sources. Always consider the implications of what you think is true. Resist deciding truth or not. Suspended judgement is your most useful tool. Question 22 Why does free will exist? How should we incorporate into our daily lives with free will? Answered September 8, 2021 Answer On the surface, we have freedom of choice, meaning that we can often select from multiple alternative actions. On closer examination, it becomes evident that most people react to circumstances rather than making a choice. A common saying amongst Spiritualists is that it does not matter what happens to us so much as how we react to what happens to us. Part of the intention of that saying is that life happens. It is not always personal. Spiritualists teach, not in a religious sense but in the interest of personal improvement, that accepting personal responsibility is essential for learning to have free will. In order to be able to be responsible, it is important to seek understanding about the nature of our world. Spiritualists call that Natural Law. In that philosophy, life experiences are seen as opportunities to gain additional understanding about Natural Law. Such increased understanding is seen as progression. So, you can see that an uncomfortable experience can be thought to be spiritually as meaningful as a happy experience so long as the person recognizes the natural nature of it and gains understanding. The decision to do so is a choice most people never make. I explored the idea

of free will in the Conditional Free Will Essay. (25) Here are the last two paragraphs of the essay: “Consider what has been explained in this essay, seeking to take conscious control of your thought processes is perhaps the most important step you can take to gain spiritual maturity. The “Consensus Building in the Paranormalist Community” (26) essay includes quite a lot about taking control of the thought process. Also, understanding the life Field Complex model discussed above gives you the necessary tools for relating what you have learned to other situations. “The most important thing to remember is that taking control is a deliberate, lifelong process. Done right, it will become a way of life that moves your current body-centric perspective to an etheric, immortal self-centric perspective.” One of the reasons I lean toward the idea that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience, as Spiritualist sometimes say, is that our choices are pretty much dictated by our human’s instincts at birth. Most of us never learn to override those mostly self-serving urges. Everyone I know who has made a conscious effort to gain greater lucidity have done so by learning to consciously overriding their human’s survival instincts to become more altruistic citizens. We have limited ability to decide beyond the dictates of our instincts, cultural training and memory. Those who have, or at least are trying to manage those influences are also gaining free will. Question 23 Is the world just a battle of ideas, or is

there a fundamental truth? Answered August 20, 2021 Answer I like David Bohm’s idea of an Implicate Order. (6) The idea is that the nature of reality is implied by fundamental influences. In the physical world, these include naturally occurring constants such as the charge of an electron or the speed of light Reducing things to fundamental influences is the bases of physical reductionism. While it is popular for people studying things of the mind to chafe at reductionism, I have found in my lay studies of survival metaphysics that there appears to also be fundamental principles (27) organizing the greater reality. For instance, what I refer to as the Organizing Principle of Perceptual Agreement (5) proposes that “Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate.” Basically, our mostly unconscious worldview is modeled as a database-like representation of what we think is true. The effect is that we consciously experience what we think is true based on our worldview. If it is close to what we expect, our unconscious mind may modify our perception of incoming information to agree with what we think is true. We may possibly never consciously experience information that falls outside of our sense of truth. This is not to say that there are fundamental truths. It appears more likely that reality is a consensus truth agreed on by the collective of life. An interesting perspective on this comes from Rupert Sheldrake’s Hypothesis of Formative Causation. (20) Sheldrake

likes to refer to his hypothesis as Morphic Resonance. Basically, a species is organized according to “Nature’s Habit,” as it has evolved over time. Think of it as a blueprint for the way the organism is told to form (morphogenesis) and the instincts governing its behavior. If Sheldrake is correct, we, as people, would tend to experience reality according to humankind’s evolved “Nature’s Habit.” I say reality might look like a consensus because we all contribute to evolving our collective mind. While I am arguing that there is a sort of greater reality reductionism that points toward both physical and mental global organizing principles, as a “shad tree metaphysician,” I am not qualified to be more specific, so keep studying. Question 24 Is there any way to disprove the simulation hypothesis? I don't want to be in a computer simulation. Answered August 12, 2021 Answer It is said by some that we are not our body or that we are spirit having a physical experience. For the sake of discussion, I refer to that as the Strict Dualist view in which mind is treated as a separate entity from body. From a metaphysical perspective, this can be seen as two different life forms in a symbiotic relationship. Who we think we are as spiritual beings would be the symbiont in this relationship but our perception would be moderated by the instincts of our human avatar. I am not a religious scholar, but I think from the Hindu perspective, an avatar

is the manifestation of a deity into human form. In this case, we are all deity. Along this line of thought, Jesus would have been an avatar imbued with the presence of God. You can see that different systems of thought have different ways of identifying essentially the same idea. In the same way, an important implication of the Strict Dualist view is that the greater reality (etheric, heaven) precedes the physical aspect. I think the best way to describe this is that it is a consensus of intended order expression by many etheric personalities. (You and me) In that sense, we each contribute based on what I refer to as the Organizing Principle of Perceptual Agreement: Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate. (5) Understanding that the way we experience reality is based on prior experience, we are probably capable of perceiving only what we know or small deviation from that. It is via the “small deviation” that we learn. see Our Unconscious Mind (28) and Decision-making May Be Surprisingly Unconscious Activity. (29) This memory of what we know probably looks a lot like Nature’s Habit described in Rupert Sheldrake’s Morphic Resonance ideas. (20) Again, it depends on how you look at it. I approach questions about the nature of reality from the perspective of an engineer-turned-metaphysician. For me, it is all about concepts and trying to explain how etheric-to-physical influences are possible. I think in terms of Natural Law

and fields. Putting on my computer programmer’s hat, I could describe the same theories with programming and hardware point of view. Nature’s Habit is the computer memory. The Organizing Principles of Natural Law are the program algorithms that make the computer reality and not a cup of soup. Individual life fields function as artificial intelligence routines that function as discrete test-and-feedback modules always evolving the memory data base. A computer programmer might have an Out of Body Experience (OBE) journey into the nuts and bolts of reality and experience flying through a computer or a “Holo-deck” A deeply spiritual person might experience the same OBE as a stroll with God in heaven. An engineer-turned-metaphysician like me experiences that same reality as life fields and the expression of life field organized by an underlying order. The greater reality appears to be a conceptual space, rather than an objective one. Each of us has a personal reality that agrees with the greater reality, but that is different according to our worldview. And by the way. Some of the model I speak of (3) is testable. Again, it is how we look at it. For instance, Natural Law is expressed in the physical aspect of reality as fundamental constants … pretty much the Implicate Order (6) proposed by David Bohm. Morphic Resonance has been tested to some extent, but they jury is still out. Dualism is an important implication coming from the idea that mind is separate from body. Question 25 Is objectivity

a method of understanding or it should rather be seen as a standard or test of reality? Answered August 10, 2021 Answer For something to be considered “objective,” multiple observers must agree on the nature of that something. Presumably, the observers would develop perception of that something without emotional coloring or prejudice. The introduction of bias (emotions, memory, conditioning) can change perception to the point that many observers might agree that there is something being observed, but not agree on the nature of that something. I suppose that would be conditional objectivity as opposed to something like true objectivity. The message here is that we do not have clear perception of the actual nature of things. The more common something is, the more the observers are likely to agree on the true objectivity of that something. The more ambiguous that something, the less observers will agree about its objectivity. With that in mind, objectivity can be an important part of understanding physical reality. However, it is misleading to argue that something considered objective represents the actual nature of reality. It is beyond the scope of this answer, but readers might consider looking into the point of view held by Dualists that thought precedes reality. See Perception (72) Question 26 Does belief affect reality? Answered July 6, 2021 Answer As I understand, the two primary models of reality are Physicalism and Dualism: Physicalism — Reality began with the Big Bang and the physical universe is all that exists; mind is an

emergent characteristic of biological brain. We cease to exist when our body dies. Dualism — There is a greater reality (etheric) of which the physical is an aspect. Mind is native to the greater reality. The human body is native to the physical and functions as an avatar for mind. Our biological brain is an etheric-physical transmitter-receiver for mind. Reality consists of mind and the expression of mind. Death of the biological body releases mind as our “I am this” to return to the etheric. If Physicalism is correct, we live in the physical and more or less experience it as it is. In that sense, our beliefs affect our perception of reality. That is one of the reasons it is said that “It does not matter what happens to us so much as how we react to what happens to us.” As experiencers, we are not direct creators of reality only experiencers of it. If Dualism is correct, our thoughts influence reality. But it appears that we live in a consensus reality. By that I mean that we are all creators but what we create is based on what we think is true. One important Organizing Principle is Perceptual Agreement: Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate. (5) In effect, we can only experience what we can imagine. If true, our ability to influence reality in new ways is limited by memory, cultural training and instincts. Those are based on

a shared memory. The etheric appears to be based on concepts rather than on things. Our thoughts influence concepts, which in turn, manifest as intended physical order. One way we can see this is the apparent psychokinetic influence of thought on such physical processes as Random Event Generators (thought changes randomness) and Electronic Voice Phenomena (chaotic noise is transformed into speech). My assessment of the evidence is that Dualism is more correct than Physicalism. This is mainly because Physicalism does not explain such characteristics of the etheric as nonlocality and our failure to shield from the influence of intentionality. Question 27 We perceive physical reality with a lag due to our brains having to process things before we can even see what is in The Present. So we technically always perceive The Past due to that lag. Can a conscious physical thing ever perceive The Present? Answered July 2, 2021 Answer Realtime conscious perception of incoming environmental signals might be hazardous for our mental health. For instance, one of the decisions our mostly unconscious mind makes about incoming information is whether it is of interest to the person. This decision is based on our worldview which amounts to a memory-based map of what we think reality looks like. For instance, your mostly unconscious mind will usually filter out routine sounds like the refrigerator motor. However, your mind will pass on the sound if it is unusual. Even better than protecting you from being inundated with routine information, it characterizes the

information it does send to conscious mind based on worldview. As part of my effort to understand Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC), (17) I have put together something of a “spiritual Anatomy.” This is based on a simple life field fractal that consists of a core personality (I am this) as the virtually always unconscious Observer, a roving camera-like conscious self as the Experincer (I think I am this) and a mostly unconscious Attentions Complex as the Judge. What we become aware of (perception) is developed in the Judge function. The way we express and choices we make are moderated by the Judge. Our etheric nature is thought to be the source of ITC. To explain the integration of our etheric nature with our human avatar, I included in the model that we share our Experiencer and Judge functions with our human host. This is a Dualistic, Two-Mind Model. Also in this model, the Attention Complex is where incoming information like ambient sounds is preprocessed before it is sent to conscious self. This Judge function is between the Experiencer and the Observer whether we are entangled with an avatar (incarnate) or not (discarnate). For this reason, it appears that the preprocessing is very important for our proper functioning as a life form. Review the Corollaries of First Sight Theory I have listed in About First Sight Theory. (31) They represent something of a rule set for how we process information. There are hints in Corollaries 11 and 12 for how we can

learn to be more directly aware of our unconscious mind, but I think there will always be some built in delay for our sanity. (Note that “Psi” referenced in the Corollaries is a term for the influence of thought and intentionality.) Question 28 Where do you think the observer is? Answered June 24, 2021 Answer First, make sure we are using the same meaning for Dualism. In the metaphysics I understand, Dualism argues that mind is independent of the biological organism and exists in a nonphysical aspect of reality supporting mind and thought. Physicalism means that there is only physical, and mind is produced by brain. The Katha Upanishad (23) described Dualism in a useful way: 1-III-3. Know the Self to be the master of the chariot, and the body to be the chariot. Know the intellect to be the charioteer, and the mind to be the reins. 1-III-4. The senses they speak of as the horses; the objects within their view, the way. When the Self is yoked with the mind and the senses, the wise call It the enjoyer. To find the observer, one must begin with a context in which observer and observed are to be modeled. The first step is to both intellectually and conceptually understand that we are not our body. In effect, we as etheric personality are in a symbiotic relationship with our human as avatar. The movie “Avatar” did a good job of illustrating this relationship. Conscious self shares perception with the body’s

morphogenic mind and is the Experiencer in this model. Mostly unconscious mind shares the formation of expression and expression with the Avatar and is the Judge. The core personality of our etheric self is the immortal Observer which gains understanding as it is formed by the Judge. The morphogenic mind is the core personality of the species of which the biological body is an instance. In this Dualistic model, the medium of propagation for thought is often referred to as the etheric. The etheric is seen as mind’s natural habitat, many parapsychologists describe an aspect of the etheric that propagates thought as the Psi Field where “Psi” is the influence of thought. The Psi field is defined in parapsychology as a nonlocal emergent quality of the physical; however, it appears to be more correct to say that the physical is an emergent quality of the etheric, but that is a different question. Nonlocality is an important part of this answer. Movement in the etheric is accomplished by changing perspective. For instance, I describe Physicalism as a body-centric perspective of who we are. In contrast, Dualism is a discerning intellect-centric perspective. Where we exist depends on the perspective we take. If you think you are your body, then you are your body. End of story. Your observer may as well be in your skull. Continuing with the Katha Upanishad: 1-III-5. But whoso is devoid of discrimination and is possessed of a mind ever uncollected – his senses are uncontrollable like the

vicious horses of a driver. 1-III-6. But whoso is discriminative and possessed of a mind ever collected – his senses are controllable like the good horses of a driver. 1-III-7. But whoso is devoid of a discriminating intellect, possessed of an unrestrained mind and is ever impure, does not attain that goal, but goes to samsara. Samsara is Hindu for the cycle of death and rebirth as life is bound to the material world. If you accept that you are not your body, then it is reasonable to accept that the actual “you” is an aspect of the greater reality. Think of yourself as an etheric life form in a symbiotic relationship with a physical life form. I refer to this model as the two-mind solution to the Survival Hypothesis. (32) I think others will arrive at the same conclusion when they examine the implications of such characteristics of our reality as nonlocality (everywhere is here), differences in temperament between an animal (human survival instincts) and a supposed etheric personality (discernment, compassion, desire to understand underlying principles, altruism) and the many forms of Psi phenomena such as psychic functioning, mediumship and Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) which includes Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). The etheric is conceptual space rather than a space with many separate objects. We have a sort of worldview map of reality that helps us develop perception. We have learned to assign physical meaning to information received from our human’s biological senses. For instance, a chair begins as a concept,

while we experience a chair as a physical object, it is the expression of thought (thoughtform) which we have been conditioned to think of as a physical thing when we are associated with the physical. To find the observer, it is necessary to learn how to see reality as it is, rather than as we have been taught. That is a life-long process of habitually examining the implications of what we think is true. A seeker is one who does this with the understanding that discerning examination of beliefs will eventually align perception with the actual nature of reality. As an aside, I use the organizing principle of Perceptual Agreement (5) to help explain how we can all be one yet separate. I define that principle as Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate. Put simply, you cannot experience that which you cannot conceive. Question 29 If consciousness is the ultimate reality, then could it bridge the divide between living and non-living matter and give all to gather different dimensions to cosmology? Answered May 22, 2021 Answer This answer is based on the assumption that mind is nonphysical, and that brain is a transmitter-receiver between mind and body. This is the Dualist point of view as opposed to the Physicalist point of view that mind is produced by brain. Because we think we are experiencing reality from inside of our head, we normally think of reality from a body-centric perspective. But

if consciousness is the ultimate reality, the correct perspective for considering the physical and who we are is probably the consciousness or mind-centric perspective. That is, we are native to the greater reality (etheric) and the physical is an aspect of that greater reality. Think of a person as an etheric personality in a symbiotic relationship with a physical human in an avatar relationship. I think of this as the two mind solution to the survival hypothesis. (32) In this view, our biological self has evolved in the physical and is governed by the human’s morphogenic mind’s survival instincts. Our etheric self has evolved in the greater reality. It appears our etheric self is governed by instincts and understanding it has inherited from our etheric line of evolution. As a native of the etheric, consciousness of our etheric personality, and what we think of as mind, exist in a conceptual reality of such mental functions as thought, intention, perception and attention. Physical-to-etheric environmental signals from the avatar’s five senses are assigned physicality as we have been trained. In other words, mind does not directly sense its avatar’s touch or smell. It receives signals from the biological brain that represent those senses. From those signals, mind builds a context in which they make sense. In effect, we make our reality based on what we think is true. The dominant cosmology for Physicalism is based on the idea that the physical universes began with a rapidly expanding singularity popularly known as the

Big Bang. That cosmology holds that mind must be the product of biological brain. If Dualism is correct, and mind exists independent of brain, the more correct cosmology should support the idea of a greater reality in which the Big Bang universe is an aspect. That is, the physical universe has been differentiated from the etheric (greater reality) under the influence of consciousness. (Probably collective consciousness and not a god.) I have attempted to model this greater reality cosmology as the Implicit Cosmology. (3) Question 30 Is it true that our thoughts create our reality? If so, then can we not control our own destiny just by controlling our thoughts? Answered May 1, 2021 Answer “Thoughts create reality” is a supportable statement depending on the context. Consider these perspectives: Temperament In the simplest sense, our attitude about experiences helps us decide if they are pleasant or not. We have all known people who are generally happy and whom we think of as easy going. Such people live in the same world as the rest of us, it is just that their world seems happier. The difference might be described as temperament. Merrill and Reid (33) found that people tend to have a primary characteristic of temperament which tend to bias their choices. They are: Analytical – Thinking, thorough, disciplined; always a student of the subject Amiable – Supportive, patient, diplomatic, healer and caregiver Driver – Independent, decisive, determined; always thinking about the next step Expressive – Good communicator, enthusiastic, imaginative;

often the opinion setter A person tends to have a primary temperament such as Driver and secondary ones like Driver-Analytical. Other researchers have come to essentially the same conclusion. (34) Based on temperament models, it is reasonable to argue that people experience their world differently, at least partially depending on their temperament. In principle, if a person decided to have a different life experience, it would help to find ways to change temperament. Worldview It is becoming clear that people first unconsciously experience environmental signals. People only become aware of those signals as they have been modified to better agree with Worldview. See First Sight Theory (31) and Our Unconscious Mind. (28) If this is true, our worldview is our unconscious Judge deciding on everything we sense. Worldview is like a mental database containing human instincts, possible spiritual instincts, memory and what we have been taught by society. For instance, if a person is very religious, an environmental signal, such as a bright light in the sky, might be consciously experienced with a more religious flavor, perhaps as an angel or omen. A very pragmatic person will tend to experience the same light with wonder about supernovas and exploding comets. In the Mindful Way, a person learns to question the implications of every thought and belief. It can be a lifelong process, once a person gets the hang of it, that questioning becomes an automatic process. Perceptual Agreement We live in a consensus reality. By that, I mean we are

taught from birth to experience the world as our family and teachers experience the world. The Organizing Principle of Perceptual Agreement (5) holds that personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate. If true, that means we can only experience what we are taught. Seekers are people on a quest to experience reality as it is, rather than as they were taught. They are not trying to make the world so much as to see the world as it is—actual reality and not personal reality. This answer can be much longer. Here, I have proposed a few of the factors that go to determine how we experience our world. Our human instincts are the dominant driver, but all sorts of cultural contamination like conspiracy theories can influence out perception of the world. The only influence we have on our mostly unconscious mind where we develop perception is intention. By habitually intending to understand the implications of our choices we guide our mostly unconscious mind to do less coloring of experiences based on belief. Become a seeker. You may be interested in one of my efforts to examine Free Will. See Conditional Free Will. (25) Question 31 What are the best arguments favorable to metaphysics and non-physics? Answered April 27, 2021 Answer Metaphysics is concerned with fundamental characteristics of nature. I always combine metaphysics with cosmology. Think of cosmology as a way of relating the various contentions of a metaphysical theory as a

whole. A metaphysical theory should be described by a cosmological model. To avoid the provincial mistake of assuming there is only the physical universe (Physicalism), I think of three primary metaphysical points of view: Physicalism — concerned with the physical universe which is thought to have originated as a rapidly expanding singularity in what is popularly known as “The Big Bang.” The structure of the universe is modeled as an astronomical cosmology. Philosophy — in this context, concerned with the nature of consciousness in the sense of meaning, the nature of things and purpose. We usually think of this form of cosmology as philosophical schools of thought. Dualism — concerned with the nature of the greater reality sometimes known as the etheric. Avoid faith-based Dualistic cosmologies in favor of parapsychological models. Since we are considering reality from the perspective of physical space, for an etheric aspect of reality to exist as “nonphysical,” it is necessary that the relationship between physical and nonphysical can be modeled in a defensible way. To that point, some well-considered research, conducted by qualified researchers, has shown that there is an aspect of reality that is apparently not organized by known physical principles. See Selected PeerReviewed Publications on Psi Research. (35) In Dualism, mind is seen as native to the etheric. In parapsychology, the expression of mind is referred to as Psi. Psi is said to be propagated in the Psi Field. It is not known if the Psi Field is an emergent quality of the

physical (Physicalism) or if the physical is an emergent quality of the Psi Field (Dualism). The Psi Field has been shown to be nonlocal, meaning that information is equally accessible from everywhere. I am aware of no physical substance that will shield from Psi. The Psi Field appears to be a conceptual space so that concepts in the etheric are related to things in the physical. None of these characteristics are currently supported by known physical principles. In answer to the question, for us to benefit from the application of etheric-related principles, it is necessary to accept that Dualism is at least reasonably supported by research. Thus, the metaphysics of nonphysical space are of a different scale as the metaphysics of physical space. Ignoring this dualistic nature of reality is to work with only part of the truth. Question 32 What made you question whether the paranormal was real? Answered April 17, 2021 Answer “Paranormal” is a term used to describe reported experiences that are not currently explained with known physical principles. Many such reported experiences have shared characteristics. For instance, clairvoyance, ESP, telepathy, remote viewing psychic functioning and mediumship all involve access to information not thought to be available with normal physical means. This is sometimes referred to as anomalous information access. Anomalous information access has been studied with well-considered research protocols by people who are trained for such research. See A List of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena (36) and Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

on Psi Research (35) Perhaps the most often replicated experiment in things paranormal is mental mediumship. You might consider work of the Windbridge Research Center (37) for information on the validity of mediumship. The study of technology assisted mediumship, better known as Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) has produced objective evidence of the existence of some aspects of the paranormal. ITC, especially the audio form better known as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), has been shown as a useful tool for the study of things paranormal. I would think of it as probably the second most often replicated experiment concerning things paranormal. See ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication. (17) Things paranormal appear to involve the mental influence on conceptual space (the etheric or Psi Field) to produce a physical effect. People are involved in that process and people have a host of idiosyncrasies that makes the study of things paranormal difficult. For instance, the ability to focus attention appears to be an important part of psychic functioning. Belief is another. If you tell yourself something is impossible, in effect, you tell your mind to ignore it. All of us are Psi functioning, but to be psychic, one must learn how to be a psychic, else it is all superstition. In fact, because subjects like survival and the seeking of discerning intellect are so often related to religions, many ideas about the paranormal held by the average person are confused by beliefs that take the discussion from “I am psychic” to “God told me.”

It is difficult to conduct research or develop abilities when it is based on belief rather than knowledge. To answer the question, I offer “spirit greetings” during Spiritualist meetings. They are short messages intended to provide a little evidence to individuals that our personality continues after bodily death. Even though I am extensively trained and certified as a medium in organized Spiritualism, I am not particularly good at it. Every time I stand and deliver, I find myself examining whether I am crazy. It seems that, just when I decide I am, someone comes to me and explains how meaningful a spirit greeting was to them. Considering the way people develop perception—the way we think—it is essential that we develop a fine sense of discernment. Our mind is an excellent storyteller. Few people understand the need to distinguish between our mental rambling and the actual nature of things. Question 33 If humans have all five senses and can carry out an infinite number of different actions in the astral plane, then why are we given a physical body? Answered April 6, 2021 Answer We express our physical senses when in altered states of awareness because we are still entangled with our human. We still identify as a person. Else, the five senses are our body senses to which we have been conditioned to assign physical meaning. The best explanation I can think of for being in a physical lifetime is to gain understanding of the operation of natural organizing principles

as we experience them as a person (spiritual self entangled with a human in a symbiotic relationship). We experience reality according to what we have been taught. The task of the seeker of discerning intellect is to experience reality as it is and not as we have been taught. To do so, it is necessary to learn how to manage our human’s instincts. Never mind the astral. We learn by living life, not escaping it into some imagined etheric world. Think in terms of the Two-Mind model of who we are and their evolution:: Etheric self = curiosity begets experience begets understanding which we experience as discerning intellect. Physical self = need for survival begets survival instincts. Question 34 How can one distinguish between disorder and the supernatural? Answered March 13, 2021 Answer I am going to assume by “disorder,” you mean apparent interruption of the normal operation nature and by “supernatural,” you mean apparent suspension of natural principles. “Disorder” is a natural discontinuity of normal and “supernatural” is natural normal experienced in a paranormal manner. Another way to look at the question is that you intend “disorder” as a characteristic of physical space and “supernatural” as a characteristic of the hypothetical nonphysical space. The subject of entropy does not seem to apply here. It is becoming clear that we first sense environmental signals via our mostly unconscious mind. There, the information is characterized according to our worldview. Mostly, that means we translate the information into the familiar. If it

does not translate well, we will likely ignore the information. The “adjusted” information is passed on to our conscious awareness as perception. For instance, see Our Unconscious Mind (28) and First Sight Theory. (31) In effect, we assign meaning to environmentally sensed information based on our expectations. Our instincts also have a strong influence on our perception. Apparent “normal” but disorderly information will be characterized according to our training. Seeing a person with an extra arm, for instance, would likely be first rejected by our mostly unconscious mind. That is the “unbelievable” response. (Note the unacademic terminology. I am an engineer) Once we have had time to integrate the unbelievable but objectively substantiated experience, we see the three-armed person strange but not supernatural—a trick of genetics. If the experience is not able to be substantiated, say only we see it, it would likely be considered supernatural. We form perception based on a cultural norm we are taught from birth. In practice, there is actual reality, cultural norm and personal reality. “Supernatural” is not a useful term to describe reality because it assumes that something referred to as supernatural is not real. That determination is probably cultural contamination that represents an incomplete and probably erroneous view of reality. In fact, most people make their world according to personal reality which is based on cultural contamination. Look at the influence of conspiracy theories in present politics of the USA. In fact, I do not know enough about actual reality to be sure

I am correctly understanding the implication of my perception. The easy thing for me to do is to go with the collective reality. That is the “pleasurable” choice mentioned in the Katha Upanishad. (23) The more difficult and less satisfying choice in the short term is what the Katha Upanishad refers to as the less pleasurable choice of discerning intellect. The way you distinguish the two perspectives is to learn to habitually examine the implications of your perception. That is, has your mind sent your conscious awareness a reasonable perception or has it told you what your culture thinks is true? Question 35 Is free will real or just an illusion? What motivates you to think that? Answered March 12, 2021 Answer While it looks like we do have a degree of self-determination, the extent of that seems to be limited by our lucidity. I took a crack at the “free will” question in the essay “Conditional Free Will” (25) Here is the abstract: An important metaphysical question is whether we have free will. It is seldom directly asked, but free will seems necessary if we are to claim personal responsibility or trust our senses. For instance, if we do not have free will, it would seem to be impossible for us to assure our ethical behavior. This essay is an attempt to understand the factors governing our free will and the degree to which we have self-control. I also explain what I intend by “Lucidity” in the essay, “Becoming

Lucid” (38) Here is the Abstract: To be lucid is to sense reality as it actually is and not as we have been taught. Lucidity is the clarity of sensing that we develop as we gain discerning intellect. Thus, a seeker after wisdom is one who is becoming more lucid in understanding and perception. Lucidity is not natural to a person, which is defined here as immortal personality entangled with a human avatar. Human Instincts dominate the relationship unless they are overridden by intention guided by discerning intellect. This is the oldest of ancient wisdom. The relationship between our immortal self and our human avatar is described in this essay with suggestions for how to become more lucid. See Becoming Lucid (38) The bottom line is that we appear to have a spiritual nature (discerning intellect) and a human nature governed by animal instincts. Until we learn to manage our human aspect, we are mostly governed by our human’s survival instincts. Question 36 What would be the implications if we mastered the technology of dimensional transcendentalism from Doctor Who (more space on the inside than what appears from the outside)? Answered March 11, 2021 Answer Perspective is important here. Dr. Who’s phone booth can be taken as a symbol for mind. We have a single point of “I think I am this” but an infinite mental expression of who we are. In practice, that is the essence of “dimensional transcendentalism.” A few important concepts seem to apply here: Empathy –

a sensing of another person’s emotions as if they are our own. We empathize, mainly via social and behavioral cues, but many people think there is a psychic aspect of empathy. We might psychically sense another person’s emotional state. Rapport – a link of attention between a person and another person or group of people. It can also apply to concepts like relating well to cars. Some people think the link of rapport between two people is as much psychic as it is a matter of attention. That is, the greater the rapport between two people, the easier it is to empathize. Commune – the meditative focus of attention on another person. Another way of saying this is that thinking of a person is relatively passive. Focusing attention on a person with the intention of empathizing with them is a focused process that requires a degree of concentrated intention. Perceptual Agreement – my term for the idea that we cannot experience something if we do not think it is real. In other words, it is more likely I will never experience telepathy if I do not think telepathy exists. Let the example of the Mandelbrot Set guide your imagination. The set is plotted point-by-point at the juncture of the ordinary number plane X-Y and the imaginary number plain Xi-Yi where “i” is the square root of -1. (The square root of -1 is not allowed in the normal number set, so the imaginary plane is a special case.) I won’t

bother you with the math. I try to explain it to myself in the essay Cosmology of Imaginary Space. (21) The Mandelbrot set includes only the numbers between -2 and 1 on the normal number plane and -1 and 1 on the Imaginary plane. Each point on the plane is plotted according to Z (n+1) = Z(n2) + C where Z0 = C And C = X + Yi The calculation is repeated by folding the output of the first cycle into the assumptions of the next, and so on until the output becomes very large or levels off. The point representing the initial assumption is colored black when the calculation becomes large very quickly. The black area in the above plot of the set is sometimes referred to as The Apple Man. It is the top fractal in the set. Look at the inset in the plot below. The arrow is pointing to another of the same fractal, but in magnified space. In fact, telescoping down by using increasingly small numbers will show that there are an infinite number of fractals in infinitely small imaginary space. We navigate the imaginary space of the Mandelbrot plot by changing the beginning assumption in the formula. If you think of yourself as the top fractal and the imaginary space of the plot as the etheric space of your mind, you can get a sense of how we navigate our inner thoughts. (Remember this is a comparative model and not actual.) You, as

the top fractal, are in relatively stable mental space. The smaller fractals are also relatively stable space and might be considered “little you” as imagined experiences. They represent parts of your worldview as you think you relate to them. Each of us has an imaginary inner space of thought. Well, it is not necessarily imaginary. It is that dimensional transcendentalism mentioned in the question. We both navigate the same inner space, but because I do not know your beginning assumptions, we will likely never encounter one another. That is, our worldviews are different. Following the Principle of Perceptual Agreement, we have different personal realities. The better I am able to empathize with you, the more rapport there is between us, the closer we can come to sharing the same assumptions, and thereby meet mind-to-mind. I submit that it is not a matter of technology. It is a matter of how we think. Each of us is a singularity with infinite depth. Question 37 How much evidence do skeptics need of the paranormal when we have millions of photos and videos of ghosts and millions of real life ghost stories people have told over the centuries? Answered March 7, 2021 Answer Two reasons come to mind for why skeptics do not accept the evidence of things paranormal. First, skeptics seldom bother to inform themselves of the evidence and current theories. Second, our mostly unconscious mind tends to filter out what does not agree with our beliefs. Thus, sometimes they genuinely do

not consciously experience reported phenomena. The net effect is that skeptics are not often convinced about the existence of things paranormal because the existence contradicts their worldview. This is exactly the paradox we have in the dichotomy between ultra conservatives and the rest of the USA. The same kind of insanity that leads a person to believe Clinton eats babies behind a pizza parlor leads skeptics to believe what has by now been well-proven. The mentality that allows a person to say Show me and … “I will expose them and show you how it was done and how fake they are” follows that same dismissive attitude. The only solution I can see is that, we who think things paranormal may be real and need further study, need to do a better job of self-educating. Our most important intellectual tool is discernment. Discernment only works if we understand the subject. To be sure, the discerning observer will realize that some reported phenomena are ordinary mistaken as paranormal or perhaps much less paranormal than we think. For instance, it is likely that not every bump in the night reported by ghost hunters is paranormal. In that regard, I would say that the vast majority of photographs and sounds should not be held up as evidence. See Classifying Phenomena. (39) Question 38 Hypothetically speaking, what if all paranormal entities and concepts are all real and true? Answered February 14, 2021 Answer The first rule of science is that people’s experiences need to

be explained. Most are explained as normal. Remember the old saying that, “To a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Where I grew up, it was understood that, about the same time each Fall, people began suffering from “Buck Fever.” The same problem goes for inexperienced ghost hunters. I have witnessed a few “hunts,” and saw that, for some people, when in a dark, “scary” place, every “bump in the night” was proof of a ghost. in Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), it has been shown that simple noise modulated with a voice-like cadence will too often be reported as speech. (See EVP Online Phantom Voices (40)) Research has shown that some reported EVP are actually paranormal. See A Model for EVP. (8). From my observation, these normal mistaken as paranormal experiences happen because people know that sometimes they are actual. Using my “buck Fever” comparison, hunters only get buck fever because they know bucks exist. The test is the ability to discern between normal seeming to be paranormal and paranormal. Continuing this comparison, Anomalistic Psychologists would say a deer hunter might mistake a tree for a buck but should not say they are inherently delusional because bucks exist and sometimes a buck-like tree is really a buck. However, an Anomalous Psychologists would likely say a ghost hunter is delusional rather than mistaken to see a ghost when shown a ghost-like picture of ordinary shadows. That would be a case of researcher bias. We have studied many EVP that have, on

average, been correctly reported by uncoached witnesses about 25% of the time. There is quite a lot of evidence that poltergeist effects have been detected in reportedly haunted places. It has been shown that, sometimes, a “bump in the night” may be a paranormal knock. Studies of two kinds of experiences have shown that they are actual. Psychic sensing has been shown to be both real and sometimes very useful. See 100 Scientific Papers Offering Evidence for Psi Phenomena & Effects. (36) Studies have also shown that some apparent psychokinetic phenomena are real. EVP is one of those. My avatar is an example of visual Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). Random Even Generators (REG) can be used to detect the influence of focused attention. See Exploratory Study: The Random Number Generator and Group Meditation. (41) The Survival Hypothesis is a little trickier. It is argued that all mediums are psychic but only some psychics are mediums. The problem with apparent mediumistic contact with discarnate personalities is that the metaphysics of actual information exchange is identical to mental sensing of people still in the flesh. At this time, almost all reported experiences that seem to show survival can be explained as psychic functioning amongst incarnate personalities. The implication of psychic functioning (psi sensing and psychokinetic expressing) being actual is that there is an aspect of reality that is able to propagate the influence of thought. Parapsychologists refer to that field as the Psi Field Hypothesis. We know the field is nonlocal. I speculate

that it is entirely conceptual. If these characteristics are true, there is a need to expand what is considered known science. Given the reality of these phenomena, it might be possible to better design how we teach our children to think. In my study, it is shown that we, as human animals, are almost entirely guided by our survival instincts. Realizing that is true gives us reason to better educate our people to examine if our choices are simply the animal in us or our discerning intellect. Seek to develop discerning intellect by examining your choices and what others tell you. Paranormal phenomena are part of life. Their real value is demonstrating the need to develop our rational self. Question 39 If human consciousness is uploaded as data onto an Android (I read and watched fiction a lot) what would that be: A. An abomination, B. A miracle of finally achieving immortality? Where would the soul be? Answered February 12, 2021 Answer I explored this question in the essay Avatar. (42) This answer is based on the Strict Dualist model in which it is argued that we, as etheric personality, are entangled with a human body during a lifetime. In this model, personality existed before this lifetime and will continue to exist after in a self-aware, sentient form. The argument for why this makes sense is complex. In Strict Dualism, the biological brain is thought to act as a physical-toetheric transmitter of information about bodily senses to a symbiotic etheric

personality. It also acts as an etheric-to-physical receiver of movement commands. This would normally be thought of as a pilot-drone relationship except that our body is also sentient being that it can probably exist without a symbiotic etheric personality. The entanglement appears to be a lifetime merger of conscious self, meaning that we experience the physical as our body, and merger of Worldview, meaning our perception and expressions are organized by the same influences, such as memory, instincts and lessons learned, that organizes our human’s perception and expression. In that way, our choices as etheric personality are moderated mostly by the more dominant human instincts. We think we are human and tend to do human things. The dominance of our human’s instincts appears to be useful in helping us experience the physical in a more “natural” way. That tunnel often reported by near-death experiencers may be how we experience being free of our avatar’s instincts for the first time in the lifetime. This model suggests that other species of animal may also function as avatars. The entangled personality’s ability to express would be limited by the avatar’s ability to express. Since the biological brain acts as a transmitter receiver, for a robot to be able to host etheric personality, a means of converting machine data into etheric concepts would be needed. A means of using technology to sense etheric intentionality and convert it into physical commands would also be needed. We know that, in Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), technology is

able to translate thought as intended order into audible speech. See A Model for EVP (8) Also, the output of Random Event Generators (REG) are known to change in randomness when under the influence of an observer’s attention. This would suggest that we may be able to simulate the receiver aspect of brain using computer technology. We think our etheric friends do not directly experience our physical space, but instead, experience it as a mind-to-mind exchange giving them access to what we who have a biological transmitter-receiver physically sense. At this time, we do not have a useful model for how the biological brain is able to convert electrochemical signals into thought. Until that is figured out, we are not technological ready to build a device that allows mind to sense the physical without the presence of people to act as observer-reporters. For instance, in remote viewing, we probably do not psychically sense a distant place. Instead, we probably sense that place as it is physically experienced by a local observer. There is also a question as to whether such an etheric-physical relationship would act human because machines do not have a worldview. It may be that we could programmed a machine to simulate human behavior. A machine with only etheric personality and without human instincts would be a rather different entity. My answer, then, is that we should be able to build machines that enable etheric personality to more directly experience the physical in a pilot-drone relationship. If so,

the next question must be whether such a discarnate personality would want to use such a drone. Does society want such a machine? Would we “break” the physical as a venue for learning? Question 40 Everything I see and hear happens in my brain. If that's true, then where am I actually? Answered February 4, 2021 Answer There are two very different answers that must be considered. If you are your body (Physicalism), you are where your body is. That is, your consciousness is a product of your biological brain. If your mind is independent of your biological brain (Dualism), then it is reasonable to ask where your body is and where your mind is. From my study, I lean toward Dualism because the related concepts better address actual experiences than does a purely physical explanation. Research is showing that the influence of mind, known as “Psi” is made possible by a Psi Field. If that is true, then mind is arguably a Psi Field phenomenon. The Psi Field has been shown to be nonlocal, meaning a cause in one place can simultaneously be experienced in many places. That is decidedly not a physical characteristic and tends to add credibility to Dualism. If mind is native to a nonlocal aspect of reality, it becomes reasonable to argue that our actual; self—our mind—is not any one place. Research is also showing that sensed environmental information comes first to our mostly unconscious mind. It is filtered there and probably modified to agree

with our worldview. Worldview is our mental database that represents what we believe is true, our memory and our instincts. If we do not believe in something, say fairies, sensed information about that something would be filtered by our mostly unconscious worldview to ignore it, but more likely to change the information before passing it on to conscious awareness … possibly for us to see a butterfly. This tells us that we have a sort of world map in our mind that we use to organize the world we sense. Turned around, that means we tend to make our world according to what we have learned is true. “Making the world” may include our body. According to this Dualistic view, you as mind are nonlocal, or in different terms, reality is a singularity and individually, we are an aspect of reality … a thought. In turn, the physical earth is also an aspect of reality formed by the agreement of a collective of personalities like you and me. We make our physical world by assigning meaning to sensed information according to what we have been taught. This would seem to mean that our physical body is where we have been taught to look for it in our mental map. Another consideration is that our human body is also a life form. If Dualism is correct, we are entangled in a symbiotic relationship with our human. Since we share worldview, it would seem that we negotiate with our human for all

of our lifetime choices. That would mean that we work with our human to navigate our shared mental map. I know this is a complex, arcane explanation. If it is reasonably correct, and I think the science supports it, there are many important lessons we can learn. One implication of our possible symbiotic relationship is that our decisions are mostly influenced by our human’s survival instincts. It is by learning to better manage our human’s instincts that we gain clearer understanding of our actual self through increasing lucidity. Question 41 In a book I am reading, it says that a person’s consciousness is their frequency. Will you please comment on this? I assume consciousness determines frequency of vibration. Answered January 27, 2021 Answer Strictly speaking, frequency is a physical concept referring to a rate of vibration or oscillation. We sense differences in optical frequencies as different colors of light. Energy is similar. The term is properly used in physics to indicate the degree to which a system is able to do work. Although it is not good physics, people in the New Age community tend to refer to spiritual energy as the human potential to express self. For instance, being positive about lifetime experiences is seen as higher energy than being negative. In the same sense, the frequency of a person’s energy is seen as the person’s awareness. For instance, a high frequency person is thought of as one who is very spiritually mature. That is, the person is more

aware of the organizing principles of nature and better able to work with them, rather than against them. My guess is that the author of the book you are reading is referring to lucidity. Consciousness is a characteristic of life. However, a person who is entirely guided by his or her human’s instincts will tend to be of lower frequency (course in character). That is, less lucid or able to sense the actual nature of reality. Lucidity is the term I have learned to represent the effect of increasing spiritual maturity. In effect, as we gain understanding about our actual nature, for instance realizing that we are not our human, we may become more lucid in our perception of the actual nature of reality. That is the objective of spiritual seeking. To help me model our spiritual anatomy, I described the Organizing Principle of Perceptual Agreement. (5) In effect, we can only experience the aspect of nature that are accounted for in our worldview. Put in a more New Age way, if our perception is very low (we are governed by our human’s instincts), we will be less able to experience the greater reality. In New Age terms, our spiritual frequency does not produce consciousness. It determines the degree to which we are able to experience actual reality. As a metaphysician, it is my preference that we do not confuse these already complex concepts by using physical (physics) terms. Don’t say frequency. Say lucidity. More recently, I have begun using

the term “discerning intellect” in place of “spiritually mature.” Question 42 When someone refers to their inner selves as a "spirit ghost", would that mean that would be their original personality or self? Answered January 17, 2021 Answer First, “spirit” and “ghost” are technically the same but are used in different context. We generally do not refer to our core self as a ghost, but sometimes we refer to it as spirit. “Ghost” is applied as the cause of haunt phenomena. “Ghost” may be more like a recording without apparent sentience, but it also may be considered the influence of a sentient, discarnate personality. It is common usage to use “spirit” as if it is the god essence of actual reality. In the electronic voice phenomena (EVP) example recorded by Bill Weber, “I live in spirit,” the speaker is saying that he is still living, but now he is living in the greater reality. Listen at atransc.org/bill-weber-itc/. (43) In my study of metaphysics, I refer to our core self as personality for the Implicit Cosmology. (3) The most useful model I have found to describe our spiritual anatomy is based on Dualism. That is, Mind exists in a symbiotic relationship with our human avatar. Our conscious self is like our Experiencer. Our worldview, perception and expression functions act as our mostly unconscious Judge. Underlying conscious self as Experiencer and mostly unconscious mind as Judge is our core personality as Observer. We speculate the Personality can be compared to the Biblical

Soul. it is thought to be the source of our purpose and memory of the actual nature of realty we have gleaned. Please note that this is not a religious view. If someone refers to themselves as spirit, and if they are reasonably informed about these concepts, they will be referring to their core personality. This view of who we are is important because it gives us a way to better understand ourselves and ways to turn ourselves more toward our presumed actual nature. The main point to consider is that we share our Experiencer and Judge with our human. That means that our choices are greatly influenced by human’s instincts. To manage who we are we must first learn to manage our human’s instincts. Question 43 How do we 'create' consciousness considering that we hold no factual evidence that it is generated from the neural network in our brain? Answered December 27, 2020 Answer Think of consciousness as the self-aware aspect of who we are … our experiencer. Consciousness is perception and perception is developed in our mostly unconscious mind. That is an emerging understanding of both mainstream science and parapsychology. The Unconscious Mind (44) About First Sight Theory (31) Perhaps a better way of looking at consciousness is to think of it as a life field bound by a core personality as the attractor. Perception is initiated in our mostly unconscious mind by sensed information. It is based on worldview (memory, what we have been taught, instincts). For

instance, when we hear a sound, we identify what it is based on our memory. If the sound is unimportant, we ignore it. If we are not sure, we identify the source and modify our memory to accommodate the new example. Those are perception-forming processes of consciousness. In that model, consciousness exists because we are aware of the resulting perception. It appears to be a characteristic of life. Anyone who tries deep meditation knows that our mind is hard-wired to produce perception. There is always incoming sensed information to initiate storytelling. If only the physical aspect of reality is allowed, it is necessary to find consciousness in the bioelectric melee of our physical brain. So far, neuroscience seems to have only found regions of the brain which indicate thought processes. The emergence of consciousness, itself, remains a mystery. Quantum-level microtubules producing mind is not established science. If a nonphysical aspect of reality is allowed, mind can be thought of as a nonphysical life form. Parapsychologists refer to the field that propagates thought as the Psi Field while “Psi” is the stuff of thought … more properly, the influence of thought. The existence of something like the Psi Field is known and at least partially documented based on the behavior of Psi functioning (psychic, healing intention, mediumship, remote viewing). See A list of 100+ PeerReviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena. (36) Given that psi functioning is an established characteristic of mind, and that psi functioning is nonphysical, it

is arguable that consciousness is a property of nonphysical space and not biological brain. Brain, then, is a transmitter of sensed information from the body’s five senses and a receiver of movement commands. In principle, it is a drone. In practice, mind is entangled with the body, possibly by way of a shared worldview supporting human instincts. I cannot say with certainty that this model is correct. I can say that, if a theory of consciousness does not at least consider the possibility of nonphysical Psi functioning, it is incomplete. Question 44 In principle, could a brain be rewired to experience more pleasure and/or pain (neuroscience, perception, neurophysiology, brain, pain, psychology)? Answered December 19, 2020 Answer I am not a brain scientist, but I think the answer is “yes,” but indirectly, by changing the way we react to experiences. There is an old saying that “it is not what happens to us that matters. It is how we react to what happens to us.” In terms of quality of life, experiences can be very distressful, but they sometimes bring unexpected benefits. We can manage which is true by maintaining an attitude of “What can I learn from this.” Spiritualists are interesting people. I speak mainly about National Spiritualist Association of Churches (45) Spiritualists. While they have no real dogma, they do have a set of principles by which they try to live. In essence, they are taught that we have the responsibility to understand the principle that organize nature and

to learn to live in accordance with that understanding. We have personal responsibility. Nature is impersonal. While not everything that happens to us or around us is intended as a personal lesson, those experiences always bring with them opportunities to gain understanding. Spiritualists also accept the evidence that our personality continues to exist in a sentient, self-aware form after biological death. This is important to remember when we realize that, to a Spiritualist, sometimes biological death is a healing. Remember, Spiritualists do not see death as the end, only part of a natural process. The overall effect of these assumptions about our nature is that every experience is an opportunity to gain understanding. While an experience may be painful now, try to remember that some important understanding comes only from great challenges. It is not necessary to become a Spiritualist. However, it can be helpful to consider adopting the attitude that life happens. Don’t take it personally but look for ways to better understand why and how best to deal with it. Question 45 Do we give energy to things or facts or incidents when we think about them? Answered December 19, 2020 Answer As always, the answer depends on how we view reality. If you are a Physicalist and do not accept the idea of the existence of anything nonphysical, mind is a product of brain and ceases to exist when brain dies. A thought is just an electrochemical effect of brain. Things, cars, for instance, exist independently of

us and our mind. In the physicalist view, a physical thing is not directly influenced by mind, only by physical acts imagined by mind and carried out by a person. Facts are thoughtforms that become more or less important to us depending on how we feel about them. If you lean toward Dualism, you accept that mind is independent of brain, that it existed before this lifetime and is expected to exist after this lifetime. In Dualism, thoughtforms can be thought of as concepts to which meaning is assigned by mind. Physical things are expressions of mind. A fact is a thoughtform with attributes associated with what is understood about something. An incident is an event that produces a thoughtform associated with memory of that experience and the emotions we have attached to it. Energy is generally thought of as a physical characteristic and does not really apply to mind. It is a useful term to mean the amount of attention combine with emotional emphasis we place on something but be careful not to be confused by physicalist terms. They imply meaning that may be contradictory to Dualism. The Society for Research in Rapport and Telekinesis (SORRAT) (11) was a development group based on the effect of rapport in everyday living. The idea is that when we think of someone, we establish or reinforce a link of mental attention between our mind and that person. The link is colored by the way we feel about the person and becomes more

or less substantial depending on our intention. If you substitute “rapport” for “energy” in the context of this question, it is the combination of visualization (what we think), focus (how directed are our thoughts) and intention (do you want the visualization to be actual). Visualization is based on what we know about that something. Our memory, as it is moderated by our human instincts and cultural training, colors how we visualize something. It is in how we manage the way we visualize something that we determine the nature of our experiences. Question 46 What causes consciousness to travel through a tunnel during Near-death experience? How can the deficiency of Oxygen supply in the eye or occipital lobe explain the sense of high speed in the tunnel and meeting Deceased loved ones at its end? Answered December 11, 2020 Answer As I understand, there has not been a useful explanation provided by scientists for the tunnel experience. The experience seems to be specific to near-death experiences, and seem not to be related to fainting, deep trance or anesthesia. The model I have been studying, which I sometimes refer to as our spiritual anatomy, (46) suggests that we as etheric personality are entangled with a human during a lifetime. That entanglement occurs in our worldview which forms perception. In effect, we unconsciously sense information from the environment in the form of input from our human’s five physical senses and also psychically. That information is judged in our unconscious mind based on our

worldview. While we are entangled, our human’s instincts have considerable influence on what we consciously experience. Ours is an avatar relationship with our human in which we are trained from birth to identify with its five senses. When our human dies, we are, for the first time since entanglement at birth, free of the influence of our human’s survival instincts. Based on the model I study, I speculate that a possible explanation for the reported tunnel is the experience of suddenly being free of our human’s instincts. Question 47 How is it possible that there is an accurate knowledge if each one perceives reality in their own way? Answered December 9, 2020 Answer There are three realities. One is the actual reality. It includes the physical universe and an aspect of reality of mind. Another is our local reality. It includes that part of actual reality we have been exposed to. For instance, you know there is earth and Europe and streets on the other side of the town you live in. You are probably not aware of villages in Greenland, so they are not part of your local reality. You may not have formed a sense of quality (good-bad, pretty-ugly). Then there is your personal reality. It consists of what you are perceptually aware of so that you can remember each part and have a sense of their quality. If you have not been on those streets on the other side of town, they may only exist as intellectually

defined places. If you think of humankind as a collective, local reality for the collective consists of every place someone has experienced. We agree that there are villages in Greenland because some of us have been there. When we sense information about our environment, that information is modified by our mostly unconscious mind to better agree with our personal reality. If you think those side streets are part of a slum, you may recall them as undesirable places. Our worldview colors personal reality so that it may be a scary place or full of hope, depending on your experience. The collective reality is probably neutral. From my experience, personal reality is something that always needs to be reconsidered. Does what we think make sense? A person seeking discerning intellect is one who does question with the intention of aligning personal reality with actual reality. Seeing reality in my own way predictably means I do not see the actual reality. Question 48 Is this a real world or a virtual world? Because it seems real it feels real but are we stuck in our mind? I mean all of our 5 senses is manipulated or being controlled and it showing what we want to see. Can someone explain it for me? Answered December 9, 2020 Answer This is not my field of training, so seek additional input. It is becoming evident that we first unconsciously sense information around us. Our mostly unconscious mind acts as a filter to reject information that

does not fit our worldview, or it modifies the information to better agree with what we expect. Here is a thought exercise. Think of your human body as a drone and your conscious self as the drone operator. Modern drone aircraft have an onboard computer programmed to maintain flight stability. In a similar way, your drone body senses information such as touch and smell and has an automatic system supporting basic functions such as balance and breathing. You are not consciously bothered with those tasks. In this discussion, think of your mental worldview as an extension of your body’s onboard computer. Information sensed by your body is also filtered so that all you need to be concerned with is sent to your conscious awareness, but information such as normal smells or the sound of the air conditioner is ignored. A better way to model ourselves is that our human functions more as an avatar than as a drone. I say this because we appear to share worldview with our human. You and your human make decisions together as a team. Your human instincts dominate at birth, but memory and cultural training comes with growing up. You teach your worldview to ignore some inputs, such as background chatter, unless it might have some importance to your wellbeing. When you were very young, you were taught basics such as what is up or down, and what is red or blue. While what is up seems intuitive, such sensed signals from your body

are just information until you have attached meaning. As you attach meaning, your worldview develops a sort of mental map representing the world you experience. As I understand, you will always experience the world as you have been taught unless you learn to question those experiences. The majority of people never cross that threshold. That is one way that each of us is stuck in our culturally defined world. no one teaches us to question. As the drone operator, you can direct movement of your body and perceive a version of what is being sensed. You can change focus by intending to notice more red cars or interesting food. Worldview changes in small increments, so that you cannot experience the color blue as red without teaching your mind that is what you intend. You have the virtual reality of your body, but you also have your own set of instincts and cultural training. That is a consequence of Strict Dualism. Some of who you are is from your body. The rest is from your conscious self. You have instincts guiding your purpose and your human drone has its instincts to assure dominance of its gene pool. Think of your instincts as discerning intellect which includes furthering your purpose as part of a collective consciousness. In this thought exercise, the objective world exists as a collection of thought objects maintained by the collective. You might decide that all cars are red, but the collective also has a say. In the end,

we agree. I live in your world; you live in ours. Together, our world is an agreed-on blend of the two. In this model, you are first mind and then a human. In fact, we live in a virtual world. We have been taught that some of our sensed information is physical. For instance, I attribute my psychic sensing of your mood as thought or virtual. I know to attribute physical meaning to information coming from my human’s five senses. That is a way of thinking of our world from the perspective of mind rather than the perspective of body. Question 49 What are any real metaphysical or practical spiritual powers besides the Claire and Tarot? Answered December 5, 2020 Answer Let me break this question down a little. I will begin with “practical spiritual powers.” Parapsychologists are the academics who have claimed the authority to study paranormal phenomena. Parapsychologists call the influence of mental expression “Psi.” Psi functioning is the expression of such abilities as psychic ability, mental mediumship and the expression of healing intention. Psi influence is modeled as being propagated in a nonphysical field that permeates the physical called the Psi Field. The best information I have been able to glean from parapsychologists is that psychic sensing is a natural ability we all inherit. When we reach for the saltshaker, for instance, we unconsciously express a psychokinetic influence on the saltshaker to be in our hand. The idea is that we first mentally interface with our world.

See First Sight Theory. (47) We psychically sense our world. The problem is that we do so subconsciously. That information is moderated by what we think is true. What we become aware of is a version of the incoming information that has been modified to better agree with what we expect. Else, the information may be rejected. Lucidity is a measure of how clearly we sense the actual nature of incoming, psychically sensed information. The “spiritual power” is decided by our lucidity. For the sake of conversation, I describe a Lucidity Spectrum with “entirely informed by human instincts” on one extreme and “consciously sensing actual reality” on the other. The majority of people are almost entirely not lucid, being guided by the urge to assure dominance of the personal gene pool. “Spiritual power” is related to lucidity. I take “the claire” as a reference to the French prefix, “clair-” meaning clear. Clairvoyance is clear seeing and has become the umbrella term for all of the other senses. It is an old term parapsychologists have replaced with Extra Sensory Perception (ESP), and more currently, with Psi functioning. Tarot is two things. It is a divination crutch based on the use of the symbols in a deck of cards. There are, let us say, ideological cards like butterflies, angles and such. Then there are Tarot cards based on the Hermetic teaching. The original 22 Major Arcana or Keys are cards used to depict the spiritual evolution of a seeker. There may be

additional cards in the deck which are used for divination. Other than understanding the symbiology, Tarot is not an ability. It is a tool. In fact, the Hermetic Tarot includes important spiritual lessons. Virtually all of the other decks I have seen are simply tools for divination. That divination is in the form of the card reader being inspired to visualize information for the sitter. Tea leaves or bones work about the same way. We are continuously creating our personal reality. We are doing so, based on what we have been taught to expect. For the average person, “what we expect” today is that they are their body and that when it dies, so do they. In that worldview, there is no such thing as spiritual or spiritual power. If we do accept anything spiritual, it is virtually always in the confines of religious doctrine. I am a certified mental medium and a commissioned spiritual healer. I am also mediocre in those abilities. You see, I have the natural ability … we all do … but I tend to suppress them because I am an engineer by temperament and tend to overanalyze everything. The predictable result is that I tend to suppress the spontaneity of the sort of psychic functioning many of my friends experience. There are many ways to develop Psi-based abilities but all of them require self-education and practice. But stop thinking of them as this or that. Think of them as just two things. You are more

or less lucidly aware of your Psi sensing or not. It is for you develop your natural ability by furthering your lucidity. Doing so has the potential to help you be more aware of your natural Psi functioning. Psi functioning is your primary way of interfacing with reality. It manifests in such skills as being able to sense information that is not physically evident. The more important value is that it is how we interface with humankind. Question 50 How do we perceive that reality is as is? Answered November 26, 2020 Answer This is a seeker’s question. The short answer is that it may be possible to converge on perception of actual reality, but it is our nature to explain what we sense based on what we think is true. That means we always consciously experience a version of actual according to what we have been taught, human instincts and a degree of acquired discerning intellect. In this context, lucidity means the degree to which a person correctly perceives reality. It is useful to think that there is a lucidity spectrum. As shown in the Lucidity Model Diagram below, the left extreme represents people entirely guided by memory, culture and instincts participate in life without questioning their assumptions. The right extreme represents people who have come to correctly sense reality. The majority of people never cross the threshold from living with the assumption of correct perception to actively seeking to manage perception. I know no one who has progressed

to the farthest extreme. I suspect progression is one of those “converging on but never reaching” concepts. (The term is asymptotic.) From my study, I understand that, at a basic fundamental level, our purpose in life is twofold. First, to honor our human and live a full life. Second, to seek greater understanding through daily experiences as a person. Important understanding comes from both enjoyable and painful experiences. It is the understanding that counts. It appears that recognizing there is a difference between choices based on human instincts and choices based on discernment and then intending to understand the actual nature of experiences, tends to teach our mostly unconscious mind to be less dogmatic in the way it translates experiences into perception. From my experience, the answer, then, is that we always translate experiences. It is possible to make that translation less based on habit and instincts, and more based on intention, by habitually questioning our perception. Ask yourself, “what are the implications of what I believe?” Consider if those implications are what was intended or if they suggest a different way of thinking. I know of no magical bullet for this. Seeking is a lifestyle and not an event. I have written thousands of words on this, but as a layperson, my words carry little academic authority. The above is my “reporter’s version” of what I think other teachers intend. My very first reference for this study comes from Hermes of Egypt who is thought to have lived 6,000

years ago. I have discussed his work in The Hermes Concepts. (1) Especially look at Line 11. and 12. My understanding is in italic. 11. With this thou wilt be able to master all things and transmute all that is fine and all that is coarse. The Great Work described in the Cabala is the process of changing the young, immature Self into a Master of the principles governing the operation of reality. In the terminology of the Cabala, achieving God-Realization is described as a transmutation. While the process of transmuting the base metal of lead into a higher quality gold is a subject of earnest research in alchemy, it is often used as an analogy for the process of transmuting the ignorant seeker into a spiritually mature master. The process is achieved through adaptation of the organizing principles into all of the objects of reality. 12. So the world was created. Hence were all the wonderful adaptations of the One Thing manifested; but the arrangements that follow this great mystic path are hidden. Again, the One Thing is differentiation of reality by way of the Creative Process. The Creative Process is a person’s intention acting on an imagined outcome to make it so. Differentiation is bound by organizing principles. Hermes is explaining that all of reality was formed by way of the same principles he has explained in the previous lines. An important concept here is “For those who have eyes to see.” The way described in this lesson

is hidden to those who have not followed this path. Question 51 There's the other and then there's the here. The other can't be known and the here is only known through its material manifestation. Is it not true that if a ghost appears in your room, that the ghost must be a material thing and from the here? Answered November 22, 2020 Answer In terms of current thought about the nature of reality, I understand “the other” to be nonphysical or conceptual and “the here” to be physical or objective. There are two dominant theories about the nature of reality. The Physicalist view is that reality began with the rapid expansion of a singularity in what is popularly known as The Big Bang. In effect, everything that is real has evolved out of that singularity. In that model, mind is somehow a product of biological brain and exists as an effect that can be traced to the way we experience. It has no actual nonphysical characteristic. The seemingly separateness of our mind would be an artifact of our sense of central position. In Physicalism, a ghost can only be an illusion unless it obeys physical organizing principles. It is imagined by the observer to walk through walls, or it is an as yet unidentified life form obeying physical principle that allows apparent walking through walls. Dualism holds that there is a greater reality of which the physical is an aspect. In Dualism, mind is a distinct entity entangled with

biological brain during this lifetime. In Dualism, the physical body acts as an environmental sensor sending information via the brain to mind. In this sense, think of mind as a drone operator and our body as the drone. An important difference between Physicalism and Dualism is that the arrow of creation in Physicalism flies from that singularity to the present. Everything we experience must be explained in that context. In Dualism, the arrow of creation flies from whatever source produced the greater reality (what produced the Big Bang). If Dualism is allowed, our mind is native to the greater reality. Information we sense from our physical body is assigned physicality if it is intended to be physical, else it is a thoughtform. In this model, a car is physical because we have learned to assign sensed information related to the car concept as physical. During a lifetime, that is how we are conditioned to experience environmental signals. In Dualism, ghosts are entirely nonphysical. The personality associated with a ghost is the same as our personality except that we identify with a physical body. As the theory goes, everyone psychically senses their environment, so when we psychically sense a discarnate personality, we have been taught that what we are sensing must have a physical body. That is our conditioned expectation. If we knew to expect the presence of a discarnate personality, say which we sense mediumistically, then we would be expecting a thoughtform and not a ghost. In a dark, old

building, we expect a ghost and not long-dead Uncle John. Since science is divided on this, it is up to the individual to self-educate and decide. Does Physicalism make better sense? If so, then people who see a ghost are delusional. If that is the decision, it is also necessary to account for related phenomena such as psychic access to remote information. A proper theory must address all of the questions. I lean toward Dualism. Question 52 Which among the theories on “self” as a cognitive construction best explains your personality dynamics? Answered November 11, 2020 Answer By “theories on self,” I understand you to mean the relationship between brain and mind and the meaning of consciousness. By “personal dynamics,” I understand you to mean how the theory I adhere to relates to the way I think and act. I am a Strict Dualist, meaning that I accept the evidence that we are relatively immortal personality entangled with our human avatar for this lifetime. It is my understanding that an aspect of who I am existed before this lifetime and will continue to exist after in a self-aware, sentient form. The implication of sentience independent of biological brain is that I probably brought some understanding about reality with me into this lifetime. Call that understanding lucidity. We know that we have a functional area of our mostly unconscious mind that acts as a database filled with human instincts, lucidity, what we have been taught is true and memory. Human instincts

are all about assuring dominant continuation of the personal gene pool. That means virtually all of my actions would be selfish unless I consciously impose my more altruistic inclinations. The question any model of self must address is where my altruistic instincts come from. After watching the 2020 election year polarization of society in the USA, I have come to the conclusion that the ultraconservative part of our society is virtually entirely informed by our human’s gene survival imperative. Unmoderated human instincts tend to make people more fearful as a pray animal and sometimes more aggressive as a top predictor. Part of human influence is the way our survival and tribal instincts modify what we consciously experience. if we have a fearful personality, ordinary signals from our world may seem more fearful. A conspiracy theory may be more believable if believing brings us closer to our tribal leaders, and thus, enhances the stature of our gene pool. Altruism seems to come when a person learns to examine the implications of thoughts and choices. With the understanding that we are ultimately all one in spirit, that we are immortal beings and that we sometimes learn more form seemingly negative experiences, choices become more toward the greater good, than the individual. I have not achieved the degree of understanding I think possible. Seeking greater discerning intellect is a way of living and not an endpoint. Seeking to live life from the immortal-centric perspective is a challenge that is more meaningful to what

I think is true than is the Physicalist point of view that we are our body and die when it dies. Question 53 How do you formulate your own philosophy of the self, explain your concept, and provide examples and illustrations? Answered November 8, 2020 Answer My personal website (15) contains essays that show my evolution in thought as I developed a metaphysical cosmology which might be better understood as our spiritual anatomy. Rather than explaining how I arrived at my current philosophy of self, I will just provide a bullet list of major characteristics. • I am not my body. I am an immortal personality entangled with a human avatar for this lifetime. See Life Fields. (48) • My worldview can be described as a database of memory, previously acquired lucidity, my human’s instincts and what I have been taught. See Spiritual Anatomy. (46) • All of what I become consciously aware of has first been evaluated by my mental perception-expression processes which is moderated by my worldview. See Mind as Storyteller. (49) • Entanglement means that I share my worldview with my human. That means that my conscious perception is colored by my human’s survival instincts. Unless I consciously intervein to be more Humanist, all of my choices will be intended to assure the survival and dominance of my gene pool. See Conditional Free Will. (25) • Like everyone, I am a naturally occurring psychic. I am also a certified mental medium. Yet, I understand that what I

sense is what I expect to sense unless I am able to train my mostly unconscious mind to tell me the actual nature of reality. That means, as I become more lucid, I also become more aware of the psychic atmosphere around me. For instance, I need to be mindful that I am more empathetic than before. It also means that, when I convey a mediumistic message, I must be mindful that what I am conscious of has been colored by what I expect (moderated by worldview). See Becoming Lucid. (38) • I know that, once my mind makes a decision, it is reluctant to change. It only changes in small increments. The one influence I have to manage my worldview is to intend to experience reality as it is. I tell this to my mind by examining everything I think is true for sensibility. That is, do the implications of what I am become aware of make sense? See The Mindful Way. (16) • The majority of people do not question their choices. That means they are pretty much 100% guided by their survival instincts. That means that it is necessary to be aware of the degree of lucidity of the people around me. I recently explored the implications of this in Radical Conservatism. (50) • I am one of the grownups now. By that, I mean that I have learned enough to be able to conduct a rational exploration of ideas and recognizer what is sensible and what

is not. Part of that personal confidence comes from the idea of Suspended Judgment. If the sensibility of something is not clear, I resist making a decision about it until more information comes in. See A Reason for Mindfulness. (51) These are the major elements of my philosophy of self. Most of them apply to everyone. My motto is “Believe what you wish but understand the implications of what you believe.” To “understand” first requires understanding the above in terms you can relate to. Question 54 Is the paranormal/supernatural a subset of metaphysics? Answered November 8, 2020 Answer Metaphysics is not about the paranormal it is the examination of the nature of things in their most fundamental form. I am not academically trained in philosophy, but as I have learned to use metaphysics, it is best based on science. If it is, the basic concepts of a metaphysical view should be able to be described as a cosmological model that can suggest testable hypotheses. In the metaphysics of Physicalism, the universe is said to have begun with the rapid expansion of a singularity in a process popularly known as “The Big Bang.” From the Big Bang came stars, rocks, fish and people. Also, mind is considered a consequence of biological brain. In the metaphysics of Dualism, the Big Bang may be correct. However, in Dualism, mind is modeled as being independent of brain and existing in a nonphysical aspect of reality sometimes referred to as the Psi Field. (52) There

are numerous cosmologies for Dualist metaphysics. The Planes of Existence Diagram below illustrates one such cosmology from ancient wisdom schools. Supernatural is an old term for what is generally referred to today as paranormal. Paranormal is used to refer to reported experiences that are not currently explained by known science. It could apply to UFOs and Big Foot but is it most often a reference to etheric-to-physical influences and information access. Anomalous acquisition of information is a fancy parapsychological term for psychic functioning. Psi is the influence of thought, and so, functioning as a psychic is Psi functioning. In the order of names, metaphysics is the study of fundamental concepts in nature. A cosmology should evolve out of a metaphysical view. a proper cosmology should help a researcher imagine and develop theories to help explain an apparent paranormal experience. For instance, in Strict Dualism, the mind is modeled as independent of brain. If that is true, then there must be a medium that propagates mind. There must be lines of influence between mind and the environment … both ways. There must be a source for mind in the same sense that the primordial soup is thought to be the source for our human body. I refer to the model I use in Etheric Studies as the Implicit Cosmology. (3) The metaphysical view is Dualism. The cosmology is the relationship between mind and body and the rest of reality. Even though many terms used to describe the cosmology are also used

in religion, this is not about religion or belief. It is about testable models and ideas intended to help us better understand ourselves and our world. Question 55 If there is no randomness, does it ultimately mean there can’t be free will as well? Answered November 7, 2020 Answer Randomness Physical processes are determined by naturally occurring physical principles. For instance, an apple falling from a tree falls under the influence of the same principles every time. They include the acceleration rate of local gravity, air residence, Coriolis Effect due to the earth’s spin. Those influences determine general behavior of a falling apple. The fall is deterministic. Free Will Considering the “Nature’s Habit” aspect of how things work, the behavior of things around us tends to be deterministic and that predictable factor in our environment tends to turn us toward predictable choices. Because our world is determinant, much of our behavior is also. Our biological organism is largely influenced by a set of genetic predispositions or instincts. Probably the strongest instinct is to make choices that will assure continuity, even dominance, of our personal gene pool. I suspect the behavior of the majority of people is entirely dominated by this instinct. Think of a person as a decision machine that will behave in a predictable manner, depending on the circumstance. The circumstance is largely predictable; however, the uncertainty for how a person will behave increases as we are further in time from the initial influence. Just as a weather forecast

program might examine small segments of the geography and combine the results into a global prediction, a computer program might be written to reasonably predict individual behavior based on social economic conditions and then to combine individual readings for a community-level prediction of behavior. I expect this is routine today. I explored the idea of free will in the essay, Conditional Free Will. (25) My conclusion was that we did not have free will or self-determination. However, we may have a degree of free will if we find a way to make a distinction between self-serving human instincts and community-serving discerning intellect. Some people seem to realize that they are more than their physical body. When they do so, they often turn toward choices that benefit the greater good in ways that are contrary to predictable choices. There seems to be no randomness in the sense that an effect occurs without apparent cause. Apparent randomness comes from local observations and not global ones. A better way of thinking of the problem is uncertainty. The farther we are from a cause, the more opportunities for other causes to modify the effect. Without conscious determination to examine the implications of every action, those actions will tend to be predictable. Self-determination seems to increase as the person accepts the responsibility for personal actions. That is one of the reasons it is so important to seekers of greater discerning intellect to seek greater lucidity. Question 56 Based on the learning that you gain in

this lesson, can you create your own ethical principles and be able to explain these principles? Answered November 6, 2020 Answer I take, by “… learning that you gain in this lesson …,” you mean lessons from this lifetime. So, to reword the question, “can a person develop a personal code of ethics based on what is learned from lifetime experiences?” It is good to make a distinction between morality and ethics. Moral codes tend to be cultural dictates of what is right and wrong. The problem is that morally correct in one culture may be immoral in another. Ethics tends to be more personal. For instance, I consider it unethical to tell a lie, but others see lies as more expediently acceptable. Ethics also tend to be based on more fundamental principles. For instance, seeking greater lucidity seems to be linked to the practice of mindfulness. Both involve learning to intend to clearly see reality as it is, rather than as we have been taught. From that increasing awareness comes understanding of personal responsibility. Ethical behavior is expected to be behavior for the greater good as opposed to self-serving. I understand an “ethical principle” to be personal recognition of a relationship between elements of nature and how best to live in accordance with that understanding. The characteristics of nature sometimes known as Natural Law are part of the fabric of nature, what I think of as Organizing Principles. (27) We do not create them, only realize their existence. With

that in mind, my short answer to the question is “Yes.” We do discover natural principles as we experience life. Understanding that reality and ethics are all about people, the principles we notice tend to help us navigate social situations. However, that understanding can take the form of better social skills to manipulate people (unethical) or better social skills to be a better citizen (ethical). In the end, it is necessary to understand the difference between personal good and the greater good. One of my guides for this is the Katha Upanishad. (53) I explored this in The Razor’s Edge - Katha Upanishad (23) Essay. In essence, it explains a spiritual perspective for why a person would apply discriminating intellect to make decisions that furthers spiritual understanding, as opposed to deciding with an unrestrained mind. “Discriminating intellect” and “unrestrained mind” are terms used in the Katha Upanishad. Discriminating intellect is a good way to describe the presence of mind a person might have to recognize the personal value of turning understanding toward the collective’s greater good. While writing A Personal Code of Ethics for the Mindful Way, (54) it became evident that by writing down a few basic ethical behaviors, it is easier to establish a living pattern of seeking to be more ethical. The table here shown the one I drafted for myself. Consider this from the Dalai Lama: All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness can and do promote inner

values. But the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate. This is why I am increasingly convinced that the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether. Dalai Lama September 10, 2012 (55) You are right to question the part living experiences have in our increasing understanding. A personal code of ethics is a useful mechanism for helping the seeker keep an eye on the objective. Question 57 What is the danger in thinking that what you know is the truth? Answered October 23, 2020 Answer The one document I am aware of that is thought to be correctly attributed to Hermes, the Egyptian teacher of 6,000 years ago, is popularly known as the Emerald Tablet. See The Hermes Concepts. (1) It appears to be instruction from Hermes about what is known in the Hermetic Wisdom Schools as “The Great Work,” which is I study as the Creative Process. (12) The Great Work is all about turning the coarse human nature we are born with into the discerning person we might be. The 22 Major Arcana of the Hermetic Tarot also depict this process. As far as I can tell, the Great Work is fundamentally the process of learning to see reality as it is rather than as we have been taught. “Understanding” is perhaps a better term than “truth” because there probably are no absolute truths about something but there are degrees of

understanding about that something. As we gain in experience, we converge our understanding on its actual nature. The Great Work is not done to us. It is something each of us must decide to undertake. In its essence, it is simply learning to examine our every action to see if it makes sense and if it is based on our best understanding. The trick is to realize that people simply do not examine their actions. Enlightenment is the realization that we can do better. Movement toward discerning intellect is what comes from doing something about it. See The Mindful Way Essay. (16) What are the dangers? Consider our society today here in the USA. We are divided by belief-based ideologies. Inhumane treatment of others is widely accepted. People tend to be okay with 1% of the population holding virtually all of the wealth and power. We lack the sense of urgency about so many things a rational person would be freaked out about. None of these attitudes are sustainable. The one glaring example of the danger of incorrect understanding of truth is the increased number of conspiracy theorists in our midst. “Did Hilary really open a pizza parlor to catch and eat children? A startlingly large number of citizens think they are justified by God, and/or the Constitution to hate others. If someone wants to do something, all they need to do is say it is their constitutional right. All of these are our human instincts driving the body-chariot rather

than our discerning intellect. The Razor’s Edge - Katha Upanishad (23) The danger of assuming that a falsehood is truth is not the subject itself, but the failure of the individual to realize the need to question assumptions. Being wrong does not often kill the person. In fact, it may help assure dominance of the person’s gene pool (a human instinct thing). It depends on whether or not the person wants to serve only self or serve the greater good. Question 58 What is duality of being, and why should I care? Answered October 21, 2020 Answer In the dualist model of personality, we are a spiritual personality entangled with a human avatar for this lifetime. Even if you do not accept the idea that we have a spiritual aspect, the idea that we are strongly motivated by survival instincts is indisputable. A few people moderate those usually selfish instincts with an altruistic urge to further the greater good. The pushpull dynamics of those opposite urges goes to form everyone’s behavior. Consider the Lucidity Model Diagram below. Think of it as a duality consequence model. On the left are people who are almost entirely guided by their human instincts. In practice, they act without much thought about the consequences beyond dominance of their gene pool. On the right are people who have gained a degree of conscious control over their human instincts. I mark the Enlightenment Threshold as the change in mental state that occurs when people realize they are

more than their physical body. Note that the Increasingly Humane curve is greatly enhanced after that. In this model, “duality of being” means this difference between our animal nature and our spiritual nature. (Find the word you can live with for “spiritual.” Perhaps “maturity.”) Does the difference matter? Some people spend the greater part of their life trying to gain greater lucidity. That translates as trying to manage human instincts to be more discerning. Religious leaders and philosophers have taught the need for this seeking for at least 6,000 years. Spend a little time contemplating the degree of influence human instincts have on people in political circumstances. How would you place conservatives on the scale? How about gun owners? Question 59 Let us say that we define free will as the ability to consciously choose any one out of two or more options available to us. If the above definition is accepted, then do human beings have free will? Answered October 21, 2020 Answer To have free will, one must first have the ability to correctly sense the environment. In fact, what we are consciously aware of is a modified version of what we unconsciously sense. For instance, we do not directly hear words spoken to us. We hear what our unconscious mind has been conditioned to think of the words spoken to us. From the essay, Conditional Free Will, (25) here is a brief list of possible external influences that go toward modifying our free will: Determinism — Our

perception of the present is largely determined by our memory of the past. Deterministic influences include our genes (instincts), prior experiences, social dynamics, cultural influences and acquired lucidity. In physical processes, it means that a process is bound by natural principles. See Determinism (56) Nature-Nurture — Is a person’s temperament predominantly the product of social, environmental influences such as growing up in an academically inclined family versus one more focused on sports (Nurture)? Or is a person’s temperament something that is set at birth; perhaps carried in our genes (Nature)? Nature’s Habit — Human instincts are a behavior version of Nature’s Habit which tend to determine how an organism will behave. This includes human instincts. God’s Will — A widely held view is the religious one in which our fate is thought to be destined as God’s will. Predetermined by Agreement — This seems like a New Age theory, but it is actually very similar to God’s will, in that our actions are possibly predetermined by etheric influences beyond our control. Lucidity — It is argued in Dualism that our actual self existed before this biological lifetime and that it entered into this lifetime with previously acquired understanding. This understanding manifests as a degree of lucidity. It is useful to think of lucidity promoting more altruistic choices and human’s instincts promoting more self-serving choices. The point to keep in mind is that we seldom consciously decide. When we react, we do so based on perception that has been unconsciously formed.

For most of us, unless we have realized how external influences help form our decisions, we will predictably follow what is best to further our gene pool’s dominance over others. By consciously and habitually examining our daily decisions to see if the result is what we intend, we teach our mostly unconscious mind how we want to decide. For instance, when spiritual seekers want to develop greater lucidity (seeing reality as it is rather than as we have been taught), they begin to moderate the influence their human instincts have on their thoughts and actions by always questioning themselves. Perhaps a better term than “free will” is self-determination, as it is something we must manage. It does not happen to us. Most of us experience reality as we expect it to be. That is a learned expectation. In fact, free will is an illusion unless we consciously intervein. Very, very few people do so. Question 60 Can the paranormal ever become normal? Answered October 16, 2020 Answer In the context of phenomena related to psychic functioning, “paranormal” means unusual human abilities or experiences related to mind that are not accounted for with known science. “Normal” means in agreement with known science. While “paranormal” is a popular term, and “parapsychology” is the study of paranormal-related psychology, using terms like frontier or emergent science might offer a better perspective. Paranormal phenomena seem to depend on the existence of a nonphysical aspect of reality. In parapsychology, one explanatory model for this is the

Psi Field Hypothesis. The term “Psi” is used by some parapsychologists for the influence of thought. The Psi Field is usually described as a nonlocal field “overlaying” or emerging from the physical aspect of reality. In that sense, the arrow of creation points “outward” from the physical to the etheric. It is described in the Implicit Cosmology (3) as an aspect of the greater reality (etheric). In that case, the Arrow of Creation points inward from the etheric toward physical. It is nonlocal in the sense that an effect experienced in one location can be simultaneously detected everywhere. It is also nonphysical because there is no known way to shield from the influence of Psi. Thought is nonphysical, meaning that we have no way to shield from its influence and that influence seems to be everywhere we look. This is an important often overlooked point. Mind may be a product of biological brain, but mind is not biological in character. This is the paradox. Most scientists studying mind insist that mind emerges from biological brain, and therefore, must be a physical characteristic of brain. Yet, if mind behaves in ways that seem to indicate that it is nonphysical (the influence of mind is propagated in the Psi Field), it may not be able to be correctly explained using physical principles alone. By rejecting the existence of something like the Psi Field, scientists do not have the necessary physical principles to explain observed effects of thought. There are two ways I

can think of in which paranormal might become normal. More people accepting the idea of paranormal will not make the related phenomena normal. For the majority of people, science guides popular opinion. However, a reported mental characteristic such as empathy can be developed. If more and more people learn to use empathy as a guide in daily living, that aspect of the paranormal would become more widely accepted and seen as “normal.” I think the term would be “defacto normal.” The second way paranormal might become normal is if mainstream scientists agreed to include the possibility of a Psi Field. Phenomena such as anomalous access to information (being psychic) will always be paranormal until mainstream science finds a way to integrate something like the Psi Field Hypothesis into mainstream thought. Question 61 Why can the senses not always be trusted? Answered October 14, 2020 Answer Perception is a science by itself. As an engineer who deals a lot with conceptual information that is not decisively present, I have come to realize that people are poor witnesses. The problem is that people do not realize they are poor witnesses. Often, they will fight to the bitter end to prove that they are right. This witness problem is especially important in the study of things paranormal such as psychic functioning. I have mostly stopped agreeing to evaluate some examples of reportedly paranormal phenomena because my suggestion that an example may not be paranormal is assured to anger the person. Things paranormal are,

by definition, a conceptual influence producing an objective effect. That is, things we can physically experience are initiated by thought. Any form of mental access of information that cannot be independently verified must be questioned. For instance, in the Zener Card experiments in which a person is asked to predict what the next card will be, the experimenter has the target card and can verify the answer. At the same time, when a psychic tries to help the police find a missing person, if there is no way of verifying the information, the psychic become more a waste of time for the police. This is not to say that such phenomena are not real, it is just that many people who think they are good psychics have not taken the time to test and envelop their skills. There are Best Practices. For instance, a practitioner telling a sitter something that cannot be verified at the time may be misleading for the sitter. The competence of the practitioner needs to be established to the sitter and there should always be cautionary guidance concerning the likelihood that the practitioner is mistaken. The problem seems to come from how we process information. Environmental information comes first to our mostly unconscious mind. There, it is compared to our worldview. It may be ignored if it simply does not fit. More likely, the mind will modify the information to agree with worldview. It is that modified information which we are consciously aware. In my opinion,

the solution is something like what I refer to as The Mindful Way. (16) It is simply habitually questioning the implications of what we think and our actions with the intention of seeing reality as it is, we tend to teach our worldview that we want to have a more lucid sense of incoming information. It is not something that happens all at once. That is why seeking is a journey and not an event. Question 62 The four traits of the human persons are made evident through our actions. What is in our human nature that is intangible element, along with the body, defines us persons? Answered October 13, 2020 Answer Complex question. I am going to guess that you are referring to something like the four personality traits defined in The Four Different Personality Types. (57) They are: Driver — Fact-Based Extrovert Analytical — Fact-Based Introvert Amiable — Relationship Introvert Expressive — Relationship Extrovert Note that most people will express major and minor types. People will tend to present as a Driver, for instance, which is an aggressive temperament. However, they may have a soft side such as Amiable or technical side, such as Analytical. When trying to model Dualism, I have attempted to consider how we might identify human animal-motivated behavior (survival instinct) as opposed to discerning intellect motivated behavior. One clue is the way astrologers explain astrological traits as opposed to the four personality traits. Astronomical traits are typically described in terms of animal characteristics such

as nest building and distrust of the opposite sex. Here is a diagram I have used for that discerning intellect-human instinct analysis: Both temperament and astronomical models reasonably describe a personality, but clearly one looks more toward the influence of human instincts while the other seems to better describe discerning intellect aspects of who people are. I will spare you the argument about Dualistic separation between human and spiritual personality. The bottom line is that people’s behavior models better if the two are looked at separately. The next factor that seems to define us is concerned with the degree to which an individual has learned to manage human instincts. We are born pretty much entirely dominated by our human instincts. While we “civilize” children so that they do not follow their instinct to procreate with every opportunity or kill for food, people’s decision making mostly continues to be dominated by the urge to assure dominance of the personal gene pool above everyone else. Some people realize that they are not their human body and some of those people begin a conscious process of seeking to understand their actions from the perspective of discerning intellect. The more spiritually mature amongst us has learned to moderate human instincts while still living a human lifetime. They will still respond as the astrological sign suggests, but they will be more guided by the need to support the greater good by finding opportunities to gain understanding in every experience. I define a person as an

immortal self entangled with a human in an avatar relationship. A person exhibits self as a balance of its human instincts, inherited human traits, discerning intellect and the degree to which the person has learned to manage the entangled relationship. We are all on a path toward personal understanding. Some have longer to go than others. We all hold a light for those who come after. Question 63 What if an animal developed a humanlike consciousness? Answered October 13, 2020 Answer A useful model for speculating about consciousness is Strict Dualism in which it is held that mind exists independent of biological brain. With that, we can posit that life is a universal fractal of nature. By fractal, I mean that reality consists of life fields and the expressions of life fields. This is a strictly metaphysical view, but it can help here. As a fractal, all instances of life have the same basic functional areas, such as expression, instincts and the ability to integrate experience. A human skin cell life fractal would not be able to talk like the top organism fractal. Its personal reality would be limited to its biological circumstance. A cat organism fractal is not biologically equipped to speak human words. But then, humans are not well developed to purr. My point is that there is mind and then there are circumstances in which each instance of mind must express itself. Another factor is inheritance. Humans have evolved with essentially the same biological capabilities. Our apparent

superior intellect is a product of that evolution. If a cat had the same structural capabilities at the beginning of their evolution, I would suggest that they would be like us … only with more fur and less scrutable. In the above thought exercise, “human consciousness” is probably not the right way to ask the question. Perhaps the better way is to ask, “What if all animals had the same capability of consciousness as do we humans.” My answer is that other life forms are the same as us, only with different capabilities to express that sameness. Question 64 Does honesty really matter? Answered October 11, 2020 Answer Virtually every system of belief I am aware of that values the spiritual wellbeing of the person teaches the importance of seeing reality as it is and not as we have been taught. We are not born seeing truth. We begin by seeing the world as our human animal. Its instincts are to assure the continuation and dominance of its gene pool. If it were not for the influence of society, we would enter into the world like killer rabbits. Think of truth as correct understanding. On our first encounter with a concept, we learn a little about it and may call that truth. However, on the next encounter, we see there is more to know and call that truth. Understanding comes via a gradual change in our worldview as we converge on truth. While there is a collective truth of our

society, underlying that are fundamental organizing principles that represent the actual nature of reality. The seeker of discerning intellect realizes this difference and seeks to look beyond the collective view. Okay, so that is fundamental truth. There is also present truth which correctly describes society and the individual’s relationship with it. Truth in that sense matters because, when a society does not respond to lies by correcting them, conspiracy theories thrive, and governments are weakened. The powerful use lies to manage the weak. Look at our present government in the USA. My policy is to reference my writing as little as possible but in this case, I have just published an update that includes comments about “Speaking Truth.” It may be more helpful. Etheric Studies Occasional Update 8 (58) Question 65 Is mindfulness a reality check of our thought process and deliverables? Answered October 10, 2020 Answer I understand your question as “Is mindfulness a technique for managing our thoughts.” If this is a reasonable understanding, the short answer is yes. There is mindfulness as taught in meditation and what I think of as selfobserving, self-editing mindful thinking. According to lexico.com, mindfulness is: 1 The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. 2 A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. I think the meditative practice of self-aware (Definition 2) is the most common view of mindfulness.

I am not qualified to address that form. As a seeker of discerning intellect, I have found it useful to think of The Mindful Way (16) as a technique for consciously aligning my personal reality with actual reality. The idea is for me to habitually question every decision and act to see if it is reasonable, humane and if it represents my understanding. A concept I often encounter is what I refer to as Perceptual Agreement (5): Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate. If I cannot conceive of an idea, I cannot integrate it into my awareness. The more I know, the more I am able to integrate new ideas. The more what I know is aligned with actual reality, the better I am able to experience actual reality. That is lucidity born of discerning intellect. Our perception is formed in our mostly unconscious mind. The mental function that produces our perception (the deliverables, I think the question asks about) are mostly unconscious and regulated by our worldview. Worldview represents what we have been taught, our memory representing learned behavior and our inherited instincts. What we actually perceive is the result of that regulated process. Incoming information may be discarded if it does not agree with worldview, it probably will be modified to agree. In other words, we experience what we expect. The one conscious influence we have on worldview is intention. We are virtually androids following the worldview programming

if our intention is not turned toward better understanding. The very large majority of people are not “enlightened,” so to speak to realize the need to examine their actions. The Mindful Way is a process that will not work unless we actively engage our life experiences. Every experience offers opportunity to gain understanding. it is important that we honor our human’s need to live this life. Learn from it as we gently guide our daily living toward a more humane citizenship. Question 66 What stands between an individual and reality? Answered October 10, 2020 Answer There are two answers for this. The Physicalist version is that there is one reality. We experience that one reality, but we understand what we experience differently depending on our education and how well we pay attention. I find that the Strict Dualist model better explains my experience and what I know about current academic thought. In that, there is actual reality, local reality and personal reality. Actual Reality — Simply what is. In Physicalism, reality is the physical universe which begins with the rapid expansion of a singularity into what is today. This is popularly known as the Big Bang Theory. As far as I know, the problem with the singularity model is that physicists have yet to explain where the singularity came from. What is reality beyond the physical universe? In Dualism, reality is still unbounded, but the physical universe is modeled as an aspect of actual reality. The metaphysical models I have

found most useful hold that the initial state of the greater reality is emerging sentience and purpose produced by curiosity. That is like the Physicalists’ singularity. In this view, reality is a conceptual space in which something physical is a concept to which we have learned to assign physicality. Local Reality — Remembering that we are talking about a personal perspective, local reality is that part of reality of which the person is aware. For instance, I am aware of the existence of the planet Mars, but I am not aware of any detail related to Mars such as how being on the surface feels or looks. The existence of Mars is part of my local reality but without much detail. It may be worth arguing that local reality represents a collective view of reality. In some models of reality, such as Morphic Resonance, (20) it is argued that we share a collective memory. The existence of Mars would be part of that. As we learn more about Mars, that collective memory would become more detailed. It need not be a true reflection of actual reality. It may be that we collectively imagine Mars in more detail like we might imagine a heaven based on a popular novel. Person Reality — Our perception is produced by a mostly unconscious mental process in which sensed information from our five physical senses, and possibly from other life fields, is compared to what we think is true. The result of that comparison is

sent on to our conscious awareness as our personal reality. Our worldview represents our map of reality. The yardstick for that mental comparison is our worldview database which represents our memory, what we have been taught and our inherited instincts. If the information agrees with worldview, it is sent on to conscious awareness. If it only partially agrees, it may be modified to agree and sent on. If it is very different, it may be ignored. Information that is sufficiently ambiguous to get past our worldview might modify our worldview. That is how we learn. In effect, our worldview represents our personal reality. What stands between us and our perception of actual reality is worldview. In other words, we sense reality as we have been taught. The seeker’s task is to learn to align personal reality with actual reality. Discerning intellect leading to greater lucidity is the reward. Question 67 Does past experience affect what we see or what we do? Answered October 5, 2020 Answer This is exactly the question all of us need to ask. Put another way, what are the implications of what we sense? Is what we sense real? The Hypothesis of Formative Causation (59) is the proposition that organisms are formed according to “Nature’s Habit.” That is, every instance of a species shares a collective memory which guides how the organism is formed. The theory was composed to explain how a cell knows to begin forming skin, bones hair. That is called morphogenesis. In the

theory, changes in Nature’s Habit come in small increments as an organism finds a creative solution to an environmental problem. The “Habit” changes slowly. It represents an alternative theory to Darwin's survival of the fittest theory. The theory applies here to tell us that we are guided by the past, even to the extent of how our body is formed. A change in Nature’s Habit is propagated to every new instance of the species. This is comparable to how our human instincts may have been formed and why they have such an influence on us now. The next reference I like is the idea that we first experience our world as an environmental signal coming to our mostly unconscious mind. The information is, in effect, preprocessed in our mostly unconscious mind to see how well it conforms to what we expect. I refer to our mental yardstick as Worldview. Worldview is like a database containing everything we have experienced, what we think is true and our instincts. At birth, our human instincts dominate. If new information does not fit our worldview at all, we will likely not experience it. More likely, the information will be familiar and will be sent on to our conscious self in a modified form that best agrees with our worldview. Like Nature’s Habit, our worldview is slow to change. Ambiguous incoming information can change it in small increments. That is how we learn. My answer, then, is that we tend to have a personal sense

of reality that is a learned subset of actual reality. The task of seekers is to learn how to align personal reality with actual reality. Question 68 How is the truth perceived? Answered September 28, 2020 Answer Science is beginning to tell us that we first receive environmental information by way of our mostly unconscious mind. It is processed there, and the result of that processing is what we consciously experience. See Our Unconscious Mind. (28) That processing is based on our worldview. Our worldview is like a database holding everything we have been taught is true, memories and instincts. In effect, we consciously experience what we think is true. That is our personal reality. I have tried to illustrate the functional areas I imagine in our unconscious mind based on emerging science and the characteristics of psychic functioning. See First Sight Theory (31) as a possible ruleset for the perception function. If we do not have the presence of mind to question the implications of what we consciously experience, our experiences will tend to confirm what we have been taught. That is the way prejudices are transmitted through generations. If we question and intend to experience reality as it is, we will tend to converge on perception of the actual nature of reality. Doing so is sometimes referred to as increasing lucidity. Rather than truth, it might be better to say understanding. In some systems of thought truth is thought to change as it is better understood. By that,

I mean the fundamentals of reality are thought to be based on the collective understanding of humanity. It is not important if that is true. My point is that we converge on correctly experiencing reality as we gain understanding about its nature. I think we should not expect to experience foundation truth, as doing so will tend to change foundation truth. My answer, then, is that we do not simply want to perceive truth. Worldview changes in small increments. Once it decides something, it is very reluctant to change. By habitually intending to experience reality as it is, that is by practicing discerning intellect, we can gradually converge on the actual nature of things. One must intend to do so because human instincts only turn us toward choices leading to gene dominance. Question 69 What is Kant’s theory to discuss if the continued reliance on natural gas can still be considered an ethical approach for energy consumption? What is your ethical stand in the conclusion? Answered September 25, 2020 Answer One person who answered, correctly noted that Kant’s philosophy may be irrelevant to today. We do evolve. I read the question as asking my views on the ethical use of a carbon-base d energy source at a time in which carbon is apparently making our environment uninhabitable. The question will draw out climate change deniers who will answer by saying there is no evidence it is a problem. In fact, climate change has been studied for decades by some of

the best minds and institutions in the world. I put my trust in their science before I will trust some conspiracy theorist who things he or she knows better. Failure to get it right can unnecessarily cost society more than it can afford. Failure to react to the change costs lives and only makes fixing it later more costly. Burning wood is a short-cycle release of sequestered carbon. Burning natural gas is a long-cycle release. All fossil fuels release carbon that has not been in the atmosphere for millions of years. Thawing permafrost does about the same. It appears to be a new fact of life that wildfires, violent storms, temperature extremes and coastal flooding is taking increasingly more of a toll on society. People are dying. People are losing their homes. If you have not, perhaps you will notice when you can’t buy fresh food or clean water. It does not matter if the climate change is human caused. The fact is that we can reduce the effect of climate change by changing our release of long-cycle sequestered carbon. Renewable energy is a huge part of the climate change solution. For instance, Denmark Passes Magic 50% In Renewable Electricity Generation Milestone (60) It is unethical to make lifestyle decisions without considering the effect on others. If one person considers it a God-given right to burn oil, part of what God musty have given that person is the power to drown people in coastal towns or to burn down towns.

We use carbon-based fuel because that is where we began. The fact is that it was convenient but in hindsight, it was not the best choice. For instance, many people in Los Angeles used solar powered hot water heaters until capitalists sold them on gas and electricity. See A History of Solar Water Heating - Renewable Energy - MOTHER EARTH NEWS. (61) We will continue to use carbon-based fuels as long as capitalists can make money from selling it to us. It is up to citizens to demand climate safety. Technology can help us move away from carbon-based fuels, but it is up to all of us to help. The ethical approach to climate change is to always ask how our decision might affect others, and then to make the decision that has the most benefit for all. In the shorty term, the reasonable thing to do is to encourage our governments to promote clean energy. Consider California’s governor’s decision to promote electric cars: California Gov. Newsom Calls Transition To Electric Cars An 'Economic Imperative'. (62) In my mind, the most ethical behavior is for each of us, including corporations, to pay our fair share for living and doing business. By that, I mean that our daily living produces carbon. That is our “Carbon Footprint.” We also pay for living in the form of purchase of food, fuel and dwelling. That is our “Cost of Living.” To be paying our fair share, that cost should be sufficient for suppliers to

do what is necessary to cover the cost of doing business, including the environmental and social impacts. If the cost of living includes social and environmental impacts, and that calculation accounts for our carbon footprint, it becomes economically feasible to manage climate change. Else, unregulated capitalism will likely kill us all. Question 70 What is perception? That golden seconds? Or illusion or schizophrenia or reality? I don't know what to believe anymore because I don't believe in myself what to do anymore? Answered September 20, 2020 Answer Such a question needs to be answered with care. I think you are asking about what of your experiences you can trust as truth and what is misleading. We have a filter in our mind that protects us from the chaotic flood of information we encounter every moment. While this filter—I call it Worldview—helps to protect us, it also tends to tell us things we have been taught are true and not necessarily the actual nature of things. Educate yourself about the influence your human instincts have on your thoughts. From my experience, the actual nature of things is not personal. We witness our world, and often, engage it. When we do, we need to always remember that it is not what happens to us that matters so much as how we react to what happens to us. Think of yourself as two people in one body. When you get down to the very fundamental drivers of your thoughts, your human instincts are

the most dominant. They are focused on doing things that will assure the continuation and dominance of your gene pool … often at the cost of others. Your human can care less about truth. It is not genetically evolved to think about it. See Two-Mind Solution to the Survival Hypothesis. (32) Depending on your cultural training, you can think of your human as your host mind. Think of the actual you as your primary mind or higher self, soul, spiritual aspect … whatever term makes sense to you to describe what some refer to as your discerning intellect. Your primary mind tends to be selfless and altruistic. In an effort to develop discerning intellect, some seekers form their life around trying to manage their human instincts without neglecting the needs of their human body. We must live this life. That means we must honor our human and respect its instincts. But part of our existence appears to be learning how to manage those instincts to make more compassionate decision. Even though I have looked hard for them, I have found no absolute truths. Instead, I think we converge on truth through daily experience. Our one tool for this convergence is our intention to see things as they are rather than as we have been taught. That is a daily expression of intention best supported with a lot of contemplation, self-education and desire to be compassionate through discernment. Be who you are. Trust who you are, but always intend to understand

what is behind who you are in the moment. If you do not see it now, suspend judgement with the intention that things will make better sense later. Once our mind decides, it is very difficult to change. In the same way, your old truths will change with continued intention, not like a flash of light. Question 71 What does your critical thinking process look like when you are presented with information? When do you know you have arrived at or near the truth? Answered September 19, 2020 Answer This is a question that should be answered by a psychologist. I will answer as an engineer who has tried to figure out the difference in thought process between a skeptic and a proponent. As an engineer, I have been trained to model ideas by including known inputs and outputs in a “black box analysis” exercise. The test of the model is if a device can be constructed based on the functional areas identified in the “box” to respond to the inputs to produce the outputs. The diagram shown here is my current version of such a model for thought. For this question, note that Worldview represents a sort of database of what we think is true. Think garbage in equals garbage out. If what you think is true is not actually true, you will have a disconnect between information you encounter and information you actually experience. The output of the box is perception. I know of no one, including myself,

who clearly perceives reality. We are all on a path. Our mind is hardwired to make decisions. Once it makes a decision, it is reluctant to change. That means what we believe to be true is persistent. It is easier to learn a prejudice than it is to change. Once your mind says “no” arriving at “yes” is difficult. If you have been taught that “others” are degenerate, thinking they are just people like you and me requires the decision to suspend judgement. We cannot simply change our mind. We incrementally change it with “maybe” results. When you encounter new information, if your mind simply does not agree, you might never become aware of the information. Suspended judgement means to resist making a decision. Rather, think in terms of “I do not agree but maybe I need more information, so I will wait.” My “I will wait” folder is very full. Lucidity is the state of awareness in which we experience reality as it is and not as we have been taught. That is the seeker’s objective. Lucidity is a continuum from seeing reality as we have been taught without discernment (zero lucidity) to discerning the actual nature of reality. As I have tried to illustrate it in the Limits of Understanding Diagram below, we seldom lucidly experience an idea on first exposure. If we decide to examine our beliefs, we enable ourselves to begin evolving our perception to better align with actual. If we do not decide, we will

likely never experience truth. My answer, then, is that our mental processes are something like the above diagram. We converge on truth only if we seek to see past what we have been taught. Truth is not an absolute. We only converge on understanding if we try. Actual understanding is a state of awareness the seeker seeks. Question 72 How can it be proven that consciousness is not of the body? Is it because consciousness (pure sense of awareness/existence) cannot catch a disease or become influenced or damaged like the mind and body? Answered September 18, 2020 Answer I have a test for if consciousness is a product of our body or if it preceded our body and will continue after bodily death. I am not sure if it is a logically sound test, because I am not sure I am well enough informed about consciousness to account for all pertinent conditions. Of course, you need to take my test with considerable reservations until more learned people weigh in. When we record an example of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), (8) we can assure that no known physical principles account for the existence of the apparently paranormal speech. For instance, we can shield the recorder from sound, light and radiofrequency contamination. We test that an EVP is real by asking someone to tell us what they hear without our telling them what to expect. Other forms of anomalous information access can be tested to eliminate known physical principles. For instance, a

remote viewer can psychically sense a distant location in such detail that reasonably accurate diagrams of the location can be drawn. A mental medium can access information about long dead Uncle John. Changes in the wellbeing of a person can be caused by a distant person’s healing intention. All of these under controlled conditions. Each of these phenomena seem paranormal but each might be explained with an as yet unidentified physical principle. Collectively, they tend to inherit credibility from one another. For instance, EVP are apparently formed by the influence of intentionality on a chaotic process. That is similar to apports, precipitation art and the apparent change of randomness of random event generators when in the presence of meditating groups. Individually, their paranormality is questionable. Taken as a class of experiences, they begin to appear authentic. Anomalous access of information may be explained as the practitioner’s access to his or her memory, psychic access to the memory of another person, or as proposed in the Super-Psi Hypothesis, access to residual thought retained in the Psi Field. If the information has existed in someone’s experience or remains in memory, the information may come from minds still in the flesh. The Survival Hypothesis need not be true. My test is if the information has ever existed prior to being accessed. The information must be verifiable and must not be deducible from prior experience. For instance, something that Uncle John would have said does not count, even if he was not known to

have said it in life. We have occasionally encountered EVP that seem to satisfy my test. The one example I often refer people to is the “Doja, no!” EVP recorded by Martha Copeland. You can hear it here: Martha Copeland EVP (63) Martha Copeland’s daughter, Cathy, transitioned as a young woman. Martha had accidentally left Cathy’s dog Dojo in the house when she left to go shopping. She had also left her voice activated audio recorder on. No one was in the house except for the animals. Dojo tore up a potted plant and made a great mess. You can hear Cathy scolding her dog in the EVP. Presumably, as a discarnate personality, Cathy was aware of what her dog was doing, and via the EVP, tried to make the dog behave. We recognize her voice, the utterance was appropriate for the circumstances and no one in the world knew of the situation or remembers it from the past. According to my test, the only way the EVP can exist is if Cathy’s personality exists independent of her then dead body. Of course, my argument depends on many factors. But on the surface, the “Doja, no” EVP seems to tell us that consciousness exists independent of body. Question 73 Subtle energies cannot be detected with physical instruments. That doesn't mean they don't exist? Answered September 17, 2020 Answer If we define subtle energy as physical energy that has not been detected by physical instruments, the answer is that a particular

form of energy may exist, but a suitable instrument to detect it may not have been developed. All of the currently undetected physical energy I am aware of, such as dark matter, gravity waves and such, have been predicted by other science and math. In other words, they are predicted by current models that are, themselves, widely accepted by mainstream science. It is considered science to study undetected but predicted energy. We spend millions of dollars to detect the hypothetical energy. The answer is not so clear if we define subtle energy as that associated with mind and thought. I will refer to mind-related subtle energy as metaphysical subtle energy. From Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, (64) we see that “The Hard Problem of Consciousness” is “… the problem of explaining why any physical state is conscious rather than nonconscious.” The “hard problem” seems to represent the divide between physical science and metaphysical science. Physical energy is detected by its effect on physical things. The flow of electrons through a wire is indirectly measured by detecting the magnetic field they produce outside of the wire. The agitation of atoms is detected by the heat they produce. The same can be said of thought. For instance, the effect of intentionality can be detected by changes in the randomness of Random Event Generators (REG). The problem is that mainstream science does not predict that effect. Therefore, the apparent influence of thought on REGs is discounted as experimenter error. The study of metaphysical subtle

energy is considered pseudoscience meaning false science. The answer is that metaphysical subtle energy is detected in the same way as physical subtle energy but with a different kind of equipment. In some cases, the effect (I think, therefore I am) is proof of the existence of thought. As an aside, parapsychologists who are scientists that study metaphysical subtle energy, refer to it as “Psi.” Psi is the influence or effect of thought and not thought itself. The existence of a Psi Field is proposed to explain the propagation of the influence of Psi. The Psi Field is known to be nonlocal, in that an effect experienced one place, say New York City, can be simultaneously and equally experienced anywhere, say San Francisco. We know of no way to shield from the influence of Psi. The fact of these qualities—nonlocal and ubiquitous— mean that metaphysical energy is best modeled as an influence rather than an energy. To avoid confusion between physical science and metaphysical science, it is best to restate metaphysical subtle energy as an influence and that can be referred to as Psi. Question 74 Does the mind exist or is it a spontaneous phenomenon based on past memories or conditioning? Answered September 13, 2020 Answer I understand the question to ask if mind exists separate from brain or if it is simply the result of biological processes such as the firing of neuron synapses in the brain. My answer is from the perspective of how we experience what

are commonly referred to as paranormal phenomena such as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), psychic functioning and anomalous access of information. I am an engineer layperson and not academically qualified to answer in terms of mainstream science. With that said, let me begin by saying that there appears to be two primary schools of thought about the nature of mind. One is the physicalist view which holds that there is only the physical universe as defined by mainstream science. Physicalists hold that mind is the product of brain and ceases to exist when the brain dies. In Dualism, mind is considered separate from brain, but Dualism is in two parts. In Physical Dualism (my term), mind is described as a nonphysical function of the brain. Again, when the brain dies, mind dies. However, Physical Dualism proposes that the effects of mind continue to exist in a nonphysical aspect of the physical referred to as the Psi Field in the form of memory. It is echoes of the past psychics access and not the actual sentient personality. Strict Dualism (my term) holds that mind is an entity that exists outside of biological brain, and that the brain is a transmitter-receiver enabling mind to influence movement of the biological organism while sensing its environment. In the extreme version of this, mind existed before this lifetime and will exist after in a self-aware, sentient form. Considering what we know about things paranormal, and those concepts of mainstream science that address this question, I lean

toward Strict Dualism. While the majority of paranormal phenomena and reported paranormal experiences can be explain with Physical Dualism, a few cannot. In EVP, for instance, some of the messages are clearly spoken by sentient personalities and include information not previously known by anyone of the past or present. My answer, then, is that what we know about mind and its effects does not appear to be explained by the physicalist view that mind is produced by biological functions of the brain. The nature of mind if it is “outside” of brain still needs to be better understood. Question 75 How do we know we become mind or self during living everyday if truth is we are energy in body who run both body and mind? Answered September 11, 2020 Answer If I correctly understand, the question is concerned with how we know if we are spiritually progressing and what does that progress look like. I have studied, practiced, experimented with and contemplated personal progression since the 1950s. While I think I have made a little progress, it is difficult to know how far I have come. With that in mind, my answer here is the world according to Tom. You should seek other advice, as well. It is important to recognize that there are teachers who will tell you of the glory of self-realization but not tell you that 99.999999+% of those who seek self-realization do not reach such nirvana. Self-realization is a journey some of us are just

beginning. The majority of our fellows have not noticed the way. Below, are links to six essays I recommend that you read. I apologize that they are all by me. It is just that I have written them to explain how I see the ancient teachings apply to what I am learning. Consider them more like study guides. The idea is to read between the lines, so to speak, to see what the ancient teachers were trying to convey. It is in their teaching that we find the objectives of our search for self-realization. For instance, Hermes in the first essay was teaching about the Great Work and the Creative Process. That is the process of self-education to achieve self-realization. The 22 Major Arcana of the Hermetic Tarot are like a roadmap for that. The Katha Upanishad teaches the difference between our immortal personality and our human self. It clearly defines the need to separate the “pleasurable” from the “meaningful” by learning to apply discerning intellect. John 14 of the Bible reinforces the same sort of lessons taught in earlier systems of thought. The three aspect of the teacher is an important lesson to note in John 14. Those ancient teachers taught the process of becoming self-realized. They give examples and offer role models. I think the essence of their teaching can be stated as: “Self-realization can be recognized as the wisdom to be able to express discerning intellect.” Our spiritual nature is overshadowed by our human nature. That is

to say that our human’s survival instincts dominate our every thought and action unless we learn to override them with discerning intellect. Without conscious intervention, we will always make decisions intended to assure dominance of our gene pool … often at the cost of others. One of the ways to distinguish between a spiritually mature person and one who is not is to consider how altruistic the person is in daily living. If a person does good deeds that seem to be motivated by the desire to further their stature in society, the person is probably acting under the influence of human instincts. If there are no obvious personal benefits, the acts are probably more intended to serve others than to further self. As I see the answer, personal progression is a life-long process. Learn to contemplate the implications of your every act. Are they motivated by your human or are they motivated by your discerning intellect? Developing discerning intellect tends to increase our awareness of our world. The resulting lucidity is a subtle state of awareness that only gradually changes toward self-awareness. A seeker is focused on the journey and not the results. Consider these essays for further reading: The Hermes Concepts (1) The Razor’s Edge - Katha Upanishad (23) Metaphysical View of John 14 (65) Progression, Teaching and the Community (66) Immortal Self-Centric Perspective (67) Becoming Lucid (38) Question 76 Why are spiritual phenomena like law of attraction, magic & psychic abilities so inaccessible or non-existent on earth?

If we are really spiritual beings having a human experience, why can't we direct that experience with our innate spiritual powers? Answered September 10, 2020 Answer The short answer is based on the idea that a person is an immortal personality entangled with a human avatar for this lifetime. Like thought, the phenomena expressed by our immortal self is nonphysical (etheric). Everyone has the same spiritual characteristics, but the degree to which a person is able to express those phenomena so that they can be experienced as physical effects depends on the person. To understand this, it is necessary to have a sense of what is intended by spiritual phenomena. “Etheric” is used here to signify the greater reality of which the physical universe is an aspect. I am deliberately avoiding such religiously loaded terms such as heaven. This is not about religion, it is about the Dualist model of reality, as compared to the Physicalist model. Think of who we are as a lifeform that is native to the etheric. With the help of our human, we project our sense of self as the Experiencer to seem as if we are our human body. That is the model that seems to be called for by the question. Our etheric self’s interaction with reality is in the form of thought. Using parapsychological terminology, we psychokinetically express thought into our environment and psychically sense thoughts of other personalities. The primary characteristic of our expression is our intention to do something. For

instance, in the study of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), the paranormal speech appears to be more easily formed in chaotic noise. The effect is that the personality of the communicator expresses intended order on the chaotic signal to form the message. That is the psychokinetic influence of mind on matter. As far as I can tell, all expressions of intention are essentially the same. It is the difference of intention that determines the effect. For instance, forming an EVP is functionally the same as precipitating a portrait or influencing a random event generator. It comes down to two things: 1 - what is the intention, and 2 - the ability of the source personality to manage thought. On that second point, Take a look at About First Sight Theory. (31) The corollaries describe a way of managing thought that might help a person become a more successful psychic or medium. The Seeker’s task is to learn how to manage his or her mind to see reality as it is, rather than as we are taught. The result of success is sometimes improved ability to psychically express phenomena into the physical. It depends on the intention. Question 77 Isn't even the idea of thoughtlessness a thought? Can we ever be thoughtless? Answered September 9, 2019 Answer Pseudoscience is a term used by mainstream scientists and philosophers to describe the study of anything that does not specifically conform to established science dogma. In fact, that assumption of “false science” is scientism, which

is the belief that, if established science does not specifically account for something, then that something cannot be real. It must be pseudoscience (false science). Scientism is usually found amongst people who work with established concepts. Put another way, the more “old school” the researcher, the more resistant the researcher tends to be toward change. People who parrot old school scientists without examining the evidence are equally guilty of scientism. For instance, the questioner’s assumption that some researchers are “pseudoscientists” is blatant expression of skeptic dogma. Look at things called pseudoscience in a different way. I study things known as paranormal such as psychic functioning, EVP and mediumship. Parapsychology is the branch of science focused on the study of things paranormal. With a four-year college degree in electronics, I am not considered qualified to be a parapsychologist, so my answer is from the perspective of an observer and practitioner. Some often reported human experiences, such as anomalous acquisition of information, have been shown to be real via research using carefully designed protocols and peer review. Having been established as real phenomena and not illusion, these reported experiences require explanation under the same rules of science that were used to explain an apple falling on Johnny Apple Seed’s head. As the history goes, Isaac Newton had to invent a new science to explain the effect of gravity. (Check my history) I expect he was accused of pseudoscience for thinking God did not throw the apple at Johnny. Parapsychologists are relatively few

in number compared to the number of scientists studying things like radio transmission and fuel combustion. There work is underfunded, and consequently, their progress is slow. In fact, they find themselves inventing a new science just as did Newton. Typically, the new science is poorly understood by mainstream scientists. “Pseudoscience” is a derogatory, term used by short-sighted, established academics to dismiss the study of things they do not understand. Parapsychologists do admit when they are wrong. Just once, it would be nice for skeptics to admit when they are wrong. Question 78 If "being present" and "realize the reality" are so important for our spiritual journey, why do we have an imagination which is often capable to create many different "realities"? Answered September 2, 2020 Answer From my experience, the seeker’s journey is all about learning to perceive experiences from the perspective of their actual nature and not as the person has been taught. Our understanding about how we experience reality has changed in recent years. Virtually all of the self-improvement teaching I remember are out of date. For instance, it is not a matter of quieting our internal mental chatter. Better, we learn to better align the processes that produce that mental chatter with the actual nature of reality. That is the essence of The Mindful Way (16) I am trying to learn. The most important change is that we now know that incoming information comes first to our mostly unconscious mind. We do not directly experience the world.

The version of the information we do experience has been moderated by our worldview. Worldview is like a database that contains what we think is true based on memory, cultural training and instincts. Our human’s instincts dominate but there is some influence from our discerning intellect. If information agrees with our worldview, we consciously sense it as it is. If the information is close, we will probably sense a version of it as it is modified to agree with our worldview. If it just does not agree in any way with our worldview, we may never become aware of it. The idea, then, is to learn to question our perception of … everything. What are the implications? Are they what we intend? Do they make sense based on what we are learning? Consider prejudice, for instance. Are our attitudes about someone based on good reason or just hearsay? Do the implications of those seemingly “good reasons” make sense? Are our thoughts based on our discerning intellect or are they based on our human’s survival instincts or cultural contamination? As we learn to be habitually aware of our thoughts, we are sending a message to our mostly unconscious mind that we want to see reality as it is. This does not happen at first. It is one of those things that evolves as we persist. We are always immersed in the flow of environmental information. Our mostly unconscious mind is wired to explain the information. As far as I can tell,

our mental chatter, including dreams, is simply our mind habitually explaining what is sensed. That chatter will also become more in agreement with reality with mindful living. (16) Think of our mostly unconscious mind as a master storyteller. (49) It is up to us to give that storyteller the stuff of stories based on our discerning intellect rather than cultural dogma. Imagination is always based on our worldview. So, while we might imagine wonderful or fearful things, they are always thoughts that come from our worldview. One of the more important rules I study is that we cannot experience what we cannot imagine. To imagine new horizons, it is necessary to free our worldview of cultural dogma. Question 79 Earthworms do not have eyes so they can't fathom vision. Do you think there are other higher beings with much higher senses than us that we can't even fathom their reality? Answered August 31, 2020 Answer Think of who we are as a biological organism that has evolved on this planet and a consciousness that uses the organism as an avatar. It does not matter if consciousness comes from the physical organism (Physicalism) or if it comes from outside of the physical (Dualism). The point to pay attention to is that this description applies to all biological organisms. Try to imagine this without the cultural dogma about higher beings and God’s chosen children. A single-cell organism has a sort of consciousness. So does a cell in our human body. In effect,

our human body is a collective of individual cells. Each instance of life is unique in its ability to express consciousness. A skin cell may only be able to exchange enzymes as bioelectric signals. But that would be its equivalent of the way people exchange information via telephone, Internet or postal service. A flower is not formed in such a way that it is able to express thanks for happiness … at least as we see it in human time. Humans could fly if the human organism was formed like a crow. It is not, and so, humans cannot normally, directly express flight. Even more important to this question, humans have difficulty imagining being able to fly like a bird. As I worked with survival metaphysics, I came to see that a most important organizing principle (27) of nature is what I refer to as Perceptual Agreement: Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate. (5) The idea is that our mostly unconscious mind is able to perceive only that which is represented in our worldview. Put another way, our conscious perception is based on what we think is true. If we cannot imagine something, the best our mind can do is present a close approximation … or nothing at all. A worm is not constructed to express words, and so as humans, we can only poke and prod worms to see how they respond. While we do not know if they

sense what we sense in the same sort of conscious way we sense, there is no real reason to think they do not. It is just that they cannot blow out candles like we do. Emerging science is telling us that we psychokinetically express our thoughts into a field of influence sometimes referred to as the Psi Field. In turn, we psychically sense signals from other organisms. I do not know, but my guess is that all life forms have these capabilities. If you have a pet, you will probably agree. See N’Kisi Project (68) There is no obvious reason other, presumably lower life forms do not do the same. For instance, The Secret Life of Plants (69) If our psychic aspect is true, and if it is an aspect of all life, then it is arguable that we are potentially exchanging information with all life. It does not matter to a psychic parrot that it cannot drive a car. Mentally, it has the same fundamental potentials as we humans. The problem is, if we cannot imagine the information coming to us from, say an earthworm, it is unlikely we will actually receive that information. Our unconscious mind will reject the incoming impressions. The same can be said for information earthworms sense from us. The above briefly explained parameters is an argument for the idea that we may have access to the thoughts of higher beings, but our worldview likely does not have the necessary vocabulary of experience to develop

a message for our conscious mind that properly conveys the meaning. Yes, we would not be able to understand unless we have reasonably similar worldviews. Question 80 What does the emergent theory of consciousness mean/say? Answered August 12, 2020 Answer In Physicalism, all of reality is said to be physical and is thought to have emerged from an initial singularity we popularly know as “The Big Bang.” This means in Physicalism that consciousness must be a property of biological brain, which itself has evolved out of that singularity. As I read the science, in physicalism, it is argued that consciousness emerges from brain. Parapsychology is the field of science that has taken up the charter of studying paranormal phenomena which include such experiences as psychic ability, mediumship, psychokinesis and Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). Much, if not all, paranormal phenomena are thought to be expressions of mind. The question is if those characteristics of mind are physical or nonphysical. Based on reported parapsychological research, the Psi Field Hypothesis is a theory that is gaining popularity. In that, the influence of thought, known as “Psi,” is seen to be propagated by the Psi Field. The Psi Field is modeled as nonlocal, meaning that an effect experienced in one city can be simultaneously experienced (or caused) in another. No way is known to shield from the effect of Psi. The Psi Field is modeled as permeating the physical, possibly as a previously unknown physical characteristic. Physical science does not appear to support the

Psi Field Hypothesis. In Dualism, mind is described as existing independent of brain. In one version of Dualism, mind existed before this lifetime and will continue to exist after in a self-aware, sentient form. In other words, in Strict Dualism, our conscious self is thought to survive beyond physical death. Probably the majority of parapsychologists who accept the Psi Field Hypothesis lean toward what I refer to as Physical Dualism. In that, consciousness is an emergent property of brain, but exists as an aspect of the Psi Field. That is, when brain dies, some form of mind—probably memory—continues to exist. According to Physical Dualism, if I am communicating with long-dead Uncle John via EVP, I am actually accessing still living people’s memory of him or some form of residual energy left by his consciousness. Not sentient Uncle John, himself. Parapsychological research pretty conclusive indicates that Physical Dualism better models paranormal phenomena than Physicalism. In practice, the only way I am aware of to establish if Strict Dualism (survived personality) is at least reasonably correct is to have Uncle John tell me something that no one in the physical knows or has known. To my knowledge, there are a few such examples. Martha Copeland’s “Doja, no” example is one (Martha Copeland EVP) (63) If Physicalism is correct, we as sentient self cease to exist when our brain dies. If Physical Dualism is correct, we may as well cease to exist. If Strict Dualism is correct, our conscious self is better modeled

as being immortal. People tend to have two major influences in daily decision making. One is our instinctual urge to assure dominance of our gene pool over all others. In modern days, that can translate from the urge to attract the best mate and have a large family to aggressively building a business so as to assure the success of the family. The second driver is best described as an altruistic, humanistic urge to cooperate in the community. While human instincts will cause people to cooperate in the community, it is unlikely to lead to altruistic humanism. If Strict Dualism is allowed in the discussion, the difference between being motivated by human instincts and being motivated by discerning intellect is that discerning intellect is better associated with immortal personality while human instincts are associated with the physical organism. In that view, our real self guided by acquired discerning intellect is in a symbiotic relationship with our human avatar guided by survival instincts. The above argument is based on a lot of science and some pretty good naturalist fieldwork. While it does go far into the frontier of thought, what is known about consciousness is not far behind. For the individual, Strict Dualistic models offer a means of evolving consciousness toward a more altruistic humanism. In physicalism, personal progression looks more like playing King of the Hill and Dynasties. Question 81 Can we find truth as beings with purely individual experience and reactions? "True for me, but not for you" seems

true, but it is itself a contradiction. Do we start at a level playing field? Materialism, theism or something else? By what standard? Answered July 26, 2020 Answer Learn to look for naturally occurring principles that tend to organize reality. In Physicalism, such principles are like the acceleration of gravity and the natural rate of decay. Those principles seem to hold true for all or the majority of our physical experiences. We do not know if they are universal but understanding them is as close as we come today to understanding the truth of our part of the physical. One important organizing principle that I have come to recognize is the Principle of Perceptual Agreement. I state it as Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate. (5) The idea is that we can only experience what we have been taught is real. Think of what we have been taught as our worldview. It contains what we have been taught, our instincts and our memory. When information comes to us, it is first translated in our mostly unconscious mind to agree with our worldview before being sent to our conscious awareness. In effect, there are three realities. There is actual reality on which the truth this question is based. When we study metaphysics, it is this actual reality we seek to understand. I refer to the second reality as our local reality. It is the parts of actual reality that we are

aware of. For instance, for me, only parts of New York exist for me because I have been there. The rest is only a vague, “Yes, I know it is there because I see it on a map.” My hometown is much more a part of my local reality because I have more personal experience with it. The third reality is my personal reality. When I think of my hometown, I visualize it based on personal experience. Even though I know better, I see my hometown as being centered around where I live. My personal experience with New York City was a few years ago, so it has faded to become less important in my sense of reality. My worldview represents my sense of reality. In effect, I make my world based on my past recollection. We all do this. So, you can see. Personal truth is relevant, based on worldview. Even if we are neighbors, my sense of truth would be different than yours. So far, everything I have said here is based on what I understand about science. I cannot answer the rest of this question without drifting into metaphysical speculation, so be patient. Worldview resists change. If you think about it, most of what we learn in school is a variation on basic themes. For instance, we do not have to learn an entire new physics to learn about how an apple falls from a tree. Learning is incremental, meaning that a slightly ambiguous bit of information

… something that is really new to us … is accepted into our worldview in small increments. I think that is why new ideas often take a while to catch on. Truth is like that. Let me rephrase “truth” as “understanding.” Understanding is our perception of truth. When we first encounter a new idea, we develop a degree of understanding about it. However, the next time we encounter the idea, that understanding becomes more complete. In fact, we never understand the actual nature of reality. We converge on that understanding one experience at a time. We converge on truth. The last part of this is that idea of a “level playing field.” Our perception is dominated by human instincts. A few people learn to recognize this and consciously work to moderate that influence by examining thoughts and actions to better understand what is more in agreement with actual reality as they understand it. This is a lifelong process, so you find such people in various stages of understanding truth. If you accept the idea of survival after bodily death and reincarnation, then it is arguable that we bring acquired understanding of truth with us into this lifetime from past experiences. The effect is that some people seem to be “old souls” in that they have developed a better than average sense of the actual nature of reality. The important point is that we can all begin that journey simply by recognizing that we do not need to be dominated by

our human instincts and cultural contamination. All we need to do is decide to question our thoughts and actions with the intention of better aligning them with the actual nature of reality. Therein lies “truth.” The motto on my personal website is “Believe what you will but understand the implications of what you believe.” Question 82 What is the role of attention in sensory processes? Answered June 25, 2020 Answer I conducted a “Black Box Analysis” of our mostly unconscious mind as part of an effort to understand how Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) (70) might be possible. In that analysis, functions are defined in an imaginary container that will respond to known inputs to produce known outputs. My assumptions were that mind was independent of body (Dualism), Psi functioning exists (psychic, psychokinesis) and there is a field that propagates the influence of thought (Psi Field Hypothesis). (71) In addition to all of the research about Psi functioning, (35) one of the references I used was First Sight Theory. (47) It begins with the assumptions that (paraphrasing) everyone senses environmental Psi influence as part of being alive and everyone express a psychokinetic influence as part of their expression, be it to walk or to think of another person. First Sight Theory includes corollaries that help explain how we process information in our mind. I have given a brief summary of First Sight Theory paraphrasing as I understand it in the Perception Essay. (72) As it turns out, attention is so important to

perception (sensing and sensory processes), I named the contents of my Black Box Analysis the Attention Complex. It is the pink box in the Functional Areas of Perception Diagram shown here. Please note that I am an engineer and not a psychologist. I have also included a few assumptions, such as Psi functioning, that mainstream scientists probably would not accept. As such, the diagram should not be considered science … only my interpretation of emerging science. Reading about First Sight Theory in the Perception Essay shows that attention acts like the motive force of thought. Without it, thoughts might not occur. Intention appears to be our one conscious influence on our otherwise unconscious perceptual processes. I refer to the Creative Process as attention on an imagined reality with the intention of making it so. Question 83 Do we all have an animal self? Answered June 19, 2020 Answer The question of animal self comes down to the nature of self. Psi-related Characteristics I am not a sociologist or biologist, but from my engineer’s point of view, any model of self must reasonably address these characteristics: Awareness in clinically dead people (73) Remote viewing (74) Mental influence on random processes (126) The existence of Electronic Voice Phenomena (8) Mental mediumship (76) These are representative of the evidence that our mind is independent of our biological brain. They seem to indicate that self is not a product of the biological organism but exists in a different aspect of reality. People who study

these things, often referred to as parapsychologists, sometimes refer to the aspect of reality that acts as a propagation medium for the influence of thought as the Psi Field. An important characteristic of the Psi Field is that, while we cannot yet measure it or shield from its presence, it seems to permeate all of physical space. It is apparently without distance, meaning that an effect detected in New Your City, for instance, can be simultaneously and equally detected in San Francisco. Nothing physical that I am aware of is able to explain these Psi-related phenomena. Body Image Another characteristic that must be addressed in any model for self is summed up by the Hypothesis of Causative Formation. (20) It is intended to explain how biological cells know to differentiate into different kinds of cells when they divide. For instance, how does a cell know it should next begin to form skin or bone during the early formation of an organism? It is proposed in the hypothesis that, in effect, a body image directs organism formation according to “Nature’s Habit.” That is, a particular species evolved to its present form and the information directing its formation is shared by every instance of its kind as a sort of morphogenetic memory. (In my terms, that image must exist in the Psi Field to enable access to every instance of the species.) There is no wide, mainstream science acceptance of the Hypothesis of Formative Causation. But, when considered with psi-related phenomena, it

offers the best model I have seen for the transition of characteristics across every instance of a species. Survival Instincts Versus Discerning Intellect Of course, all biological organisms are thought to have evolved on this planet. That means cats, for instance, are just on a different limb of the evolutionary tree. Cats and humans have evolved essentially the same survival instincts. Their bodies have different capabilities, but presumably, had cats evolved an opposing thumb and a capability for complex language, we would be competing with them in our ecological niche. It is clear that the urge to assure survival and dominance of our gene pool is the strongest influence behind our behavior. I have found that people quickly disagree with this point; however, a little contemplation should make it evident. Consider The Greatest Threat of All: Human Instincts Overwhelm Reason by David Ropeik. (77) The author makes an argument that we are very much influenced by our human instincts: “We are compelled from the deepest level of our genes and survival instincts to taking more from the system than it can provide and put back in more waste than it can handle, and no amount of human brain power outwit the natural instincts that are driving us 150 miles an hour toward a cliff.” Some people tend to be more altruistic than others. Altruistic behavior contradicts survival instincts. In the Katha Upanishad Lines 1-III-3 through 1III-10, (53) the seeker is advised that the preferable choice is the meaningful one made

by discerning intellect as opposed to the pleasurable choice made by the “uncollected mind.” When indications that our mind is not necessarily produced by our brain are considered, the difference in choices motivated by “uncollected mind” or discerning intellect can be understood as the difference between influence of our human’s instincts and our possible discerning intellect. Self is Not of the Body These accumulated characteristics—Psi functioning, apparent brain-dead consciousness, species transmission of “Nature’s Habit” and decisions motivated by instincts versus discerning intellect—suggest that our self is not necessarily dependent on our body. If that is true, it becomes reasonable to argue that self may be independent of body. The Survival Hypothesis (78) holds that mind existed before and will exist after this lifetime in a self-aware, sentient form. While I am not arguing here that the above characteristics mean the Survival Hypothesis is correct, it does give us a context in which to speculate the nature of Self for this question. As I understand the metaphysics, Self is an external aspect of body. If that is true, I see no reason in the metaphysics to say that every biological organism cannot have a self. Any pet owner could tell us that from personal experience. Answer My answer is that biological organisms have evolved a set of instincts that influences their behavior. The functional area of our mind in which the influence of biological self is formed into behavior is shared by our etheric self. The influencer of biological self dominates

our actions unless and until our etheric self begins to moderate that influence. It appears that all biological organisms have essentially the same functional areas, including self. However, those functional areas are expressed to different degrees, depending on their ecological niche. Question 84 Could the tunnel of light be our spirit travelling faster than the speed of light? Answered June 18, 2020 Answer To answer, it is necessary to agree that Dualism better describes our spiritual anatomy than does Physicalism. Are we our human body (Physicalism) or are we more than our human body (Dualism)? If we can agree that we are nonphysical personality entangled with our human body for this lifetime (Dualism), we should look for the answer to the question in the nature of that entanglement. The most useful model for Dualism I have seen is that entanglement is in the functional areas of our mostly unconscious mind that produces our perception and expression. That functional area is moderated by Worldview. Worldview is like a database that holds memory, what we have been taught and instincts. We clearly share Worldview with our human because, without our conscious determination to be altruistic (discerning intellect), virtually all of our decisions can be traced back to the influence of human instincts. If that model makes sense, when we are meditating, sleeping or in any form of dissociative deep trance, our worldview is still entangled with our human instincts. That is one of the reasons it is so difficult to recognize that

we are not our body. It is also a reason for us to be suspicious of what we sense during such altered states of consciousness. Worldview is a rich source of deceptive beliefs such as prejudice and religious dogma. The only time our worldview is free of our human’s influence is when we die or have a true near-death-experience. My speculation is that being free of our human’s influence after a lifetime of entanglement is experienced as a narrowing of focus as we become less distracted by our human. My answer, then, is that one possible explanation for the tunnel is our final separation from our human’s influence in the mechanism we depend on for the development of perception. To my knowledge, that separation happens no other time in our human experience. Question 85 What is an example of a material, a mental, and a social object? What are their metaphysical differences? Answered April 2, 2020 Answer I am not trained in the human sciences. However, as an engineer, I have a sense of how thought relates to the physical. Here is how I parse the three concepts: Mental — The Psi Field is hypothesized to be a nonphysical field that permeates the physical and acts as a medium to propagate the influence of thought. From the study of Psi Field phenomena, including psychic, personal and instrumental transcommunication and healing intention, it is arguable that thought exists in a conceptual aspect of reality and physical things exist in an objective

aspect of reality. Put a different way, our mind is nonphysical, and our body is physical. Perception is nonphysical and what we experience as physical is a conditioned mental response to signals coming from our human’s biological senses; also, from the sense of other humans by way of their entangled mind. Mental is perception, material is how we assign physicality to biologically sense signals. Social objects are a rather different idea. Rapport is the link of attention formed between two minds. The more I think of a friend, the better defined the conceptual link of rapport becomes between us. That link is “flavored” by the nature of my thoughts. For instance, a loving link of rapport would be different than a jealous link. The link is two-way so that my friend senses my attention and the nature of my attention. In a different view, I imagine myself as a member of a collective of personalities. In that view, you would also be in the same or perhaps a different collective. All of the members of my collective would share much the same sense of purpose and resulting acquired understanding. Such a collective is different than a biological species. Thus, I can imagine two different kinds of social objects. Remembering that mind is nonphysical and works with concepts, links of rapport are conceptual objects. In a similar way, collectives are social objects. Communities like church or city are social objects but their underlying concepts are networks of rapport. Question 86 Why

are there still many profoundly metaphysical questions that remain unanswered by science? Answered March 29, 2020 Answer An assumption in physics is that reality is knowable. If all of reality is known, then metaphysics would be a meaningless term because everything would be defined within the scope of known science. While physical science is very successful, people studying the physical sciences tend to limit themselves to physical concepts. That is, they argue that only the physical universe exists. Psychology deals with the mind and has only recently been grudgingly give the status as real science. Concepts concerned with mind and concepts concerned with physical science do not often mingle. If we agree that reality is entirely explained as the result of the hypothetical “Big Bang” event, which is thought to have created the physical universe and everything in it … including mind, then there can be no metaphysical concepts that address anything other than what was created by the Big Bang. However, if we agree that mind is not the product of a biological brain, it becomes necessary to speculate about the existence of an aspect of reality that is not physical. That is, mind is not physical and must exist somewhere other than in the brain. The idea of mind that is independent of biological brain is referred to as Dualism. There is sufficient experimental and anecdotal reason to speculate that a nonphysical field exists with the physical universe, in which mind exists, and that provides a medium of

propagation for the influence of thought. If we are to study mind, consciousness and the many reported apparently paranormal experiences, it becomes necessary to think of metaphysics as the study of fundamental principles of both physical and mental aspects of reality. The fork in the road is at Physicalism on the one way and Dualism on the other. While the physical world is not completely explained, it is much better explained than the nonphysical field supporting mind and thought. Even more important for you and me is that the relationship between the two aspects of reality is hardly studied. In my view, the answer to this question is that scientific dogma does not include the possibility of nonphysical mind, and therefore, the concept is only studied by a few brave souls as a frontier science. Section 2 Science Introduction Science is the term we use for fact-based explanations about all things, the development of those facts and the community doing the developing. We distinguish things scientific from opinion and beliefs. We assume scientists are unbiased researchers and reporters of that research. We assume scientists work in service to humankind. To some extent, science is all of that. For sure, I think most scientists try to be all of that. In the paranormalist community, parapsychologists have assumed the role of scientists. We paranormalists want to think they exemplify all of those qualities. As you will see in these answers, I have something of a strained relationship with parapsychologists. I attempt to

be supportive of them. Certainly, I am quick to defend their usually hard and earnest work. It seems important that mainstream society sees that our scientists know what they are doing. Many of my answers are written with parapsychologists in mind. They are never around to answer these questions. It is doubtful any of them bother to read the answers. But, just in case, I sometimes imagine that parapsychologists are reading my answer, and in a moment of AcademicLayperson Partition (79) enlightenment, say something to their peers and take steps to tear down that partition. I also dream of someday meeting Tinker Bell. Perhaps if I put out a glass of milk and some cookies. Question 87 When people describe our reality as a "Hologram", do they literally mean it's an illusion made of light, or that we're living in something that tells our senses it's real but is a Fake, and a "Base ONE" reality exists "beneath" it? Answered May 4, 2022 Answer As I learned holography, a photograph made with a split laser beam just looks like a pattern of interference lines. The item it represents is made visible by shining a laser light onto the photograph. While the 3D image of the original object is produced by shining a laser at the interference patterns, it has been shown that an almost as good image can be produce by shining the laser at just a small segment of the photograph. That “the original is everywhere” in the photograph

effect is what is intended when it is said that reality is holographic. See The Implicate Order. (6) This “all in a part” characteristic is sometimes referred to as nonlocal. The people who study consciousness and the nature of thought refer to the influence of thought as Psi and the medium of propagation for that influence as the Psi Field. In this context, mind would exist in the Psi Field. In the Physicalist view in which mind is thought to be produced by brain, the Psi Field is modeled as a nonphysical, emergent quality of the physical. In the Dualist view in which mind exists as a separate entity from brain, the Psi Field is modeled as an aspect of the greater reality. I refer to that as the etheric. An important characteristic of the Psi Field is that it appears to be nonlocal. By that, it is intended that information in one part of reality can be accessed from anywhere in reality. In the same sense, a mental influence (Psi) can be experienced in any part of reality. I think of this as “everywhere is here.” The nonlocal characteristic of the hypothetical Psi Field is consistent with the idea of a holographic universe. How that is understood depends on the point of view of the person. The point to keep in mind is that reality appears to be holographic-like in the sense that there appears to be no distance in the etheric. One way to visualize this is to

think of reality as a singularity or dimensionless point around which your world is formed. All of us exist in that singularity as mind and thought. The physical world is the effect of our thought. Of course, reality is thought to be infinite in extent as a conceptual reality. Etheric concepts are about physical things. I have tried to model this in The Cosmology of Imaginary Space Essay. (21) The practical implications of this concept is that it is not necessary to be with a person to “send” them healing intention. The local ghost is in the etheric and present everywhere relative to our physical reality. Remote viewing is not distant seeing, but instead, it is inner sensing where “inner” is the Psi Field. To understand these concepts, it may be useful to spend a little time contemplating the implications of such ideas as concepts, singularity and propagation of thought. Question 88 Why do scientists speak of things being real that they only suppose are real? Artist's concepts are used as if they were visual evidence of a theory or what they suspect to be true? Answered October 23, 2021 Answer I am answering as an engineer and not a scientist. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has published reports on the public’s science literacy. This is important because poor science literacy in some parts of society has cause many people to ignore global warming, the social impact of poor education and the need for vaccinations and masks. See Science and

Technology: Public Attitudes, Knowledge, and Interest (80) Part of science literacy is understanding a little about the scope and limits of the methodology of science. I model concepts to better examine their implications. The scientific method does the same. The models are not reality. They are useful approximations that allow the dynamics of their subject to be studied. An example might be a model boat in a tank with moving water as a way to examine the hull design’s sea worthiness, As I remember my training. a 10th scale model indicates but does not correctly predict the behavior of a full-scale model. Part of the science is in knowing how to adjust for scale. Math is used in science to model things. Every science student should remember being told that a formula represents the ideal behavior. For instance, the mathematical formula for the volume of gas is for the ideal or perfect behavior of gas. When such factors as molecular composition is considered, the actual math becomes much more complex. Even then, it is a model of the real thing based on observation. Researchers communicate with one another using such models. In a way, it is their language. We expect scientists to communicate with the general public. They do, but typically with simple models to illustrate much more complex ideas. Science writers help scientists communicate with the public, but science writers usually have only an approximate understanding of the actual science. Often, by the time a model is presented to

the public, it is interesting, it points toward what is being learned but is not the actual thing. Science literacy means a citizen’s understanding that they are being shown the idea and not the thing. Question 89 What does science and scientism mean? Answered October 17, 2021 Answer It is generally accepted that science is all about developing understanding about the nature of things by way of both field (observation) and laboratory (experimentation) study, theoretical modeling, testing hypothetical assumptions, codification and sharing current understanding. Scientists tend to converge on understanding of the actual nature of things, but with good science comes the acceptance that there is a need to suspend judgement so as to leave room for unexpected discovery. All of the fields of science I am familiar with have frontier or emerging areas of discovery. An important aspect of the community of scientists is the ability to share understanding and the expectation that that sharing will include public education. In the end, science is conducted for the benefit of the public. There are two faces of science. One is theoretical. For instance, Scientists are the right people to look to for information about climate change or why the moon seems closer to earth. The other is application science. Engineers look to scientists for guidance on the right material to use when developing a product like a car or a frying pan. In that sense, citizens daily benefit from the dissemination of science-based understanding. As a general statement, I think

it is true to say that science is neither good nor bad, however, its usefulness is limited by the extent to which science methodology has been reasonably applied to a subject. I have encountered many people—trained scientists and laypeople—who pronounce truth based on an overestimation of what is actually scientifically known. That kind of inappropriate attribution of what is science is sometimes referred to as scientism. A good example of such misattribution is seen in paranormal-related articles in Wikipedia. Consider the three Wikipedia Arbitration (81) that have established important rules for how editors are able to address paranormal subjects. They are: Fringe Science (81) — Ended up defining any effort to study a subject using science methodology as “fringe science” if the subject is not specifically in agreement with mainstream science. This is an important rule, as once a subject is designated as “false science,” the mainstream test can be applied. That effectively censors frontier science. Paranormal (81) — This arbitration set the rules governing how paranormal subjects can be addressed. Mainstream science is used as a golden standard for allowing references. For instance, the peerreviewed Journal of Parapsychology (82) is considered fringe and usually not allowed as a reference. Pseudoscience (82) — This arbitration helped establish Wikipedia’s policy toward anything not specifically accounted for by mainstream science. See List of topics characterized as pseudoscience. (83) To give you a sense of how this rule is used, I was permanently banned from editing one article because I was advocating a

more balanced treatment for what the dominant editors considered pseudoscience. These three arbitrations are fundamentally based on the assumption that, if mainstream science does not specifically acknowledge it, it cannot be real and must be delusion or fraud. That is pretty much the definition of pseudoscience. Question 90 1) How does Moore counter the skeptics in denying the existence of the external world? What is analytic in Moore’s proof of the external world and defense of common sense? Answered October 15, 2021 Answer Consider Moore’s Proof of an External World: Responding to External World Skepticism (84) for a good discussion about Moore’s contention of the external world. I am not a philosopher. To me, Moore’s argument appears to be in the context of personal experience. That is the “I think therefore I am” approach to self-identity. A man saying the world exists because he can see it is a reasonable local solution. Within the context of physical experience, it is a useful and necessary context for the development of personal expression. Our human’s instincts are based on the experience of living in the world as the world is experienced. It is when the processes underlying the experienced world are examined that meaning begins to change from “I think therefore I am” to “I am as I think.” In the context of living life, Moore’s argument is useful and essentially correct. However, what we are learning about the nature of reality is teaching us that life forms can be reduced to

such fundamental concepts as curiosity as motivator, intention for steering, understanding and instincts as modifiers of intention, perception for navigation and expression for interaction. To say “I am” anything requires eventual examination of the implications of those concepts, else we are more like automations. For instance, how does our expression change if our intention is only modified by human instincts. Is it different if we are more informed by discerning intellect? In the end, I think it is reasonable to say that Moore was largely correct in the context of being human. In the sense that we are spiritual beings having a human experience, the implications of his contention must also be considered. Question 91 What is the connection of phenomenology and philosophy? Answered October 2, 2021 Answer From the Johns Hopkins Guide for Literary Theory and Criticism entry (2nd Edition 2005), we see from Paul B. Armstrong: (85) “Phenomenology is a philosophy of experience. For phenomenology the ultimate source of all meaning and value is the lived experience of human beings. All philosophical systems, scientific theories, or aesthetic judgments have the status of abstractions from the ebb and flow of the lived world. The task of the philosopher, according to phenomenology, is to describe the structures of experience, in particular consciousness, the imagination, relations with other persons, and the situatedness of the human subject in society and history.” From experience as one who studies frontier subjects, it seems clear that many philosophers (according to David Bourget and David J.

Chalmers, 56.5% (86)) insist on modeling the world from a physicalist point of view. If you accept any of the concepts related to psychic functioning (Psi) or continuity of consciousness beyond bodily death, there is a good chance any academically trained philosopher you encounter will not accept the possibility of those concepts. Therein lies the problem with philosophy. It has value in the sense of understanding aspects of human nature. However, if we are to consider the Dualistic idea that mind is not a product of biological brain, a highly qualified philosopher might act more like a debunker than an openminded scholar. Question 92 Is there any scientific proof of spirit existence after death? Answered September 11, 2021 Answer The evidence for survival of personality after bodily death comes in many forms that are more or less convincing depending on how it is considered. Collectively, they offer a strong argument for survival. Here are the main sources of this evidence: Reincarnation — there is well documented evidence that some, if not all, people carry with them the effect of a prior lifetime. This may be in the form of a birthmark indicating how the previous lifetime ended and verifiable memory. It might be in the form of personality traits such as fear of fire. See Reincarnation research (87) Out of Body Experience — The Out-of-Body Experience (OBE) is explained as the projection of conscious awareness beyond the physical body as if that awareness is a traveling camera. The experience is

sometimes reported as Astral Projection or soul travel. See Out-of-Body Experiences (88) Near death Experiences — Experiencing apparent death of the physical body and “coming back” to tell of the experience is generally known as a Near-Death Experience (NDE). NDEs often have an OBE aspect. Scientific publications - Pim van Lommel (89) Mediumship — Current understanding suggests that everyone psychically senses environmental signals. See First Sight: A Model and A Theory of Psi. (47) In other words, everyone is potentially psychic. When psychic sensing seems to indicate acquisition of information from discarnate personalities (dead people), it is known as mediumship. See Anomalous Information Reception by Research Mediums Demonstrated Using a Novel Triple-Blind Protocol (90) Instrumental TransCommunication — The apparent influence of intentionality on physical processes. This includes audible and visible forms of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) is a previously established name for audible ITC. As we understand it in the ATransC, the more common form of ITC is the apparent psychokinetic influence of electronic circuits, especially in nonlinear stages. ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication (17) and A Model for EVP (8) Explaining the Evidence The Super-Psi Hypothesis (76) may explain some of the evidence but not decisively. In Super-Psi, psychically accessed information is said to come from the memory of still living people. If a nonphysical aspect of reality is allowed, the Super-Psi argument is that a record (memory) of all human activity might be stored in the Psi Field—a hypothetical nonphysical aspect of physical space that

is thought to propagate the influence of thought. The Super-Psi Hypothesis does not allow for interactive sentient, sources for information. The best test I know for communication with discarnate personalities (aka spirit) is if it includes information that was previously nonexistent in the physical. The example I often use Martha Copeland’s “Doja No” EVP, which is clearly spoken by her discarnate daughter Cathy. There are other such examples collected by other practitioners, each of which strongly suggests a nonphysical (spiritual) aspect of who we are. See Martha Copeland (63) Survival research is very new, underfunded and understaffed. Think of the state of art for survival research as a frontier or emerging science. Scientists are people and subject to belief-tainted points of view, cultural momentum, and when it comes to survival studies, often inappropriately or poorly trained. Based on my years of study as a layperson, my sense is that the existence of a nonphysical aspect of who we are, which exists beyond bodily death, is sufficiently established that it can and should be studies by more than the few volunteers we see today. The evidence is not sufficiently accounted for by Physicalism (dead is dead) or Super-Psi (survival is memory). Question 93 Why can't science measure the spiritual, paranormal, and esoteric world with physical instruments? Answered September 3, 2021 Answer In some ways, scientists can study the “spiritual, paranormal, and esoteric world” with physical instruments. For discussion, I refer to “spiritual, paranormal, and esoteric world” related experiences collectively as “paranormal.”

Also, here, “mainstream” is used to refer to the dominant point of view held by academia. Even though they are not considered mainstream, the parapsychological community is the primary group of scientists focused on the study of things paranormal. See Selected Psi Research Publications (35) Other fields of study touch on the subject in important ways. For instance, some consciousness studies researchers are focused on the nature of the brain-mind-consciousness interface. See An Emerging New Model for Consciousness: The Consciousness Field Model (91) Some health researchers have paid a lot of attention to the effects of healing intention. See Distant Healing Intention Therapies: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence (92) However, because mainstream scientists generally do not accept the existence of things paranormal, there is relatively little mainstream academic study of paranormal phenomena. While some mainstream scientists have moved closer to deciding their research indicates a paranormal explanation for many reported experiences, few researchers are willing to risk their career to say there is such a thing as the paranormal. Considering the dominant mainstream assumption that there is only the physical, when mainstream researchers do study reported paranormal phenomena, they tend to ignore what has been learned by parapsychologists. The result is a sort of intellectual prejudice in which mainstream academia has developed a culture of resistance to frontier thought in general and concepts related to things paranormal in particular. This answer should be considered in that light. When someone says, “there is no such thing,” ask them for their

references. Thought can be described as a conceptual event, meaning that it has not lent itself well to physical examination. In parapsychology, the influence of thought is sometimes referred to as Psi and the aspect of reality in which thought (Psi) is propagated is referred to as the Psi Field. A major consideration in the study of paranormal phenomena is that they have a nonphysical aspect. That is, in the study of survival metaphysics, thought as a nonphysical influence is thought to operate in conceptual space. That means there must be a transformation of conceptual thought to physical influence. From our study of Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC) in the Association TransCommunication (ATransC) (24), we have learned that thought can impress a sort of intended order on chaotic processes. For instance, transforming chaotic audio noise into speech or chaotic optical noise into recognizable features. See ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication. (17) The effect is that ITC can be used as something of a lab rat for research. For parapsychologists who do not accept the existence of ITC, a similar effect is seen as a change in randomness of a Random Event Generator (REG). See Experiments in Remote Human/Machine Interaction (93) In answer, then, there appears to be instrumental evidence that thought can influence matter. My guess is that thought influences the concept of matter. For instance, in Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), it appears that more chaotic (less determinant) noise is more easily influenced by mind. If so, this may support the concept-to-physical

difference. I expect more instrumental research of things paranormal will follow. Question 94 Is it scientism to claim everything we can't explain now will eventually be explained by science? Answered September 1, 2021 Answer Scientism is a term used to describe the belief that anything real must be explained by existing science. The term is pejorative in the sense that people who think that only mainstream science has the answer are seen as ignorant of the inquisitive and always learning nature of science. I study frontier subjects that are not necessarily addressed by current scientific thought. Lacking the support of a large scientific community or long history of organized study, people like me tend to improvise and often do not sound very science literate. This does not mean we “believe” in the subject in a religious sense, only that we think there is something there worth studying. Certainly, we are not anti-science. Our expectation is that mainstream science will eventually pick up the challenge and help us better understand or give us reason to move on. People who tend to be guilty of scientism refer to the study of frontier subjects as pseudoscience, meaning false science. They intend it as a pejorative and argue that, if scientists do not specifically explain something, then it cannot be real and the study of it is pseudoscience. A tell of such people is, (apparently) lacking the necessary vocabulary to intelligently discuss the subject, they tend to resort to name-calling. Defining “science” as the

orderly study of nature, it is not scientism to think science is capable of developing a useful working hypothesis for everything. Science … the orderly study of nature … can be considered that aspect of society focused on furthering our understanding of the reality we inhabit. It is just that we need to moderate our enthusiasm for science with the realization that there is much left to be understood. Question 95 Is metaphysics the discussion of notions at the highest level of linguistic abstraction? Answered August 4, 2021 Answer Metaphysics is the philosophical study of being and knowing; the actual nature of reality. As an engineer, it is important to me that “being and knowing” is actionable. As such, I think proper metaphysics should be the foundation for a cosmological model that suggest testable hypotheses. That is, metaphysics as the conceptual, cosmology as the implied form and hypothesis as the “if-then so what.” Whether metaphysics is studies from an academic or a lay perspective, it is expected to address first cause in the sense of the most fundamental concepts. Think of an upside-down pyramid with a basic concept at the base and derivative concepts (implied form) above it. For instance, the concept of “choice” may be at the bottom of the pyramid. Above it would be increasingly complex and less fundamental implied form such as “deciding,” “useful selection” and “consequences.” Another way of thinking of this fundamental-to-complex relationship is to imagine a “choice” thoughtform containing these derivative concepts. “Choice” would

be the attractor for the thoughtform. From a metaphysical perspective, the “choice” thoughtform combines with other concept thoughtforms such as “mood” and “objective” to produce such increasingly complex thoughtforms as “quick, purposeful movement.” Metaphysically speaking, one of the basic characteristics of reality appears to be the nested hierarchy. An example is a biological organism such as our human’s body. The body is the top physical life field. Cells represent less complex life fields that appear in groups, say skin, bone and blood. In this cosmology, skin cells would represent a nest of same items that is lower in the hierarchy than skin. This view of metaphysics does not lend itself to the idea of “ultimate.” It is better to think in terms of the origin of being. By that, I mean a hierarchy of motivation and action. For instance, I have spent considerable time contemplating what characteristics of reality might be necessary to enable Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). EVP are instances of anomalous speech found in audio recordings for which there are no explanations based on known physical principles. EVP examples can be found at ITC-EVP. (43) The result of my contemplation is the Implicit Cosmology (3) which is based on the metaphysical assumptions that begin with what I think of as “Strict Dualism.” In this context, Dualism is the assumption that mind exists independent of biological brain. That is, mind is not the product of brain but existed before birth of the organism. This seems best explained by what

I think of as the “Two-mind solution to the Survival Hypothesis.” (32) That is a person is a relatively long-lived (immortal) etheric personality entangled in a symbiotic relationship with a human avatar.” The details of the Implicit Cosmology are beyond the scope of this answer. The point is that it is necessary to “drill down” to the most fundamental concepts in order to make a rational argument for the existence of EVP. For a more common example, consider the underlying factors determining how people make choices. The hierarchy of concepts for this includes social and economic factors, but more fundamentally, temperament, human instincts and purpose determine choice. The socialeconomic factors are relatively high-level, transient determinants but, metaphysically speaking, nonphysical influences such as temperament determine how we adapt the social-economic factors. They may be the “highest level of linguistic abstraction,” but I have not reached that level of understanding. Question 96 Is spiritual energy considered pseudoscience? Answered July 18, 2021 Answer Pseudoscience means false science. The term was coined as a derogatory term for any effort to study aspects of nature that are not specifically defined or predicted by mainstream science. The insistence that mainstream science is the only true science is known as scientism. Scientism, then, is the belief in the supremacy of Physicalism. You can see from this List of topics characterized as pseudoscience (83) organized by the skeptic editors of Wikipedia that virtually all frontier thought is classified by them as pseudoscience. There was a time that Galileo's

astronomy (94) would have been on that list. It is important to understand your point of view about the nature of reality. The study of human potential can be based on Physicalism with the assumption that mind is a product of brain. In Physicalism, any argument that there is an etheric aspect of reality is considered belief in the impossible. From the Physicalist point of view, the “spiritual energy” would be considered pseudoscience. In Dualism, the study of human potential includes the possibility that there is a nonphysical aspect of reality. In that, mind is not considered a product of brain. Instead, biological brain functions as a transmitterreceiver of etheric mind. When a person speaks of spirit and such capabilities as psychic functioning and healing intention, the person is necessarily speaking in terms of Dualism. “Spirit” tends to be a catchall term used in many ways. From the Etheric Studies Glossary of Terms: (95) Spirit: As common usage, “spirit” refers to the vital principle or animating force of life; the indestructible essence of self-conscious life. The word spirit is often used to describe a discarnate person. The more correct term for a person who has transitioned from a physical lifetime is a person in spirit or a discarnate person. The term, spirit is closely related to religious belief, and so is avoided when discussing metaphysics. When the healing influence is said to be derived directly from Source (God, Infinite Intelligence) and undifferentiated by any other personality, it is said to

be coming from Spirit. Here “Spirit” is written with a capital “S.” In common usage, “spirit,” written with a lower case “s,” is a reference to the Psi field as it is influenced by intentionality. See Etheric. Spiritual: Anything relating to source (aka, Infinite Intelligence, God, Prime Creator or First Cause). It is reasonable and proper to refer to the purpose and origination of reality as spiritual. A person expressing the high ideals of citizenship in the greater reality might be referred to as spiritual or being spiritual. “Energy” is a physical term meaning the potential to do work that has been enlisted into the New Ager’s vocabulary. As it is used, Spiritual energy is usually reference to the potential to express an influence in or by way of the mental aspect of reality. The etheric is considered conceptual as the domain of thought. The idea of spiritual energy is that a person is able to manage mind in a way that enables the person to psychically sense (clairvoyance, remote viewing), express healing intention (therapeutic touch, distant healing) and/or impress intentionality on the physical (psychokinesis). Lucidity is a more useful term that satisfies the intent of “energy” but in terms of mind. From the Etheric Studies Glossary of Terms: It is becoming increasingly evident that a clear channel of communication between physical consciousness and the etheric personality is a factor for management of Psi information. For instance, if people are informed about their environment on an unconscious level by way

of Psi sensing, then lucidity would be a measure of how aware the person is of that connection. Rather than saying “Spiritual Energy,” say “lucidity.” Question 97 What is it called when a falsified theory is proposed as true, and it appears true because it stems from an empirically verifiable event? Answered July 17, 2021 Answer A theory may be established to be false according to mainstream science but turn out to be true when mainstream science eventually embraces a new concept. I study a frontier subject area in which some observed phenomena seem to violate known science. For instance, an Out of Body Experience (OBE) involves the apparent ability of mind to correctly sense parts of reality without physical means. That is, it appears some people are able to extend their perception outside of their body. It is as if their mind acts like a traveling, nonphysical, mental video camera. In more popular terms, this is referred to as remote viewing. For an OBE to be shown as real in terms of mainstream science, it is necessary to establish the existence of some form of medium which can propagate thought. As it turns out the people who study these things (parapsychologists) have proposed the Psi Field Hypothesis, (52) where “Psi” is the influence of thought. For the Psi Field to exist, it is thought to be necessary for some known physical principles can be modified to allow for the Psi Field or a new principle may need to be

defined. As it stands now, based on known mainstream science, OBEs are considered impossible, and they therefore cannot be. The OBE hypothesis has been falsified. For instance, for the Physicalist point of view, we see in What Causes Spooky Out-of-Body Experiences?: (96) “Lopez said that doctors have commonly ascribed the sensation to a kind of psychosis. But the new study builds on other recent research that links the feeling, at least in some cases, to faulty wiring in the vestibular system, he said.” The existence of Psi has been empirically verified in many ways. As it turns out, the randomness of Random Event Generators (REG) has been shown to change when in the proximity of meditating people. See Correlation Between Mental Processes and External Random Events. (97) Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) have been collected in electrically, magnetically and caustically shielded chambers. This argues for the existence of a nonphysical means of propagation for thought. Report of an Anomalous Speech Products Experiment inside a Double Screened Room. (98) Propagation of thought appears to be instantaneous. We know of no way to shield from the influence of thought. The psi Field appears to be nonlocal, meaning the influence of a thought can be experienced more than one location—near or far—at the same time. These characteristics are decidedly not physical. So, in the case of OBEs, mainstream science has concluded that they are mental aberrations. Yet research has shown that it is possible to acquire actual information via OBEs, specifically remote viewing. Science

is only as good as the assumptions used. Mainstream science routinely falsifies theories based on mainstream science. Parapsychologists are showing that mainstream science assumptions are incomplete. When such conclusions are made based on incomplete data, it is called bad science. Question 98 Which scientific development do you think will start a new age of enlightenment (new renaissance) in humanity? Answered July 13, 2021 Answer I think of enlightenment as the realization that we are not our body and that there is a greater reality to which access is by way of increasing personal understanding of the nature of things. I see enlightenment as a change in phase from the perspective that we are our body and cease to exist when it dies, to we are a relatively long-lived lifeform entangled with our human for its lifetime. First comes realization, but it remains necessary to act on that realization to become enlightened. Enlightenment is a process by which we become aware of our actual nature. Part of the process is for the person to learn to manage his or her human instincts. That resulting awareness is probably never complete because each increase in understanding opens the door for even greater understanding. As a point of order, I prefer the concept of “lucidity” over “ enlightenment.” Lucidity is a long-used term to describe the degree to which we have gained and learned to apply understanding. Parapsychology is an emergent field of study concerned with abilities such as psychic functioning and Instrumental TransCommunication

(ITC). When coupled with psychology and consciousness studies, the results of parapsychological research are showing that there is a nonphysical aspect of reality which is our natural habitat. One important revelation of these studies is that we only indirectly sense our world. Sensed environmental information is first processed by our mostly unconscious mind. We only become aware of what we have been taught is true about that information and not the raw input. The seeker’s task is to recognize this difference and learn to better align what we unconsciously sense with what we consciously perceive. The answer then, is that parapsychological science is in the process of giving us the tools we need to better understand our actual reality and to better live in accordance with that understanding. To be more enlightened. Question 99 Is there any scientific knowledge that is not provided by the combination of empirical evidences and formal logic? Answered July 10, 2021 Answer As an engineer, I think of the hierarchy of perception as: Experience — I see, I was, I did … Information — Experience tells me … Knowledge — Based on the information I have gathered from experiences, … Understanding — Based on a tested perception derived from experience. Understanding is relative to experience and only converges on actual as more experience > Information > knowledge becomes available. In this view, knowledge is the precursor to understanding if it is tested by “if this, then that” logical assumptions. For most people, such testing is

automatic. The average person’s “logic” is mostly based on cultural norms and past experience. Perception of the nature of experience and how that is translated into understanding is predictably corrupted by the past. Ideally, scientists are trained to withhold their personal opinion and intentionally examine information coming from controlled experiments (empirical evidence) or thought models (formal logic) in an unbiased manner. Academically trained scientists tend to deal with knowledge that is relatively uncorrupted by cultural assumptions. Scientists are human, however, and there is likely a degree of confirmation bias as in-protocol information is examined based on prior understanding. In practical terms, naturalists codify Nature’s behavior. Scientists systemize that observed information into rational statements of principle. To be “scientific knowledge,” statements of principle must be entered into the literature in a form agreed to by the scientific community. The process by which that happens can be thought of as “the combination of empirical evidence and formal logic.” There is a lot of frontier research underway that has yet to be integrated into mainstream science. I would refer to much of that frontier material as scientific knowledge in its infancy … unvetted science. Question 100 What does it mean for a principle to be intuitive, and what is intuitive evidence? Answered July 10, 2021 Answer Intuition means intuitively knowing the order of things. A person can recognize the way naturally occurring influences are involved in establishing that order. In this context, “principle” means a naturally occurring influence that leans nature toward a

particular behavior. Spiritualists refer to them as Principles of Natural Law. In Spiritualist guidance, people are encouraged to live life and seek to recognize principles of nature involved in that living so as to better live in accordance with Nature. Here is the Hard Truth: Environmental information comes first to our mostly unconscious mind where it is compared with what we think is true and probably modified to agree before it is presented to conscious awareness. In simple terms, we do not directly experience nature. Instead, we experience what we have been taught is true about nature. Think of our combined memory, instincts and cultural training as our worldview. In practical terms, our intuition is also based on our worldview. When we watch a process, say an apple falling from a tree, we mentally unconsciously consider what we know about falling, apples, trees and so on to produce a probable reality for our conscious mind. It appears that our mind is resistant to large changes but will embrace small changes that add to our existing worldview. For instance, we might mentally reject our first contact with an Extraterrestrial (ET) or maybe see it as a rabbit because of a best fit to our worldview. However, after many exposures to the idea of ETs, we might have enough information in our worldview to see it as it is. Observers who intuitively judge the validity of the non-mainstream study will typically find the study of frontier subjects nonsensical. This, because they are

intuiting based on what they know. If mainstream society has not come to understand the frontier work, the observer’s worldview will not support the person’s proper perception. Skeptics are pretty much that way. We refer to this uninformed, gut response as a priori based on incomplete information. In the sense that intuition might be guided by discarnate personalities, remember that the Hard Truth still applies. Even the words of God speaking to us must be filtered by our worldview. With all of that said, intuitive means deduction of truth based on cultural and personal memory. A better term for intuitive evidence might be recollection. As always, the best approach to new information is to suspend judgement while more information comes in. Our mind hates to change once a decision is made. Question 101 Should young people read philosophy, since reading philosophy helps us to build different views on ontology, teleology and Metaphysics? Like Nietzche, Schopenhaur, Hegel, Heidegger, Kant, Wittgenstein, Marchx and Engels? Answered June 27, 2021 Answer My early schooling in philosophy came from science fiction. Of course, my heroes included Isaac Asimov, Arthur Clarke and Robert Heinlein but there were many others. The ones that presented their theories about things in the context of an interesting story benefited me the most. Note that science fiction tends to be technology oriented, but virtually all of the stories I remember posed and important philosophical questions while illustrating a possible answer. The Twilight Zone and Star Trek on television also provided useful

lessons. Note that science fiction typically has a technology orientation. As it turned out, I became an electronics engineer, so the technical part probably helped me. Most of the kids I grew up with were social oriented. From Merrill and Reid’s Personal styles and effective performance, we see that people tend to have one of four basic learning styles. They may exhibit combinations with a primary modified by secondary styles. See Social Styles. (99) Most of the philosophers listed in the question lived in the late 1800s. We live in a different world under different circumstances. Some questions are universal. For instance, there has always been a struggle between the desire to dominate and the willingness to share. But other questions tend to be predicated on out-of-date assumptions about human nature and how we develop perception. There is also the problem of the philosopher's temperament. Almost all of the ones listed are German. I think the work of German philosophers needs to be tempered with a gentler point of view … perhaps Native American. If I did not have science fiction while I was growing up, I would have wished that my parents spent more time teaching me how to think. Some school courses indirectly teach how to think. Geometry, for instance. Beware of dogmatic belief systems such as religions. They seek to teach belief rather than discernment. Perhaps the best approach for a parent is to teach a child about mindfulness. I have written about what might be considered

technical mindfulness, but I think any technique that teaches the student how to examine assumptions and seek to understand implications can provide the foundation for a philosophically wise child. Consider: The Mindful Way (16) and Becoming Lucid (38) Question 102 What are the downsides to a person having a lot of skepticism? Answered June 1, 2021 Answer A Skeptic is a person who is habitually inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions. Skeptics have corrupted the term to mean protecting the status quo and obstruction of new ideas. For instance, skeptic editors in Wikipedia have biased articles to better agree with their point of view. Skepticism is defined as questioning the truth of something. When practiced as intended, skepticism is a good attitude so long as it does not become ideological resistant to new ideas. Ideological skepticism is what skeptics practice. For instance, most skeptics assume science has the last word about truth — if science does not specifically endorse the fact of something, then it cannot be real. That is ideological scientism. Because skeptics have corrupted the term, a far more useful attitude is discernment. Discernment is defined as critical examination of presented information. Our mind is hardwired to decide. When we encounter information, we automatically decide if we agree or not based on our preconditioning. It is possible that we will reject truth because it does not agree with what our community has told us is true. With discernment, we do not decide, we consider—perhaps wait for more

information. People who consider themselves spiritual seekers are not so much spiritual as they are seeking to experience reality as it is rather than as they have been taught. The idea is to suspend judgement to the effect that you habitually question the implications of information. Questioning without deciding truth is the essence of healthy skepticism. it is discernment. Failure to be discerning too often leads to prejudice, belief in conspiracy theories and ignorance of science. Look around some people are discerning. Most are guided by the survival instinct to be part of the herd. Question 103 Why is there a need to recognize our philosophical orientation as a scientist? Answered May 31, 2021 Answer I am not a scientist, but I do depend on the work product of scientists. I am taking “philological orientation” to mean the point of view from which the person makes decisions. Perhaps you have heard the saying that “To a hammer, everything is a nail.” To a very religious person, God is in everything, and personal responsibility is in the hands of God. To a scientist who does not accept Dualism, everything indicating Dualism is trickery, delusion or fraud. Using my field of study as an example, people posing as scientists for the study of things paranormal, such as mediumship and psychic functioning, tend to have one of three philosophical orientations: Anomalistic Psychology is the study of reportedly paranormal phenomena to show that they are not paranormal. See definition at What is Anomalistic Psychology?

(100) Exceptional Experiences Psychology is the study of paranormal phenomena based on the assumption that Anomalistic Psychology is mostly correct, but some experiences can be explained as Psi functioning. See definition at Exploring the Nature of Exceptional Human Experiences: Recognizing, Understanding, and Appreciating EHEs. (101) Survival Hypothesis. The third category of parapsychologists is by far the smallest. This is the study of things paranormal while allowing that some may be mundane, some may be Psi functioning, and some may be discarnate-to discarnate communication. See the Trans-Survival Hypothesis essay. (78) The result of research conducted by parapsychologists tend to confirm their beliefs. Concerning the question, Anomalistic Psychologists seem to purposefully ignore evidence that supports the Survival Hypothesis. In terms used by scientists, this is Confirmation Bias. For a scientist, that is a cardinal sin. See definition at What is Confirmation Bias. (102) As an engineer, I depend on science to guide my planning. If what scientists tell me is based on their research but also colored by their philosophical beliefs, I am apt to produce a poorly engineered product. Evidence suggests that people are mostly guided by their philosophical beliefs. This means consumers of science have the responsibility to test what scientists tell us. Else, we are fooled by their confirmation bias. As a cautionary note, here are two points of view describing the two sides of respect for science: Wizard of Oz Syndrome: The misconception that people with doctorate degrees are infinitely knowledgeable and wise, that they work to help

us better understand reality. Wizard Complex: People with doctorates believe they are infinitely knowledgeable and wise. Question 104 What is the importance of recognizing the difference between the truth and opinion? Answered May 13, 2021 Answer This is an especially important question for 2021. Opinion is based on the belief that something is true. Acceptance of truth is based on informed understanding. For instance, I believe (opinion) that I have ten pounds of potatoes in a bag; however, I cannot know for sure (truth) until I weigh the bag. Put another way, if I need the bag to weigh ten pounds. By assuming it does without proper examination with a scale, I may end up paying an overweight penalty. It is the examination of assumptions that enables belief to become truth. These definitions do not say that opinion is not true, or that perceived truth is correct. The point is that opinions are often the expression of believed truth without supporting evidence. A better word for truth is understanding. Understanding is relative in the sense that we gain a little understanding about something with our first encounter. Our understanding of that something converges on its actual nature as we gain more experience. Any good engineer would tell you that we never completely understand things. In some cases, it can be dangerous to assume we do. In practice, there are three truths. There is the actual nature of things. Think of that as actual reality. Then there is the extent of

that something we are aware of. Call, that local reality Finally, there is the way we have integrated that something into our worldview. Call that personal reality. For example. There is the town I live in as actual reality. My local reality consists of the parts of town I have visited. I know they exist to some degree. I do not know if there is a back ally off of Jackson Street. As far as I am concerned it does not exist—it is not truth to me. Its existence could only become part of my local reality if you tell me it exists … but only as an opinion based on your word. My personal reality is how I relate to my local reality. I know there is a South Side of town, but I could not draw a map of it if I tried. To me, the South Side is too busy for my taste. When I encounter something about the South Side, I do so with the assumption that it is not my favorite part of town. My relationship with the South Side of town is based on opinion since it is “feeling” related, without any kind of meaningful truth. If I spent more time there, say, the person who cuts my hair moved her shop there, I would likely become better acquainted with it and my opinion might begin to converge on actual understanding. All of this is to say that there are important differences between belief

(opinion) and understanding (converging on truth). Most people want to see things as they are, but without the expression of intention to do so, will probably never make the conscious effort to consider the difference. Spiritual seekers are advised to examine assumptions. By contemplating the implications of what is thought to be true (opinion), the seeker is expected to be less attached to outcome they have been taught to expect. Such schools of thought are all about the mental self, but lessons learned apply to daily living. None of us are aware of the actual nature of reality. We who seek to examine our assumptions tend to converge our beliefs toward truth. The majority of people do not examine their assumptions. Therein lies the difference between the average person and seekers. Question 105 What is pseudoscience? Answered April 30, 2021 Answer Pseudoscience means false science. While it seems reasonable that some claims of science are not scientific at all, the term is used as a pejorative to discount any effort to understand the nature of something that does not specifically agree with assumptions of mainstream science. While I think using Wikipedia is academic laziness, it is instructive to note what the skeptic editors think is pseudoscience. See List of topics characterized as pseudoscience. (83) Notice that the list includes just about every frontier subject. In principle, every statement of substance must be supported with a qualified reference. Close examination will show you that most of the references in the list

are from known skeptic opinion setters. The accompanying text looks a lot like the editors are not well informed about many of the entries. A counter argument to something being pseudoscience is the idea that people who discount the frontier study of as yet unexplained experiences are suffering from scientism. That is, they falsely believe that mainstream science has explained everything, and if it has not explained something, then that something cannot be real, and the study must be false science. It is reasonable to say that someone is using such poor methodology for research that they could not claim to be conducting science. I am an engineer and have learned to say I am studying something. If I had an advanced degree in that field, I would say I am researching that something. It is good to set expectations by understanding and practicing rules of science and research. However, the skeptic community has succeeded in establishing whatever they brand as pseudoscience as a danger to society because it fosters science illiteracy. The result is that few people can afford to risk their career studying such subjects and government funding for such subjects is nearly nonexistent. The effect is that society tends to be limited to the status quo, leaving little room for discovery. Question 106 Is a deterministic model, at least as far as free will in human beings is concerned, an example of scientism? Answered April 3, 2021 Answer In this context, models are proposed hypothetical solutions for

how things work. They are important, useful tools for exploring ideas. Determinism is a hypothetical model about how formation occurs with the assumption that specific causes produce specific effects. By itself, it may be a useful model to help explain how aspects of reality interact. Scientism is not a model in the same sense. It is a person’s assumption that science explains something. The way I encounter scientism is when someone tells me that what I am studying is not explained by science, and therefore, cannot be. In that sense, scientism is the belief-based assumption that science is absolute. That is, it is scientism if a person argued that the deterministic model is complete because all causes and resulting effects have been accounted for. Free Will is another model. It may have deterministic elements such as the influence human instincts have on our behavior (survival, procreate, gene dominance). The model may also have philosophical elements such as lucidity (understanding through living experiences, gain lucidity through discernment). A person inclined toward scientism might argue that the Free Will Model is false because mainstream science does not specifically support the concept of spiritual instincts. I study survival metaphysics. As my study evolved, I came to accept that the reductionist approach is a useful part of the survival model. In fact, I used 38 organizing principles in the cosmology I work with. As such, I will argue that free will is conditional, based a large part on influences normally beyond our conscious control.

I routinely encounter scientism … especially when I was an active editor in Wikipedia. See Organizing Principles (27) and Conditional Free Will. (25) Question 107 How do I differentiate between an illusion voice (as mind also cheats) and intuition voice from inside? Answered March 22, 2021 Answer Each of us has our way of becoming consciously aware of our thoughts. Most, I think, become aware as an emerging knowing, but I have met people who hear or see their thoughts as a gestalt. It has a lot to do with our temperament and the way we like to mentally visualize. Mind is a storyteller. (49) It mostly works from your memory and human instincts. What is sensed is real enough, but left to itself, mind is compelled to offer a streaming explanation of everything to conscious awareness. I think that is what dreams are all about. Emerging science is telling us that all incoming sensed information comes through mind. (28) Mind’s story is based on memory. That is worldview. If you want to make the story better reflect actual reality and not your personal sense of reality, it is necessary to clean up your worldview. I know of no magic word or class to take for this. The one influence you have on mind is your intention. Learn to habitually examine what comes from mind — the story — by asking yourself if it makes sense. At first, even the silly stories will make sense because they are your stories.

But over time, and with persistent intending to experience actual reality, you can train your mind to be more discerning. Our mind is “like a steel trap” when it comes to locking on to information. Once it decides something is this way or that or something means this or that, it is difficult to change. One of the good practices of mental hygiene is to habitually suspend judgement. Buy that, I mean to avoid accepting your mind’s I agree or I disagree result. Always insist on more information. In fact, none of us know enough about anything to be certain. We learn in small increments by remaining open for new thought. I am not talking about deciding if you should have dinner. I mean it is good to resist deciding if you liked your dinner. You opinion about things is really your mind’s opinion. What I am describing is the “Chop wood, carry water” part of enlightenment. Always examine the implications of what you think is true. It is in the implications of “truth” that we find actual. Also see The Mindful Way Essay. (16) Question 108 What is the real difference between a skeptic and delusions? Answered March 8, 2021 Answer The two are not really compared. Skepticism is an attitude and delusion is the inability to correctly experience reality. A skeptic might accuse a “believer” of being delusional. It is commonly said that skepticism is healthy but there are people who are pathologically skeptical of anything that is

not specifically supported by current science. They are the ones who would burn Galileo at the stake. These people have taken the name “skeptic” for themselves. Their beliefs … and seldom is it more than beliefs … is best described as scientism. My advice to people is to give up the word and learn to practice discernment. Paranormal phenomena such as psychic functioning and apparitions are not currently accepted by mainstream science. Skeptics refer to the study of such subjects as pseudoscience, a term intended to show that such beliefs are a danger to society. Think book burning. They accuse people who report experiencing paranormal phenomena of being delusional or fraudulent. In my experience, lacking actual research and typically lacking any actual study of the subject, skeptics are guilty of selective reporting by ignoring supporting evidence and focusing on fifty-year-old examples. On the other side of the story, many people who report possible paranormal experiences are not well-informed about the subject. I have begun referring to some experiencer’s tendency to think something ordinary is paranormal as hyperlucidity. See Becoming Lucid. (38) The skeptic-paranormalist equation can be balanced with better education and a willingness to examine the evidence. Question 109 Does quantum physics explain paranormal events? Answered February 5, 2021 Answer My first response is “probably not.” There is a problem of the Fallacy of Equal Similars. Some of the characteristics noted about quantum phenomena are reminiscent of some of the characteristics noted about some paranormal phenomena such as the apparent

nonlocality of Psi functioning. I think quantum phenomena may help us study the hypothetical Psi Field, but it looks a lot like etheric precedes physical. If anything, quantum mechanics might represent that interface. One of the apparent mind-quantum relationships is demonstrated with the double-slit experiments conducted by Dean Radin. (103) He showed in them that an observer can apparently influence the distribution of photons. From the study of Instrumental TransCommunication, I think the experiment simply shows the influence of intentionality on a chaotic process. It has been suggested that the microtubules in the brain operate at the quantum level to produce consciousness. To me, the evidence is stronger that they operate in a phased array radar fashion to enable the brain to act as a biological receiver-transmitter for thought. That would help explain why researchers see regions of the brain light up but are still unable to be very specific about where mind is. Claiming quantum effects is a way to make possible Dualistic phenomena seem physical. So far, the claimants are guilty of quantum mysticism. Perhaps as more is understood …. My problem is that the quantum study detracts from study we really need to further understanding. Question 110 Can the law of attraction be considered the same as physical laws, since neither of these are visible but manifest their existence in everyday life? Answered December 27, 2020 Answer Physical law As I understand astronomical cosmology, (104) everything physical emerged from a singularity popularly known as “The Big Bang”.

Along with physical substance, came organizing principles that influenced the way substances interact. Those influences are generally thought of as constants and fundamental forces. For instance, there are the magnetic and the gravitational forces, and natural rate of decay and electric charge. We can argue that physical principles are specific to physical substance. For instance, the gravity concept is based on atomic weight and distance. Gravity-related experiments are repeatable with essentially the same results. It also fits into a well-considered model of physical space. We call them laws more out of tradition than to say that they are immutable. They are consistent results of physical processes. Natural principles I will use organized Spiritualism (45) as an example. Spiritualists have only a few guiding concepts, but the assumptions followed by much of the New Age and paranormalist communities tend to “orbit” those assumptions, perhaps described with different words. Organized Spiritualists argue that there is a first cause (aka Infinite Intelligence, God) from which life as sentient awareness and principles organizing the behavior of nature naturally emerged. This is virtually the same as the physicalist view, except that we assign a different context. Big Bang = physical stuff and Source = etheric reality. Using my words, Spiritualists feel that physical stuff manifests from etheric reality under the influence of life fields and according to natural principles. Thoughts are about concepts in the etheric that manifestation as things in the physical. We live in a collective of personalities and the resulting manifestations of

the collective’s thoughts produces a consensus physical space. I live in your world, and you live in mine. Be aware that, as a metaphysician, I am taking a few liberties with terminology. “Life field” is a less charged term than “man.” Also, old school physicalist’s use of “law” is misleading in this context. “Principle” is a more generic term. An important concept in Spiritualism is that life fields manage the creative process according to naturally occurring principles (Natural Law). Those naturally occurring principles appear to act on the conceptual nature of etheric space and are considered precursors to physical principles. I have identified 38 organizing principles (27) for the implicit Cosmology I work with. One, the Perceptual Agreement Organizing Principles states: “Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate.” The idea is that we base perception on our worldview (memory, what we have been taught, instincts). Incoming sensed information is assigned meaning based on our worldview. See the Perceptual Agreement Essay. (5) In effect, we tend to experience what we know. Incoming sensed information that does not agree with our worldview tends to be ignored or modified to better agree with it before we become consciously aware of the information. The Law of Attraction is an example. In the context of people and thought, the “attraction” is a concept. Its formation as a physical thing is the expression of that concept according to such naturally occurring principles as Perceptual Agreement. This is

a knowable relationship but there are many variables, making it much more difficult to quantify than, say, a falling apple. The first task would be to show that there is a relationship between concepts and things. However, in a practical sense, if you only allow the existence of the physical reality, there can be no such thing as the Law of Attraction. If you allow for the existence of etheric space, then concept-tophysical thing influences must also be allowed. In that case, it is sensible to think in terms of both physical and etheric organizing principles. This is a complex subject. And remember, this is the world according to Tom. Question 111 Do Spiritual psychologists have graduate degrees in Spiritual psychology from an accredited university? And are they professionally licensed to practice? Answered December 10, 2020 Answer From the page of “Spiritual Psychology Careers” on the Careers in Psychology (105): What Does a Spiritual Psychologist Do? The main duty of a spiritual psychologist is to counsel people and help them to achieve spiritual wellbeing as well as mental and emotional wellbeing. Many of the patients who seek help from a spiritual psychologist are going through spiritual crises. They need a comfortable atmosphere and a non-judgmental ear to listen to their problems and help guide them through the dark times in their lives. A spiritual psychologist can help his patients explore their spiritual paths in life. He may encourage them to closely examine their own beliefs as well as alternative beliefs.

A spiritual psychologist will also usually guide his patients with such things as meditation and altered states of consciousness. These actions can help patients become centered and will often lead to realization of and a better understanding of their own beliefs. Guided visualization is another popular technique used by spiritual psychologists. This involves a patient entering a state of altered consciousness while the psychologist speaks in a calm and even voice, urging them to explore a fictitious world that is representative of their sub-conscious mind. Basically, required education is the same as for other psychology degrees but with emphasis on religion and spirituality. I am a Spiritualist, and it is probable that I define spirituality differently. The question is well-considered because there are probably a few people around who claim that title but without the training. As I understand it, anyone practicing as a professional counselor must be certified by the state to practice. I expect that the certifying agency would not give the license unless the candidate has the proper degrees. The first question to ask of the proposed spiritual psychologists is whether or not the person has a current license with the state. The second question is if they are strictly orthodox or if they are open to frontier thought such as survival of consciousness and psychic ability. In my opinion, some situations in which advice from a psychologist may be needed are related to unorthodox beliefs (possession, haunted, voices). If the person is not familiar with those,

they are not really able to offer appropriate guidance. If the psychologist is knowledgeable about such frontier thought, ask if the person accepts the possibility. As a group, psychologists tend to be antiall things paranormal. From those, the advice may well look more like deprogramming than like offering ideas for how to cope. Question 112 Why can’t science explain paranormal activities? Answered December 9, 2020 Answer Here, “paranormal” is used to mean a set of experiences that are not explainable by currently known physical principles. We think of psychic ability and communicating with discarnate loved ones, but the above definition includes other experiences such as reports of out of body experiences, near-death experiences, in some cases, even UFOs. The assumption of paranormal is that the reported experience is not fraud, imagination or misattribution of normal experiences as paranormal. For me, the first test of the paranormality of an experience is if it (or something like it) can be experienced by multiple people without coaching. Anomalous access of information (psychic, remote viewing, mediumship) may be paranormal but require secondary support, for instance physical records that confirm the information. Paranormal experiences such as accessing information with our mind (psychic, Psi sensing) and influencing physical processes with our mind (psychokinesis) have not been explained using known physical principles. The missing principle is how the influence of mind is propagated in space. Does it move in the air like sound waves? Is it radio? The scientists who study things paranormal are parapsychologists. See The

Parapsychological Association, (82) spr.ac.uk (106) and Rhine Research Center. (107) From my study, it appears they have considered every known physical principle in an effort to explain paranormal experiences. There are two apparently nonphysical characteristics of the way thought influence is propagated that must be accounted for. One is nonlocality, meaning that a Psi influence in one part of the world is apparently able to be experienced in any other part at the same time (no apparent distance in the propagation field). Second, we know of no way to shield from the influence of thought. For instance, the influence of thought can be detected in compartments that are shielded from radio frequencies, sound and light. The most useful theories offered by parapsychology to explain Psi functioning I know about are that we are all naturally psychic (First Sight Theory (31)) and that the medium of propagation for the influence of thought is the Psi Field Hypothesis. (52) If you take time to understand these theories, it should be clear that parapsychologists know enough about things paranormal to develop useful theories. That is actually one of the later stages of “proving the paranormal exists.” See: A list of 100+ PeerReviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena. (36) What parapsychologists study and what mainstream science accepts are fast converging into a new science of mind and improved cosmologies. Question 113 If thought is energy then why can’t it be stored externally? Answered December 5, 2020 Answer I am not a

parapsychologist, but I play one on Quora. Think of a thought as the conscious intention to think of something … say a cat. That intention initiates a subconscious visualization that is developed based on worldview (memory). The result of that visualization is returned to conscious self. If the thinker is afraid of cats, that would be part of worldview and the resulting visualization would likely be colored with a little fear. In this way, our thoughts are always colored by our expectation based on instinct, cultural training and memory. Our thoughts are a form of Psi (psychic) expression that, instead of mind-to-mind, is primarily intended for internal use. It is reasonable to ask how thoughts are propagated. What is the medium that supports its movement from the thinker’s unconscious mind to conscious mind? (Here, a medium of propagation is like the way water supports the pronation of waves.) I may be extending the Psi Field concept further than it is intended by parapsychologists, but as I see it, that medium of propagation of though is the Phi Field. The Psi Field propagates the influence of psi expression. For instance, when a person focuses attention on a random process, it has been shown that the process becomes less random. How that influence is moved (propagated) from the mind to the physical random process is an important part of psychic and consciousness theory. Parapsychologists refer to the medium in which the influence of Psi is propagated as the Psi Field. Physical energy

is generally defined as the difference in potential between two states of a system. The energy is thought of as a potential to do work. For instance, filling a bucket with water creates the potential to do work when the water is released to fall under the influence of gravity. The electricity required to power a neural network is similar in that there is a difference in potential between the main and the ground power leads. That difference in potential—water in a bucket, voltage in a circuit— is physical and is organized by physical principles. The Phi Filed is pretty clearly not physical. For one, it violates the principles governing transmission of energy. The effect of a thought expressed in New York City, for instance, can be experienced by people in San Francisco and in Seattle at the same time. Parapsychologists refer to that as nonlocal. In effect, there is no distance in the Psi Field. Another important difference between physical space and the Psi Field is that we know of no way to shield from the influence of thought. Clearly, it is not electromagnetic, magnetic or physical potential. This is a long way of explaining that thought is an effect and not a difference in potential that can be stored. At least as far as we know today, physical energy and thought are entirely different concepts. Question 114 Should Wikipedia be used for research? Answered December 4, 2020 Answer Wikipedia may be okay for finding the plot of a

movie or statistics for a sports team. However, if you examine the way material is included in Wikipedia articles, it should be clear that content is determined by whatever group of editors are dominant in that part of Wikipedia. Any article about a possibly controversial subject is probably biased to agree with the locally dominant group’s worldview. In my experience, the dominant group of editors tend toward skeptic, dogmatic beliefs in mainstream science and anti-frontier thought. Left to themselves, humankind’s forward progress in knowledge would cease. Three arbitration cases brought by skeptical editors introduced important tools for controlling what is allowed in the encyclopedia: (81) Fringe science - Wikipedia Paranormal - Wikipedia Pseudoscience - Wikipedia The three are used as “Wiki law” to keep information out of articles that does not agree with the dominant editor’s sense of truth. For instance, my field of interest is lay parapsychology. The study of psychic ability is gradually revealing important understanding about our nature. All three of the above arbitration cases were brought in an effort to suppress such studies. All three were decided to agree with the skeptic editors. The result is always articles based on half of the story. The average reader visiting Wikipedia does not see the struggle that goes on behind the scenes for how subjects will be represented. They only see the article as it is at that moment without realizing that it may be rather different tomorrow as new editors come along with different ideas of how

to treat the subjects. Based on my experience as a Wikipedia editor, I have written a little about how the behind-to-sense facts under the Community Tab of my website: Community - Etheric Studies (15) In my opinion, anyone who uses Wikipedia as a reference tells the world that he or she is intellectually lazy, naïve, and too poorly informed to be credible. Question 115 Are skeptics open to being proved wrong? What do they do when it happens? Answered November 17, 2020 Answer Virtually all of the answers thus far seem to describe skeptics as ideal observers who ask questions with the intention of understanding. That is how it is supposed to work. But organized skeptics have coopted the name to mean their scientism and ideological point of view. A better name for a truly open-minded but skeptical person is “discerning.” Our mind has an important idiosyncrasy that seems to define skeptics. Once we make up our mind … once we decide something, it is very difficult to change our mind. When we do, we do so in small increments. Skeptics have made up their mind. Now they are looking for people to agree with them. They seldom examine the facts well enough for incremental changes of mind. That lack of understanding is evidenced by the tendency of skeptics to resort to name calling and personal attack. The more evidence we present, the more they reject it without examination. Simply put, if mainstream science does not say something is true,

then it is not and cannot be true in a skeptic’s view. In effect, skeptics will discuss things with us until we agree with them. I have never seen it go the other way. Yet, we continue to have solid objective evidence of our claim. So, the answer from my years of experience is no, they are not actually open to having their mind changed. They are too invested in their beliefs. Question 116 Does Wikipedia take the theory of evolution as fact? How does a media of non-biased information like Wikipedia handle theories which aren't universally accepted? Answered November 16, 2020 Answer The editors of Wikipedia work in a community that is a lot like The Lord of the Flies. (108) Most of the editors hid behind a fictitious screen name, and thus hidden, are not constrained by the usual social norms. What is written in Wikipedia is seldom a balanced portrayal of the subject. What is written is what the dominant group of editors believe and how they selectively report the evidence. My experience as an editor was mostly in the paranormal-related articles. There is a dominant group of editors who can be well-described as adherents of scientism. Specifically, if it is not defined by mainstream science, they argue it must be fraud or delusion. The dominant editors made three important rulings (81) as “Wiki Law” that gave them the ability to ignore contradicting and frontier science. One is the 2009 Fringe Science decision. Of interest from the

ruling is: Fringe science 1) In this ruling, the term "fringe science" refers to matters which purport to be science or use its trappings and terminology but are not usually regarded as such by the general scientific community; and to matters which do not claim to be scientific but nevertheless make claims that are normally considered within the purview of science. Also, the 2007 Paranormal decision. Of interest here is: Generally considered pseudoscience 11) Theories which have a following, such as various manifestations of the paranormal, but which are generally considered pseudoscience by the scientific community may, with adequate sourcing, properly contain that information and may be categorized as pseudoscience. The 2009 Pseudoscience decision rounded out the rules that gave the dominant skeptic editors the verbiage required to justify their anti-frontier science point of view. For instance: Appropriate sources 4a) Wikipedia:Verifiability and Wikipedia:Reliable sources require that information included in an article have been published in a reliable source which is identified and potentially available to the reader. What constitutes a reliable source varies with the topic of the article, but in the case of a scientific theory, there is a clear expectation that the sources for the theory itself are reputable textbooks or peer-reviewed journals. Scientific theories promulgated outside these media are not properly verifiable as scientific theories and should not be represented as such. The (frontier) branch of science that studies things paranormal is parapsychology. It is on the list of subjects considered pseudoscience (83) maintained by the dominant

Wikipedia editors. There are a number of peerreviewed journals in parapsychology which typically include excellent peerreviewed research reports. Some of the parapsychologists conduct excellent science, so it is an invalid argument that the subjects cannot be scientifically studied. The dominant group of editors concerned with any one article can agree to allow a “fringe” journal as a reference, but if they do not agree, it is banned under the three above mentioned arbitration cases. All parapsychological journals are virtually always disallowed. The notable exception are ones that seem to prove the subject is pseudoscience. An example is the “Failure to Replicate EVP” (109) article published in the Journal of Scientific Exploration. (110) The author’s work is used in the Wikipedia Electronic Voice Phenomena Article to support the skeptic’s effort to cast doubt on the existence of EVP. See Electronic voice phenomenon - Explanations and origins. (111) My efforts to use articles from the same publication in support of the actuality of EVP were stopped because the journal is considered “Fringe.” The Theory of Evolution proposed by Darwin is treated as mainstream science fact by the dominant conservative editors. If there are alternative theories, such as The Hypothesis of Formative Causation (59) proposed by Rupert Sheldrake, the editors can be ruthless in their efforts to make them go away or at least look silly. If you look at the talk page archives (112) for the Rupert Sheldrake article, you will see that there have been considerable edit wars as moderate editors

tried to assure a balanced article while the conservative editors wanted to make Sheldrake look as stupid as possible. I was permanently banned (113) from editing the article for arguing that the work of Rupert Sheldrake was valid science; not pseudoscience. They simply eliminate opposing points of view. The effect of this skeptic editor dominance, scientism and ideological science apology has assured that Wikipedia is a powerful tool for social engineering. While there is a lot of useful information on Wikipedia, the reliability of it can change day-to-day as radial editors take an interest. The same holds true for every article. In effect, supporting Wikipedia is the same as supporting repression of new thought. Question 117 How do we know the subconscious exists? Are there proofs it exists? Answered November 11, 2020 Answer Relatively new science of the mind is telling us that we first unconsciously experience information, and then after it is “filtered” based on our worldview, the resulting version is made available to our conscious awareness. This pre-filtering can be demonstrated with presentiment studies. From the introduction of Presentiment | Psi Encyclopedia: (114) Since the 1990s, parapsychologists have carried out research into an unconscious form of precognition termed presentiment. Using experimental techniques well-established in psychophysiology, subjects in controlled experiments have been found to unconsciously anticipate stimuli to which they are randomly exposed, to a degree that is highly statistically significant. The effect is small, but the findings have been widely replicated. I also recommend First Sight Theory. (115)

Pretty much all of parapsychology and the paranormalist community is concerned with reported experiences that seem to depend on the presence of our subconscious nature. The implications are profound. Question 118 How does skepticism relate to scientific literacy? Answered November 10, 2020 Answer There seems to be three faces of skepticism. One is “Informed Skepticism.” In that, the person, say a Ph.D. in biology, might be unconvinced about another biologist’s claim of efficiency in an osmotic diffusion experiment. Peer-to-peer. Then there is “Presumptive Skepticism.” In that, the person, say a Ph.D. in philosophy, might be unconvinced about a biologist’s claim of efficiency in an osmotic diffusion experiment. Not peer-to-peer. The difference between the two is that, in informed skepticism, a person trained in a related field may be able to bring value to the discussion. The relationship between the skeptical biologist observer and the biologist researcher is more collaborative. In presumptive skepticism, the skeptical person may have a good point, but more often, the disagreement is based on the assumption of understanding that must be established before collaboration can occur. The third kind of skepticism is “Principled Skepticism.” The objection is based on ideological beliefs rather than academic training. A typical case might be the devoutly religious person denouncing the biologist’s research report because it seems to place biology before God. The term, skeptic, has been coopted by what might be best described as organized skeptics. See The Skeptics Society & Skeptic magazine. (116) While skepticism can be healthy, it

is too often corrupted into denialism and what has become known as skeptic. A skeptic is one who argues against a concept based on ideology. A better term for the suspended judgement kind of skepticism is discernment. Discernment denotes careful consideration without uninformed commitment to a particular conclusion. There is a link between organized skeptics and science literacy. Skeptics tend toward scientism in that they reject anything that is not specifically addressed by mainstream science. The problem is that when skepticism turns to scientism, it tends to discourage frontier science. Skeptics refer to rejected frontier science topics as pseudoscience (false science). I use Wikipedia as an example of scientism run amok, partially because they are so obviously anti-frontier science and because I was an editor during the time the anti-frontier science policy became Wikipedia law. You will notice in the Wikipedia Pseudoscience (117) article that pseudoscience is considered a danger to society and science literacy. Judging by the world today, it seems evident that outright rejection of science by so many people concerning climate change, Covid-19 and the implication of economic repression presents a huge problem for governance. While scientism discourages new ideas, literacy about the nature of science is important for society. The problem is when understanding of science turns to belief in science. Take a look at the three Wikipedia arbitration cases listed on Wikipedia Arbitration. (81) Then take a look at the list of what the dominant skeptic Wikipedia editors consider pseudoscience at List of topics characterized

as pseudoscience. (83) Under the Psychology category, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is listed as a pseudoscience. Yet, it has been used to help veterans who have experienced such traumatic moments as watching a friend killed in combat. The entire field of parapsychology is also listed there. The simple fact that they are listed there goes toward suppression of the study they entail. If organized skepticism had its way, studying all such frontier subjects would be forbidden. That is akin to a Flat Earth mentality. My answer, then, is that skepticism is an anti-new thought attitude. Discernment is a more productive approach. Certainly, education for both sides would help. Question 119 Up to what extent does a hypothesis have to be testable to be regarded as scientific (philosophy of science, truth, scientific method, falsifiability, philosophy)? Answered November 9, 2020 Answer The scientific method has many shapes. In physical science, observation leads to hypothesis leads to experimentation leads to conjecture that is compared to the hypothesis. Either the hypothesis is modified or rejected, depending on the outcome of the process. The task is to develop a reasonably descriptive model to represent what is observed or a reported experience. If a hypothesis fails to lead to a useful model, proving the hypothesis is wrong does not make reported experiences go away. The task of science has not been completed. The answer to the question depends on the worldview of the person answering. If the person thinks there is only the physical,

answers like “just unscientific nonsense” will be common. The tell of Physicalists is in the use of dismissive terms such as “nonsense.” People whose worldview allows for the existence of nonphysical influence of thought will tend to be more liberal in their thinking about what is and is not science. Part of the reason is that Physicalists tend be dogmatic about what is and is not real, always while ignoring the fact that known physical principles do not always account for some reported experiences. This is especially true for what is referred to as paranormal. It is not my intention to be sarcastic. As one who studies paranormal phenomena, it has been my experience that Strict Physicalists are a huge hindrance to my ability to develop a proper model for the related phenomena. I often see my fellow paranormalists at odds with Physicalist scientists yet compelled to accept the “just unscientific nonsense” explanation because of cultural conditioning. With that said, by definition, all hypotheses must be testable. Properly defined, a hypothesis should suggest a given followed by an if that, then these so what. It is the if-then part that must be testable. It may require developments in other branches of science before the tests can be conducted, in which case, the hypothesis remains a theory. Much of the paranormal phenomena are rejected by Physicalist as fraud, illusion or misattribution. Yet the experiences continue to be reported and verifiable, repeatable studies have shown that there is often something to the

reports. Instruments do detect Psi influence and verifiable information can be accessed without explanation with known physical principles. See A list of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena. (36) The answer is that hypotheses must be testable, else they are only conjecture. Testability might be beyond present science and technology. Gravity waves might be a good example. The key is to consider hypothesis with suspended judgement. An important point to consider is that we do not know enough about reality to say with certainty that something is this way or that. Currently accepted science does not explain many reported experiences. However, those experiences are explainable when nonphysical reality is allowed. But then, that is not accepted by mainstream scientists. If there is a nonphysical aspect of reality and thoughts do influence physical processes, then current physical science may be incomplete if not outright wrong. This is a factor we ignore at our own risk. Question 120 Do human beings have free will? Is causal determinism true? If things are randomly Decided (as per quantum mechanics), then would it show that human beings have free will? Answered November 8, 2020 Answer Causal determinism is the idea that every event is caused or made possible by preceding events and conditions moderated by the “laws” of nature. In the simple case, I will get up in the morning because our society works day shift. In the complex case, I will get up in the morning because I was born.

As I understand quantum mechanics, there really is no randomness involved. Going back to Bohm and his implicate order, (6) what is today is the product of previous events. I think the key to the quantum-philosophy connection is that reality is seemingly interconnected in the same way particles become entangled at the quantum level. The randomness idea might come from the Uncertainty Principle which is the argument that simple observation that particle/wave changes limits what we can know about it. n the end, quantum mechanics seems to support causal determinism. I am aware of how little I know about quantum mechanics. I do know that people have a tendency to explain the unknown with science as a sort of inappropriate “appeal to authority.” My first encounter with quantum mechanics was the model used to explain how a neon gas “lased.” In effect, you hit a neon atom with a photon and the orbiting electrons jump one orbit, meaning they become more energized. Hit the atom with a second photon and the electrons drops back to their normal state and release two photons in the process. The message in this surely out of date model is that the orbits represent specific energy states that are sometimes defined as quanta. As I understand it, like that neon atom, quantum mechanics is a very deterministic physics. The problem is that theoreticians try to explain the nature of mind with the “spooky action at a distance” (from Einstein) nature of quantum physics. Think of

it as the Fallacy of Equal Similars. Two things like mind and quantum mechanics being similarly abstract does not mean they are the same. We tend to experience the reality we have been taught to expect. By that, I mean that our worldview is the judge of what we experience and the result of that judgment is what we consciously perceive. That is a causally determined perception based on prior conditioning. I have spent some time contemplating the nature of my free will. The results are in the essay, Conditional Free Will. (25) The short answer to the question is “No.” We do not normally have free will or anything resembling it. We can make choices, but we do not have complete control of the logic controlling those choices. Most, if not all, are based on prior conditioning. The controlling factors are our human’s instincts, what we have been taught and learned responses (memory). We do appear to inherit a degree of understanding at birth that does not seem to be related to our human experience. I will call that discerning intellect or lucidity. It appears to be the discerning intellect aspect of our mind that may represent free will. The problem is that such probably non-survival behaviors as curiosity and altruism may be motivated by something like a collective mind. Trying to see where that will take us is a much longer answer. Basically, we make decisions to benefit our human’s gene pool. Do we also make decisions to

benefit the greater community in the etheric? If we do, then the apparent free will expressed by an altruistic act might be motivated to further the community. Here, I am trying to avoid saying that we might have a spiritual motive for our choices. I know many readers will run for the door at the first hint of metaphysics, but the thing is, what I have said thus far is true without resorting to a metaphysical angle. The answer, I think, is that we have self-determination, but it is moderated by instincts, training, prior experiences and an as yet undetermined form of discerning intellect. It is possible for the individual to develop greater free will by developing a habitual practice of questioning our choices to determine if they make sense beyond what we have been taught. That is all about Becoming Lucid. (38) Question 121 Why can't physical instruments detect subtle energies and the paranormal world? Answered November 6, 2020 Answer The best model I have seen for “subtle energy” is the Psi Field Hypothesis. (71) In that, the influence of thought is described as “Psi.” Note that this is not thought but the effect or influence of thought. In the model, the influence of Psi is propagated (transported or carried) by a nonphysical aspect of space. It is not determined if this “space” comes from the physical or is beside the physical. This is a pivotal point that determines if Duality is real. (Dualism = mind separate from biological

brain; Physicalism = mind is produced by brain.) The Psi Field is known to be nonlocal, meaning that an effect detected in one geographical place can be simultaneously detected anywhere else. It is also ubiquitous, meaning that we know of no way to shield from Psi. Both of these are very unphysical characteristics. An important characteristic of our mind is that we at least unconsciously sense the influence of Psi from other people. A psychic is a person who has learned to consciously sense information represented by Psi influences. Another important characteristic is that everyone’s mind expresses a Psi influence related to intentionality. Remember that this influence is nonlocal, meaning that people in other parts of the world are able to sense your Psi expression. It is attention and intention that changes your expression from noise to useful information. A link of rapport between you and an intended receiver might be important. The output of Random Event Generators (REG) become less random when in the proximity of meditating people, or when focused attention has been turned toward them. That is a thought (Psi)-to-physical device effect. Also, The Global Consciousness Project (118) is a global array of REGs reporting to a central computer. The randomness of their output tends to change moments before major events like the 9–11 attack on the World Trade Center. It is as if humankind is expressing a Psi signal representing a collective dread. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) (8) is the recording of speech for which there

is no known explanation. The working hypothesis is that they are produced as a Psi influence of intended order on chaotic (random) background noise, as it is recorded with an ordinary audio recorder. People like to think EVP are dead people talking, but the metaphysical models show that they are as likely caused by still physical people. It is just that we expect dead people talking. The Double-Slit Experiment (103) also hints at how we might detect and apply the influence of thought on physical processes. The answer is that scientists and practitioners are learning to put Psi functioning to work as a mind-to-physical ability. It will take more research funding and a lot less anti-frontier subject propaganda to make much more progress. But like Ham Radio operators of the past, paranormalist practitioners are doing their part to make it so. Question 122 How can we prevent science from becoming scientism? Answered October 30, 2020 Answer From my lay perspective, science involves the process of observing, questioning, theorizing and testing assumptions about nature. As our society is organized, scientists are expected to explain nature to citizens. That is one of the reasons the public helps fund universities and grants for research. As an engineer, I have been dependent on good science that eventually resulted in technology I could apply for consumers. In that chain of consequences, science is hugely successful. However, the point to note is that in my field, electronics, the product is objectively real … it works, or

it does not. Where we get into problems is when science involves belief systems or personal interests. A logger, for instance, might not like having a scientist tell him he is overlogging. A strongly religious person may be offended by the suggestion that we can destroy what God gave to humankind via global warming. Both are examples of the clash of rational science and irrational beliefs. We see this playing out today with the conflict between science-based management of a pandemic verses religious-economic-libertarian inspired alternative facts. If a person fundamentally does not believe in something, and if established science does not clearly support that person’s point of view, the only argument is to cite the generic “science” to support the argument. As it turns out, the problem with science is not the scientific method. People tend to organize as a hierarchical culture. That means the internal social pressures in a community of academic-minded people produces a hierarchical social culture and the assumption of best practices. Momentum of theory and dogmatic assumptions naturally follow as cultural norms. This “stability” helps assure quality science is conducted within the scope of the community’s best practices but tends to exclude “new thought.” In that regard much of the community of science appears to be more like cloistered monks than open-minded researchers. The idea of peer review is to assure the reasonableness of research reports. It is almost certain that someone with a Ph.D. will come along claiming that apples do not fall but are

repelled. Peers are expected to sort out such contrary views. At the same time, secret peer review reinforces the good old boy culture. From my experience in a frontier subject, peer reviewers are often not sufficiently informed in the subject to evaluate the sensibility of submission that are not specifically in their field of study. An example is a philosopher reviewing a report about evolution. For the most part, the culture of science serves laypeople very well. The problem area I live with is the relationship between mainstream science and frontier or emerging science. Falling apples are one thing. Psychic functioning is an entirely different challenge for science. When not finding a reported paranormal experience on their list of known acts of nature, mainstream scientists tend to reject the reported experience as being impossible. Here are two expert-related attitudes we encounter when working with frontier subjects: Wizard of Oz Syndrome: The misconception that people with doctorate degrees are infinitely knowledgeable and wise and that they always work to help the public to better understand reality. Laypeople give scientists a great deal of social authority, so that today, we tend to trust a scientist’s pronouncement about nature with little questioning about their academic authority. When it comes to common questions such as why an apple falls from the tree, few of us will argue with someone claiming any Ph.D. because it concerns established science. As a consequence, we as easily accept the pronouncements of a Ph.D. on other subjects, often without

examining the credential of the Ph.D. Wizard Syndrome: People with doctorates believe they are infinitely knowledgeable and wise. Years ago, newly certified as a scuba diving instructor, I thought I was God’s gift to divers. It only took a few old-timers to set me right. The same came with my new degree in engineering. Technicians can be cruel teachers when setting arrogant new engineers right. Both are examples of Wizard Syndrome. Now consider this definition: Scientism: The belief that science, the scientific method and work product is the only way to validate reality. My entire multi-year experience as an editor in the paranormal subject area of Wikipedia was a continuous altercation with the dominant group of editors who were determined that, if mainstream science does not specifically define something, it cannot be and must be delusion or fraud. There was no reasoning with them for balance. As far as I could tell, they were not scientists, just people trying to represent science as they saw it. The combination of speaking for science without the intellectual authority that comes from training in the subject is a form of Wizard of Oz Syndrome. It extends what scientists say about phenomena to the level of dogma. Scientism can be managed by changing the culture in the community of mainstream scientists to encourage more study of frontier subjects. Right now, it can cost a young scientist his or her career if they become very involved with nonmainstream subjects. Pseudoscience: A derogatory term coined by

skeptics as a negative label for subjects with which they disagree. This disagreement is seldom based on known instances of bad science, but rather because, in the organized skeptical view, the subject is not supported by orthodox science. This term is virtually always used in conjunction with efforts to convince an audience to dislike, distrust or even fear the subject. Scientism is a religious view in the sense that the idealized scientist is place in the god role. All else, including demonization of people they claim practice pseudoscience, is in every way the expression of religious-like belief. Academic-Layperson Partition: (my term) A phrase used here to describe the functional separation of academia from the lay community. The effect is that people, who have a doctorate degree from an accredited institution tend to shun people who do not. For fields of study in which practical experience, ability and understanding rests with lay people or citizen scientists, this partition often produces “peer reviewed” studies which portray a false image of the subject. Think philosophy professor pronouncing truth about physical mediumship in a peer-reviewed journal for which he is the editor, and which uses secret peer reviewers. Scientists are concerned with science literacy of the public. See Science and Technology: Public Attitudes, Knowledge, and Interest (53) At the same time, scientists tend to shy away from explaining their theories, and instead, focus on gee-whiz reports that do not actually teach. Everything I have said thus far points to the need for better education

of the public. When I took my Senior Project for Engineering, much of it was about report writing. In Masters and Ph.D. programs, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the theses. Yet, at least in my area of interest, communication of ideas is intended to be only amongst academics. We laypeople are left to guess what scientists think is true. Like a ship without a rudder, the good ship Lay-public will predictably take the wrong course. The cure, it would seem, is better public outreach from the scientists. Fundamentally, scientism evolves out of ignorance. Question 123 Given that Darwinism proves that communication is manipulative inherently, how do we Separate real information from false? Answered October 25, 2020 Answer I like the gene survival model. As I see Darwinism, our human instincts guide us to make decisions and act in ways that will best assure the continuity and dominance of our genes. Our primary means of doing so is by communicating our superiority to others. In Darwin, there is no other purpose for our existence. Of course, all information has meaning. If the question is concerned with the message contained in the information, it seems necessary to consider the hierarchy of authority. My survival would depend on the ability to recognize the manipulative character of information coming from others. If I think I am dominant and the information is telling me otherwise, there will likely be a conflict. If I am subservient to someone, I will submit to manipulation

if that will help assure continuity of my gene. (Of course, I will always be looking for a way to dominate.) Whether information is false depends a lot on where I am in the pecking order.) We see this dynamic every day. Consider those who blindly follow the leadership of tyrants. They are subevent and are compliant as long as they are given the sense that their genes will continue. It does not matter if God created us or if we evolved. The fact is that we do have instincts that more or less control our behavior. The modifier I would throw in is that we also have some degree of discerning intellect. Darwinism does not allow for altruism. Sages of every age and culture have taught our true nature is altruistic. We exist to learn how to manage our instincts. In that view, recognition of false information is at the very core of seeking discerning intellect. Our mind is always telling us a story about sensed information. Too often, it is not actual, only what we have been taught. The seeker’s task is to learn how to question thought and deed so as to understand the implications. The answer is to learn to habitually examine the implications of what we think is true. Question 124 Pretending you are the subject of the phenomenological study, how will the researchers obtain data from you? Answered October 23, 2020 Answer Using psychic phenomena as an example, the people who study them are

of two schools of thought about how to proceed. One school is that the phenomena must be studied in the controlled conditions of the researcher’s laboratory. The other is that it is allowable and sometimes necessary to study the phenomena where it naturally occurs in the field. Parapsychologists are the scientists who study Psi-related paranormal phenomena. Some do so with the intention to prove they are normal mistaken as normal, fraud or illusion (Anomalistic Psychology). Other parapsychologists agree but think some reported experiences may be evidence of psychic functioning and a nonphysical aspect of reality (For instance, Exceptional Experiences Psychology). A very few parapsychologists study reported phenomena from the point of view that they may be evidence of a duality in which a person is an immortal personality entangled with a human for this lifetime and which continues to exist after this lifetime as a self-aware, sentient personality. For this third group, a psychic is thought to mentally sense information from the physical-mental interface. A mental medium is thought to be a psychic who also senses information from discarnate personalities. I am a certified mental medium, experienced Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) practitioner and certified in several healing intention modalities. After closely observing the paranormalist community since 2000, I have learned to ask questions: What is the scientist’s point of view? If the scientist appears to be out to prove the phenomena are not real, I have learned never to try changing their mind. Existing evidence is already more substantial than

I can add. If the scientist is open to the existence of a nonphysical aspect of reality, I am open to discuss what I know. However, I seldom agree to demonstrating my ability to researchers. It is now my practice to refer the scientist to more experienced practitioners and ask to observe. Does the scientist want to study in the field or in the lab? Only in rare circumstances and with people I trust, would I go into the scientist’scontrolled conditions. There are many reasons for this, but the main idea is that it cost me time money and a lot of effort to travel. What are the scientist’s qualifications? I have watched too many retired professors, who are trained in unrelated fields, pose as scientists of the phenomena … say, EVP. To be clear, it is a lot of work to conduct research. Parapsychologists are virtually always underfunded and volunteers. It is important for all of us to help as we can. But it is important to me that the scientist is able to demonstrate understanding of the phenomena in question and a track record of openminded research. The damage caused to the practitioner by a “failure to replicate” research report, published under cover of academic authority, can be long lasting. It is wise for the practitioner to review the researcher’s previous work. Often, the underlying point of view of an apparently supportive researcher is demonstrated by such tells as the use of words casting doubt about things paranormal

such as “claims” and “confused.” See Debunking Survival Under Cover of False Academic Authority. (119) How will the results be published? To be clear, other than possible prior training in the art of conducting research, a professor of biology is no more qualified to study psychic functioning than a carpenter. Some parapsychological organizations claiming a peer reviewed journal tend to be anti-survival in their publication policy. Also, a secret peer reviewer who is a retired history or philosophy professor is not a proper peer for a research report about EVP. I have learned that it is important for me to be part of the review process with some editorial authority. In one study, my comments were dismissed as commentary and ignored. See EVPmaker with Allophones: Where are We Now? (120) Can I deliver? I am pretty knowledgeable about these phenomena. I am able to demonstrate some of them but not reliably enough to be a good test subject. If I try anyway, it is probable I will fail to deliver. It is important that I do not let my ego control my decision. Sometimes it is best to help the researcher by finding people who are more able. (I always advise that practitioners us a witness panel to help them know how good they are. At least a few times a week, I come across people claiming to be God’s gift to EVP when their examples are closer to random noise than to meaningful utterances.) Scientists are taught to hire

students to conduct experiments. For instance, an academic might call in a bunch of students and use them as EVP practitioners, even though the students may have never tried EVP. While anyone should be able to record an EVP example, only a few people I know are able to reliably produce examples. One of the more disappointing “Failure to Replicate” studies was the product of that poorly informed approach of using students rather than competent practitioners. Failure to Replicate ITC. (121) In Open Letter to Paranormalists: Limits of science, trust and responsibility, (79) I have explained some of the problems with the Academic-Layperson Partition in the paranormalist community. Being a test subject is flattering, but too often harmful to the practitioner, and ultimately, to the community. Question 125 Are all "paranormal activities" explainable by Science? For example, the Pepper's ghost effect has been used by many to capture photos of "spirits". Aren't all such photos explainable, as such illusions are the result optical experiments? Answered October 23, 2020 Answer The short answer is, if an experience is considered paranormal, it probably has not been explained by mainstream science. It may be at least partially explained by frontier scientists called parapsychologists. Science proposes theories intended to help us understand nature. Time and repeated encounters with a particular aspect of nature helps scientists converge the accuracy of their theories toward actual understanding. This applies to physical and psychological experiences. The problem is that science has a great deal of momentum. Scientists are

taught in school based on existing science. As an engineer, for instance, pretty much everything I was taught was based on the assumption that everything began with the rapid expansion of a singularity in a process commonly referred to as “The Big Bang.” Most things paranormal appear to depend on the ability of thought to sense information that is beyond detection by our five biological senses. Some depend on the ability of thought to influence things beyond normal physical reach of the person. Both of these characteristics may be best explained by proposing a nonphysical aspect of reality. At this time, there appears to be no mechanism resulting from the Big Bang that could produce a nonphysical aspect that might propagate thought. There may be a physical explanation for apparent psychic ability, but at this time, the most useful model proposed by some parapsychologists is that the influence of thought known as “Psi” is propagated in a nonphysical aspect of reality known as the “Psi Field.” As I see it, until mainstream scientists come to some kind of agreement with parapsychologists about if anomalous access of information (psychic) is real, and if so, how the information is propagated, there will be little progress in understanding how to model paranormal experiences in a way that answers the evidence. Question 126 What is prescience? Answered October 11, 2020 Answer Sensing the future is known by a number of terms. Precognition is the usual, but prescience is also used. Parapsychology is the field

of study concerned with many forms of paranormal phenomena, especially psychic functioning. Psychic means anomalous mental sensing of information. In parapsychology, it is more often referred to as “Psi”. I have found it most useful to deal with Psi as a mental influence or effect and not the thought itself. See Psi Research in North America. (122) One form of Psi functioning is sensing an event before it actually occurs. Precognition (prescience) is usually used to describe the sensing of an event that will occur some time in the future. For instance, a person might take a different way to work because he or she correctly sensed that an accident would occur on the usual way. Alternatively, a person might sense the coming of a war to occur a year later. I was a corporate long-range planner for a time. Some of the forecasts produced by my fellow planners were so accurate that I thought the planner must have psychically seen the future. In fact, all of the events needed to make the future state happen were already in motion. All the planners had to do was correctly read the evidence. It is my sense that personal progression in understanding and lucidity is a process that does not occur all at once. With that in mind, I see only metaphysical indication that precognition is the sensing of the current potential for a future event. That is not precognition, but rather, it is trend analysis. A second form of precognitive effect

is referred to as presentiment. That is usually in the form of a sensing that something was about to happen. This is usually a near-term possible future. One of the ways it is studied is to measure a test subject’s emotional response just prior to seeing a picture, say of a kitten or a car wreck. See Presentiment (114) Presentiment appears to be the effect of the way we first unconsciously process sensed information before becoming consciously aware of that processing. This would support the nonphysical mind hypothesis, but it does not support sensing the future hypothesis. We also see this in EVP when the etheric communicator’s answer will come just a moment before the question is asked. The indication is that our etheric communicators are communicating with us at a Psi level and not a physical level. The Global Consciousness Project (118) also shows evidence of presentiment. Their global array of random event generators report to a single computer. There, changes in randomness of the array are crosschecked with major events. For instance, there was a dramatic change in randomness in the array moments before the 9–11 World Trade Center attack. It is as if collective humanity was psychically expressing dread of what they were sensing. Question 127 Does the brain actually form representations of the outside world? Answered October 11, 2020 Answer As I understand, the people studying consciousness and the brain have identified regions of the brain that become more active in response to specific thought patterns.

I also understand that such ideas as the quantumlevel processes in the microtubules of the brain have been proposed to explain this. However, so far, there seems to be no research evidence decisively showing that mind is in the brain. As far as I can tell, the most useful alternative model to mind produced by brain is mind existing independent of brain. In one version of that, brain does produce mind but mind is a Psi Field phenomenon. When brain dies, mind is no longer sentient but does remain as a sort of Psi Field residue of memory. Alternatively, mind existed before brain as a Psi Field phenomenon and will exist after brain dies in a sentient, self-aware form. Parapsychologists deal with thought as what some refer to as a Psi function and define a field of subtle influence which provides a medium to propagate the influence of thought as the Psi Field. The Psi Field is probably not physical because, amongst other characteristics, it appears to be nonlocal, meaning that a Psi influence in one place can be equally and simultaneously experienced in other places. We also know of no way to shield from the influence of Psi. I am answering as an engineer and not a scientist. As I understand the science, we develop a sort of mental database I refer to as Worldview. It contains what we have been taught, memory and inherited instincts. In effect, Worldview represents our personal reality. One of the mental functions that

help produce perception appears to be a visualization stage. I have illustrated the perceptual function here as I understand it. The perception function is in the mind. It includes a sort of mental picture of our world. It is still not clear if the perception function is in the biological brain as a quantum effect or if it is in the Psi Field as a Psi effect. It seems clear in my reading that those who prefer the biological explanation are also reluctant to even consider such an idea as the Psi Field. If that is true, then they are probably doing their science with only part of the story. my answer, then, is that the mind does maintain something of an image of the outside world. Whether it is all biological, or biological and Psi Field, seems to depend on which science you accept. As a Dualist, I lean toward the Psi Field Hypothesis. Question 128 How is it that our brains are able to produce images in our heads that we can see yet at the same time not see in reality? (If that makes sense. I'm not very good with wording) Answered October 8, 2020 Answer I expect many people wonder about this but do not let their curiosity move them to find the answer. Good question. My short answer is that I do not know. In fact, I think people who are academically trained to know are still trying to find the answer. They have much

to learn about the relationship between mind and brain. There appears to be two main models for how mind works. One is the mainstream model requiring that mind is a product of brain. I refer to that as the Physicalist model. It suggests that researchers should be able to detect when and where an image is formed in the brain and should have some idea of what it represents. I know scientists are working on the biological source for mind. However, it seems they can only detect changes in regions of the brain when they know a visualization is occurring. As an electronics engineer, this suggests to me that they are detecting more the effect of a bioelectric phased-array antenna. That is exactly what I would expect to see in a Dualist model if brain is a transmitter-receiver for bio-sensory data and movement commands. In Dualism, mind exists as a nonphysical aspect of life that is independent of biological brain. In that model, we exist as “I am this” as a nonphysical lifeform. As such, we are entangled with our human in an avatar relationship. If true, we probably share and are entangled via Worldview Before you reject the Dualist model, remember that mind is clearly nonphysical. Some really good science has been conducted that shows that our mind interacts with the world via apparent nonphysical propagation of the influence of thought. See A list of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena. (36) In the Dualist

model, mind receives sensory information from biological brain, and according to parapsychological research, other minds via the propagation of the influence of thought in what is sometimes referred to as the Psi Field. (Here, “Psi” represents the influence of thought.) In the Dualist model, mind only knows about the physical as information is sent to it from the body’s five senses via the transmitter-receiver brain. The images are not in the biological brain. They are formed in the mind as a sort of map of reality some refer to as our worldview. That is, we visualize our world according to how we have been taught to translate sensory information. Based on parapsychological research, I guess that part of that map is based on what we sense from other minds. For instance, we probably develop a picture of ourselves based as much on what we are sensing from people around us and on what we see in the mirror. The diagram here is my version of how we think. It was developed to help me explain how some paranormal phenomena work, including Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). It should work for both the Physicalist and Dualist models. Note that I have placed the visualization (picture) function in the Perceptual Loop. That loop is a repetitive process as the mind tries very rapidly to home in on the intended perception of expression. Question 129 Is it a duty of persons of a science (here, psychology) to investigate the possibilities of important new tools

and possible discoveries? Answered October 5, 2020 Answer In a sense, we help fund scientist’s education by helping to fund universities. It is important to society that we have people who are trained to help us understand our world and find safe ways to live in it. As an example, while people living close to the earth saw the dangers, as did many observant people, it was scientists who alerted us to the dangers and causes of global warming. The hierarchy of invention begins with original research by scientists. We look to the engineers to develop products (tools and aids) based on that original research. Technicians maintain those tools and consumers create the demand for their production. No one part can go without the other. That hierarchy seems to be universal, even if it is just a clever caveman figuring out that hard rocks can be used to produce fire. Without the disciplined new thinking we associate with scientists, engineers will tend to produce products based on novel combinations of known physical principles. For instance, electronic engineers tend to apply electronic components like building blocks to solve consumer needs. But it is the materials scientists who recognize how materials with different molecular structures might work to detect environmental changes, for instance, thus producing a new building block for the engineers. Most scientists and engineers I know are attracted to the work as a labor of love. But there is a sort of social contract suggesting that they are also obliged

to have at least some public-facing work product. Question 130 What was the global consciousness project? Did the experiments at Pear Labs prove anything? Answered October 1, 2020 Answer Here is the link for the main web page for The Global Consciousness Project: noosphere.princeton.edu/. The Facebook page is at “Global Consciousness Project” (facebook.com/EGGproject ) (118) Here is the link for the main web page for The Global Consciousness Project and the Facebook page is Global Consciousness Project (118) I think the project designers used their own Random Event Generators (REG). The Psyleron REG (123) was at least inspired by them. I have a Psyleron REG that works very well. (They may be out of business now.) The project consists of an array of Random Event Generators stationed around the world and reporting to one computer. The computer display for the REG output looks like this: This display is from the project’s Facebook page. The person who posted this wrote: Ruth Bader Ginsberg died Friday evening Sept 18. I don't know the exact time, but news began come out around 7-7:30 pm ET. As we have done in the past for the passing of great persons, I looked at the full UTC day beginning near the time of death, 21:00 UTC (5 pm ET). The news breaking at 23:00 (7 pm) is marked, as is a strong inflection at about 05:00 (1 am ET). The downward trend from that point is extreme, and the final deviation is Z = -2.19, and

p = 0.986 (equivalent to p = 0.014 or 70/1 odds). The blue curve represents the limit envelop for how the random output (red line) should normally stay near zero. As I understand the graph, the randomness of the REG output has substantially changed around the time the world was learning about Ruth Bader Ginsberg transition. If you vertically mirror the blue curve, you will see that the red output is far outside of the “normal” envelop. The more famous outputs were for the World Trade Center attack. In that, you can clearly see that the REGs began to change moments before the first attack. Other studies have been conducted using REGs. For instance, the CRVREG Study. (124) It seems clear that the global array is detecting a sort of mass sense of foreboding before an important event. That collective response appears to be detected by the array as a marked change in randomness. This change in randomness is indication of a noncontact effect of intentionality on a physical system. In actuality, this gives researchers important reason to think that nonphysical consciousness is able to influence physical processes. If so, the project gives a sort of proof that psychic functioning is actual. if that is true, many other forms of paranormal phenomena inherit a degree of credibility I should note that transform Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) also appears to be the effect of intentionality on a random process. See A Model for EVP. (8) It is arguable that precipitated art

and apports are also examples of the action of intention on physical processes. The Pear lab is closed now: Anomalous Princeton lab shuts its doors. (125) From my experience, I would say that the Pear Lab, like a few others of the time such as the Rhine Research Center (107) represents a pioneering period of parapsychological study that has established a framework of understanding about psychic functioning that advises other researchers today. Albeit poorly funded and much maligned by mainstream academia (goaded on by organized skeptics), the research goes on. Psi studies have the potential to teach us how to further our personal spiritual progression. Consider the implications of the First Sight Theory (47) and Perception. (72) Question 131 What is scientific proof or explanation for ghosts? Answered September 28, 2020 Answer Consider the nature of “scientific proof.” Science is a methodology based on observation leading to theoretical models which can be used to predict behavior so that experiments can be conducted to test those predictions. Science does not actually prove things so much as it produces models that reliably predict behavior. There are ways science can be conducted. Often, say in the study of animal behavior, science begins as Naturalism. That is, the animals are observed over time and their natural behavior is documented. Naturalism is often field research as opposed to laboratory research. Parapsychologists are academics who identify themselves as people who scientifically study things paranormal, including ghosts. They tend to disagree amongst themselves as to whether field

or lab studies are best. Thus, some parapsychologists refuse to accept results not produced in a lab while others point out that some phenomena, such as the presence of ghosts, are not currently able to be studied in a lab. Scientists are not all of the same mind. First, there are Physicalists who argue that something must be able to be explained with known physical principles to be real. Then there are Dualists who argue that there is a nonphysical aspect of reality in which mind exists. Then there are mainstream scientists who at least behave as if they think all principles of nature have been identified. Some physicalists continue to look on the frontier of knowledge for new principles. With all of that said, the answer is that there is substantial evidence that the natural conditions necessary for the existence of ghosts have been scientifically studied. See Selected Psi Research Publications (35) and A list of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena. (36) It is argued in what I refer to as Physical Dualism that mind is produced by biological brain and exists in a nonphysical field that permeates the physical. In that view, mind continues to exist in that field after physical death as a memory. (Perhaps a ghost that repeats a process at the same time each nighty.) In what I refer to as Strict Dualism, mind existed before the birth of the human organism and will continue to exist after this lifetime.

(Perhaps an interactive ghost.) If you define “ghosts” as survived personality, the evidence from good science is substantial that personality survives physical death. What is not clear is if it survives as a memory or as a sentient, self-aware personality. The best test I can think of is if information from an apparently survived personality is possibly known by a still physical person. If it is, then it must be explained as cultural contamination. If it is not known by someone in the physical, and no physical principles explain its presence, it is reasonable to think in terms of survived sentient personality. My opinion is that Strict Dualism explains far more than other points of view. Science is still trying to figure out the answer. The good news is that science is still trying to figure it out. Question 132 How should the fact of our being pure awareness/consciousness (as opposed to a causally determined physical self) impact the way we ought to live? The result seems to be a quasi-nihilism of sorts (i.e. this life doesn't really matter). Thanks Daisi! Answered September 16, 2020 Answer As I see it, religions answer this question. The fundamental assumption of most religions is that our true self is not our body and that our true self will continue to exist after physical death in some form of new “atmospheres and awareness” (to borrow a term from Spiritualism). See The Hermes Concepts, (1) The Razor’s Edge - Katha Upanishad (23) and Metaphysical View

of John 14. (65) More contemporary study tends to support this idea. The study of anomalous acquisition of information (psychic, remote viewing) and the way our intension has been shown to influence random processes seems to indicate that our mind is both nonphysical and functions in a nonphysical aspect of reality. See Selected Psi Research Publications. (35) While our mind’s nonphysical characteristic does not assure survival after bodily death, survival requires it. Some phenomena such as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) seem to indicate that our sentient self does continue. See Trans-Survival Hypothesis. (78) All of this seems to indicate that we have a nonphysical nature and that we will survive bodily death in a self-aware, sentient form. If that is true, it is prudent to consider the implication of continuous life has on our daily behavior in this lifetime. The one system of thought I am aware of that teaches about right living based on the assumption of survival is Spiritualism. Since it serves the spiritual needs of individuals, it is a registered religion. But it is actually based on pretty good science. Spiritualists refer to the fundamental principles of nature as Natural Law and advise seekers to find understanding about the nature of reality from our daily experiences. The National Spiritualist Association of Churches (45) maintains a Declaration of Principles intended to guide seekers in their daily living. I include them here but be advised that there are other systems of thought that offer similar advice … not as

a religion but as a guide to right living. 1 We believe in Infinite Intelligence. 2 We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence. 3 We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance therewith, constitute true religion. 4 We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death. 5 We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact, scientifically proved by the phenomena of Spiritualism. 6 We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” 7 We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature’s physical and spiritual laws. 8 We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any soul, here or hereafter. 9 We affirm that the precepts of Prophecy and Healing are Divine attributes, proven through Mediumship. You have a choice. Ignore your spiritual nature by assuming you are your body or live as if everything you do now matters here and hereafter. To do the first, simply follow your human’s instincts to assure the continuation and dominance of your gene pool. If that is the correct answer, what you do today matters as much as what my pet cat does today. Behaving as if your actions matter is more complex. First, it is necessary

to begin managing the influence your human’s instincts have on your every action. The idea is to learn how to think as an immortal personality by asking if your actions are a compassionate response based on correct understanding of the situation. Here, culturally imposed beliefs must be … managed. The bottom line is that, if you do continue after bodily death, you have responsibility for your actions that are far more meaningful than simply following the law as a good human animal. You have both the responsibility and the ability to be a good citizen of the greater reality. Question 133 How would the scientific literature landscape and culture change if survivorship bias was reduced and failed or inconclusive studies were published more frequently? Answered September 12, 2020 Answer As I understand the question, “survivorship bias” is a reference to the belief that people’s self continues to exist in a sentient form after physical death. Imagine the academic landscape as a civilization with a central capital representing mainstream thought, frontier towns representing the study of emerging science and uncharted territories representing new thought. For people standing at the center of civilization, everything toward the uncharted frontier is less real. Mainstream science exists within the capital city. It exists to a lesser extent as we move toward the frontier. People at the center tend to dismiss ideas not at the center, and more aggressively debunk those on the frontier. I stand at the farthest frontier of thought in my study of

paranormal phenomena. This is especially true because I allow for the possibility of Survival Hypothesis. Looking back at the center, everyone seems to be debunkers of my study. At the same time, I find that the academics are increasingly less well informed about the subject as they are closer to the center. The lay community is more accepting of the idea of Survived personality, but as the question suggests, they depend on academics for guidance. Laypeople tend to be less well informed about the science behind the Survival Hypothesis, and therefore, their acceptance is more based on belief than on discernment. The people who study things paranormal, including survival, are known as parapsychologists. In practice, most parapsychologists are closer to the center with perhaps less than ten percent supporting survival. Even amongst parapsychologists, most are poorly informed about the science and would be unable to apply what they know about it to pose a wellinformed argument for or against. When current understanding of psi functioning, psychology, physical science and reported possibly paranormal experiences are considered, it becomes evident that rather than asking if survival is real, it is better to seek understanding about the nature of consciousness as it relates to psi functioning. In the question’s wording, the assumption of “survivorship bias was reduced and failed or inconclusive studies were published” presuppose that survival is not a fact. It may not be a fact, but the existence of considerable research and anecdotal evidence supporting the hypothesis must be accounted for.

Any study failing to address that evidence is incomplete and is not science. Question 134 Do thoughts have energy? Answered September 11, 2020 Answer As an engineer, I am not qualified to answer from the perspective of neurobiology. My answer is from the respective of a person who has studied phenomena generally known as paranormal. Our expression is believed to be in the form of a psychokinetic expression of intentionality. (31) That intentionality is an influence. As I can tell, influence in the etheric where thought exists sometimes manifests as a change in physical energy. For instance, research has shown that the output of Random Event Generators (REG) become less random when the devices are associated with meditating people. See “Experiments Investigating the Influence of Intention on Random and Pseudorandom Events.” (126) The Global Consciousness Project (118) consists of a global array of REGs monitored by a central computer. The array tends to respond to major events, such as the 9–11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York, moments before the event occur. If the REGs are responding to thought, it is as if humanity expressed a collective, precognitive sense of dread. Reason to think noncontact healing might be possible is shown with the research: Meditator’s non-contact effect on cucumbers. (127) Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) have been recorded in chambers shielded from sound and radio signals. See: Eliminating Radio Frequency Contamination for EVP. (128) A popular theory amongst the parapsychologists who study things paranormal is the Psi Field

Hypothesis. In that, it is proposed that a subtle field of propagation permeates physical space and acts as a medium of propagation for the influence of thought. Parapsychologists refer to the influence of thought as “Psi.” The Psi Field is known to be nonlocal, meaning that an effect in one place is equally experienced everywhere. No one has found a way to shield from the influence of Psi. These are decidedly not a characteristic of physical energy. The characteristics of the Psi Field are in agreement with what we know about EVP. Thought appears to be best modeled as a conceptual influence. That is, intention may be the Psi Field equivalent of physical energy potential. Attention is probably the equivalent of physical vector of influence. My answer, then, is that thought has influence, but it does not have physical energy. It is more correct to say that the influence of thought sometimes causes change in physical energy based on intended order. Question 135 Which is accurate science or spirituality and why? Answered September 2, 2020 Answer Science and spirituality are not mutually exclusive concepts. In its purest form, science is the study of nature. That includes human nature. If you define spiritual as things concerned with the altruistic nature of people, the science of studying human nature includes the study of the altruistic aspect of people. As far as science is concerned, there is not much difference between studying the reported human experience of having an apple fall on the

head as studying the experience of feeling love for another person. It is relatively easy to study a falling apple because it is repeatable and objective enough to be physically measured. Love is intangible. Study of physiological responses of people claiming the feeling of love is done scientifically. Reported intangible effects like an increased sense of wellbeing is much more difficult to study with the usual reductionist tools. Even so, their study is scientific. If you are referring to the paranormal aspect of spirituality such as psychic sensing or healing intention, those are also scientifically studied. It is just that they are farther from the mainstream of science, and there is therefore more resistance from old-school scientists. That is a sociological issue and has little to do with spirituality. My answer, then, is that, as reported human experiences, most spiritual things appear to be true and are being studied by scientists. However, as frontier subjects, our understanding of them remains limited. Question 136 How do I become a paid paranormal investigator? Answered September 2, 2020 Answer As I lived through the new Age culture, perhaps the most damaging to the good intent spiritual teacher were trying to do for seekers was New Agers trying to find some way to earn a living off of the New Age. Perhaps it was that “Follow your bliss” advice. The paranormalist community is beginning to go that way. We have makers building magical boxes as ghost detectors and EVP machines that have no research

establishing their usefulness. There are people who have virtually no mediumship training, or understanding of the phenomenon, posing as mental mediums for pay. Ghost hunters promising to rid people’s house of demons for pay. When someone asks how to work with the Tarot, I suspect the next thing is that they will become a telephone medium. It is amazing how many ghost hunting clubs offer classes. It seems that everyone is “doing science.” There is nothing wrong with providing a service for a fee. Working with Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), for instance, can be a lot of work. Some people are more able to collect EVP than others. EVP practitioners put their reputation on the line every time they work for the public. The same can be said of mediumship, remote viewing and healing intention. There have been too many time that my wife and I have recorded for the public and came up empty. Even though I am certified, I have failed mediumship tests because I drew a blank. One must not “fake it until you make it” when serving the public … for free or for a fee. What we call paranormal phenomena is an increasingly well-studied field. We know a lot about it that a diligent student can learn. Haunt phenomena is just a form of the same phenomena studied in EVP and healing intention. Did you know that? With all of that in mind, I do encourage people to seek professional standing in the community. To

me, professional means someone who is a subject matter specialist. The person may serve as a researcher, practitioner, teacher or for personal edification. Find a reputable haunt investigation group and join in as a hobbyist. Gaining the credentials can take time and a lot of work. Unless a person has a really good publicist, I recommend that they keep their day job. At least today, there is little money in it. Here is a caution. Mainstream science has branded all things paranormal as pseudoscience. A practitioner, using a spirit or ghost box, might join a ghost hunt and claim to the homeowner that the voice of long-dead uncle John is in an EVP. If the fact of an actual message from Uncle John cannot be proven, perhaps with an independent listening panel and a good historian, it is possible the practitioner could be accused of fraud. If the work was done for a fee, the practitioner could be accused of bilking clients. So far, there have been few legal actions taken against ghost hunters. Just be mindful that the only real protection for a practitioner is an established record of excellence in the field, substantial knowledge of the subject and careful expectation management. Question 137 Hi this is really important. Can anyone recommend me books that include the following topics: science and the universe in relation to the human mind, spiritually, consciousness and all the potentials of the human mind (e.g astral projection)? Answered July 13, 2020 Answer Consider Your

Immortal Self, exploring the mindful way at Your Immortal Self. (129) Be aware that I wrote the book. I am not a scientist, but I have a little experience with spiritual seeking and science. Many of the chapters in the book are based on essays on that ethericstudies.org, so you need not buy the book to have a sense of what it is about. Most important to the question, I think, are the references. They will give you many sources for your personal study. Keep in mind that mainstream science does not generally accept such ideas as astral projection. You need to look more toward parapsychology for that, but even there, many parapsychologists will argue that you are delusional for thinking it is real. Use the contact tool of my website to ask questions. Question 138 Why has science not yet created a device that detects immaterial energies like ghosts? Answered July 3, 2020 Answer This question concerns two different parts. For the first part, the word energy is taken in physical science to mean a potential to do work that is defined by known physical principles. Think electricity, difference in elevation and such. When used in the context of ghosts, immaterial energies implies a form of influence that is not explained with known physical principles. Those who study ostensibly paranormal phenomena, like ghosts and psychic ability, are known as parapsychologists. Parapsychologists generally refer to the potential described in this question as an influence, such as the expression of thought.

Think psychokinetic influence. There is no question that thought exists. The only real question seems to be if it is a product of the brain (Physicalism) or exists independent of the brain (Dualism). As I understand mainstream science, if thought is a product of brain, it is assumed to be restricted to the brain with no external influence. As such psychokinesis would not exist. If thought is independent of the brain, whether it has an influence becomes a question. More important, if it has an external influence, how is that influence propagated. For instance, sound is propagated in physical material that allows for pressure waves to move through it. In what sort of space does thought move? It appears that parapsychologists are settling on the idea that there is a nonphysical filed permeating physical space that provides a medium to propagate the influence of thought. They refer to the influence of thought as Psi and the field as the Psi Field. There is substantial research indicating that Psi and the Psi Field are aspects of our reality. Consider Selected Psi Research Publications (35) and 100 Scientific Papers Offering Evidence for Psi Phenomena & Effects. (36) The second part of this question concerns whether ghosts exist. In popular culture, ghosts are dead people causing haunt phenomena such as sounds and movement of objects. Much less a part of popular culture is the idea that ghosts might actually be survived personality. The Survival Hypothesis holds that, when we physically die, that part

of our mind that is independent of our brain continues in a self-aware, sentient form. Think of a ghost possibly being long dead Uncle John come to say hello. Part one of this question can be true without part two being true. The evidence for the existence of Psi and the Psi Field is much stronger than the evidence that Psi might be from incarnate or discarnate personalities. The Psi Field Hypothesis may be true without the Survival Hypothesis being true. I have proposed an argument for the Survival Hypothesis (78) that depends on the Psi Field Hypothesis being true, so the studies I referenced above apply. I also depended on the studies related to Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) — both visual and the audible form known as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). The A Model for EVP (8) Essay provides most of the references, but also see Perception of Visual ITC Images. (130) My answer to this question is that instruments have been developed that detect the influence of thought on physical space in the form of intended order. That is, the output of random event generators tends to become less random when influenced by thought. The formation of EVP appears to be the influence of intended order on a chaotic process in the recorder’s circuitry. The Psi Field has been shown to be nonlocal, meaning that an effect in one place appears to be equally present everywhere. Also, researchers have not found a way to shield from the influence of

thought. Consequently, the actual mechanism for the nonphysical-to-physical exchange in influence is still unknown. We also do not know how to tell if an apparent Psi effect is caused by the experimenter’s thought or thought from a ghost. On a personal note, I began a chapter on science in Your Immortal Self (129) with “Hands down the most disruptive influence for the paranormalist community is science.” The answers to this question that came before are uniformly “ghosts do not exist” answers. That point of view is not really the person’s fault. It is evidence of the failure of scientists to examine the evidence and properly explain it to the public. We send our scientists to university so that they can help us deal with nature. Mainstream scientist’s nearly universal ignorance of parapsychological research amounts to the failure to meet the terms of that social contract. At the same time, the majority of those calling themselves parapsychologists reject the Survival Hypothesis without due examination. Virtually all of them fail to convey their understanding to the greater community. Their failure begets public ignorance. Question 139 Is empathy empiricism or rationalism? Answered June 22, 2020 Answer Empathy is a personal response of agreement when we sense someone else’s experience. That sensing may be visual and related to our body. For instance, seeing someone is hit by a car will likely make people at least momentarily queasy. I feel a chill when I see someone fall onto pavement because I can remember the road

burns I have experienced. Empathy may be emotional. For instance, seeing someone crying brings up a host of emotional responses in us that ranges from “Please don’t cry” to “Who did that to you!” The idea of empathy takes on special meaning if psychic phenomena are considered. Research is indicating that apparent psychic abilities (possible mind-to-mind access of information and remote viewing, for instance) are best explained with models such as First Sight Theory. (47) It is proposed in that model that everyone is naturally psychic, meaning that we all express psi signals into the Psi Field (etheric or nonphysical) environment and we all sense those signals. It is how we have learned to pay attention to them that determines how psychic we might be. As I understand empathy, it is our mostly unconscious sensing of emotion expressed by others that we understand as empathy. If the First Sight model is reasonably correct, the question might be better expressed as “Is empathy a psychological response to the emotions and actions of other people? Is it also a psychic sensing of other people’s emotional expressions?” My answer is that we are first psychic and then behave as we have learned to behave based on that mostly unconscious sensing. Question 140 Why is posthumanism poorly regarded in the mainstream science community? Answered June 21, 2020 Answer There is a good essay on the subject of Post-Humanism at Ethics Explainer: Post-Humanism. (131) Mainstream science tends to be informed by current paradigms. The science

community in general, does not seem to be inclined to look very far around the bend to see emerging paradigms. Perhaps the question should be more concerned with post-contemporary paradigm. The answer to this question depends on the intention of the question. If it is intended to ask about the technological augmentation of biological organisms, then sure, that will happen. Watch the engineers, not the scientists. A viable alternative understanding of “post-humanism” is that we will evolve into different humans. This, not physiologically but in capability. First, take a look at the essay “Avatar.” (42) If you subscribe to the idea that we are not our body …. That is, our actual self is not simply a byproduct of our biological human, it is necessary to examine the nature of who we really are. Sages have for millennia taught that, to become fully who we are … selfrealized, perhaps … it is necessary to manage our human avatar. See, for instance, Katha Upanishad (1-III-3 through 1-III-10). (53) A contemporary revelation is underway in the form of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). See A Model for EVP, (8) for instance. It is telling us the sages are right and we are more than our physical body. If that is true, then realizing our actual nature and learning to live in accordance with that understanding is the next paradigm. My answer, then, is that trans-Humanism means people learning to proactively manage their progression toward greater discerning intellect. I refer to that as finding lucidity.

(38) Question 141 For the people who think that consciousness is due to complex computations in the brain, how can we make sure that the highly intelligent AI that we have created have a true subjective experience? Answered April 5, 2020 Answer I conducted an early what if exercise asking what it would take for consciousness to inhabit a machine in the essay Avatar. (42) My reference points are that Dualism is largely correct. and that Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) is a valid form of Psi functioning. Basically, Dualism is the argument that: • The physical is an aspect of a greater reality • Mind existed before brain and will continue to exist in a self-aware, sentient form after death of the human avatar. • Mind exists in the etheric or greater reality and is expressed into the physical by way of the human avatar’s transmitter-receiver function of its brain. • Parapsychologists have proposed that a nonphysical field exists alongside the physical universe. They refer to the expressed influence of mind as Psi and the field as the Psi Field. This is reasonably well established. Most importantly, it is nonlocal while all things physical are local. (Except possibly for quantum effects.) • Perception and expression are formed in the mind and propagated in the Psi Field. ITC is apparent anomalous communication of information — mostly images (visual ITC) and speech (audio ITC; Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). While explanations dependent on physical principles have failed to account for ITC, ITC is consistent

with Psi functioning. ITC is important because it can function as a sort of testbed to study some Psi phenomena. It also tends to confirm Dualism. The picture shown here is a visual ITC example. The Photoshop screenshot shows a single grabbed video frame from a video loop session. It is about a 1/30th second long sample of a video stream. The selected rectangle in the screenshot was enhanced by changing contrast. Nothing was drawn in. With a little more tweaking of contrast, the resulting clip is on the left. We think it shows a female with possible yellow hair and a black scarf bonnet. The detail is insufficient to know more than that the face should not be present. Considering what we think we know about consciousness and how it interfaces with the physical, I would propose a litmus test to determine if AI has been embodied by a machine as a sentient consciousness. That is, the characteristics of a person that supports Dualism should also support conscious AI. For instance, attention on a random process has been shown to change the randomness of the output. A conscious AI should be able to do that. Researchers have found no way to isolate (shield) the propagation of Psi. That means placing conscious AI in a Faraday Cage (Radiofrequency shielded chamber) should not impair the AI’s ability to psychically interact with the rest of the world. If conscious AI is able to mentally interact with biological organisms, that ability should not

be local, meaning that it should have an equal effect across the country. With all of these considerations, I am inclined to argue that AI might be able to emulate physical manifestations of life but less likely to be able to manifest Psi aspects of life. In the end, in Dualism, we are only temporarily our biological body. Question 142 Is consciousness a form of energy? Not the electrical flow between neurons, but the thought itself? Answered March 31, 2020 Answer I am aware of two primary points of view for defining the nature of consciousness. One is Physicalism. In that, there is only the physical universe that has evolved out of the rapid expansion of a singularity popularly known as the “Big Bang.” In Physicalism, mind is the product of brain. Of course, part of the process is the bioelectric activity of the neural synapses believed to be the means of moving thought and memory around in the brain. This is not my field, but it appears that scientists hypothesize that memory and thought are quantum-level activities supported by microtubules in brain tissue. Scientists can point to regions that “light up” brain mapping devices when we think about certain things but they have apparently not identified specific locations for specific memories. To my knowledge, scientists have only a vague hypothetical model at this time. I am not well enough informed to argue true or false. Nevertheless, the physical solution would be a physical electric and quantum-level form of energy.

Dualism is an alternative point of view. In that, our mind is modeled as a nonphysical function that is separate from our biological brain. In the dualist model, our biological brain is thought to act as a transmitter for information collected by our body’s five senses and a receiver for mental commands to operate our body. For dualism to work, there must be a medium in which our mind can exist, and in which our thoughts can be propagated. In fact, everything we think we know about psychic functioning leads us to speculate that a subtle field permeates physical space and acts as a medium of propagation for thought. An important characteristic of psychic functioning is that time and distance does not appear to be a factor in its propagation. Parapsychologists describe this characteristic as nonlocality. In effect, everywhere is here. A person in New York can sense in real-time what a person is doing in Seattle. That is a characteristic of space thought to be impossible considering commonly accepted physical principles. Parapsychologists are scientists who study things paranormal. They describe the characteristic of reality that propagates thought as the Psi Field. Psi is their term for the expression of thought and the field is usually modeled as nonphysical but otherwise co-located with physical space. In one version of the Psi Filed, it is a naturally occurring characteristic of physical space that has not been explained. In the more metaphysical view, it is the greater reality in which the physical

is an aspect. The field model is useful for describing mind. If our mind is modeled as a nonphysical field of functional areas such as perception, expression and memory functions which are bound by personality, thought can be modeled as the exchange of influences amongst those functional areas guided by intention. However, the nonphysical mind is modeled in Dualism, the energy of thought appears to be best modeled as degree of influences rather than amount of energy. Psi space is conceptual. Thought is conceptual. propagation of thought in space that has no dimensions is not an exchange of physical energy but an exchange of influence. Motive force is intention and “steering” that intention is visualized reality. Here is an example. Research has shown that thought can influence random event generators. We also see this effect in Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). However, in EVP, we see that very well determined random noise is not useful. Chaotic noise that is occasionally interrupted by brief noise spikes is useful for the formation of EVP. The difference is how well the noise is determined. White noise is supposed to be very random, but that randomness is organized by a very determinant concept and not easily influenced by intention. By randomly adding noise spikes, the signal appears to become conceptually less determinant and easier to influence with intention. You can see the challenge of changing our perspective from Physicalism to Dualism. In Physicalism, we think of ourselves as living in the center of our skull

and see the world from behind our eyes. In Dualism, we would think of ourselves as something of an immortal personality experiencing the physical with the help of our human avatar. You must decide. My answer is that physical energy makes no sense for describing thought. The physical is objective, and thought is conceptual. The expression of psychokinesis is probably not a direct physical influence on things physical, but rather, the influence of our intention to change the concept of that physical thing. Thought is best considered a conceptual influence on the organizing principles governing the physical. Our human is the tool we use for this. Section 3 Psi Functioning Introduction Psi functioning is the mind’s equivalent of the human’s five senses. It includes such abilities as being psychic, mediumship, clairvoyance, remote viewing, healing intention and psychokinesis (aka mind over matter, levitation). In Dualism, mind (consciousness, personality, self) is considered nonphysical. The nonphysical aspect of reality is still being defined. I refer to it as etheric (the etheric, etheric space). Parapsychologists have identified a field overlaying the physical they refer to as the Psi Field. Psi is the expression of mind, and the Psi Field functions as a medium of propagation for Psi. It is correct to say that mind inhabits the Psi Field. It is important to me that people have a realistic and supportable understanding of these phenomena. Our parapsychological community is doing a lot considering their limited resources and few qualified researchers. The concepts are complex, and

I believe most people do not realize how much is known or the implications of what is known. As you read these answers, keep in mind that, as a technical writer, I search for terminology that explains the point in a useful manner. For instance, I am not sure I have actually read where a parapsychologist has referred to the Psi Field as the Psi Field Hypothesis. I have taken it on myself to name it a hypothesis so that I can compare that concept to the Survival Hypothesis. There are other ways in which I have made a sort of leap of logic in an attempt to clearly make a point. That is one of the reasons I try to include references to useful source material. Examination of my essays will show additional references. If you question my answers, please do examine the references. Also feel free to contact me if you have questions or think I should answer in a different way. Question 143 If mediums and psychics are real, why don’t they ever contact people like Einstein or people from many years ago like Alexander the Great? Answered November 16, 2021 Answer The ability to psychically access information is relatively well-established science. Dean Radin PH.D. maintains a useful list for a search of the relative literature in Selected Psi Research Publications. (35) An increasingly well accepted theory about our naturally occurring psychic ability is First Sight Theory proposed by James Carpenter. I have digested the basics in

About First Sight Theory. (31) In effect, all of us are thought to psychically acquire information but we have been taught from birth to attribute the information we sense to our mind or “higher self” but not from outside of ourselves. It is said in organized Spiritualism that all mediums are psychic but not all psychics are mediums. My understanding of First Sight Theory is that some of the information we psychically access may be from incarnate or discarnate personalities. In a practical sense, the only way we can tell the difference is by the content. Intention is critical here. Environmental information comes first to our mostly unconscious mind. An engineer’s view of what happens to it is shown in the Perception Diagram below. Note that our worldview acks like a moderator/filter for the information. The worldview functional area is modeled here as a sort of database holding what we think is true based on instincts, memory, and cultural training. If we have been taught that paranormal phenomena is not real, the Perceptual Loop will likely produce a “Reject” decision for paranormalrelated experiences. Point of view tends to color perception. If we are very religious, our conscious perception of environmental information will tend to be colored by our religious belief. If we go into an old house and think it may be haunted, our conscious perception of sensed environmental information will likely confirm the house is haunted. Each “bump in the night” will be more likely sensed as a haunt

experience. We once sat with a supposed physical medium in France who consistently claimed the presence of celebrities. Appearances from the Beatles were popular. Our sense of that medium’s work was that he was likely misattributing sensed information according to his interests. Psychic sensing is very subtle, partially because the Psi “signal” appears to be more conceptual in etheric space. From my experience, our intention is our only influence on the mostly unconscious perceptual process. For the untrained psychic, expectation tends to color that intention. For instance, we contact the local ghost because we expect to. We may attract that ghost thoughtform or we may misattribute unrelated signals to appear as we think they should. We know from the study of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) (17) that the etheric is nonlocal, meaning that, in effect, everywhere is here. Parapsychologists also think of nonlocality as a characteristic of the Psi Field which is thought to be a nonphysical medium of propagation for the influence of thought. This means that the Dualistic model of reality better accounts for what is known than the Physicalist model. In Dualism, mind’s natural habitat is etheric space. A physically living person (incarnate) and a “dead” person (discarnate) are the same in the etheric but one is entangled with a human avatar. Because of nonlocality, our etheric personality and that of our discarnate friends are essentially in the same space. We unconsciously sense them … and others … but we have been taught by our culture to ignore

Psi information that does not interest us. To be clear, mediumship is a natural phase of our psychic ability. People who have bothered to inform themselves about the science will know this. It is up to the practitioner to recognize the difference and appropriately inform their sitter. We do not know if, when or why a person stops communicating after physical death. Discarnate personalities appear to have the same perception filter as people in the flesh. If the discarnate personality has turned attention to new experiences, it is possible their Perceptual Loop will return an “Ignore” decision for environmental signals expressed by psychics in a long abandoned physical experience. After transitioning out of this lifetime, some personalities, say a loved one dedicated to the family's wellbeing may retain a focus on the physical long after physical death. It is all about our Perceptual Loops instruction set maintained by our worldview. Question 144 What are ways to open a spiritual portal? Answered November 14, 2021 Answer In a very real sense, each of us is the Axis Mundi (132) spoken of in many systems of thought as the center of the world or connection between heaven and earth. We share reality with all life fields, but metaphysically, all life fields are aspects of the same source. This is what is demonstrated by the effect of nonlocality. The trick is to learn how to make understanding of your connection with the greater reality an integral part of your conscious awareness. Learn to

tell the difference between your thoughts and information from outside of your mind. We have a constant stream of information emerging into our conscious awareness from our mostly unconscious mind. Most of it is our own internal chatter. Some is psi-sensed information from other personalities—incarnate and disincarnate. Practice something like the Mindfulness. (16) The idea is to learn to habitually examine the implications of your thinking. Habitually questioning the consequences of your thoughts and actions will help to slowly align your worldview with the actual nature of reality. Is what you think is true actually true? What are the implications? The idea of a spiritual portal is a New Age concept that comes from attempts by teachers to develop a model to explain experiences. Remember that the etheric (greater reality) is a conceptual space as compared to the objective nature of the physical. Think in terms of directed perception. Questioning assumptions leads to greater discernment, which in turn, leads to greater lucidity. Lucidity enables greater understanding which is probably our purpose for existing. Following the Perceptual Agreement Organizing Principle: Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate, (72) greater understanding about the actual nature of reality is thought to enable the seeker to access more of reality. Hint: Hermetic Wisdom Schools teach seekers to learn all they can about everything. Question 145 Is it possible to see yourself without a mirror or reflection? Answered November 6, 2021 Answer We have seen evidence

from Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), (8) that the supposed communicating personalities cannot directly see us, but rather, sees us as we see ourselves in a mirror, as we imagine ourselves or how other people in the flesh see us. As you can see in Selected Psi Research Publications, (35) there is some evidence that people can psychically access information. While that list of references does not include EVP, it supports the existence of capabilities that appear to be required for EVP. My answer is that we appear capable of psychically sensing what other see of us. From experience, it is good to remember that each of us has a self-image which we psychically broadcast, almost like psychic camouflage. Possibly the difference between a skilled psychic and the rest of us is that when they psychically sense us, they know to look “beyond” our self-image. So yes, assuming we have developed our psychic ability, it seems possible that we can psychically “see” ourselves through the eyes of others. Question 146 To what extent can sensory perception be shared? Answered October 10, 2021 Answer From the Physicalist point of view, our mind is a product of our biological brain. Thus, it is argued that we are “in our head” and the sense of awareness is an emergent quality of biological processes. If this biologically dependent characteristic of mind is reasonably correct, the only environmental inputs for mind are produced by the five bodily senses. If we cannot see, hear, smell, feel or

taste it, it does not exist for us. All else would necessarily be derived or imagined. From the Dualist point of view, mind exists independent of biological brain. In what I think of as Physical-Dualism, mind is said to emerge from biological brain but operates in a nonphysical aspect of physical space sometimes referred to as the Psi Field. In what I think of as Strict Dualism, mind existed in a nonphysical aspect of reality before biological brain and continues after biological death. In either version of Dualism, mind is treated as a nonphysical characteristic of who we are. By “nonphysical,” I mean that mind (consciousness, thought, self) exists in an aspect of reality in which the influence of thought, sometimes referred to as Psi, is propagated in the Psi Field. This field is, in effect, “alongside” our brain but not produced by our brain. If this model of a nonphysical characteristic of mind is reasonably correct, the five bodily senses are environmental signals to which mind assigns physical meaning. For instance, we have learned from birth to think that touch signals are from our body in contact with something physical. In the same way, we have been taught to assume things we mentally sense, possibly other people’s thoughts, are the product of our storytelling mind. In Dualism, when we speak or act in some way, our mind first develops the speak or act expression as a mostly unconscious process initiated by conscious intention. The result of that initial process

is “sent” to our body as an command to act (to speak, look, walk). According to some theories, our mind’s expression signals are also broadcast into the Psi Field as Psi influence. See About First Sight Theory. (31) In the same way, our mind is thought to be immersed in a “babble” of thought expressions from other minds. We filter this babble based on our worldview. Most of us totally ignore it. Psychics learn to become selectively aware of this babble, depending on intention. I personally subscribe to the Strict Dualism model because it is most useful for explaining many of the paranormal phenomena I study. For instance, remote viewing, which is “psychically seeing a distant place,” is possibly explained as a mind-to-mind exchange of information between the remote viewer and a person who remembers or currently sees the place. This, rather than the remote viewer actually extending awareness to the distant location. Mental steering of attention is done with intention. Pertaining to the question, perception is a function of intention and attention but is limited by what I refer to as the Principle of Perceptual Agreement. That is, “Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate.” (5) I might want to sense your thoughts, but if I cannot imagine doing so or visualize your information based on my worldview, my mostly unconscious mind will not be able to produce a perception signal about your thoughts to my conscious awareness. In other

words, learning to manage the perception-expression processes comes first for sensory sharing. Beyond that, anything more than simple empathy requires agreement on meaning of symbols. A worldview based on habitual suspended judgement is important. Question 147 How is visualization in a thought produced? Answered September 22, 2021 Answer Speaking in terms of Strict Dualism, our mind appears to deal with concepts which are cloaked in familiar terms via our worldview. For instance, the concept of a falling apple is given attributes, depending on subject, memory and the way we feel about it. It is helpful to think that we merge conceptual thoughtforms in our mind to develop a thought—falling, apple, tree, ground. Our memory helps us cloak the final thoughtform in familiar terms. If we had never seen something falling, such as a falling apple, we would have a different visualization. Think of visualization as the formation of perception. That may be an image or a concept. It need not have an associated picture just an understanding … right or not. I like using First Sight Theory (47) as a sort of rule set for the perceptual processes. While I recommend the book by the same name, I have attempted to provide an approachable description of the theory in About First Sight Theory. (31) Of the twelve corollaries in the theory, these seem to apply to this question: (Paraphrasing in part) Personalness Corollary (1): The unconscious processes that constitute consciousness are personal and deliberate. Integration Corollary (3): Other preconscious processes

are processed together with psi in a rapid, holistic, efficient, unconscious manner to format experience and action. Summation Corollary (6): The content of conscious experience, emotional states and behavioral choices are constituted in a summative way by unconscious thought. Bidirectionality Corollary (7): In this summative process, the person may turn toward information (signed positively) to include it in the construction of experience, affect or action, or turn away from information (signed negatively) and exclude it. In practice, we attribute meaning based on our worldview (memory, instinct, cultural training). If we have been taught that a falling apple is physical, that is how we know to experience it. An important principle I us is Perceptual Agreement (72) which I define as “Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate.” Our ability to perceive (visualize) the actual nature of something depends on our worldview. With experience, and the intention to do so, we converge on perception of the actual with repeated experiences. Question 148 Are there any genuine psychic phenomena? Answered July 9, 2021 Answer The short answer is that psychic sensing and psychokinetic expression have been shown to be natural characteristics of our mind. Review these lists of studies: Selected Psi Research Publications (35) 100 Scientific Papers Offering Evidence for Psi Phenomena & Effects (36) An important model describing how we develop perception and expression that is based on psychic functioning research is First Sight Theory. See About First Sight Theory. (31) I

think some of the reasons there are so many people insisting that psychic phenomena do not exist are: • Scientists cannot identify a physical mechanism that might allow thought to have an influence outside of the skull. For this reason, parapsychologists have proposed the existence of a nonphysical characteristic of the universe they refer to as the Psi Field Hypothesis where “Psi” represents the influence of thought. • Information appears to be instantaneously psychically available no matter where it is or where the psychic is. This characteristic is referred to as nonlocality. From a purely physical perspective, nonlocality seems more like magic than a real thing. Yet, we do see a sort of nonlocality in quantum physics. • There appears to be no way to shield from the influence of thought. Explaining this and nonlocality would either require a change in how we define some physical principles, or it may be necessary to expand known physics to allow for a nonphysical aspect of reality. • In my study of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC), (17) it appears psi influences concepts about things, rather than things themselves. This means the person changes the outcome of psychic events depending on their worldview. The experimenter effect is a real thing. We can mentally change the behavior of electronic devices. If Psi functioning is nonphysical, then trying to study it from the physical perspective is a lot like a fish studying city streets. It is necessary for experiencers to at least consider the existence of Psi

if they are to study psychic phenomena. Otherwise, they have no choice but to say it does not exist. If you consider the lists of articles on the subject provided above, you will see that psychic functioning has been shown to be real and common to all of us. Other than the ways we us it every day in our lives, perhaps the easiest way to demonstrate the effect of Psi is with examples See ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication. (17) Question 149 How can I become more self-aware? Answered July 8, 2021 Answer The New Age culture is all about realizing personal potential. As I remember my New Age training, people were considered aware in the sense of interaction with the environment and other people, but mostly not aware in the sense of understanding the implications of their thoughts and beliefs. To become self-aware was to learn to habitually examine the implications of thoughts and deeds. An example is how a child tends to be more socially spontaneous with little introspection while a senior citizen tends to be more introspective and less socially interactive. We attribute this difference to maturity, but I think that maturity stems from greater awareness of the implications of experience. The choices we make are mostly influenced by our human’s instinct. When we respond to that guidance without conscious questioning, which is the most common, we are considered aware but not self-aware. There are a few systems of belief that describe becoming realized like a

flash of light. In the Bible, for instance, Saul of Tarsus (St. Paul) was temporarily blinded by the light as part of his conversion. However, I think the rest of us should consider realization as a change in thinking that occurs gradually as we gain understanding. A seeker of greater understanding (discerning intellect) realizes that they are not their body, and their thoughts must be moderated by their habitual examination of how and why they make choices. I think this is best described in the 4,000-year-old Katha Upanishad: (23) 1-III-3. Know the Self to be the master of the chariot, and the body to be the chariot. Know the intellect to be the charioteer, and the mind to be the reins. 1-III-4. The senses they speak of as the horses; the objects within their view, the way. When the Self is yoked with the mind and the senses, the wise call It the enjoyer. 1-III-5. But whoso is devoid of discrimination and is possessed of a mind ever uncollected – his senses are uncontrollable like the vicious horses of a driver. 1-III-6. But whoso is discriminative and possessed of a mind ever collected – his senses are controllable like the good horses of a driver. 1-III-7. But whoso is devoid of a discriminating intellect, possessed of an unrestrained mind and is ever impure, does not attain that goal, but goes to samsara. Samsara is Hindu for the cycle of death and rebirth as life is bound to the material world.

1-III-8. But whoso is possessed of a discriminating intellect and a restrained mind, and is ever pure, attains that goal from which he is not born again. 1-III-9. But the man who has a discriminating intellect as his driver, and a controlled-mind as the reins, reaches the end of the path – that supreme state of Vishnu. Supreme state of Vishnu refers to self-realization or self-knowledge. Question 150 How do I understand that my thoughts are my reality? I always hear people say this, but I physically cannot grasp this concept. Answered June 27, 2021 Answer People who say their thoughts are their reality probably intend that their perception of the world around them is their reality and that their reality is more correct than other people’s reality … or, that they will not change their mind. Considering our human’s instinct to assure gene dominance, it is probably true that each of us needs to assume our reality is correct. It is arguable that no one is wrong on purpose. Emerging understanding about how we think, that is, how we develop perception, tells us that incoming information is detected first by our mostly unconscious mind. There, the information is compared to what we think is true. Think of what we think is true as our worldview. The results of that preprocessing are sent to our conscious awareness. It is important to note that our worldview is the supreme judge of our perception. Since it represents our memory, cultural training, instincts

and acquired understanding, we should not expect to command it to be right. It typically only changes in small increments. I describe the preprocessing of incoming information as a functional loop. The way I imagine it, our mind first develops a trial representation of the information. That is presented to our worldview in a “does this make sense” manner. If it makes sense to what we think is true, we become consciously aware of the information. Most likely, the incoming information will be modified a little to agree with our worldview. It might also be rejected and never sent to conscious awareness. The effect is that we do not directly, consciously sense our world. We experience a version of it that best agrees with our expectation. As it turns out, our thoughts are our reality, but that does not mean our reality is in agreement with actual reality. This Q&A format makes it difficult to know if my answer makes sense. My point is based on well-established science. I may have failed to explain that science. You might consider further reading on Etheric Studies. (15) Question 151 Do we as human beings have a limited ability to read each other’s minds? What are the means and apparatuses we use to read another's mind? Answered May 2, 2021 Answer Reading another person’s mind can be understood as a mind-to-mind exchange of information without the benefit of the five human senses. For this to occur, mind must express some kind of a

signal and there must be a medium in which the mental signal is propagated between minds. There are two points of view that must be considered. The Physicalist point of view is that mind is a product of biological brain and ceases to exist when brain dies. In this view, mind-to-mind information exchange is not possible because there is no evidence of a thought signal radiating from the body. Even if thought signals existed, there is no known physical means for their propagation. In Dualist cosmologies, mind is a life form native to the etheric aspect of reality (nonphysical) and the human body is a separate lifeform native to the physical aspect of reality. A person can be described as an immortal self entangled with a human in an avatar relationship. Mind is modeled as a form of consciousness that existed before this lifetime and will exist after as a sentient, self-aware personality. In this Dualist view, we are first nonphysical personality and are not always entangled with a human for a lifetime. If this is true, our normal means of communication is mental. We constantly send information about ourselves into the etheric. At the same time, we are immersed in a sea of mental signals coming from our fellow personalities. Think of this exchange of mental signals as messages on the Internet. Information is inserted into digital packets—as I remember—called words in programming. Each packet has beginning digits that say where the packet is supposed to go and ending

digits to mark the end of the word. The Internet is designed so that I can send a digital word from anywhere in the world and it can reach your computer anywhere else in the world. Every computer in the world receives the same packet, depending on how hubs in the Internet routs them. When the packet gets to the intended computer, that computer must recognize the digital address at the front of the packet in order to read it. Otherwise, it is simply ignored. Metaphysicians speculate that two people establish a link of awareness, known as rapport, between them when they communicate. The more they communicate and the nature (good or bad) of their communication causes that link to have characteristics that help or hinder communication. Think of rapport as an email address and notes about previous contact. As far as I can tell from my studies, we express a mental signal with our every thought. When we direct our attention to another person, in effect, we either create a new link of rapport or call to mind a previous link. The next issue is what I refer to as the Principle of Perceptual Agreement. (5) The principle is defined as: “Personality must be in perceptual agreement with the aspect of reality with which it will associate.” Our mind processes information based on our worldview. Worldview is like a database containing instinct, cultural training and memory. Information coming from other minds first comes to the mostly unconscious part of

our mind where it is judged using worldview as the measure. If we are not interested in the subject or if it is not familiar, we may never know it existed. If the information is only slightly familiar, we may become consciously aware of a version of the original thought but modified to agree with our worldview. Given that all of the above is reasonably correct, we appear to have a capability to exchange mental information. The problem is that the sender and receiver need to have essentially the same worldview. Following the Principle of Perceptual Agreement, the more our worldviews are the same, the better we can expect to become consciously aware of the other’s thoughts. Much of the above is based on my understanding of the subject and the study of Instrumental TransCommunication. Always seek a second opinion. It does appear that mind-to-mind communication is part of our actual reality. It remains for individuals to gain the lucidity necessary for useful communication. Question 152 Should I believe what a psychic tells me? I paid and researched this person. Many people are against this. What do you think? Answered April 25, 2021 Answer It has been established through well-considered research conducted by academically trained researchers that people are able to access information psychically. See for instance A List of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena (36) and Selected Psi Research Publications. (35) The dominant theory for what this means is that the information is being

accessed from the mind of living people. This is the Super-Psi Hypothesis. Some people argue that information about our daily lives is retained in a hypothetical Psi Field and that psychically sensitive people can access that information. That is the extreme version of Super-Psi. If Super-Psi is correct, contact with the dead is actually contact with other people’s memory about the dead and residual memory created during the person’s physical lifetime. Yes, I know. That sounds a lot like the Akashic Records. The parapsychologists I follow resist using terms that imply a belief rather than terms based on science, so they coin new terms. It is for you to learn the current terminology. Compared to Super-Psi, the Survival Hypothesis is least well supported. In order to get around Super-Psi, proof of survival must include information no one ever knew. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) can help provide evidence like that. Here is the important part. In my study, I have encountered enough evidence that discarnate personalities have given verifiable information that is not explained with Super-Psi. For me, that means that some psychically delivered information may be mediumistic. The real challenge is to know which is psychic and which is mediumship. Since both come to us in the same way as environmental Psi signals, information content is the only real distinguishing factor I know. Another consideration for mediumship is that the medium’s mind will color incoming information to better agree with the medium’s worldview. Log dead Uncle John may say “I

am always with you.” The medium might translate that as “He is standing beside you.” The medium’s task is to learn how to suspend judgement and to always be on guard for mental storytelling that leads to erroneous conclusions. Spiritualists say that “All mediums are psychic but not all psychics are mediums.” Most of the difference is dedication to practice. We are all potential mediums, but few of us have done the work to become a medium. From my experience, even fewer have practiced their mediumship. Examining the medium’s reputation is a good beginning. Like any service provider, mediums deserve a reasonable fee. It is important that the sitter’s (you) expectations are reasonable. That means for you to selfeducate a little about what to expect. Finally, there is no guarantee that the medium will be able to work with you. I have encountered many people who were like reading a stone wall. I have also had days I could not have a sensible conversation with myself, let alone with a dead person. Many factors affect how well people perform. This is especially true of mediumship. Understand that the medium will color the message a little and that some messages will be psychically accessed information. Never trust predictions. Any information that is unverifiable should be supported by other sources. With that said, you can trust that the information was delivered with the best intentions. It is for you to use discernment. It is also for you to pay the medium for

service rendered. Question 153 Why should you try to manifest outcomes when we are told nothing happens without divine timing? Answered February 12, 2021 Answer Perhaps the question should begin with “Who defines ‘divine’ and what is their proof.” To live is to manifest outcomes. Some of those may be what we intended. Question 154 Is psychokinesis real? Answered January 27, 2021 Answer Psychokinesis is generally defined as the mental influence on physical objects and processes. It is anomalous in that there is currently no physical explanation for its existence. Along with psychic functioning and healing intention, psychokinesis is considered one of the paranormal phenomena. For psychokinesis to be real, there must be a means by which mental influence can be propagated. The people who seek to scientifically study these phenomena are known as parapsychologists. They theorize that propagation of the influence of thought, known by them as Psi, is made possible by a Psi Field. The Psi Field is hypothesized to be a nonphysical field that permeates physical space. It is nonlocal, in that a Psi influence expressed by one person may be simultaneously sensed by another person or suitable physical device anywhere in the world. From the study of Instrumental TransCommunication, I know of no way to shield from the influence of Psi. Here are a few of the paranormal phenomena thought to be caused via psychokinesis: Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) are speech found in recordings for which there is no known physical explanation. Based on what is

known about psychokinesis, our best guess is that it is the mental expression of intended order on a chaotic sound source. The actual mental-tophysical conversion appears to depend on stochastic amplification. Visual Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). EVP is the audio form of ITC. Visual ITC typically consists of face-like features found in recordings of noise for which there are no known physical explanations. Like EVP, visual ITC appears to depend on stochastic amplification of psychokinetically expressed intended order. Apports are the paranormal appearance of physical objects such as flower petals, small stones and sometimes figurines. Artwork is sometimes psychically produced by impressing intended order on raw physical material such as ink and paint in a presumably mind-directed process known as Precipitation. Psychokinesis appears to be a shared characteristic. The output of Random Event Generators (REG) tends to change in randomness when associated with a meditating person. One theory is that, like ITC, the psychokinetic influence on the electronic circuitry causes the change. Physical mediums are sometimes able to demonstrate levitation and “spirit lights.” Both are thought to be a psychokinetic influence. There are others, but these should provide a sense of the different ways psychokinetic influences have been shown to exist. The actual nature of this apparent human ability is still being studied by parapsychologists and citizen scientists. Question 155 Does consciousness move something physical? Answered January 9, 2021 Answer For mind to influence physical things, there must a way for the influence of thought, which is in conceptual or nonphysical

space, to propagate to the physical object. That is a conceptual-to-physical interface that requires a medium for propagation of the influence of thought. Quite a lot of research has shown that psi functioning exists. See A List of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena (36) and Selected Psi Research Publications. (35) “Psi functioning” is the expression of thought (not thought itself). It can be psychic sensing (intuition, remote viewing) and psychokinetic (levitation, influence at a distance). The people who study these phenomena are parapsychologists. They call the influence of thought, “Psi.” They hypothesize that there is a nonphysical aspect of reality called the Psi Field that permeates the physical and acts as a medium of propagation for the influence of thought. One of the characteristics of the Psi Field is that it is known to be nonlocal, meaning an effect in one place can be simultaneously experienced other places. Distance does not appear to be a factor in the Psi Field. I will add that we know of no way to shield from the influence of thought. These two characteristics appear to defy explanation if we must only use known physical principles. An example of psychokinetic Psi functioning is the way the output of Random Event Generators (REG) become less random under the influence of focused attention. We see the same effect in the formation of transform Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). One theory as to how conceptual influence is able to change a physical thing (process)

is that the mind changes the concept representing the physical thing. For instance, background sound (a physical thing) used for the formation of EVP (speech created via a conceptual influence) is best if it is chaotic, rather than random. White noise is not so good for EVP. The concept governing white noise is very determinant, meaning each next sample of proper white noise must be identical to the previous. The concept organizing more random noise is much less determinant, meaning that it is difficult to predict the next sample. See ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication. (17) We find more EVP in poorly designed audio recorders, we think, because the noise they generate internally is less determinant than the slight amount of noise generated by well-engineered circuitry. All of this is to say that there is good research suggesting that mind does exert an influence in conceptual space. Depending on focus and intention of the person (incarnate or discarnate), such influence on the concept of a physical process appears to be able to change that physical process. My answer is yes. The influence of thought can have an effect on physical things. There is reason to think that, under some circumstances, the effect can be considerable. Question156 Why did some people seem to have some degree of consciousness? Isn't all humans being supposed to have the same degree of it? Answered December 25, 2020 Answer I have asked the same question. It is a wonder how you and I can share

the same genes and evolutional history yet be so different. This is an important question in my field of study because it seems to apply to how sensitive people are to actual reality. It is increasing awareness that seekers of greater discerning intellect work to obtain. You and I share the same survival instincts, so something else must have happened to make us different. My thought is that somewhere along the way, each of us began asking questions that have no survival value. Instead of wondering from whence the next meal will come, we asked philosophical questions such as where is my mind. Curiosity is the most powerful motivator for self-discovery. It is a trait not shared by many. When we finally realize that we are not our body, that is, when we realize that our human survival instincts are not our most important motivator, we begin to follow a path of self-discovery that is not shared by most of our fellows. There is consciousness defined by our human’s instincts, and there is consciousness defined by our curiosity. It is arguable that the tools for consciousness are the same for everyone. The difference is in how we apply intention. Question 157 How can I improve my psychic abilities? Answered December 16, 2020 Answer A psychic ability is generally thought of as the ability to access information with the mind and not by way of the five physical senses. For those who doubt the ability, please consider A list of 100+

Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena. (36) Anomalous expression is the ability to mentally impress intentionality on the environment, say psychokinetically, to influence physical objects and processes or the ability to convey information. People who have claimed the responsibility to study these abilities are called parapsychologists. It appears to be becoming widely accepted amongst parapsychologists that people naturally sense psychically and express psychokinetically. It is just that the effect is usually small and people seldom notice. The About First Sight Theory Essay (31) is a good place to begin studying what I consider the ruleset for how our mind functions psychically. Pay attention to the Switching Corollary. Being psychic is all about the expression of focused intention which means less switching. Then take a look at the Becoming Lucid Essay. (38) While everyone is naturally psychic, as with sports, some are naturally better than others. Also, like sports, even the least of us can improve psychic ability with practice. That essay addresses some of the factors controlling how outwardly psychic a person can become through training. In my mind, the key to psychic ability is self-education and then a lot of training. Find yourself a community of like-minded people. A Spiritualist society is a good place to begin. See National Spiritualist Association of Churches (45) for instance. Question 158 What are the correlations between clairaudience, telepathy, and qi gong? Answered November 12, 2020 Answer Clairaudience is the term commonly used to mean psychic sensing as sounds. The

“Clair-” prefix is French for “clear.” There is a “clair-” for all of the senses, but in general conversation, we say “clairvoyance,” meaning clear seeing. Telepathy is an old term for mind-to-mind communication. The current view is that we are all psychic. In parapsychology, “Psi” is used to indicate the influence of thought. It is a little confusing still but saying “Psi functioning” is the same saying “being psychic.” Qi gong is a form of Yoga—Asian yoga—that also has an important bioenergy aspect. The bioenergy is probably the same as vitality or animal magnetism. This vital bioenergy has been rediscovered many times. It is thought to be able to be directed via the influence of intention. All of the terms relate to human potential as it is seen by different cultures from different lines of social evolution. It seems most useful to think in terms of Psi functioning, a Psi Field and personal seeking via The Mindful Way. (16) Question 159 How do psychics know not only truths about you, but truths about people we inquire about with little to no information and be absolutely correct? Prefer to hear from only non sceptics please. Answered October 13, 2020 Answer There are three contending hypotheses for what is psychic and how it is possible: Physicalism = There is only physical reality. If mainstream science does not specifically allow for something, that something cannot be. In this view, belief in the possibility of it is pseudoscience and any evidence to the contrary

is delusion or fraud. Think Flat Earth Society. Physical Dualism = The same as Physicalism except this holds that mind, as a biological expression of brain, possibly exist in a nonphysical field capable of propagating thought. This field is sometimes referred to as the “Psi Field” and the influence of thought as “Psi.” Everyone psychokinetically expresses and psychically senses Psi influences. Strict Dualism = The biological organism is an individual that is natural to the physical aspect of reality and mind is an individual that is native to the etheric aspect of reality. They are entangled for this lifetime an avatar relationship. There is substantial support for the existence of Psi and the Psi Field. See 100 Scientific Papers Offering Evidence for Psi Phenomena & Effects (36) and Selected Psi Research Publications. (35) The existence of Psi and the Psi Field are requirements for psychic functioning. They are also requirements for the nonphysical origin of mind but there is less support for the Survival Hypothesis, which is a predicted consequence of Strict Dualism. Mediumship is psychic access to discarnate minds as predicted by Strict Dualism. Important characteristics of the Psi Field are that it is nonlocal, meaning an effect in one place can be experienced everywhere at the same time. Also, there is no known way to shield from the influence of Psi. Psychic access to information about someone is a Psi function. That means it does not matter where in the world the person may be. It also means

that attention acts like a steering wheel to direct access. Picture it this way. You ask me a question about Uncle John. It should not matter if Uncle John lives next door, in the next state or is dead. My attention on Uncle John probably begins with my sensing from your mind what you know about him. If you do not know, maybe Uncle John’s brother has the memory. I am not directly reading the mind of other people so much as sensing thoughtforms that I “call up” based on your request. How accurate I am depends on how well I have learned to sense my etheric atmosphere without coloring it with my own assumptions. It also depends on how well your question identifies Uncle John. In my experience, I need an identifier that is sufficiently specific for me to pick him out from everyone else in the world, now and then. Two really important considerations are that it is unlikely I can tell you what I actually sense about Uncle John. More likely, I will tell you what I think about what I sense. That is called coloring the message. Consider this diagram. The more lucid, the less coloring. The second important consideration is that the nonlocality of the Psi Field makes it probable that I will first sense aspects of who Uncle John is that carry a lot of emotional energy such as memory of a traumatic childhood event. That information would contend with your feelings about him.

If you are testing me and really know little about your Uncle, I will probably tell you things neither one of us can verify. Psi function is not magic. Use common sense. Organized skeptics have coopted the term “skeptic” to mean nearreligious scientism. What we used to call “healthy skepticism” is better described as discernment. The study of possible human abilities such as anomalous access of information and the expression of healing intention is a frontier science. Since they are reported human experiences, it is as reasonable for scientists to study them as it is to study why apples fall out of trees. Saying they are impossible and therefore cannot be is simple ignorance of how science is supposed to work. Saying they are all fraudulent or delusion has not worked … ever, so maybe it makes more sense to figure out why people keep reporting the experiences. Question 160 Why do sceptics find fault with psychics and tarot card readers but rarely with astrologers and palmists? Answered August 27, 2020 Answer I cannot speak for skeptics, but I can report my experience with them and observations about how they express their skepticism. But first, let me be clear about the terms I use here: Skeptic — Organized skepticism such as those who gather around The Skeptics Society & Skeptic Magazine (116) are the ones we generally refer to as “skeptics.” Skeptics approach truth more from the perspective of scientism. “If it is not specifically supported by established physical principles,

it cannot exist. The study of anything that cannot exist is pseudoscience.” Discerning — People who say they are skeptical may be expressing that they are trying to discern between truth and fiction from the perspective of suspended judgement. If someone is that kind of skeptic, I recommend they say discerning rather than skeptical because the organized skeptics have pretty much made skeptic their own. Discerning individuals my not accept the evidence of something, but within the limits of human nature, they might be convinced otherwise with the right information. Paranormalists — People who have more than a casual interest in things paranormal and who actively seek to be informed about their nature might be referred to as paranormalists. The average paranormalists is still learning and may not have become well enough informed to make discerning decisions. In that way, they tend to approach things paranormal from the perspective of belief. They are on the opposite end of the spectrum from skeptics who believes science is truth. Skeptics are also more than casually interested in things paranormal but refuse to do the work necessary to develop an informed opinion. As an editor in Wikipedia for a few years and after interacting with many scientists (some being parapsychologists) and the paranormalist community in general, I can say that the most uninformed people are associated with organized skepticism. Following the “If (mainstream) science does not say it is real, it cannot be real” rule of skepticism, all psychics, tarot card readers, astrologers

and palmists are at least frauds but are also probably delusional. Take a close look at Wikipedia’s List of topics characterized as pseudoscience. (83) You will see that astrology is on the same page as such psychic expressions as remote viewing and mediumship. Consider the four phenomena listed in the question: Astrology: — As I understand, Astrology is based on observation of human behavior tendencies as they relate to the position of the planets, sun and moon. As similar approach to codifying behavior is the Myers Briggs Personality Types. (133) What Astrology says about me as a Taurus tends to agree with the Analytical-Driver personality type I identify with. This is not to say that both are right. Rather, it is to say that they are reasonable predictors as shown through many years of observation. I do not use them and do not know enough to say they are real or delusion. Calling someone a fraud requires making assumptions of knowledge about the person or actions that is seldom in evidence. A study indicating that psychic functioning appears to peak around 1:30 sidereal time Sidereal Time and Psychic Phenomena tells us that there may be an extraterrestrial influence on human behavior. Influences like that need to be accounted for before we can reject the basic tenets of astrology. Tarot — It looks like the Hermetic Tarot deck was designed in the 1600s. It is based on teaching that we know originated with Hermes in Egypt some 6,000 years ago. Consider

the Emerald Tablet, which appears to be a lesson about the creative process and self-realization taught by the teacher identifying as Hermes. The 22 Major Arcana of the Hermetic Tarot is a guide for seekers. There is no magic. There really is no belief involved. The one assumption is that the guidance is based on the idea that Dualism is mostly correct. That is, we are not our body and that there are nonphysical influences in nature that we can learn to apply to our personal development. Better to think of the Tarot as a technique. Palm Reading — I do not know much about palm reading except to say that the use of devices or techniques helps to focus for psychic functioning. It is not the Tarot card or the Ouija Board or the palm … even the tea leaves … that makes a psychic. It is the ability to enhance lucidity, sometimes, by using an entraining technique. I have a little mantra I use before working with healing intention of spirit greetings. After many years, I have developed something of a wellwarn path from conscious alert to deep focus. My little mantra helps trigger that focus response. Most of the people I know who are effective psychics and mediums depend on some kind of routine prior to work. It is not reading palms; it is using palms to help focused lucidity. Psychic — Although few of them realize it, psychic’s real argument is with the possibility of psychic

ability. All else are techniques or crutches. The existence of psychic ability is based on well-established science. Here are a few of the references I use: • James Carpenter – First Sight: A Model and A Theory of Psi. (47) • Shelley Littin – UA Study: Your Brain Sees Things You Don’t. (134) • John A Bargh – Our Unconscious Mind. (44) • Max-Planck-Gesellschaft – Decision-making May Be Surprisingly Unconscious Activity. (29) • Selected Psi Research Publications (35) • A list of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena (36) The only reason Psi functioning (psychic) is not mainstream science is that mainstream science is still coming to it via their work with known physical principles. It looks like that will take a little longer. We have seen the same evolution with such mainstream concepts as plate tectonics and quantum mechanics. Finally, take a look at Wikipedia Arbitration. (81) Wikipedia is dominated by organized skeptic editors. I was an editor when they established that: Fringe Science, Paranormal and Pseudoscience are not allowed in articles. For instance, there was a huge battle over the Rupert Sheldrake article. (135) I was banned for life from editing it because I was supporting what they refer to as pseudoscience. See Craig Weiler’s Weiler Psi blog (136) – The Big TED Controversy of 2013, Part 1 and The Big TED Controversy of 2013, Part 2. The short answer is that skeptics find fault with all things paranormal based on little or no

examination of the evidence. Question 161 Why can't psychics predict the date and time of the events they predict? Answered June 27, 2020 Answer This is the sort of “If you are psychic, why aren’t you rich?” kind of question. Since a person serving as a psychic is probably not rich, many people (like many answering this question) leap to the conclusion that there is no such thing as psychic ability. That is a logical equivalent to the idea that, “It didn’t rain today; therefore, there is no such thing as rain.” Believe me, I have tried to guess the lottery with my native psychic ability. I have worked with others to do the same, many of who are capable psychics. By psychic, I mean they are effective remote viewers, capable physiological reporters and pretty good mental mediums. We (ATransC) conducted a year-long Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) study in which many participants were asked to use EVPmaker to identify what the month’s secret object on the table. (137) (EVPmaker is a software tool for randomly accessing bits of speech. The EVP is presumed to be formed by changing the randomness to access the intended buffer addresses). While meaningful EVP are sometimes recorded using EVPmaker none of the results directly identified the object. There were a few close calls and a couple from people outside of the study that were pretty much correct. We think the difficulty comes from the nature of information. The etheric is conceptual space, meaning conceptual influences

such as intention, attention and focus in the etheric are equivalent to the principles governing physical space like force and mass. From my observations of how our etheric friends see us, it seems clear they are seeing our self-image or how others see us. They are seeing our mental thought and memory and not physical signals from our body. Our mental image of self and the reality we inhabit is conceptual to which we have learned to assign objective meaning. All of this means remote viewers probably do not directly see a distant target, but instead, sense what others know about the target. Most likely, our etheric communicators do not see our calendars. They see what we remember of our calendars. With that in mind, numbers, dates and letters are objective with assigned meaning as conceptual symbols. Yes, I know that sound like doubletalk, but it is as well as I have found to explain the idea. Consider how the present predicts the future. Every event has a consequence. The future is based on those consequences. The farther into the future we look, the more the event -> consequence -> resulting new event -> consequence -> resulting new event -> consequence… process is able to unfold. All of us are psychic. Some of us just pay more attention and have better learned to recognize the signals. I worked for a time as a long-range planner. In effect, I predicted the future. I was pretty good at it except some of

the longer-range plans fell apart because of the introduction of unexpected technology. The potential future a psychic senses is sensed as a conceptual array of related possibilities. Think of a line of cause-effect between now and a potential future. In practice the present predicts many potential outcomes, each with its own cause-effect line. As we get closer to the expected future, some of the lines will merge and others will simply dissipate. Based on all I have learned about things psychic, the answer is that psychics sense conceptual information representing potential futures. Numbers are physical-world, objective constructs that only have meaning in the etheric with such parameters as then, now, future, past, soon, later … Question 162 Do you believe psychics are really or scam artists? Answered April 7, 2020 Answer A “scam artist” acting as a psychic is not a psychic. He or she is a scam artist. The question should be, is the psychic ability real? If so, what is the research? Here is a useful list of references that show research which indicates that Psi functioning (psychic) is a real ability that is very well studied: • Dean Radin, Ph.D. has a good list of literature I often use as a deanradin.com/recommended-references. (35) • 100 Scientific Papers Offering Evidence for Psi Phenomena & Effects at subtle.energy/list-100-peer-reviewed-papers-offer-scientificevidence-psi-phenomena/ (36) • The Psi Encyclopedia includes articles written by parapsychologists but with no apparent lay input: psi-encyclopedia.spr.ac.uk/. (138) • The Society for Psychical Research (SPR) maintained a Research Article Database: spr.ac.uk/publicationsrecordingswebevents/research-articlesdatabase.

use • Parapsychology: A Handbook for the 21st Century. Edited by Etzel Cardeña , John Palmer and David Marcusson-Clavertz McFarland, 2015, ISBN 978-0-7864-7916-0, ebook ISBN 978-1-4766-2105-0 • As a layperson, I maintain a rather unorganized list of links at ethericstudies.org/references/ (139) • I recommend taking time to consider Forever Family Foundation, (140) Etheric Studies (15) and Association TransCommunication (24) The bottom line is that psychic ability appears to be a naturally occurring characteristic we all share. Some of us are naturally more able to express that ability and some of us have worked to develop it as a useful tool to help others. It is important to distinguish between people trying to trick you from people who are able to serve you with developed intuitive ability. It is like the difference between a psychic and a magician. A psychic at least attempts to demonstrate a real ability. A magician begins as a performer to simulate psychic ability. The observer is expected to know the difference. With that said, not all developed psychics are always accurate. It remains for the observer to use discernment. Section 4 Ghosts Introduction Ghost hunting is more a social activity than a paranormal investigation. Yes, a few people are legitimately conducting investigations following protocols that can produce meaningful information, but for most, research and science are more aspiration than reality. With that said, some haunt phenomena are arguably real and offer the opportunity to better understand our etheric nature. Poltergeist activity, for instance, is now thought

to be psychokinetic expression of an emotionally disturbed person living in the house. The Implicit Cosmology (3) I work with provides a useful model for understanding the nature of ghosts and how we experience them. When I answer ghost-related questions, I do so from that perspective. It is important to note that ghost hunting is often a point of entry into the paranormalist community for a person to begin serious research. For that reason, and because there is so much mainstream chatter about ghosts, it seems important to me to set the record straight, at least within the scope of the Implicit Cosmology. Question 163 Is it you who is haunted or is it your house? What is it like for you to experience paranormal activity no matter where you live? Answered November 17, 2021 Answer For this answer to make sense, it is necessary to understand that emerging models of how we think indicate that we only become consciously aware of our world after incoming information is filtered by our mostly unconscious mind. See these articles for examples about this new understanding: • First Sight: a Model and a Theory of PSI (47) • The Greatest Threat of All: Human Instincts Overwhelm Reason (77) • Decision-making May Be Surprisingly Unconscious Activity (29) • Our Unconscious Mind (28) The First Sight Theory (first reference above) proposes that we unconsciously sense everything but turn toward or away from incoming environmental information, depending on our beliefs and interests. The effect is that

people who believe in paranormal phenomena are more apt to experience it. See the essay, How We Think. (141) Be sure to study other sources. I am not a psychologist and I speak in terms of how I understand the theories. It is also important to know that the study of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) indicates that physically living people provide the conduit through which paranormal phenomena is produced. Other personalities, physical or not, may initiate the effect, but it is the witness that actually enables to physical effect. If it is true that the witness is the channel for haunt phenomena, then it is also true that the witness experiences that phenomena the way he or she expects to experience it. The last piece of this puzzle is that mind appears to be nonphysical. One of the characteristics of nonphysical aspect of reality is nonlocality. By that, I mean there is no apparent distance in the etheric. For instance, an Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) practitioner in New York can be on the telephone with a sitter in Chicago and record a message from a loved one who transitioned while living in Dallas—all in real time. Think in terms of a thoughtform as a field composed of related nonphysical concepts. In a practical sense, we “attract” thoughtforms with our attention on a concept. This is not a movement but a change in attention. We move in the etheric by changing our focus. A personality can be modeled as a life field

thoughtform. If a personality is discarnate its thoughtform may present as a ghost. In the view of organized Spiritualism, our discarnate friends are always “near” in the sense that their life field thoughtform can always be “called” to us with a thought. In that sense, they haunt us. There are psychokinetic haunt phenomena that require additional modeling, but for most of us, the sense of having a ghost around us is caused by our attention on the thoughtform. In effect, we call them to us. But here is the rest of the story. While an experiencer may be attracting a loved one thoughtform, it is common for an experiencer to unconsciously misattribute an ordinary environmental signal as a ghost-like presence. For instance, while on a ghost hunt, we might first think of a bump in the night as a ghost when it is just the normal sound of the cat jumping off of the table. I understand that this is a roundabout way of answering. The short answer is that haunt experiences depend on how we perceive environmental signals. We often misattribute ordinary as paranormal. We more often notice strange experiences because we accept their possibility and may be watching for them. In some cases, we may experience actual etheric-to-physical communication. Which it is depends on our discernment. Examine the implications before deciding. As trans-etheric conduits we make the world according to our beliefs. Certainly, do not fear. Question 164 How true is it that mirrors are like a portal

between spiritual and physical realms? Answered September 18, 2021 Answer Mirror gazing is also known as scrying and has been used for thousands of years as a technique for temporarily improving access to the subconscious mind. A more elaborate application is known as the ancient psychomanteum reintroduced by Raymond Moody. From Exploring Psychomanteum as a PsiConducive State of Consciousness, (142) we see “These interesting results seems to suggest that psychomanteum condition somehow optimizes psi communication.” The idea of scrying is to have a featureless space which a person “looks into” as if looking into infinity. Moody’s approach for enabling a reunion between the sitter and a discarnate loved one is to have the sitter precede a psychomanteum session with a period of remembering the target person to be better able to vividly remember the person during the session. A psychomanteum is a dark enclosure (a closet works) equipped with a comfortable chair facing a dark mirror. A dim light can be placed behind the person in a way that it does not distract. The sitter should be able to gaze into the mirror without seeing anything reflected in the mirror (mirror slightly tilted up). By intending to see the target loved one and visualizing memory of the person, the sitter might have the sense of face-to-face communion. As I remember, only a small percentage of sitters has a successful reunion experience. As with any perception-intensive experience, the sitter’s point of view and temperament have a lot to do with the

ability to “get out of the way.” For instance, I am a pragmatic and analytical engineer. I am so good at making the world as I expect, such spontaneous experiences as scrying do not work well for me. However, the analytical me knows with a high degree of confidence that scrying can be an effective aid for contemplation. Scrying is a crutch of sorts that helps the person still their mental chatter and entrain their attention on that which they seek to sense, be it a person or information. The visualization might be the sitter’s mental construct but there is reason to think at least some of the information accessed may be genuine. To understand the mechanics of scrying, it is necessary to understand current theory of Psi functioning. Question 165 How do ghost hunters test new equipment without having a control to measure against? Answered March 1, 2021 Answer Here are a few things about thought and discarnate personalities we are reasonably sure are true: • The influence of thought is referred to as Psi in parapsychology. Psi (the influence of thought) is thought to be propagated in a nonphysical medium referred to as the Psi Field. • Besides propagating the influence of thought, two characteristics of the Psi Field I am aware of are: ○ The Psi Field is nonlocal, meaning that information accessed by Psi can be anywhere in the world (or beyond) in relationship to the sensor. ○ There is no known way to block Psi.

• We navigate in the Psi Field with our attention on the intention to access information or contact another personality. In other words, I establish a link of rapport with you by thinking of you with the intention to make contact. In practice, the more I am aware of you, the more able I am to make contact. Conversely, the more focused both of us are, the better the contact. Most people are not very focused. • Physical energy is not Psi and there is no reason for us to think it is propagated in the Psi Field. Electromagnetic energy, electrical energy and audio energy are physical and do not appear to be much of a factor in Psi exchanges (being psychic). • Psi is known to influence chaotic processes. We in the ATransC speculate that Psi operates on the concept of physical energy and not the energy itself. For instance, white noise is not so good for transform EVP, we think, because it is conceptually very determinant and therefore difficult to impress new intended order. Chaotic noise is much less determinant and has proven best for EVP. • In transform EVP, it appears intended order is psychically impressed on the noise via stochastic amplification. That requires a nonlinear stage of the device. • Random Event Generators (REG) have proven to be excellent Psi detectors. We think this is because Intended order is impressed in an active stage of the device. (Attention on the device tends to change the randomness

of the output. • A good electromagnetic detector does include the kind of components that respond to Psi. However, while audio recorders are designed to record and report speech, electromagnetic detectors are not so equipped. It is more likely that apparent detection of changes in magnetic field are actually Psi influence on the electronics that might otherwise be reported as speech. The Psi influence could originate with a discarnate personality anywhere in reality, but more likely from the practitioner or interested observer. • The same can be said for any electronic device. In other words, the ghost hunter may be detecting Psi but there is no reason to think it is just detecting the target discarnate personality. How does the saying go? “When hearing hoofbeats, expect horse and not zebras. • We cannot speak for what appear to be “recorder” ghosts, but we are pretty sure that long dead Uncle John who is supposed to be haunting a house is not actually in the house. Remember nonlocality and inability to shield Psi. We might record his voice better while in the house because we expect to. That is the effect of rapport. The first step in testing ghost hunting devices is to understand current theories about thought and what is known about EVP. For instance, see Characteristic Test for EVP. (143) To my knowledge, makers of ghost hunting equipment do not test their products in any organized manner. I suspect they pump out “sounds good” devices and let the buyer

beware. If so, that is dishonest and one of the fastest ways I know to attract government regulations. Going to a haunted location is fun. it helps the practitioner focus on making contact because of excited expectation. Otherwise, better contact can usually be made in a quiet place free from distractions. We have gone on “walkabouts” for good TV, but we think going to a cemetery is more fun than useful. I cannot say ghost hunting devices do not work. All I can say is that the ones I have examined are inconsistent with what has been learned via wellconsidered studies. Your best approach, I think, is to keep good records and depend on cross-correspondence. Study your notes. Don’t just keep nots. For instance, a good (uninformed) mental medium producing reports that are in agreement with whatever device you are using MAY indicate Psi influence. This is not the presence of a ghost. Just the establishment of contact. (A medium will tell you a good story, so never depend on a person’s sense alone.) Always be aware that you as the practitioner or someone who is interested in what you are doing could be providing the conduit for Psi-tophysical influence. You, the observer and the dead person are the same. It is just that you are still in the flesh. Question 166 A big, clearly formed golden orb showed up in my room this morning. I don’t think it was a ghost orb. What do orbs mean? Answered January 14,

2021 Answer Orbs are a complex subject. There are two classes of orbs. The very large majority of reported photographic orbs are caused by bright lights in the scene or light reflecting from particulates in the air near the lens. There is a sort of belief systems built up amongst some people around the idea that such photographic flaws are proof that long-dead Uncle John is in the room. There is considerable evidence that photographic orbs are just ruined pictures. The second class of orbs includes apparent self-aware “critters” that are often witnessed unaided by technology. The softball black orb recorded by a Universal Studios cameraman using natural light is an example. It moved across the landing a little faster than a person walks. This white orb was reported to us by a man in New York. He told us there was a pair of them. He once saw them come out of a wall. He showed us a video in which they were harassing his dog. Another example of the second class is what you describe. The one my wife and I experienced was a brown, basketball-sized orb. It seemed to come out of the base of the easy chair I was sitting on. It moved between me and my wife, about as fast as I can walk, and disappeared into the nearby bathroom. Our cat also saw it and pranced after it as if going to play. The orb was about a foot across, milk chocolate brown and

seemed more like the cartoon rendition of the Tasmanian Devil—a ball of rapidly flailing arms and legs. The MUFON Investigator’s manual classifies the brown orb as ball lightning, but as an electronics engineer, I find that implausible. We simply do not have enough information to speculate. I answered this question, hoping that more information might come. Question 167 Why are some souls earthbound as in hauntings, when most return "home"? Answered October 24, 2020 Answer I base this answer on Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) which includes Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), mediumship which is communication with discarnate personality and current understanding of psychical phenomena. Of the points of view intended to explain ghosts, Dualism is the most useful. Physicalism holds that there are no ghosts … period, so I will ignore that point of view as not being supported by the evidence. It is held in what I call Physical Dualism, that mind is a product of brain and when brain dies, mind only continues as residual memory in what is sometimes referred to as the Psi Field. As it is modeled, the Psi Field is nonlocal, meaning that an effect in one part of the world can be simultaneously experienced in other parts of the world. Psi cannot be shielded, meaning that, an EVP for instance, can be recorded in physically shielded chambers. In the Physical Dualism point of view, a ghost would always be an echo of the past as a memory. It would always look like a recorder ghost.

Alternative to a memory producing an apparition, a recorder ghost might also be an illusion formed by memory of a living observer or the expectation of the observer. In Strict Dualism, mind existed before this lifetime and will continue after in a sentient, self-aware form. In this view, a ghost would be a personality that has psychically impressed itself on the observer’s awareness and the observer would visually associate it with the physical scene. In Strict Dualism, the primary difference between a physical person and a discarnate personality is that one is entangled with a human avatar and one is not. Living = entangled with an avatar = a person. Dead = no avatar. Else, living = dead. When I conduct an EVP session, I may be operating the recorder, but anyone who is aware of my action, living anywhere in the world or in etheric space can produce the EVP. That is the nonlocality clause. That is the metaphysics as I understand. I am not qualified to say more than that about ghosts. In my opinion, we find the local ghost because we expect to and not because it is stuck there. Thoughtforms offer another consideration. People develop a sort of created reality based on frequent attention and expectation. For instance, we have been culturally conditioned to fear death. Cemeteries are a place for dead people. Thus, we fear cemeteries, especially at night. It is almost guaranteed that I will record a scary voice of a dead person in

a cemetery. Remember the nonlocality clause. Hospitals, churches and places of sacred value in general are good places to record EVP for ghosts because we expect to. Collectively, we have developed a thoughtform associated with that place reflecting our fears and expectations. My answer then, is that there appears to be no here or there in the etheric. We experience ghosts because we expect to. In effect, we call up long dead Uncle John. He is always only a thought away. Question 168 Are ghosts echo's of the past? I've been watching these ghost hunting shows on YouTube for some reason and they just make me question about what those anomalies are. Answered April 13, 2020 Answer It is good to question. It is even better to self-educate. There are some pretty well-informed people in apparition studies who might be better to learn from than “for entertainment only” TV. Consider Loyd Auerbach. (144) Section 5 Spiritualism and Mediumship Introduction As I have said elsewhere, I am an ordained Spiritualist medium with the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC). (45) I am also certified with them as a mental medium. While I am not a commercial medium, I have offered what we refer to as spirit greetings during our local Spiritualist Society meetings. With that said, it is important to note that I do not speak for Spiritualists. In fact, I cannot name a single Spiritualist who understands the metaphysical models I work with. That does not mean they are not

knowledgeable Spiritualists. It just means that I have embarked on a rather different way of understanding Spiritualism. I think of my work as contemporary Spiritualism, but without a lot more vetting from my peers, I cannot claim it is a better way. As you read these answers, be aware that I am speaking from the farthest frontier and not as a mainstream Spiritualist. Question 169 For a school project, I am doing spirituality. what are some key things I should know when it comes to things like manifestation and etc? Answered November 16, 2020 Answer I wrote in Your Immortal Self: (129) It is in our spirituality that we find our true meaning: who we really are and our purpose for existence. One of the best explanations for the meaning of spirituality I have read is offered by Deepak Chopra in his Huffington Port blog: (145) Spirituality is the experience of that domain of awareness where we experience our universality. This domain of awareness is a core consciousness that is beyond our mind, intellect and ego. In religious traditions, this core consciousness is referred to as the soul which is part of a collective soul or collective consciousness, which in turn is part of a more universal domain of consciousness referred to in religions as God. Pay attention to Chopra’s ideas of “domains.” He has presented a hierarchy of consciousness of which we are an aspect. You can call that aspect whatever fits your cultural conditioning. This is not about

belief or religion. An often ignored and poorly understand question about consciousness is how a person decides to turn toward selfish behavior guided by human instincts or more altruistic behavior guided by discerning intellect. We understand choices based on dominance of personal genes. The motivation for a person to make choices based on the greater good is not so obvious. The fact that an altruistic act might contradict survival instincts seems to provide evidence that there is a greater good which some people at least unconsciously support. That is a large part of being spiritual. As a general statement, a person seeking to be more spiritual is one who is seeking to understand and live in accordance with the actual nature of reality. In organized Spiritualism, the “actual nature” is usually referred to as Natural Law. As for manifesting, the Creative Process (12) can be described as ”Changes in reality are expressed via personality’s attention on an imagined outcome with the intention to make it so.” Basically, it says that we create our own reality. This brings meaning to the saying that “It is not what happens to you that matters. It is how you react that matters.” I like the advice that we should pray for something and then go out and make it happen. While some physical mediums are able to manifest apparent physical substance, the very large majority of people manifest by changing perspective. My recommendation is that seeking spirituality begins with understanding that we only become

consciously aware of what our unconscious mind has sensed and has colored to agree with what we have been taught is true. The seeker gains lucidity (clear sighted) by habitually intending to be more lucid. One way to accomplish this is to suspend judgment. Once the mind makes a decision (agree-disagree, like-dislike) it is reluctant to change. Intend to see clearly and resist deciding that you are seeing clearly. It is likely that you are not. Question 170 What does the Grim Reaper tarot card mean? Answered November 14, 2020 Answer I prefer the Hermetic Tarot, specifically the version prepared by Paul Case and taught by Builders of the Adytum (BOTA). From BOTA in Europe - 13 - Death (146) From B.O.T.A. In Europe: “The card does not represent the end, but the real meaning of Death, which is change, motion, transformation. Death is but the gateway to a larger life in reality. It is the power represented by this Key that transforms our consciousness and releases it from the trammels and limitations that now hamper its free expression.” (147) See Question 177 What is the spiritual significance of water? in this book The 22 Keys of the Hermetic Tarot represent a way of progression for seeking understanding about our spiritual nature. For instance, Key 0 - The Fool represents the beginning and the end of a cycle. Seekers experience many in a lifetime. It is the universal man-woman who carries the tokens of understanding in the pouch. In the

beginning, it is necessary for the manwoman to hold the tokens in view to learn to work with them (Key 1), but in the end after (Key 21), the Fool understands the token so that they can be accessed without being in view. And it steps onto the path for another round toward greater lucidity. The second row of the tableau represents organizing principles that act on the potentials represented in the first row. The third row represents the result of a potential as it is acted on by Natural Law. For instance, the Angel in Key 6 - The Lovers, represents universal consciousness. It is obscured by clouds representing misunderstanding. The Natural Law represented by Key 13 - Death, is the necessary death of old beliefs to make room for increasing discerning intelligence. From BOTA in Europe - 20 - Judgement (146) “The stage of spiritual unfoldment represented by Key 20 is Realization. It is at this stage that the human consciousness is on the verge of blending with the Universal Consciousness, …” The Hermetic Tarot is something of an illustrated guide to spiritual seeking. It is expected in the Hermetic Wisdom Schools that the seeker will do the work to learn the basics. A lot of that work involves contemplation of the lessons. That is the meaning of “for those who have eyes to see.” The Tarot was developed at a time people would go to jail for messing around with the occult. You did the right thing

to ask about the Grim Reaper. I am doing my part to answer as I am able. In the end, it is for you to do the work to understand. that is a mental process. “Death” is a term everyone understands as meaning the end of life. The hidden meaning is that it represents the necessary release of old beliefs. One cannot see more than one believes. It is necessary to recognize the failures of old beliefs and have the courage to discard them (death of the old beliefs). Question 171 People who believe the mind is SEPERERATE from their brain, why are you convinced of this? Answered November 11, 2020 Answer I like to build thought models of ideas I am working on. Nothing fancy. I begin with what I refer to as survival metaphysics, meaning that I consider the basic nature of reality with the assumption of Duality. Here, I mean Duality in the sense that etheric mind exists separate from biological brain. Then I developed a cosmological model based on my sense of survival metaphysics. As an engineer, I have been taught to solve models using black box analysis. The idea is to identify all of the known influences and expressions involved in an imaginary process. Then, to devise functional areas in the imaginary process that will respond to those influences to produce the expected expressions. The Life Field Diagram shown here is more fully explained in Morphic Fields Essay. (59) See Conditional Free Will (25) for

a description of the Attention Complex. In reductionist Physicalism, mind can be explained as an inward-lookingoutward phenomenon or experience. In that point of view, the only expression mind has is as it directs movement of the biological organism to walk, speak, look…. Also, mind only responds to external physical stimuli as it is detected by the body. However, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that mind does have external inputs and outputs that are not via the body. Quite a lot of research has been conducted indicating that everyone has the latent ability to sense information from what is becoming known as the Psi Field. The Psi Field is defined in parapsychology as an apparently nonphysical, nonlocal medium that propagates the influence of thought. Presumably, mind is native to the Psi Field. The above diagram represents my effort to describe our etheric (Psi Field) nature. The Attention Complex Functional Area represents our mostly unconscious mind. Based on current research, none of the elements of the diagram are conjecture. See A list of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena (36) and Selected Psi Research Publications (35) Our work with Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) has made it clear that there is a nonphysical aspect of reality that Physicalism does not address. Parapsychologists are split as to whether the existence of the Psi Field requires new science or just modification of old theories. The main thing to remember is that modeling mind as a nonphysical and relatively

immortal aspect of who we are enables us to take more control of our mostly unconscious mind for personal progression. Our mind is a solved black box problem. Now the task is to figure out what that implies. See A Model for EVP. (8) Question 172 How can I become more self-aware? Answered November 8, 2020 Answer Being self-aware is an evolving state defined by increasing discerning intellect, lucidity and humanism. If you consider the Lucidity Model Diagram, you will see that I think there is a continuum between very not self-aware on the left and increasingly self-aware on the right. I have spent years trying to open my chakras, change the color of my aura and seeking to find a spiritual guide. I am a certified medium spiritual healer, Reiki Master and have been trained in a half-dozen other healing intention and psychic ways. There have been many well-educated human potential teachers along the way. Every effort gave me a little more understanding, but the most valuable lesson came with Robert Monroe (148) introducing his Hemi-Sync ® meditation sessions. In them, he tells the sitter to repeat, as part of an opening affirmation, “I am more than my physical body.” In the diagram, the Enlightenment Threshold represents the phase change in our self-awareness that comes from realizing that we are more than our physical body. This is not about religion or belief. You need not decide if mind comes from brain or if it is independent of brain. All

you need to know is that there is a human instinct driven part of your thought process and a discerning intellect part. Your objective is to honor the human part but learn to turn its survival instincts toward compassionate humanism and the need to experience reality as it is. Learn to recognize the expression of survival instincts in the behavior of others so as to recognize that usually automatic expression in yourself. All you need to know is that clearly seeing reality as it is, rather than as you have been taught, leads to greater lucidity. Lucidity is a measure of how self-aware you have become. For every thought, act and choice, make a habit of asking yourself if it makes sense, will it violate others, is it for the greater good? In short, what are the implications? We cannot command our worldview to change. It typically only changes in small increments and only under persistent influence of conscious intention. By stopping to think long enough to consider the consequences of your choices, you send a message to your mostly unconscious mind that you want to experience reality uncolored by what you have been taught if those lessons do not make sense. People will tell you that their spirit guide told them so or that it is God’s will, or they dreamed it. Whatever they tell you, remember that they are on that Lucidity Spectrum as well. Are they able to see beyond what their mostly unconscious mind tells them?

If they cannot explain to you how they have managed to develop lucidity, their advice should, at the very least, be set aside as you seek a second opinion. I am trying to keep this answer short, as I tend to say many of the same things in each answer I submit. The motto on my personal website (149) is Believe what you wish but understand the implications of what you believe. Remember that Your mind is a storyteller. (49) Self-awareness comes from moment-to-moment process of learning to use your improving discerning intellect to help turn your thinking toward recognition of the actual nature of reality. It does not happen overnight and some progress faster than others. This is the only golden road to self-awareness I know. I say “Golden” because it is the key to transmuting the lead of instinct-driven personality to the gold of self-enlightened personality. An old Zen Buddhist saying: “Before enlightenment chop wood – carry water, after enlightenment chop wood – carry water.” Question 173 Can spiritualism save you? Answered November 7, 2021 Answer To make sure we are on the same page: (From Glossary of Terms (95)) Spirit As common usage, spirit refers to the vital principle or animating force of life; the indestructible essence of self-conscious life. The word spirit is often used to describe a discarnate person; however, the more correct term for a person who has transitioned from a physical lifetime is a person in spirit or a discarnate person. The term,

spirit is closely related to religious belief, and so is avoided when discussing metaphysics. When the healing influence is said to be derived directly from Source (God) and undifferentiated by any other personality, it is said to be coming from Spirit. Here “Spirit” is written with a capital “S.” In common usage, “spirit,” written with a lower case “s,” is a reference to the Psi Field as it is influenced by intentionality. Spiritual Anything relating to Source (aka, Infinite Intelligence, God, Prime Creator or First Cause). It is reasonable and proper to refer to the purpose and origination of reality as spiritual. A person expressing the high ideals of citizenship in the greater reality might be referred to as spiritual or being spiritual. (Yes, the ideals, themselves are an abstraction, but the point should be clear that a conscious effort to be a good citizen is intended.) Spiritualism A system of belief based on the acceptance of the survival hypothesis [immortal self], transcommunication [mediumship] and healing intention [spirit healing]. It assumes that all trans-etheric influences including acquisition of information via mediumship and healing intention exists as the cooperation of a medium and a discarnate helper. The National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC) (45) defines Spiritualism as “the Science, Philosophy and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World.” Spiritualism, especially NSAC Spiritualism, is listed here because it does not require members of the community to

believe anything but does offer a community of likeminded seekers. It maintains a Declaration of Nine Principles which constitute all of the system’s tenets and which are consistent with the Implicit Cosmology. (3) The only belief is in the existence of Infinite Intelligence. The rest is acceptance of survival, an assumption of personal responsibility and the expectation that a person will learn to understand the nature of reality and live in accordance with that understanding. NSAC Spiritualism is not Christian. It specifically does not accept the idea of a Father God (anthropomorphism) or vicarious atonement. Personal responsibility is one of the central tenets. Spiritualist groups are organized as churches. There are legal reasons for this. Also, governments are more tolerant of religions. But spiritualist groups are composed of like-minded people who enjoy the comradery and mutual support of the group. A basic assumption in Spiritualism is the continuation of life after bodily death. I refer to such change in awareness as transition. See What is it Like on the Other Side. (150) Mental mediumship and healing intention are important in Spiritualism as a means of demonstrating continuity of life. Spiritualist groups often teach mediumship and healing and usually demonstrate both during Sunday meetings. From my experience, some practitioners are very competent. Spiritualism can help the seeker progress toward spiritual maturity, but the seeker must do the work of continued self-education. The group supports that effort with the all-important opportunities to practice healing intention and mediumship. There is no such thing

as “saving” in organized Spiritualism. Because of the opportunity to gain understanding uncomfortable experiences can bring, what might be considered unsaved is seen as opportunity for progression. So, my answer is that One does not need saving. It is sometimes said that “It is not what happens to us that is important. It is how we react to what happens to us that is important.” You and you alone are responsibility for your “saving.” Spiritualism helps. The Spiritualist community can be a “warm fuzzy” sort of community in which to participate, but it is your personal responsibility to gain spiritual maturity. Having asked is the first step. Question 174 How does someone achieve the level of 'Tarot Master'… especially as there are no professional Tarot qualifications? Answered November 6, 2020 Answer If you need to ask, I will argue that you should probably keep your day job. As far as I can tell, the US government considers any such service “For entertainment only.” Alternatively, they have a hands-off relationship with it as a religious practice. Spiritualist, for instance typically demonstrate mental mediumship during a service as a way of showing continuity of life after physical death. Keep in mind that the line dividing psychological counseling for grief management and giving a reading to a grieving person is very narrow. It is generally illegal to give psychological counseling without a license. The government usually looks the other way, but in view of the increasing dominance of radical conservativism, it is possible

the government will eventually crack down. I think the law is on their side. Our community is already routinely accused of taking advantage of grieving people. The idea is to become state certified as a counselor or certified as a Spiritualist or other religious practitioner. Even then, it is necessary to respect the local laws. Otherwise, make it clear to your sitter that you are acting in an unofficial capacity … for entertainment only. As for Tarot. I understand there is a large community of tarot practitioners, and as many different kinds of cards. The original Tarot decks were designed as a teaching tool for seekers. I believe their origin is the Hermetic Wisdom Schools. Divining with them is something that came a little later. I believe divining was used as a form of entertainment to hide their real meaning. Remember that such things were usually seen as antichurch back then. That could be a death sentence. You could do as well with a pile of rocks. The real value is as a mental crutch to help the practitioner psychically sense the psi field associated with the sitter. Believing is important to help direct intention. I recommend that you learn about Tarot from one of the old Hermetic Decks such as B.O.T.A. Tarot Deck - Esoteric Meanings. (151) As other people have answered, mastery comes from practice and considerable selfeducation. It is fine to ask a friend to sit for you but be careful not to convince your fiend …

or yourself … that you are reading the cards. You are using the cards to psychically sense thoughtforms associated with the person. Use the Tarot as a guide for spiritual understanding but know that it is you who senses the information. Always take responsibility for what come out of your mouth. Question 175 How do I become spiritually in tune? Answered November 1, 2020 Answer From my experience, being “spiritually in tune” means to have greater discerning intellect. People are not spiritually in tune so much as they are becoming in tune. It is a process. Consider the Temperament Mediated Perception Diagram below. I have attempted to identify the basic influences we must manage to gain discerning intellect. The primary influence appears to be human instinct. As a general statement, our instinct to assure continuation and dominance of our gene pool has a strong influence on virtually all of our thoughts and choices. The only way I know to become “spiritually in tune” is to first realize that we have two important aspects. On the one hand, we are a human that has evolved on this planet to become the top predator. On the other, we are a spiritual being as a citizen of the greater reality. We need to honor our human’s needs, but we also need to remember that our human is not a team player so much as it is a pack or clan player. Your objective in seeking to be spiritually in tune is also to

become a conscious part of the large community. Then consider the difference between altruism and selfishness. A person who does things that will help the family is responding to the human instinct to assure dominance of the gene pool. A person may even be unconsciously motivated to do community service if it will improve the stature of the family. In another example, it has been my experience that the people who come to your door to evangelize do so to further their own stature in their church and in the eyes of God. A much rarer behavior is altruism. An indicator of a person who is becoming spiritually in tune is actions for the sake of the community more than for the sake of the person. An ongoing study that might help us understand the reality that we are a community of spiritual beings is The Global Consciousness Project. (118) It consists of a global array of Random Event Generators (REG) which report back to a central computer. It is known that an REG will change in randomness when associated with a deeply meditative person or group. The global array registers a marked change just before major events such as the 9–11 attack on the World Trade Center. It is arguable that humankind expresses a sort of collective dread just before and in response to major events. This seems to provide an explanation for why, when our spiritual awareness is awakened, we have the urge to seek discerning intellect and

a more humanistic approach to living. We at least sense that we are a collective. Seeking to be spiritually in tune is not a one size fits all issue. Different people tend to have different ways of relating to the world. The model I find most useful is the four temperaments: (33) Analytical: Thinking, thorough, disciplined Amiable: Supportive, patient, diplomatic Driver: Independent, decisive, determined Expressive: Good communicator, enthusiastic, imaginative These temperaments are further divided so that one might be an Analytical-Driver or an Amiable-Expressive. Models like this help to predict how a person will react to a situation. From How We Think (141) Being spiritually in tune is a state of mind in which you are aware of your relationship with the world around you. But as you can see in the Four Temperaments Model, a Driver is going to have a different way of learning than an Amiable. You can see in the Temperament Mediated Perception Diagram that I have substituted Leader for Driver and Conformist for Amiable. In my assessment, those are human instinct-focused temperaments. I have also substituted Wayshower for Expressive and Seeker for Analytical. Those seem to be more community-oriented temperaments. Temperaments are not cast in stone. The spiritually in tune person works to find a balance or center from which he or she can turn toward the four temperaments as circumstances require. This is an intended behavior rather than being under the unconscious influence of instincts. The steps I think are involved for seeking to

be in tune begin with the realization that there is a difference between in tune and not in tune. Next is to recognize that what we become consciously aware of is first modified by our memory, cultural training and instincts. That means we benefit from consciously deciding to see reality as it is rather than as we have been taught. Habitually examining your thoughts to understand if they are consistent with the actual nature of reality teaches your unconscious mental processes to help you become more discerning. An important tool for this is suspended judgement. Once your unconscious mind makes a decision, it resists changing. By deliberately resisting making a true-false, yes-no decision about things, you also teach your mind to wait for more information. You will know when you are becoming more spiritually in tune when you notice that you are more lucidly aware of the underlying dynamics of your daily living. Always seek to be more discerning and humane. But remember, it is a life-long process, and you still need to have human experiences from which to gain understanding. Question 176 What does it mean to be educated and to be enlightened? Answered November 6, 2020 Answer One of my favorite sayings concerning seeking enlightenment is “You have to do the work.” This is similar to the Zen Proverb: “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” The majority of people I have encountered have learned what they believe today from some time in

their past. Now, they measure new experiences against their memory, and as a consequence, continue to live with the old mindset. If they have learned a prejudice, they measure truth against that fiction and decide their fiction is truth and the truth is a lie. If they have learned that crystals have power, there is usually no explaining to them that crystals only have the power they assign to them. It is belief that establishes their truth. One cannot teach people to understand. They must discover understanding for themselves. The ancient wisdom schools used a system of education based on teacher teaching student, student contemplating, student experiencing and then student demonstrating understanding in initiations based on oral testing. The education only consisted of the most basic of details. It was for the student to integrate those details in their thinking through contemplation and living experiences. The initiation was important because the student was required to tell the gatekeeper what the student had not been taught, but which showed that the student understood what was taught. As I understand, there would have been many such initiations, as one arrives at such understanding in small increments. Much of what was taught involved the student unlearning false truths. Note also that most of the work was conducted by the student. To be educated means being informed and understanding the underlying concepts of that information. For instance, learning the alphabet and many words is only learning information. The measure of understanding is how well

the student is able to string words into meaningful sentences—how well the student can express a complex concept in a sentence? Enlightenment is a threshold concept. Most people go through life never questioning the relationship between their inner thoughts and their daily living. A few people come to the realization that they are more than their physical body. They realize that their truths may not be true. Enlightenment is that phase change from accepting to questioning. It is the average person stepping onto the seeker’s way toward discerning intellect and greater lucidity in matters of spirit. Question 177 What is the spiritual significance of water? Answered October 29, 2020 Answer In the Hermetic Tradition, water is associated with the creative process. More generally it represents the effect of mind. I like the Paul Foster Case Tarot deck as it is taught by B.O.T.A. Tarot Deck - Esoteric Meanings. (151) Don’t think divination or fortune telling. Think of the 22 Keys of the Major Arcana as pages of a symbolic textbook that collectively portray a cycle of spiritual development. More correctly, it portrays what one needs to understand before the next initiation. After Key 0 - The Fool, which represents the beginning and end of a cycle, the first row of the tableau represents potentials. These are more like seed understandings. The second row represents organizing principles which tend to govern the expression of the potentials represented by the first row. The third row represents results or effect of the first

row acting through the agency of the second row. Look first at Major Arcana Key 1, The Magician. It represents the potential to create. Note that the magician holds one hand up representing “As above” and one hand down representing “So below.” There are four implements on the table representing the four worlds: Wand representing the archetypal world of the element fire Cup corresponds to the creative world of the element water Sword corresponds to the formative world of the element air Coin or Pentacle corresponds to the material world of the element earth Key 2 The High Priestess is representative of all there is now. The scroll represents memories. The bottom of the skirt looks like flowing water. In every key, water represents thought and the influence of thought. Herein lies a most important lesson. The expression of mental influence into the world is moderated by memory and what exists today. That means our thoughts, actions and expressions are colored by the past and what we think is true. This is actually emerging science. See The Illusion of Conscious Thought. (152) Now look at Key 12 Hanged Man. The symbolism is reversal of thought. Note that the head is in a dry waterway. For the sake of discussion, thought is said to emanate from the head. In contemplation, the seeker is expected to notice that the dry water way is not empty but is filled with the hanged man’s thought or mind. Since the Hermetic teaching was the first

to come, much of more contemporary ancient teaching is influenced by the Hermetic teaching. With that in mind, I would guess that the spiritual significance of water is about the same around the world. At least in the Hermetic teaching, it represents mind stuff. The implication is that it is for us to learn how to manage mind stuff. Question 178 Why is it said that at the moment of enlightenment a being becomes the totality of existence, yet how can they experience every consciousness simultaneously or be everywhere at once? Is spirituality scamming people with fantastical claims? Answered October 10, 2020 Answer I have been studying things paranormal and metaphysics since I was a kid in the 1950s. To this day, I have never understood what is intended by such ideas as “experience every consciousness simultaneously or be everywhere at once.” It is like trying to work out the life cycle of Tinkerbell. Teaching these concepts is not a “spiritual” thing. While it may be the blind leading the blind, I think there is seldom intent to deceive. Most who speak of such universal awareness seem to come from Eastern thought or people who have adopted such teaching to their Western views. There is clearly a cultural difference that needs to be normalized. First, I have decided that enlightenment is like an opening door; more as a beginning change in state of mind than something that is done and finished. Remember the old adage, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry

water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” The “chop wood, carry water” part is the work we must do to gain understanding. As I see seeking, enlightenment is the realization that we are more than our physical body, and that we benefit by learning to manage our human’s instincts with increasing discerning intellect. With that realization comes the work to make it so. It is not our purpose to withdraw from daily life by trying to hide in nirvanas. Our purpose is to learn from the experience this lifetime brings us. Some are good, some are bad. All offer opportunities to gain important understanding. The wise person greets new experiences with curiosity as to what they will teach. I have never met a person who is able to enter into a state of “the totality of existence” for more than a moment … if at all. Those whom I think have had a glimpse of such a state do not dwell there. Many who have claimed such a state are delusional. Remember that we experience what we expect. It is easy to talk ourselves into thinking we are spiritually mature when, in reality, we are only imagining. Do the work … chop wood, carry water! Question 179 How can you be a model spiritually? Answered October 10, 2020 Answer The short answer is “To they own self be true.” Be as you understand not as you think others will want. In time, they may understand as well. As I have

learned, one of the lessons that has been part of spiritual teaching began with Hermes, 6,000 years ago in Egypt. He finished his explanation of the Great Work in his Emerald Tablet Discourse, (1) with “For this reason, I am called Hermes Trismegiatus–one in essence but three in total aspect. In this Trinity are concealed the three parts of the wisdom of the whole world.” From the discourse and what I understand about spiritual seeking, “…three in total aspect” is a reference to the three aspects of a teacher. Jesus was more specific in John 14.6 of the Bible with “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” As I read this, and to be consistent with other great teachers, Jesus was showing himself to his followers as the three aspects of the teacher: follow me that I am the path; follow me as the Spirit of Truth; and, follow me as I have lived. See Metaphysical View of John 14. (65) My answer then, is to self-educate so as to begin to understand the concepts related to spirituality, mindfulness and lucidity. This is a lifetime process in which we approach understanding of the actual nature of reality. Every teacher may have a part, but your most valuable tool is discernment. Then focus on the mindful way of questioning the implications of your actions. Are they in accordance with your understanding? Are you being compassionate toward

your fellows? Do your actions further the greater good? An important spiritual lesson here is the idea that it does not matter so much what happens to us as does how we react to what happens to us. Jesus, Hermes and other teachers taught that we are immortal personality learning from this lifetime. Behave as if you are immortal. Every experience brings opportunities to gain understanding. It is the understanding for which we live. Much more important than what you know and what you say, is to remember that how you live determines the kind of model you will be for others. A spiritual person is not one seen walking on water. He or she is seen as the kind of citizen we all can aspire to emulate. Spiritual is often in the simplest lifestyle. Question 180 What is the meaning of this quotation, "The living soul of man, once conscious of its power, cannot be quelled"? Answered October 6, 2020 Answer I expect you know this is a quote from Horace Mann. (153) It looks like his first love was education. With that in mind, I would think “living soul of man” is reference to a person. In many ways, we are like evolutionary puppets following a script required of our human instincts. Few of us come to the realization that we are more than our physical body. Even fewer step onto the path of selfdiscovery. If and when we do begin to learn, if we come to cherish

knowledge, we cannot go back. Our enthusiasm for learning “cannot be quelled.” Question 181 Einstein said: "Although I am a typical loner in daily life, my consciousness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has preserved me from feeling isolated". What is the "invisible community"? Answered October 6, 2020 Answer As I understand it, Einstein was rather philosophical in his old age. Still, I doubt he was referring to a spiritual community in the way a mental medium might. I think he was more likely referring to the people who read his work and gave him feedback. Back then, they didn’t have Internet discussion boards. The culture was more oriented toward written correspondence. Some people were quite good at it back then, especially the academically trained. I am no Einstein, but in a sense, I also have an invisible community. It may be that we all do. I like to write. When I do, I imagine my audience and try to make sure I am clear in the way I write. Writing this answer is the same. By imagining my audience … you and others I assume will eventually read this, … I am fulfilled in the sense that I have given it my best. Question 182 Why is it often said that the veil between the physical and spiritual dimensions is very thin? Where is the evidence for this statement when most people are stuck behind a "brick wall" and frustrated

with a lack of anything spiritual in their life? Answered October 3, 2020 Answer I have been taught that the “Veil” is more correctly known as “The veil of forgetfulness.” It is a term indicating that, when we are born into a new lifetime (reincarnation), there is a veil-like separation of our current memory from our previous lifetimes. “Veil” has become known as the separation between the etheric or nonphysical aspect of reality which is inhabited by mind and the physical aspect of reality we think of as our physical world. For this to make sense, we must first understand and accept the evidence indicating that there is a nonphysical aspect of reality. I will refer to it as the etheric. Think of the etheric as conceptual space in which mind exists and which provides a medium of propagation for the influence of thought. Then we must accept that consciousness is natural to the etheric. It is not necessary to accept that our conscious self existed before this lifetime and will exist after in a sentient form (survival). All we need to do is accept that we are more than our physical body. All of the evidence seems to indicate that we have a conscious self that is etheric, but that we think of ourselves as our physical body. The result is that we see the world through our physical (human) eyes. Perhaps we have done this so that we can experience life as a physical human. But that is

a different discussion. If we are people because we agree to be people, (immortal personality entangled with a human Body), the veil is only as substantial as is our belief that we are people. We begin to see through the veil by deciding we are immortal personality. Of course, few people have succeeded in removing the veil simply by deciding. In practice, we must teach ourselves. That, also, is a different discussion. Do this: Say to yourself “I am not my physical body.” Then learn to habitually question why you act as you do for every action and thought. Consider the consequences. Do they make sense? Why? What are the implications of your beliefs? Are those implications true? For the belief to be true, it is necessary that their implications are also true. Always consider if it is your human’s instincts deciding or your discerning self. It is important that some of your actions are for your human. Just be aware of who is making the decision. This Mindful Way (16) is a process in which we first recognize that we are not our physical body. And then we recognize that what we think is true is what we have been taught. In fact, our personal reality is only a version of actual reality. The next step is to realize that we do not decide to be one way or another. Since we do not have direct control over our perception, we must intend. As we persist in intending, we

teach our mind to see reality as it is. It takes time. Truth is something that we sneak up on in small steps. Always remember that it is not what happens to you that matters. It is how you react to what happens to you that matters. If you are immortal personality, death is an experience and not the end. Sickness is an opportunity to gain understanding. However, always honor your human’s needs. I hope this answer is useful. Remember the old saying “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” Question 183 In Buddhism it is said that ignorance leads to thinking there is a self and that considering yourself as “me” or “I” contributes to that. What is the alternative way to perceive the singular experience of the individual mind, if not “me” or “I”? Answered October 2, 2020 Answer What we experience is first filtered in our mostly unconscious mind. After it has been rejected as unimportant, or modified to agree with our worldview (beliefs, instincts), what remains is perception of our world as we have been taught to expect. Given that is true, our “I think I am this” is more a culturally learned self. That mostly unconscious process of developing perception is guided by two imperatives. One is our human’s urge to assure dominance of its gene pool. The other is our discerning urge to understand. Our human’s instincts dominate at birth. For most of us, they continue to dominate our

entire life. Of course, our discerning intellect has a little influence throughout life, but typically, without conscious intention, few people even realize their sense of self is a version of their actual self. I like how the Katha Upanishad (23) puts it: 1-III-3. Know the Self to be the master of the chariot, and the body to be the chariot. Know the intellect to be the charioteer, and the mind to be the reins. 1-III-4. The senses they speak of as the horses; the objects within their view, the way. When the Self is yoked with the mind and the senses, the wise call It the enjoyer. 1-III-5. But whoso is devoid of discrimination and is possessed of a mind ever uncollected – his senses are uncontrollable like the vicious horses of a driver. 1-III-6. But whoso is discriminative and possessed of a mind ever collected – his senses are controllable like the good horses of a driver. 1-III-7. But whoso is devoid of a discriminating intellect, possessed of an unrestrained mind and is ever impure, does not attain that goal, but goes to samsara. 1-III-8. But whoso is possessed of a discriminating intellect and a restrained mind, and is ever pure, attains that goal from which he is not born again. 1-III-9. But the man who has a discriminating intellect as his driver, and a controlled-mind as the reins, reaches the end of the path – that supreme state of Vishnu. Samsara is Hindu for the cycle of death

and rebirth as life is bound to the material world. Now take a look at what James Carpenter tells us with his book, First Sight Theory. I discuss the theory in About First Sight Theory: (31) In his book, Carpenter explains that people first sense the world psychically. As he puts it: “What if ESP is like subliminal perception? What if psychokinesis is like unconsciously but psychologically meaningful expressive behaviors?” He answers these questions with12 corollaries address the perceptual process: (paraphrasing): 1. Personalness Corollary: The unconscious processes that constitute consciousness are personal and deliberate. 2a. Ubiquity Corollary Part 1: Psi sensing is not limited by time or distance. 2b. Ubiquity Corollary Part 2: Psychokinesis contributes to the formation of experience by bringing intention to bear upon the physical processes of the nervous system. 3. Integration Corollary: Other preconscious processes are processed together with psi in a rapid, holistic, efficient, unconscious manner to format experience and action. 4. Anticipation Corollary: The mind seeks to anticipate events. 5. Weighting and Signing Corollary: The importance of sensory and extrasensory information is weighted as being more or less important before it is acted upon. 6. Summation Corollary: The content of conscious experience, emotional states and behavioral choices are constituted in a summative way by unconscious thought. 7. Bidirectionality Corollary: In this summative process, the person may turn toward information (signed positively) to include it in the construction of experience, affect or action, or turn away from information (signed negatively) and exclude it. 8. Intentionality

Corollary: Including or excluding information is a function of unconscious intention in regard to an element of potential meaning. 9. Switching Corollary: A person will be fairly consistent in how information is processed, (but) may switch in how information is weighted, the sign attributed to it, and therefore, whether or not it is included in behavior. This switching will occur rapidly or slowly depending on the consistency and purity (focus) of unconscious intention, and this, in turn, is determined by the relative weight of the information over time, situational factors that promote or diminish critical analysis, changes of approach in a task and mood. Persons who are disposed to switch rapidly include those who: • tend to approach situations cognitively and analytically • lack consistent purpose and motivation • take a detached-observer posture toward most situations • are chronically ambivalent • are cognitively disorganized are highly distractible Persons who tend to switch slowly, conversely, tend to be persons who: • approach situations globally and holistically • are strongly and consistently purposive • engage themselves wholeheartedly in situations • are not overly self-doubting or uncertain • are well-integrated cognitively • are prone to hold focus purposively and not become distracted • are dissociative (when in certain states). 10. Extremity Corollary: The frequency of switching affects the relative density of accumulated additive or subtractive references to the meaning in question. Rapid switching renders potential meaning irrelevant to ongoing experience. 11. Inadvertency and Frustration Corollary: Information gathered via psi is not available to

conscious experience but does contribute to the formation of conscious experience by the arousal of anticipatory networks of ideas and feelings (assuming that they are heavily weighted, afforded slow switching and approached with the intention of assimilation). Because of this arousal, their action can be glimpsed consciously only by observing thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are inadvertent; that is, not intentional and not obviously caused by any current experiences. Someone who has become skillful in interpreting them is thought of as relatively psychic. 12. Liminality Corollary: The arousal of anticipatory networks of ideas and feelings resulting from unconscious psi information may be considered liminal ones, in terms of the boundary between conscious and unconscious thought. Habitual interest in liminal experiences facilitates expression of psi processes (openness), leading to unconscious reference to psi material (and other streams of unconscious material). A more positive, open, secure state of mind will tend to facilitate reference to a broader spectrum of contextual, potentially liminal experience. Here, luminal means on the threshold between unconscious and conscious; just becoming conscious. The Katha Upanishad represents a 4,000-year-old lesson from the God of Death to a seeker. It is based on oral tradition from the Indus Valley between Pakistan and India. Sanskrit also evolved out of that region. Remembering that I am not a scholar of ancient history, I speculate that the oral tradition has a direct connection to the 6,000-year-old teaching of the Hermetic Tradition out of ancient Egypt. First Sight Theory is based on modern psychology

and parapsychological research. The book is substantial and worth a read. While it refers to psychic functioning, the theory is state-of-the-art for describing how we think. Consider this, the Katha Upanishad and First Sight Theory depend on the same foundation concept that we have a subconscious perceptual process that needs to be managed for clear perception. As I think of it, the sense of “I am this” is our discerning intellect while our “I think I am this” is our human-dominated sense of self. The Mindful Way (16) is a process of seeking to align our personal reality with actual reality by habitually examining our every thought and action with the intention to understand their implications. Question 184 Has anyone turned their backs on spiritualism after realizing they were spiritual bypassing? How has this shaped your view of spiritualism and did it keep you stuck in the trauma? Answered September 28, 2020 Answer I have to admit that I had to look up “spiritual bypassing.” See What Is Spiritual Bypassing? (154) Is the question “did spiritualism keep me stuck in the trauma”? Or is it “did turning my back on spiritualism keep me stuck in the trauma”? Since “spiritual bypassing is a psychotherapist’s term, I am going to assume that you think studying spiritualism may have caused you to be stuck in your trauma. As it happens, some of the most aggressive anti-spiritualism academics I have encountered are in the field of psychology. Yet, few I have encountered are reasonably

informed about the metaphysical concepts. That red flag should give people reason to be extra discerning about what they have to say about things spiritual. According to the article cited above, spiritual bypassing is using “spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep personal, emotional ‘unfinished business,’ to shore up a shaky sense of self, or to belittle basic needs, feelings, and developmental tasks.” Spiritualism is defined as the belief in discarnate, sentient personality and its ability to communicate with still physical people. I think “spiritual” is used here to mean the pursuit of greater understanding about the nature of reality and our personal relationship with it. The assumption is that we are more than our physical body. This does not require survival of personality after bodily death, only that we have a discerning nature that is different than our human instincts. Perhaps the hardest path to follow is recognition of and understanding about the implications of personal responsibility. I would say that a person who turns to a spiritual teacher to solve personal problems misses the point. Self-education is the remedy. Failure to become reasonably well informed may well create problems as described in the reference article. There are a lot of different views on what spiritual is. In my study, the objective is to align personal reality (worldview) with actual reality. This is often referred to as gaining lucidity and manifests as increasing discernment. Our choices are dominated by human instincts, especially when we are young. Personal responsibility comes in

when we accept that “just human nature” is no excuse for our behavior. In the context of this question, spiritual seeking appears to mean dealing with the personal problems of being guided by human nature rather than discerning intellect. In the physicalist view, we are expected to react to situations as we have been taught by our culture. That usually means our reaction is no better informed than is the average person in our circle of friends. In the spiritual view, what happens to us is not nearly as important as how we react to what happens to us. A positive attitude often trumps expectation of negative results. Discernment means objectively examining the implications of experiences rather than assigning blame. Based on the way that psychotherapist define spiritual bypassing, I would say that he did not accept the idea that discerning intellect can manage human instincts. Part of discernment is wisely picking your teachers. I recommend more self-education. Question 185 Can you be a spiritualist, and find relief in the planets and crystals, as well as praying to God? Answered September 28, 2020 Answer Spiritualism with a small “s” is the idea that we exist as sentient personality after physical death and are able to communicate with those still in the physical after we transition out of this lifetime. Spiritualism with a capital “S” refers to organized societies based on the religion, science and philosophy of spiritualism. Neither small nor capital “s” spiritualism involves praying to God. In fact, Spiritualism

is really only a church in the sense that they seek to provide a community of likeminded people. The real focus is on the spiritual maturity of individuals gained through understanding Natural Law. Working with our loved ones on the other side of life is more the application of that understanding than a religious act. Organized Spiritualism teaches continuation of life through the ways it is experienced. Mediumship is the process in which a trained individual communicates information from discarnate loved ones to those of us still in the flesh. The same can be said of healing intention. Spiritualists maintain that it is not the Spiritualist healer who is doing the work. He or she is seen as a conduit for the healing intention of discarnate personalities. In that sense, crystals and astrology are not usually seen as evidence of survival and such concepts would be seen as a distraction. In practice, though, the intention expressed while working with crystals, for instance, does have value. Intending a flower to be helpful can make it so. It is the intention and clear visualization of the intended outcome. The rest is RATIONALLY behaving as if it is so. By “find relief,” I am going to guess that you are referring to finding support in a time of emotional need. Spiritualism teaches us personal responsibility. Our loved ones on the other side will do what they can if you give them permission, but we have personal responsibility. That cannot be forgiven or somehow

taken away from us. One of the lessons of spiritualism is that we transition out of this lifetime into a new aspect of reality but the self-aware essence of who we are does not cease to exist. If you can internalize that idea as part of your worldview, you will understand what is intended by “It is not what happens to you but how you react to what happens to you.” Question 186 What is ethics based on its scientific and philosophical senses? Answered September 28, 2020 Answer I answer as an engineer and not as an academic philosopher. The terms moral codes and code of ethics are typically used interchangeably. In practice, they are written by companies and designed to tell employees how to behave so as to protect the good name of the company. They tend to be directives in the form of “thou shalt not.” In that view, morals are socially specific expected behavior. Morality for one community may be rather different for another. Ethics tend to be more fundamental. By that, I mean they are practiced as a personal view of right and wrong. Here, we must talk about the nature of who we are. It is a given that we are humans and are strongly influenced by human instincts. Our primary human instinct is to assure the survival and dominance of our gene pool. For our human, it may be ethical to kill another human to assure dominance of personal genes. For most communities, the

moral thing to do is not to kill. It is a community-level agreement to assure the survival of the community. An individual will instinctively go along as long as the individual identifies with the community as part of his or her gene survival. On the other hand, killing is allowed to assure one’s community survives better than someone else’s community. We appear to have a spiritual nature. That is, we are human with human instincts, but we are also a spiritual being with spiritual instincts. This duality is frontier science, and the jury is still out as to the nature of this duality. (Here, I am not using spiritual in a religious sense. I am using it in the sense of our altruistic, selfless, discerning intellect.) The behavior of people tends to be on a spectrum from almost entirely governed by human instincts to those instincts being increasingly moderated by discerning intellect. When I think of ethics, I do not think of the influence of human instincts. I think of the influence of discerning intellect. Question 187 What are the effects of metaphysical problems on human acts? Answered September 23, 2020 Answer “Metaphysical problems” may not be the best term for this question. Metaphysics is the study of fundamental principles of reality. Those principles are neutral in the same way as such physical principles as the natural rate of decay or the mass of an electron are neutral. The scope of metaphysics is typically defined by mainstream academia as anything

evolving out of the singularity popularly known as “The Big Bang.” In mainstream thought, mind is held to be the product of brain and brain is seen as having evolved from that singularity. That can be summed up as the Physicalist view. In the Dualist view, the Physicalist view may be correct for physical principles and origin of the brain. But in Physical Dualism (my term), consciousness is still seen as evolving from biological brain but existing in a nonphysical aspect of reality that is, in effect, collocated with the physical. Still, when brain dies, only residual energy of consciousness is thought to remain. That nonphysical aspect is sometimes referred to as the Psi Field (155) in parapsychology. It is suggested by Bohm in his Implicate Order Hypothesis. (6) In Strict Dualism (my term), consciousness is seen as evolving independent of biological brain. It is seen as native to a greater aspect of reality some metaphysicians refer to as the etheric. These three models of reality are important to this answer. It is up to the reader to decide which is more useful. “Human Acts” in the question necessarily implies consciousness and might be better termed as “choices.” If “choices” is acceptable, then the discussion is about the metaphysical nature of conscious choice. I will answer in terms of the implication of natural principles on our choices. There are two important aspects of who we are. On the one hand, we are humans and are strongly influenced by our survival

instincts. That means we have an underlying urge to assure the survival and supremacy of our gene pool. That means we tend to automatically do things that improve our ability to find the best mate for reproduction, the best schools to assure our children are superior to others and vote to assure the dominance of our clan. If you look closely, the majority of human acts are based on human instincts. Very few are truly altruistic. I will say that Metaphysical Principle 1 is human instinct-driven choices. On the other hand, we are spiritual beings. It does not matter if you think our spiritual nature is symbiotic with our human (Strict Dualism) or the natural product of our biological processes (Physicalisms). The end result is that, along with our urge to dominate comes the altruistic urge to cooperate as a citizen of the community. I will say that Metaphysical Principle 2 is spiritual instinct-driven choices. The question that must be asked is about the dual nature our consciousness. Why do we have an apparent biological mind and a spiritual mind? Are they two different minds? I have not found helpful answers to these questions in Physicalism or Physical Dualism. However, a useful model based on Strict Dualism is that we are a spiritual being experiencing a physical lifetime as a human. Our human has a mind that can be described in terms of Morphic Resonance (20) as a collective consciousness. While each human has its own instance of consciousness, the

species share a collective evolution of instincts. I will say that Metaphysical Principle 3 is the physical evolution of the biological organism. Also in this model, our spiritual nature is an instance of life, and it has a distinct consciousness and probably, shared evolution of spiritual instincts. In this model, the two minds are entangled at the birth of the human, probably when the baby exits the protection of the mother’s aura. I will say that Metaphysical Principle 4 is etheric evolution of the spiritual organism. I model entanglement of the biological and spiritual self as a sharing of worldviews. Worldview is the filter which determines what we consciously experience. At birth, our perception is dominated by our human’s instincts. Most people remain that way throughout their lifetime. However, some people begin to moderate the influence of human instincts with discerning intellect. It is this moderating effect we refer to as increasing lucidity which is defined as clearly sensing reality. I will say that Metaphysical Principle 5 is the entanglement of the biological and spiritual organism as a person during this lifetime. Even if you do not accept the idea of Dualism, it is a fact that our choices are based on a balance of survival instincts and altruism. As I sought to understand my spiritual nature, I have found no evidence that my spiritual self is fearful. All of my fear responses are based on my human’s instincts and its fear of death. Owning guns, belief in conspiracy theories,

willingness to impose religious and ideological standards on others and overly aggressive business practices are typical markers of survival instinct-driven decision making. Compassion is a marker of spiritual instincts. A society that seeks to raise quality of life for all citizens tends to reflect the recognition that conscious self is more important than physical body. That is a choice based on acquired discerning intellect. I will say that Metaphysical Principle 6 is the urge to seek spiritual maturity. Asking about the influence of natural principles on daily choices suggests the awakening of spiritual urges few people experience. Congratulations! Question 188 Why is getting into spiritualism so hard? Answered September 22, 2020 Answer There are three primary kinds of spiritualism: 1. The first is basic spiritualism (small “s”) which is based on acceptance of the evidence that we are both a human body and a spiritual being. In spiritualism, our spiritual aspect is thought to have existed before this lifetime and is expected to continue to exist in a sentient, self-aware form after this lifetime. Spiritualism comes from the idea that we who are still in the flesh are able to communicate with those who are no longer in the physical. 2. Organized Spiritualism (capital “S”), such as the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC) (45) in the USA and the Spiritualist National Union (SNU) (156) in the UK are formed around the idea of communication with loved ones who are no longer in this lifetime. While Spiritualist organizations are registered

as nonprofit churches, the church part is mainly because they provide a community for like-minded folk. They are very interested in helping people understand the related science and philosophy, as well as how to apply that knowledge in their lives. 3. Spiritualism as in seeking personal spiritual understanding is probably what this question is intended to address. Seeking personal spiritual understanding is not typically thought of in terms of spiritualism. Being spiritually mature, for instance, is related to the idea of having more than average understanding of our personal nature and having some success in applying that understanding in daily living. As common usage, spirit refers to the vital principle or animating force of life; the indestructible essence of self-conscious life. A person expressing the high ideals of citizenship in the greater reality might be referred to as spiritual or being spiritual. You can say Soul and Heaven, but many people prefer to avoid such religious connotation. Not as disrespect for religions but to remain open to all forms of guidance. Seeking is not about religion, belief or God. It is about deliberately applying known principles to daily choices. It is true that gaining spiritual maturity can be difficult. But what are the expectations? If we are expecting a flash of blinding light and sudden spiritual masterhood, in my fifty plus years of seeking, I know of no one who has achieved that. Remember the Zen saying “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.”

Seeking spirituality is a daily process that requires self-education and the determination to gain understanding from daily experiences. One must do the work … every day. We are both a human and a spiritual being. We as spiritual being are the dominant consciousness of this relationship, and it is we who seeks understanding. However, our human instincts dominate how we act, almost entirely when we are young, and without conscious intervention, only a little less as we mature. Consider the Lucidity Model Diagram shown below. Think of enlightenment as the realization that we are more than our body and there is a reason to understand what that means. Very few people cross the Enlightenment Threshold to begin consciously seeking to understand their spiritual nature. The first challenge is to accept that seeking is something that must be done and is not something that magically happens to us. In the above diagram, the left side represents the members of humanity who continue to think of themselves as their human. There every thought and action is dominated by their human urge to assure the supremacy of their gene pool. Think about that for a moment. Being entirely human means ignoring our spiritual aspect. If we are in this lifetime to gain understanding through experiences of daily living, our task is to live as a human. Spiritual maturity is learning how to manage the influence of instincts but not to eliminate their influence. Here, the real lesson is that what matters is not

what happens to us but how we react to what happens to us. I think I have met spiritual masters who were gardeners and schoolteachers. Exalted is the one who sees the lesson behind the experience. Often, the very rich and powerful are spiritually the least of us. Social stature ends at transition out of this lifetime, but spiritual understanding is thought to be forever. The right side of the diagram represents those of us who have achieved a degree of understanding about our true nature. That understanding is sometimes referred to as lucidity. That is, people become more lucid or who more clearly senses as their worldview become more in agreement with the actual nature of reality. Left-to-right is a continuum of increasing lucidity. From my experience, we converge on clearly sensing the actual nature of reality but most of us still have a lot of work to do. It happens as a process and not as a flash of light. Having the presence of mind to ask this question means you are already seeking. Hermes referred to the process of seeking as The Great Work. The Katha Upanishad advises the seeker to apply discerning intellect to every choice. In John 14 of the Bible, we see Jesus reminding his followers that he represented the three aspects of a teacher, meaning the lessons to be learned, a role model showing how the lessons are lived and the effect one can expect from gaining understanding. None of these teachers talked

about easy choices, only choices that are informed by the desire to gain understanding. That is not an easy path, but even harder is waking up one morning wishing you had done the work. Question 189 How do you explain this recent study that demonstrates the sensory cortical regions: visual cortex and temporal cortex are indeed activated during mediumistic trance of spiritual hearing and apparitional experiences? Answered August 24, 2020 Answer The question related to “Neural correlates of psychotic-like experiences during spiritual-trance state” at researchgate.net/publication/317621796. First, ResearchGate is an important tool for researchers to share their work. Not everyone is able to be published in the scarce space of peer-reviewed journals. (Note that this report is a draft that was apparently accepted by the Journal Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging. It is important to note that the average person typically does not have access to published research material without paying a fee. Your access to this research is a good thing for the lay community. Second, the Researchers appear to be out of Brazil. Brazil is an important center for Spiritism. While Spiritualism is concerned with mediumship, Spiritism founded by Allan Kardec, depends on mediumship for its system of belief. As I understand, there are some very good Spiritist mediums. It also appears that the researchers are well informed about Spiritism. The researchers used what they referred to as kardecist mediums. Because of different techniques taught in different Spiritist schools, they stayed with one school and reduced their volunteer pool to eight

they felt were able to provide clear results for the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) (a technique for measuring and mapping brain activity). From the last paragraph: The main differences between the medium’s non-psychiatric and schizophrenia’s psychiatric experience is that mediums purposefully enter these states; whereas in schizophrenia, such states are involuntary. The activation pattern of sensory areas during a medium’s psychosis-like experience share some neurofunctional similarities with the hallucinatory episodes of schizophrenic patients but differ in the involvement of prefrontal cortex. From my study and personal experience, the brain should light up in a fMRI scan when the person seeks to enter a meditative state with the intention to sense subtle forms of information. An untrained but naturally mediumistically sensitive person might easily fear schizophrenia-like mental illness. Both should image about the same. But let me take this discussion out of the area of survival metaphysics and into mainstream research. Consider First Sight Theory proposed by James Carpenter. See First Sight: a model and a theory of Psi ((47) and Perception. (72) It is reasonably well established that everyone has psychic sensing capabilities. Like athletes, some people are naturally more sensitive and some of those have trained to have more than average accuracy of reporting. This is a well-established characteristic of mind that is just now beginning to gain wide acceptance in mainstream science. Psychic function is not necessarily mediumship. It is correct to say that a medium is always psychic, but psychics do not always operate as mediums.

The study applies to people who self-induce a mental state that is conducive to conscious psychic functioning. Whether they are contacting discarnate personalities does not appear to be important to the Brazilian scientist’s work. The only way I know of to tell if the person is reporting psychically or mediumistically is by studying the content of information being delivered. Question 190 Do plants have souls? Answered August 17, 2020 Answer Considering what is being reported about the relationship between our conscious self and our mostly unconscious mind, I have found that a useful model for our spiritual anatomy is to think of it as a life field. Here, I use “spiritual” in the sense of being related to the greater reality, whatever that may be, and not in a religious sense. Also, to make it clear that this is not a religious model, I use “Personality” rather than “Soul.” Think of the life field as a building block of reality. I am modeling them as: Core personality representing the life field’s intention to progress by gaining understand through experience. Personality represents our “I am this,” as compared to conscious self’s “I think I am this.” Think of this functional area as our Observer. Mostly unconscious mind as a set of functions with which we develop perception and expression. This is where we receive environmental signals from our body and from other life fields. Perception leading to expression (what we send into the world such as movement commands to our body

and presumably, psi signals to other life fields) is moderated by our worldview which represents what we think is true, our memory, biological instincts and acquired discerning intellect. Think of this functional area as our Judge. Conscious awareness representing our “I think I am this.” This is our Experiencer. In a simple sense, reality consists of life fields and the expression of life fields. Life fields are modeled here, arranged as a nested hierarchy. Each “nest” represents a different species or subgroup. For instance, our human body is a nested hierarchy of life fields with the top form as the body itself. Skin cells represent a “nest” of life fields. As do organs and limbs. Each of these life fields have essentially the same functional areas of personality, unconscious mind and conscious self. the difference between, say, the human body and its component “nests” is the degree to which functions are expressed and the purpose inherited from the hierarchy. Following Rupert Sheldrake’s Hypothesis of Morphic Resonance, (20) the top organism is guided by a sort of body mind according to “Nature’s Habit.” Thus, each subgroup inherits purpose from the morphic field represented as body mind in the same way we inherit purpose from our core personality. In this model, each instance of a species inherits instincts from its morphic field. I know this is a tough concept to embrace all at once. (Perhaps some time spend in contemplation.) It is at a very fundamental level for a reason. In Strict

Dualism, we as persons, can be modeled as an immortal personality entangled with a human avatar for this lifetime. That means we are two life fields but with different purposes. Our human’s purpose is to assure dominance of its gene pool as expressed by its instincts. Our immortal personality’s purpose is to gain understanding through experiences as a human. Our worldview and our human’s worldview are part of our mostly unconscious mind. Yes, unless we decide to manage them, our every decision is greatly influenced by our human’s instincts. If the life field model reasonably describes our etheric anatomy, it must also apply to rabbits, trees and fish. In nature, life fields are fundamentally the same, but express their functional areas to different extents as directed by “Nature’s Habit (morphic field). It is good to remember that the ability of an organism to produce outward expressions such as movement, sounds and reaction to external stimuli is largely determined by its structure. A tree does not have legs or a voice box in the same sense as humans. In that sense, we are prejudiced to think Soul only comes in a human shape. In fact, there is no reason for us to assume that our pets are not an avatar for a symbiotic personality. For sure, I sometimes think my cat is a “Watcher.” My answer then, is that all life forms share the same spiritual anatomy (Observer, Judge and Experiencer). Based on my understanding of the science, what we are

learning from the study of trans-etheric influences (mediumship, Psi functioning, EVP) and analysis of the implications of existence, I feel that the difference between a tree and a person (entangled avatar-personality) is purpose and the limits of biological structure. Yes, I argue that plants have souls. Question 191 What does it mean to not be self aware? Answered July 26, 2020 Answer Self-awareness does not come to us as a light shining into a dark room. It is a state of awareness that emerges from habitually examining the implications of our thoughts and actions. It leads to a subtle sense of understanding about the world we live in. This, not as a great knowing, but as if greeting a friend. There are always questions. Uncertainty remains, but with progression comes personal confidence based on the actual rather than belief. I have come to think of self-awareness in terms of lucidity which is the mental quality of sensing the actual nature of the world around us—both physical and spiritual. Lucidity is relative. Think of it as a spectrum. On one extreme—that which we are trying to overcome—is the influence of our human instincts. In that mental state, our every action is guided by our instinctual urge to assure the dominance of our gene pool above all others. The influence of instincts is an unconscious urge. The resulting outward conscious action is based on justification we have rationalized … without questioning. The other extreme of the Lucidity Spectrum is awareness and understanding

of the nature of reality, our nature and our relationship with reality. It is important to note that this is not sensing heaven. Our awareness of the actual nature of the greater reality is based on our current awareness. Our task is to incrementally expand our current awareness. In time, it will embrace all of reality. Becoming lucid means interacting with our world while habitually examining our reasons for each action. Are our actions based on examined thought or are we acting as our human’s instincts dictate? What are the implications of our actions? Are we being a cooperative citizen or are we behaving as we have been taught by our culture, our family … church to serve an ideology? Are we acting based on our growing awareness of the actual or are we simply repeating popular wisdom? There are three opposites of lucidity. One is ignorance which is assuming understanding that is not actual. The other is inattention which comes from not realizing that there are questions to ask. The third opposite comes from fear. It is arguable that people always act in ways for which they feel justified. While that justification may be simple rationalization based on personal desire, the underlying motivation of our actions are too often based on fear. Other than for sport, gun ownership is an example of a mostly unconscious fear response. Prejudice is another. Ideologies are often based o fear of others. One important myth seekers need to understand is that, while meditation

might give us access to our mostly unconscious mind, it does not give us access to awareness of the actual nature of reality. Our unconscious mind can only tell us what we have been taught is true. That is why it is so important to examine our every thought in an effort to understand the implications. Understand the implications and not the thought. Are the results of our actions what we intend? Is that channeled message from spirit actual or is it simply the medium’s unconscious beliefs? Our mostly unconscious mind only changes in small steps. It hates to change once a decision is made. That is why becoming self-aware is a living process and not an event. The mental tools we use to decide are very slow to change. The one tool we have to cause that change is intention always expressed; results always examined. This answer is complex. I have tried to find words that will make sense, but it is up to each of us to find our way of understanding their meaning and learning to make that meaning part of our life as we seek self-awareness. What I refer to as lucidity. Question 192 Could someone define and explain what is spiritualism. Is it related to spirits? I am thoroughly confused. Answered May 5, 2020 Answer I answered How do I become a good rationalist, humanist and spiritualist? (Book 1, Question 219) And Is there a difference between psychics and spiritualists? (Book 1, Question 198) with

similar answers. There is a distinction between the philosophical view of spiritualism and organized Spiritualism. Here are the definitions I use for the important terms: Spirit is used to describe a personality (entity, ghost, angel, god …) in the nonphysical aspect of reality (heaven, etheric, Psi Filed). These days, people seem to prefer that we name the personality rather than referring to them as a spirit. For instance, if it is a ghost, call it a ghost. If it is long dead Uncle John, name him. It is correct to say that someone is in spirit, meaning they have transitioned to the other side (physically dead). Spiritual is a term used to describe a state of mind in which a person is turned toward the higher ideals of life (humanist, respect for others, love of life). Spiritualism (capital “S”) is a system of thought based on the acceptance that we have a nonphysical aspect that continues after physical death. Some argue that this aspect is immortal, having existed before this lifetime and existing after as a sentient, self-aware intelligence. From the National Spiritualist Society of Churches (45) website: Spiritualism is the Science, Philosophy, and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World. Spiritualism Is a Science because it investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit side of life. Spiritualism Is a Philosophy because it studies the Laws of Nature both on

the seen and unseen sides of life and bases its conclusions upon present observed facts. It accepts statements of observed facts of past ages and conclusions drawn therefrom, when sustained by reason and by results of observed facts of the present day. Spiritualism Is a Religion because it strives to understand and to comply with the Physical, Mental and Spiritual Laws of Nature, which are the laws of God. Spiritualist (capital “S”) is a term used to name a person who has aligned thinking with the system of thought known as Spiritualism. Spiritualism (small “s”) is the belief that we have a nonphysical aspect which continues to live on the other side of physical death. A spiritualist (small “s”) is a person who accepts concepts associated with spiritualism. Generally speaking, any person who accepts the idea of survival is at least spiritualist-minded. However, most people have other ways of describing themselves. Question 193 How do you know that we are spiritual beings having human experiences rather than human beings having spiritual experiences? Answered April 19, 2020 Answer The short answer is that, to my knowledge, physical-biological scientists have not explained how conscious mind is produced by our human biological organism. At the same time, parapsychologists have not arrived at a consensus Dualist model. Until a widely accepted, useful model describing consciousness emerges, the nature of our consciousness must be a philosophical question that is best answered in a way that furthers our personal growth. Dualism For me, as a long-time

seeker of greater lucidity, I seem to gain more personal awareness when I think of myself as an immortal personality entangled with my human for this lifetime. I see my purpose as the urge to understand this human experience. That is what I think of as the dualistic, personality-centric perspective, meaning that I seek to understand myself as if I am an immortal personality entangled with my human avatar for this lifetime. When my body is no longer able to support me in the physical, I expect to return to my natural habitat in the greater reality which I refer to as the etheric. Physicalism Physicalism is the more widely accepted perspective. In that, consciousness is the product of biological functions in the brain. In physicalism, consciousness is treated as physical energy. The actual creation of consciousness is sometimes attributed to quantum-level effects of microtubules in brain fiber. However, only regions of brain-cell activity have been defined in relation to specific functions. It remains a mystery for how consciousness and brain tissue are integrated. In one version in physicalism, consciousness ceases to exist when the brain dies. The only way we survive is if someone remembers us or we have a building named after us. The second version in physicalism is that the physical energy representing consciousness lingers and can somehow be psychically sensed. That is the Super-Psi Hypothesis. The principle of Conservation of Energy is often cited for how the memory of consciousness lingers. Psi Field To decide if

we are humans dreaming we are immortal personality or immortal personality having a human experience, it is necessary to understand what is known about consciousness. In doing so, it is useful to note that mainstream scientists are largely physicalists and seldom even consider the research of parapsychologists who range from physicalists to dualists. The consequence is that parapsychological research is often ignored by learned people who seek to explain the nature of consciousness. Here are a few terms we need to agree on: Psychic — the ability to sense the subtle energy of consciousness. This is referred to as anomalous access of information. Psychokinesis — the ability to mentally influence physical objects. The movement of objects is one form of this, but more common is the apparent mental influence on physical processes. For instance, the output of Random Event Generators (REG) tends to change in randomness when in proximity to meditating people. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) is thought to be a form of psychokinetic influence on the randomness of audio-frequency noise. Psi — the influence of thought. Thought is best modeled as a conceptual process. In psychokinesis, the influence of thought is a conceptual-to-physical influence. While we think of physical energy as force and differences in potential the equivalent in thought is attention (force) and intention (potential). Psi Field — media of propagation for the effect of Psi. According to the Psi Filed Hypothesis, it permeates all of physical space. It is nonlocal, meaning that there is no apparent distance

in Psi space. A Psi influence experienced in New York is simultaneously, equally experienced in Seattle. All of these concepts are supported by research. Consider A List of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena (36) and Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications on Psi Research. (35) From my personal work, I recommend A Model for EVP. (8). and Trans-Survival Hypothesis. (78) Discerning Intellect Beginning with the personal improvement instructions offered by Hermes of Egypt some 6,000 years ago, humankind has been repeatedly advised to develop discernment, and in effect, consciously take control of our human. The model I find most useful for this is that we share worldview with our human avatar. That is, our conscious perception is determined by what we have been taught is true and our human instincts and acquired discerning intellect. Our human’s survival instincts dominate unless we consciously moderate them. It is the influence of discerning intellect that guides that moderation. In effect, by thinking of ourselves as a human and an immortal personality, it is possible to develop ourselves as a more compassionate, spiritual person. Remember that our human’s influence is to kill if necessary to assure the dominance of its gene pool. Lucidity Spectrum As it is used here, lucidity means to more or less clearly sense the actual nature of our environment. In terms of dualism, the spectrum of lucidity ranges from total immersion as “I am my body” to unobstructed perception in which we sense the actual nature of sensed

information (I am this). That is, our degree of lucidity is measured by how well the content of our worldview is aligned with the actual nature of reality. The objective of a seeker is to align personal reality so that it agrees with actual reality. I know of no one who is on that far spiritual end of the spectrum; however, I know many who are consciously moving in that direction via mindful living. As a side benefit, it is becoming clear that, as people strive to develop greater lucidity, they tend to become more consciously Psi expressive. The dual nature of how we develop perception provides an important indicator of our actual nature. Remembering that evidence inherits credibility from related, credible evidence, here are the related facts: • Physical-biological scientists have not produced an effective model for the biological origin of consciousness. • It is well-established that all people have some degree of psychic ability. • Psi functioning (psychic expression) is known to be propagated in a ubiquitous nonlocal field that permeates physical space. • There is no known way to shield from Psi. This supports the idea of nonlocality. • It is possible to improve our psychic ability by consciously seeking greater lucidity. • The difference in behavior between the influence of unmoderated human instincts, and human instincts that are moderated by spiritual instincts, is best explained by dualism. As a person who has studied these concepts, produced some of the phenomena and tested dualistic models, I find

that the more rational perspective is Dualism. That is, I am not my body. I am in an entangled relationship with my body for this lifetime. The implications of this are profound: • What I do now matters here and hereafter. • Dying does not offer escape from personal responsibility. • Ethics are spiritual and morality is local. • My job is to live this lifetime as well as I can as a beneficial citizen of this local venue and as a cooperative citizen of the greater reality. • Experiences are neither good nor bad, only opportunities to gain greater understanding. • I need always be mindful of the difference between my spiritual urges and my human’s instincts. • Honor my human as I honor myself. Total immersion in entanglement as a person means that I cannot tell the difference between my conscious self and my physical self. Enlightenment means that I can move my perspective from that place in my head behind my eye to the greater reality as a participating observer. My answer, then, is that we are demonstrably “spiritual beings having human experiences.” As a personal note, even if we are not, behaving as if we are, gives us important tools for personal improvement. Spiritual seekers who are not dominated by dogma tend to be more compassionate and rational citizens. Good question! Question 194 Is our subconscious mind the same thing as our spirit? Answered April 4, 2020 Answer Spirit Think of spirit as another term for

the etheric. Parapsychologists talk of a Psi Field which propagates the influence of thought. In religion, the greater reality is thought of as the body of God. Spirit is that body. In metaphysics, it is the reality field. When a person dies, what some describe as transition out of this lifetime to new “atmospheres and awareness,” they are said to be in spirit. Many people do refer to “our spirit.” We all have a sense of what they mean, but it is never sure if they know what they mean. Are they speaking of their Soul? Do they mean the ideal of who they are as in “The spirit of the message”? Are they talking about nature spirits? Using Dualism, it is more useful to think of our mind in four parts: 1. Our human’s instincts (Avatar) 2. Our conscious awareness or self (Experiencer) 3. Our mostly unconscious mind as source of perception and expression (Judge) 4. Our core personality as purpose, acquired understanding and discerning intellect. (Observer) Even if you do not subscribe to the dualistic model, behaving as if it is true is useful for learning how to manage your unconscious mind. The explanation for that is beyond the scope of the question. In short, our unconscious mind includes our worldview which is like a database that holds memory and what we think is true. Our human’s instincts are also in there, as is our discerning intellect. Conscious perception is formed in the unconscious part of our mind—

by the Judge—and is colored by our worldview. The bottom line is that our spiritual nature, that which we may think of as our spirit (personality or observer) is overshadowed by our human’s instincts unless we learn to consciously moderate our thoughts. Enlightenment is the realization that such moderation is necessary. Discerning intellect leading to greater lucidity is the degree to which we succeed. Section 6 ITC Introduction When Lisa and I agreed to assume leadership of the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP) in 1982 from its founder Sarah Estep, the phenomena were relatively new. I think because there were so few people who even knew about EVP, we were often referred to as “The EVP people.” Ernst Senkowski (157) is credited with coining the name, Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC), mainly to address a cluster of phenomena associated with Maggy and Jules Harsch-Fischbach (158) That cluster of phenomena included some pretty astounding examples of television and audio communication. Some of the old-time researchers seemed a little irritated that we coopted ITC to mean all forms of instrument-aided trans-etheric phenomena. Of course, EVP remained the best known but to be technically correct, ITC consists of a suite of phenomena primarily in the category of voice or audio ITC and visual or optical ITC. We take the trans- prefix to mean across the veil. To be consistent, we increasingly talk of all forms of intended trans-etheric influence as transcommunication. Mediumship, for instance is personal or direct transcommunication. The AA-EVP was initially

a dues-supported organization with members living in many countries. While we were primarily focused on EVP, we addressed many other forms of phenomena, as well. To be more inclusive and to be more inviting to people to bring us their not-EVP examples, we changed the name to Association TransCommunication (ATransC). That happened about the same time that social media was really gaining in popularity and our members were drifting off to friendlier, easier, more fun social media such as Facebook. To some extent, thanks to the White Noise movie we helped sell, ghost hunting was also becoming more popular. Meanwhile, our focus was increasingly turning toward study of the implications of transcommunication. What does it tell us about reality and our place in it? I personally felt almost an urgent need to understand why some people turn toward the pursuit of greater spiritual maturity while the majority did not. Examining the available science, it did not seem that the academic community was including what we know from transcommunication in their metaphysical modeling. To answer our questions, it seemed necessary to strike out on our own by developing more inclusive models. As we pursued our metaphysical study, our view of EVP changed from it being the star of our interest to something akin to a lab rat. EVP is not a reliable tool for grief management. Loud noises from the makers and self-proclaimed experts were beginning to drown out rational discussions about EVP. It became necessary to step back and let

social dynamics take their course while trying to maintain a reputation as an honest broker. All of this is to say that our evolution of understanding about survival metaphysics has taken us away from our earlier fascination with ITC. It is in this book because it is important. It is last because it is no longer the hero of the story, only one of the players. Question 195 Does EVP actually work? Answered April 19, 2022 Answer This answer is written with the understanding that “EVP” is intended to mean “Electronic Voice Phenomena.” Be clear that this answer is from the perspective of transform EVP which are collected with a simple recording of background noise which is transformed into voice. We do not recommend any of the spirit box devices that depend on radio reception or previously recorded bits of speech. EVP are instances of anomalous speech found in audio recordings for which there are no explanations based on known physical principles. EVP examples can be found under the ITC Tab at ATransC. (43) ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication (17) and A Model for EVP - ATransC (8) are two online documents that will help you understand and work with EVP. One of the ways we test to see if EVP examples are speech or noise is with online listening tests. See EVP Online Listening Trials (159) for example. That report includes many examples of EVP and a note about how others have heard them. We have found that, on

average, around 25% of online listeners will hear and correctly understand an example. We think people’s openness to things paranormal has an influence on their ability to make out the speech. Anyone can expect to record paranormal speech, but there are no assurances that contact can be made with a particular person. The utterances are typically short and difficult to understand. A person wanting to contact a loved one would do better working with a good medium. See the Forever Family Foundation. (140) The mannerisms, sex and apparent age of the person speaking in transform EVP can sometimes be recognized. Some experienced practitioners have recorded many examples spoken by a known person, often in response to a question. Based on my study, EVP are best explained at this time as the influence of mental intended order on chaotic physical processes. Dualism seems to be the best model to help explain who is communicating. In that, we are all etheric personalities in a symbiotic relationship with our avatar human. If this is true, the only real difference between a still physical person and a “dead” person is that the “dead” person has no physical body. If that is true, it is arguable that EVP could be initiated by a discarnate or incarnate person. It is the message that must tell us the difference. As such, EVP is evidence of communication, but it is not proof of survival by itself. While EVP are sometimes helpful for grief management, they are not so

good for learning new information via the utterances. As the saying goes, being dead does not mean all-knowing. People who use it for ghost hunts need to understand that there probably is no such thing as a “local” ghost. While there may be thoughtforms we associate with a spooky place, EVP do not necessarily indicate a local ghost. The etheric is nonlocal and an EVP can apparently be initiated from any personality anywhere. We might record the local ghost because that is what we expect. In my mind, the usefulness of EVP is as a sort of lab rat for studying other apparently paranormal phenomena. Because of the apparent nonlocality of the Psi Field (and of mind), we have nothing that will block Psi. EVP gives us a way to study nonlocality. It may also be found useful for mind training. Certainly, it is a way of understanding that Dualism is more useful than physicalism in describing reality and who we are. Question 196 Do you have any experience with the Electronic Voice Phenomenon, the use of electronic equipment to communicate with the dead? Answered November 13, 2021 Answer Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) are instances of speech found in audio recordings, the presence of which is not currently able to be explained with known physical principles. Popular opinion is that they are initiated by discarnate personalities; however, the best model we have seen holds that an incarnate person (the practitioner or an interested observer) is required to enable the trans-etheric

influence. (Because of nonlocality, the interested observer could be anywhere in the world.) In Strict Dualism, a physical person is modeled the same as a “dead” person except that the physical person is entangled with a body. That means that some EVP may be initiated by a discarnate personality, but others are possibly initiated by a physical person. So, you can see, we think the etheric-physical relationship afforded by a physical person is necessary for EVP formation. As a co-Director of the Association TransCommunication (24) [formally the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP)], I both recorded and examined hundreds of other people’s examples. You can review examples under the ITC Tab at ATransC. (43). It is our practice to encourage people to record for themselves. As in mental mediumship, received messages are always suspect when there is a third party involved. While it is reasonable for a person to learn how to record for EVP, there are no guarantees that a particular person will be contacted. We also recommend that people stick to transform EVP, which are collected with a simple audio recorder and available background noise. See ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication (17) Until my wife took up the study of EVP in 1987, I spent my life, first as a self-proclaimed Beatnik, then as a New Ager focused on personal potential. Then in 2000, we assumed leadership of the AA-EVP and I changed my focus from human potential to survival metaphysics. This change was initiated by such

early EVP recorded by Lisa as the “Release and remember” in response to Lisa asking what she should do about a dead bird, and “I miss you Lisa” clearly spoken in Lisa’s then “dead” mother’s voice. I am an NSAC (45) certified medium and for some time have routinely “stood and delivered” “spirit greetings” at Spiritualist Society meetings. I have been reasonably evidential often enough to accept in my own mind that at least some of what I sensed was from discarnate loved ones. This awareness has taught me that difficult to understand phenomena can gain credibility from the credibility of similar phenomena. For instance, mental influence of a random event generator to cause greater order in the output appears to be similar to mental influence of chaotic noise to produce EVP. I still fear death. Well, more correctly, I fear leaving, as there is always so much to do and I do not want my loved ones to grieve. When you think about death, remember that you are at least partially guided by your human’s instincts. Considering its imperative to assure dominance of its gene pool, you human does fear death. EVP has been important in making me realize that we really are spiritual beings having a physical experience. Question 197 Where do voices on EVP (Electric voice phenomenon) comes from? Answered October 6, 2021 Answer The unexpected utterances known as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) are sometimes found in audio recordings. It has been established that they are objectively

real, yet scientists have not been able to explain their existence using currently known physical principles. Here are the experiences that must be accounted for by any theory intended to explain the existence of EVP: • They sometimes are speech spoken in the voice and recognizable mannerisms (sex, age, attitude) of the person thought to be speaking. In some cases, the person is known to be discarnate. • No way has been found to shield recording devices from the formation of EVP. EVP have been recorded in chambers (faraday Cages, for instance) that block radio-frequency energy and ambient sounds. This suggests that the influences involved in their formation are not currently known physical principles. This leads us to speculate about a nonphysical characteristic of reality. • Transform EVP appear to be formed by modifying existing audiofrequency energy into speech. This means that low frequency noise produces low frequency speech while high frequency noise produces high frequency speech. Both can be simultaneously present in a recording, depending on available noise. • Distance does not appear to be a factor. A person in New York City can record the voice of a person who transitioned in Texas for a person currently on the phone in Chicago. • The etheric communicators seem unable to directly see us. They apparently see us by way of how we see ourselves. For a time, a common request from the etheric communicators was for the practitioner to put a mirror in their recording area. We are pretty

sure that was so that they could see the practitioner when the person looked into the mirror. • EVP appear to be more readily formed in chaotic noise, as opposed to more determinant noise. For instance, white noise is very determinant (next sample always the same). This difference might be described as a conceptual Psi (psychic) influence on an objective, physical process by impressing intended order on the concept of the noise, rather than the noise itself. • “EVP” is an old term for Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). Many characteristics of EVP are shared by the visual form of ITC. For instance, both seem to depend on the availability of chaotic physical energy suitable for transformation to produce the examples. This commonality seems to suggest that one model will address both forms of ITC, and by extension, perhaps other forms of Psi influence. (Inheritance of credibility) There are other characteristics, but these characteristics should give you an idea of what must be explained. See Characteristic Test for EVP. (143) I have come to the idea that the Dualist models of reality are the most useful for explaining EVP. It is modeled in Strict Dualism that mind is not a product of brain but exists alongside biological brain. I say “Strict Dualism” in recognition that what I think of as Physical Dualism holds that mind is separate from biological brain but is emergent from the brain. That view supports the Super-Psi Hypothesis, which is the idea that all psychically accessed information, including

that which is apparently from discarnate personalities, is actually from still “living” people or proposed residual memory retained in the Psi Field. The two-mind model (32) is the most commonly cited here. In that, we are modeled as the merger during this lifetime of a human body consciousness (mind 2 as avatar) and a nonphysical personality (mind 1 as symbiont) Mind 1 is entangled with the human mind for a lifetime. In principle our primary self – who we think we are – is the symbiont. By comparison, a “dead” person is an etheric personality that is not entangled with a human. Otherwise, both are the same in principle and function. This means that a discarnate personality (mind without body) and an incarnate personality (mind entangled with an avatar) are psychically the same. This model agrees with Spiritualism, the Katha Upanishad, Cabala and many New Age teachings. I have just worded it a little differently to help explain EVP. In Dualism, the etheric aspect of reality is mind’s natural habitat. The same can be said of the body-mind except it appears to exist to support the biological organism and is informed by the human’s instincts. Our primary self appears to be guided by more altruistic instincts. All of this is to say that the most useful model I have found to explain the existence of EVP is that they are the product of intended order acting on a physical process. A likely candidate for the physical mechanism appears to be

stochastic amplification. In that, a small signal tends to be amplified when mixed with a higher amplitude, broad-spectrum noise signal. See A Model for EVP. (8) Question 198 How could the phenomena of EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) be scientifically explained? Answered October 6, 2021 Answer “Scientifically explained” is what we who study Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) desire. The problem is that people who qualify as scientists seldom bother to examine frontier phenomena. Instead, they tend to pronounce under cover of their academic credentials, and based on their limited knowledge of the subject, that such phenomena violate their science, and therefore, must be false. Science apologists parrot actual scientists with the maliciously invented word: pseudoscience. Apologists tend to be the least knowledgeable and the most aggressive skeptics. Always examine the credentials of people claiming to be an authority about things paranormal. For instance, is a psychologist, philosopher or biologist qualified to judge the validity of technology-aided communication? In practice, an experienced EVP practitioner who has many years studying the subject may be more qualified to speak about the subject than a Ph.D. in an unrelated field. Parapsychology is the branch of science focused on paranormal phenomena. Even amongst parapsychologists, only a very small percentage have bothered to inform themselves about EVP, or the more general audio and visual Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). Most are either in it to prove paranormal is trickery or delusion, or they are determined that apparent survival phenomena are really what they refer to as Super-Psi, meaning that

EVP are based on residual memory or psychic access to existing information. EVP are thought to be: Apparently paranormal speech. Actual EVP are voices detected in electronic equipment that, based on currently understood science, should not exist. Thus far, the Dualist model holding that mind is etheric and biological brain is only a physical transmitter-receiver for the influence of mind (Psi) best explains the existence of EVP. This is not to say that EVP are dead people speaking. Some may be, but some are more likely initiated by the thoughts of still incarnated minds. Normal sounds mistaken as paranormal. For instance, an EVP recorded on a ghost hunt might actually be investigators talking in the next room. Use a control recorder and discard utterances found in both recorders. Possible paranormal speech that is so garbled that it is impractical to assign meaning. We use the Class A, B and C system for expectation management from the proposed Classifying Phenomena Best Practice: (39) Class A: Can be heard and understood over a speaker by most people Class B: Can be heard over a speaker, but not everyone will agree as to what is said Class C: Can only be heard with headphones and is difficult to understand [Note that Class B or C voices may have one or two clearly understood words. Loud does not equal Class A.] We recommend that Class C examples be discarded. Class B can typically be shared but with guidance. Class A can usually be shared,

but it may be necessary to explain the context. We have found that, on average, only about 25% of average listeners will hear them correctly. See EVP Online Listening Trials. (159) Pareidolia. Mistaking ordinary sounds as paranormal has been referred to as a psychological listening or perceptual error known as pareidolia. EVP are simulations of human speech and not biologically spoken speech. It is natural for our mind to try finding meaning in every part of our environment. When we hear garbles sounds, it is natural for our mind to try finding meaningful words in the sound. That is why, for instance, people often report hearing a distant conversation or music that is not actually present, but that is only the rumble of a refrigerator or air conditioner. See EVP Online Phantom Voices. (40) Misattributed speech. Several techniques commonly used for collecting EVP produce so many false positives that they are worthless. For instance, radio-sweep typically produces a constant steam of bits and pieces of normal radio broadcast. Inexperienced practitioners assign meaning to the usually one syllable or less bits of speech based on their mind’s storytelling (trying to make sense out of nonsense). As a general rule, always discard single syllable sounds unless there are supporting reasons to think they are paranormal. Trickery. I have encountered a few obvious efforts to deceive, but having tried to fake an EVP myself, I know it is difficult to reproduce some of the characteristics of EVP. While there are likely a few

tricksters out there, probably 99.99% of the not-paranormal EVP examples are from people who simply do not know better and mistake ordinary as paranormal. This is a frontier study and without respected, qualified academic guidance, most would-be EVP practitioners must self-educate. That is why we have so much information on the Association TransCommunication (ATransC) website. (24) According to the academic dogma, laypeople can only study subjects. In that view, only academically trained Ph.Ds. are qualified to conduct science. As such, there are many examples of lay studies of EVP. The ATransC website includes a number of such studies. From my experience as an engineer, and longtime practitioner/studier of ITC, I must warn that there are many would be lay scientists who are just not yet qualified to do the work. Always us discernment in who you allow to influence your opinions. This goes for my work as well. There are two primary modes of study in the scientific method. Study confined to the controlled conditions of a laboratory is preferred, but the less controlled study of field observation is a tried and proven technique for naturalist studies. In frontier subjects, field studies are often the only viable approach. This is especially true since a common mistake qualified researchers make is to use student practitioners who are not sufficiently experienced to record EVP. We encourage practitioners to use a control recorder. See the Using a Control Recorder for EVP Best Practice. (160) Transform EVP is known to be found on only

one recording device, even one audio channel, at a time. If a possible EVP is found on two recorders (recorded at the same time), it is probably not paranormal and should be discarded. With the above background in mind, think of EVP as probably a transetheric influence. In other words, using the Dualist model of reality, all minds are the same. Some minds are incarnate, meaning they are entangled with a human body for a lifetime, and some are discarnate meaning they are not in a physical lifetime. EVP appear to be formed by a mind’s influence of intended order on a physical process. Even an EVP stating the name of a person known to be discarnate could be based on information psychically accessed by the practitioner or an interested observer from other still incarnate mind or from memory. We think it is possible that even the sound of the voice or things said could be explained with what is often described as Super-Psi. As such, the content of EVP is probably the only way to be sure it comes from a “dead” person. For instance, an utterance stating something that no one in the world could know or would have known at the time, world seem to come from a “external” observer. In answer, some EVP have been studied under controlled conditions. But just because a “scientist” makes a claim about EVP does not mean he or she is qualified to speak on the subject. As a frontier subject,

an experienced and discerning practitioner might be more qualified than an academically trained researcher. It is for the community to be very discerning. See Case for the Survival Hypothesis. (161) Question 199 What is the best EVP recorder available in 2021? Answered September 26, 2021 Answer It is difficult to keep up with the continuous rollout of new audio recorders. We with the Association TransCommunication have learned to focus on features rather than models. This answer presupposes you are trying to collect transform EVP. By that, I mean the paranormal speech is formed out of available audio energy. We discourage use of radio-sweep and pre-recorded speech. All that is used for transform EVP is an audio recorder and a little voice-frequency noise. Here are the considerations we think are important: 1 The recorder need only be a voice-frequency recorder like a Dictaphone. The early ones were called “digital note keepers.” 2 If there is sufficient internal noise, it is possible to record EVP without a microphone. This has been tested by recording directly into a computer. 3 We are pretty sure that the paranormal speech is introduced into the recording circuity in a single active, nonlinear component like an amplifier. For instance, we have found that an EVP might form in one channel of a stereo recorder or in one recorder working with many in a group recording session. Thus, mono is as useful as stereo. 4 All the microphone is for is to enable you to keep a verbal

record of the session and to collect noise. Standing beside a running fan can usually introduce enough noise. A very high-quality microphone is more apt to record unnoticed speech from possible investigators in another room, so be cautious. 5 Some recorders allow for playing into a speaker as it is recording. However, we have found the paranormal utterances are often difficult to make out and real-time monitoring introduces too many errors. For instance, we may take thirty-minutes to review a threeminute session on playback. 6 The optimum background noise appears to be sound that is indeterminant. For instance, white noise is very determinant compared to radio static that tends to be less predictable from one sample to the next. We think that the communicator is expressing the influence of intended order onto the audio stream. That is, we think it is not how big or heavy a thing is to be psychically influenced. It is how predictable each next sample is that matters. 7 For the reason noted in item seven above, using a higher quality video camera as a control recorder is useful in field studies. Higher quality devices are typically better engineered to suppress unwanted noise. It is probably the unwanted noise that the less well engineered recorders use to produce EVP. Again, look for more indeterminant noise. Experienced practitioners try all sorts of recorders and background noise. On close examination, the majority of devices designed to record transform EVP are fundamentally just novel ways to condition sound

for better EVP. After all is said and done, our first choice is an inexpensive audio recorder and some form of background sound. Refer to the ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication. (17) Question 200 How do people not know that the "Ghost Box" paranormal investigation "tool" does not work? Answered July 17, 2021 Answer “Ghost Box,” “Spirit Box” and “Frank’s Box” are common names for a device promoted for recording Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). EVP are recorded speech for which there is no known explanation. The examples are typically thought to come from discarnate personalities. See ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication (17) for a detailed discussion. 1 Some “boxes” are just novel sound conditioning devices such as white noise generators. 2 Some use looped radio-sweep techniques to stream an output sound signal composed of short (millisecond) fragments of local broadcast signals. The EVP is supposed to be in the opportunistically selected segment. 3 One commonly used approach is to store bits of pre-recorded speech in memory and use fluctuations in environmental energy or random noise to produce an output stream composed of bits of prerecorded speech. We refer to this as a “live voice” technique. 4 One of the first technique for recording EVP, and still preferred by the Association TransCommunication (24) is to use a simple recording device to record chaotic noise. In Technique 1 and 4, possibly paranormal EVP are thought to be formed by the psychokinetic influence of intention to transform ambient noise into intended speech. At

ATransC, those are referred to as Transform EVP. In Technique 2, our studies have shown that the rate of false positives makes it useless for any kind of serious study or for people who do not want to be delusional about messages from loved ones. Radio-Sweep may not actually produce EVP, but the resulting chaotic noise is sometimes useful for Transform EVP. See Radio-Sweep: A Case Study (162) and A Research Study into the Interpretation of EVP. (163) In principles, Technique 3 can produce EVP. Problems come when the design is such that some memory addresses are more frequently selected, indicating a lack of actual randomness. After several studies, the ATransC has decided the problem of false positives makes the technique useless. See EVPmaker with Allophones: Where are We Now?. (120) The above is what we think we know about “Ghost Boxes.” We in ATransC have seen the best and most meaningful EVP produced using the Transform method. We do not recommend the others. Because one of them may not actually produce EVP, we cannot use them for research. As far as we can tell, device makers are selling unverified devices at very high cost to people who lack the education to know better. We may be wrong. The solution is for the makers to provide research indicating their device does what it is supposed to do. Part of that certification must include blinded listening panel reports. Question 201 Excluding pareidolia: What do you think might be the source of,

or causes Electronic Voice Phenomena to be present in some audio recordings? Answered May 4, 2021 Answer Examples of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) are speech found in recording media that cannot be explained with known physical principles. The apparently paranormal utterances typically show the influences of a sentient, self-aware personality. EVP should be considered one of the most replicated experiments. Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) is a newer term for EVP that includes visual forms. From our study (Association TransCommunication, (ATransC)), both audio and visual forms of ITC appear to be formed with essentially the same process. We think of that process as the trans-etheric impression of mental intended order on chaotic physical energy. ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication. (17) and A Model for EVP. (8) provide background information. Some reported examples of EVP are probably pareidolia. From our study, most ghost or spirit box devices for EVP produce many false positives in which nonsensical sounds are mistaken as intelligent speech. I think some of the “magic boxes” work only because of pareidolia. Examples of transform EVP apparently form by the impression of intended order on chaotic noise, the average online listener has been shown to correctly hear Class A examples about 25% of the time. This tell us that there is a learning curve for working with EVP. One reason, we know, is that Formant 0 in the speech waveform tends to be corrupted in EVP. Also, other Formants tend to be “stacked” in an odd manner. Such damage to the

speech means that none of the usual listening cues are present. See Computer–Based Analysis of Supposed Paranormal Voice: The Question of Anomalies Detected and Speaker Identification. (164) So read the referenced material and spend a little time contemplating the implications of EVP. Question 202 I watched a documentary about the paranormal and ghost investigators used a “spirit box” to try to communicate with a spirit in a supposedly haunted house. Are these machines real? How are they supposed to work? Answered May 4, 2021 Answer All of the ghost hunting programs I have watched fall into the category of “For entertainment only.” To be popular, it is necessary for there to be action. One of the times I was on camera, the director designated one talent to be the parapsychologists. “As meaningful questions and be skeptical,” the director said. “Look frightened!” said the director. “Can you react to that noise again for the camera?” she asked. The presence of paranormal activity is a rare event. One well known paranormalist opinion setter admitted to me that the cameras were on, and he needed to do something to look like he was “investigating” so he picked up a magnetic field meter and waved it around with authority. I have yet to figure out a way that a discarnate personality can be detected by changes in magnetic field. Much of the hardware you see in such shows is used more for the noise and lights than for their usefulness in finding a ghost.

Always remember that pareidolia also applies to the tendency to find meaning in unrelated events. There really is no doubt that such abilities as psychic functioning, mediumship and remote viewing exists. The etheric influences that make those abilities possible are also required for ghosts to exist. In fact, the twomind nature of who we are goes to explain psychic ability and ghosts. Each inherits credibility from the other. Prove Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) for instance and psychic functioning gains credibility. If we can prove EVP is illusion, some of the arguments that ghosts exist becomes weaker. As a general statement, parapsychologists do not directly research EVP. Look for psychic and REG research instead. EVP is not necessarily “dead people talking.” It could be caused by thoughts of the living. Consider Selected Psi Research Publications (35) and A list of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena. (36) As far as I can tell, most of the devices used in ghost hunting have not been studied under controlled conditions. I have not seen a study indicating an etheric influence from a discarnate personality (aka a ghost) has an influence on magnetic field detectors. With that said, the same principles involved in transforming physical noise in an audio recorder into speech for EVP makes it arguable that a discarnate personality can influence a magnetic field detector. Both have similar components. Actually, researchers who fail to consider the psychokinetic influence of the practitioner (ghost hunter) or an interested observer is

doing only half of the work. As for the “spirit box” for EVP, we have studied several kinds. While they continue to evolve, close examination will show that they fall into a few categories. The most common is radio-sweep. In that, a radio is broken so that it will continuously sweep the local stations to produce an output stream of bits of radio broadcast from the local market. The sweep is generally around 3 seconds so the bits can be sometimes whole words. From my study, there is no reason to think radio-sweep produces EVP. In fact, if you reject single syllable utterances, a witness who has not been told what to expect will likely not correctly make out the supposed words. Even though it is true that the noise produced by radio-sweep is sometimes transformed into speech, people do much better with an inexpensive audio recorder. Thus, we at the Association TransCommunication have publicly stated that we do not think radio-sweep produces EVP. It is up to the developer to show that it does with controlled studies. I have not seen those studies. Another kind of “spirit box” detects environmental energy such as changes in the local cell tower signal or magnetic interference from household devices to more or less randomly select memory addresses containing prerecorded speech. The output stream is supposed to include EVP. In principle, it is possible for the etheric personality to influence the environmental energy, but the devices we have studied tend to select certain

memory addresses too often to be spirit guided. The number of false positives makes it a useless technology. EVPmaker was an early software program that has been more or less replicated in many modern “spirit boxes.” Instead of using fluctuations in environmental energy to select memory address, this kind of device uses an internally generated Random Event Generator (REG). The idea is that the etheric communicator will change the randomness of the REG. There is good research showing that REGs are influenced by thought. They are also internally similar to a recorder, so we should not be surprised. Once again, we advise people not to use this technology for EVP because of the many false positives. My answer, then, is that the “spirit boxes” used in television shows are mostly for show. The majority of people working with EVP are using spirit boxes which tells us a lot about decline of the paranormalist community. My opinion is not the last word on this. Do your homework. the person you believe should be able to show well-considered studies that indicate they are using a viable approach. I can also offer a paper on the subject, should you care to learn more. See ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication. (17) Question 203 What could explain otherwise unexplainable EVP's? Answered November 28, 2020 Answer All of the ways people discount Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) are probably true for some examples. Also, some techniques for recording EVP produce false positives that sound like speech if

the listener is guided toward that false hearing. In fact, the majority (if not all) of the spirit boxclass of devices probably do not produce EVP. Until the makers conduct proper studies, we are left with faith rather than fact. Some examples of EVP are decidedly not Auditory Pareidolia as the skeptics like to argue. Skeptics appear to arrive at that conclusion with selective reporting, and a priori assumptions. I have yet to meet one who is qualified to say. Take a look at some of the reports under the Journal Tab on ATransC. (24) Especially consider EVP Online Listening Trials (159) and ComputerBased Analysis of Supposed Paranormal Voice. (164) In the first, blinded studies have shown that listeners tend to correctly understand the possibly paranormal speech about 25% of the time. That tells us that the EVP are not illusion but are difficult to understand. The problem, we think is that, as shown in the second article, the speech is really just a poor simulation of biologically formed speech. One possible model for EVP is explained in A Model for EVP. (8) It is becoming reasonably well established that people sense psychically and express psychokinetically. All of us do this. As in athletic ability, some of us are better than others. See the list of research at Selected Psi Research Publications. (35) It is also well established that the psychokinetic expression from people can influence the output of a Random Event Generator (REG) as used, for instance, in Examining

Psychokinesis: The Interaction of Human Intention with Random Number Generators. (165) In that report, we see that there is an apparent relationship between the randomness of an REG and intentionality. The best model I have seen is that people are the conduit for the expression of intention to change random noise into voice. It is not clear, but my guess is that many instances of EVP are from the thoughts of living. Some may be from discarnate personalities, but this is not necessary for EVP to be real. Question 204 Why didn't we develop technologies to detect ghosts and try to communicate with them? Answered September 30, 2020 Answer Ghosts are thought to be discarnate personalities that interact with the physical. They can be like a recording—repeating the same thing from timeto-time without recognition of physical people around them—or interactive, showing evidence of sentience. There is some evidence that ghost-like entities might account for some haunt events. For instance, orb-like critters behave more like life forms that exist “between” the physical and the etheric. Since mainstream scientist usually reject the entire idea of ghosts and things nonphysical, there has been little research on the subject. Mainly, I think, because haunt events are spontaneous, rather than being induced, I am aware of little good research on the nature of ghosts. However, there has been a lot of research on the etheric characteristics of thought and the difference between consciousness emerging from biological brain and consciousness existing independent of brain. The necessary

conditions for ghosts to exist include a nonphysical aspect of reality that can propagate nonphysical consciousness. The Psi Field Hypothesis proposed by some parapsychologists satisfies that requirement. In that model, the influence of thought referred to as “Psi” is propagated in the Psi Field. See Etheric Fields. (52) The Psi Field appears to exist alongside physical space. An important characteristic of it that is not currently explained by known physical principles is that it is nonlocal, meaning that an effect experienced in one physical place may be simultaneously experienced everywhere. There is currently no known way to shield from the influence of Psi. For instance, examples of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) have been recorded with equipment that was shielded from radio, sound and light. Ghosts behave as if their influence is propagated in the Psi Field. In which case, our consciousness acts as a ghost detector. Of course, the problem with that is that the translation from unconscious detection to conscious awareness is usually corrupted by our expectations. For example, a happy ghost might be sensed as a scary ghost by a fearful person. Technologies capable of detecting the influence of consciousness have been developed. It is just that they are not sufficiently refined to define a ghost. The best example I can think of is the way random processes appear to be influenced by attention. For instance, devices designed to be as random as possible tend to produce a less random output when in the presence of meditating people.

Then, of course, there is EVP which are often recorded for by haunt investigators. See A Model for EVP. (8) Question 205 Can using a spirit box be dangerous? Is there a chance I could accidentally invite a malicious spirit into my home? Answered September 30, 2020 Answer Consider a few points. First, a “spirit box” is any device that is intended to help a person collect Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). EVP are generally defined as speech that, based on known physical principles, should not exist. It is popular wisdom amongst paranormalists that EVP are dead people talking. Some may be, but based on currently understood metaphysics, most EVP are probably thoughts of the living. Popular wisdom in mainstream academia is the people who think EVP exist are delusional or the examples are fraudulent or just noise mistaken as paranormal speech. My personal opinion is that EVP are demonstrably actual paranormal phenomena although there are a lot of examples of supposed EVP that are probably ordinary noise mistaken as paranormal. Spirit boxes are the primary source of such pseudo-EVP. Therein lies a problem for the paranormalist community. The public cannot tell if they are listening to examples from poorly informed practitioners bragging on the Internet about their pseudo-EVP or actual EVP. The difference tends to be transform EVP compared to opportunistic EVP. Oh, and education. There are two primary ways EVP are thought to be formed. In Transform EVP, the apparently paranormal speech is formed in electronic circuitry, possibly due

to the psychokinetic impression of intended order on chaotic background sound. We speculate that the active physical principle is stochastic amplification. In that, a weak audio signal is amplified when mixed with a higher volume noise signal. The process requires an analog, nonlinear stage such as found in an audio amplifier. We assume most EVP are formed in the analog stage of the audio recorder. Once digitized in memory, EVP tend to be stable. It is common in transform EVP to be able to tell if the speaker is male or female, young or old. The speaker often responds to questions and seems to be a sentient personality. Popular theory is that the speaker is discarnate (dead person talking), but the science seems to tell us that message could as easily be from a still living person’s mind. See ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication. (17) Examples of transform EVP are at EVP of Tom and Lisa Butler. (166) People have been building devices to speak with the dead for years. As I understand it, the current idea of spirit boxes began with Frank Sumption’s (167) fascination with old tube radios. In effect, he “hacked” one so that it would continuously scan the dial at about three-to-four second intervals. We at the Association TransCommunication (ATransC) refer to the technique as Opportunistic EVP because the radio-sweep depends on the presence of existing bits of sound needed to form the intended speech. That means radio station personnel must broadcast the sound at the

precise time the radio station is “tuned in to” during the sweep. We consider that an apparent violation of the radio station personnel’s self-determination. To our knowledge, this is not done in other forms of such phenomena. The modern devices may include radio-sweep technology but may also detect changes in environmental energy (magnetic, electromagnetic) to select memory addresses containing bits of words. The ones that depend on a random process should produce EVP but all of the ones we have studied tended to favor certain memory addresses. This means a device may more often produce certain words than others, defeating the intended randomness. Device makers sell spirit boxes for a lot of money. As far as we can tell, the makers do no product research to show that the devices work. Makers and customers should be mindful that there is a precedence for government intervention. See The Radionic Principle: Mind over Matter. (168) Radionics is an entirely different sort of technology. They fall into the category of attention focusing tools, but they are often used to diagnose illness for a fee. From the referenced article: “… it's illegal to promote radionics for diagnostic or treatment purposes in people or animals, …” The message here is that there is a little support for the existence of transform EVP but much less support for opportunistic EVP. The danger to practitioners comes if they record a message from a dead loved one for a fee. The FDA does not like that. Based on

our study, we have concluded that most opportunistic EVP techniques probably do not produce EVP and recommend that people stick to the much less expensive audio recorder and background sound. Resist recording EVP for someone for a fee or make promises that might sound like psychological counseling. The person is always part of the EVP recording circuit. From all of our study, if the practitioner (or an interested observer) is fearful, it is more likely that fearful EVP will be recorded. We do not recommend any form of transcommunication for people who are apt to do what other tell them without examination. Or, if they are fearful. The problem is that, as part of the recording circuit, we tend to interject our beliefs into the resulting message. The message itself may be originated by a discarnate personality as “I am always near.” But for a fearful practitioner or interested observer, the EVP might come out as “I haunt you.” As a director of an EVP-focused organization, I know of no one who has “brought an evil spirit home” by recording for EVP. In truth, we have never run into an evil spirit. We have encountered a lot of poorly informed people who believe their priest before they believe the science. It is good to ask this question. My answer is “no.” It is also my experience that you would prefer that I say “yes.” Much more exciting. :-) Question 206 How would I go about getting EVPs that I captured,

analyzed? I hear messages very clearly while playing the recordings normally, and reversed as well. I would consider most of them grade A and B EVPs. Answered September 23, 2020 Answer Begin by reading the relevant Best Practices at Practices - ATransC. (169) Especially read the one on Witness Panels. We at the Association TransCommunication no longer examine examples from the public because there are simply too many. Also, it is amazing how abusive people become when we do not agree about the quality of their examples. Part of the problem appears to be that many EVP practitioners lack the necessary education and experience to work with EVP on their own. Our suggestion is self-education. Also, joining a haunt investigation group will usually give access to experienced EVP practitioners. Certainly, they can provide a listening panel. The key is to play the EVP for them without telling them anything more than “Listen to this. What do you hear?” Based on studies like EVP Online Listening Trials, (159) expect only about 25% of your listeners to correctly understand the EVP without prompting. If your percentage is lower, we recommend that you discard the example. You said something about reversing the soundtrack. That tells me you still have a little to learn about EVP. Our friends on the other side will speak where we are listening. If you have to reverse the soundtrack, speed it up or slow it down, discard it and try again. Both of you can do better. From

my experience, probably 1 out of a hundred possible EVP is better than a Class C. An experienced and capable practitioner probably records less than 1 Class A example in the average session. For example, I am experienced but not very capable. My wife, Lisa, is experienced and very capable. Not everyone is always good at it. Question 207 How or why does EVP work? Why do people think it's caused by ghosts? Answered September 11, 2020 Answer Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) are words and phrases found in audio equipment for which there are no known explanations. Examples of EVP are at EVP of Tom and Lisa Butler. (166) The EVP Online Listening Trials (159) report details my effort to establish that people can correctly understand examples of EVP without prompting. In that study, on average, online listeners correctly heard examples around 25% of the time. Sessions to record EVP are probably the most often replicated of all paranormal related phenomena. ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication (17) details how to record for EVP. A Model for EVP (8) offers one possible explanation for the how of EVP. As a natural effect of thought on physical processes, the why is explained by the many reasons people do things. It is believed that some EVP are spontaneously produced by still physical people. see Recording Thoughts of the Living? (170) I subscribe to the Strict Dualism point of view. In that, the only difference between me and long dead Uncle John is that

I still have a human avatar. The only way we can know if the message of EVP originated from a discarnate personality (ghost) or from an incarnate person is the content of the message. People assume EVP are from a ghost because that is what they have been taught. Question 208 Can EVP (electronic-voice phenomena) be used to read and transmit brainwaves and if so, how do you block them? Answered September 8, 2020 Answer Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) is the audio subset of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). ITC includes EVP and visual forms that appear to be based on essentially the same principles. Example of Transform EVP are at EVP of Tom and Lisa Butler (166) Here is an example of visual ITC. You should see a child’s head looking toward your left shoulder: The collection of ITC examples is an often-replicated experiment practiced by many different people around the world. You can learn to collect examples for yourself in ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication (17) We have looked hard, but thus far, the paranormalist community has not found an explanation for EVP based on known physical principles. One theory is that EVP are formed by the impression of intended order on a chaotic sound source such as noise from a common household fan. While it is popular to think of the invisible communicator in EVP as a dead person, the influence producing an EVP may be from a still living person. A promising theory is that psychic functioning is

an ability we all have. This includes such abilities as anomalous access of information such as in remote viewing and healing intention as we see in such practices as intercessory prayer and therapeutic touch. In this model, the influence of thought is referred to as psi. Psi is thought to be propagated in a subtle field of influence that permeates physical reality called the Psi Field. Important characteristics of the Psi Field is that there is apparently no distance so that, thought wise, New York City and Chicago, for instance, are virtually the same place. There is no known way to shield from the Psi Field. For instance, EVP have been recorded in sound and electromagnetically shielded rooms. Such Faraday Cages prevent stray radio waves from entering but cannot stop the influence of thought. A few unofficial studies have been conducted that seem to indicate it is possible to record the thought of still living people with EVP. We even speculate that it may be possible to communicate with people in coma using EVP. We will not know for sure until we have more support from scientists. My answer is based on the understanding that brain waves are just bioelectric noise. Thought is independent of brain as a Psi function. So, my answer is that it may be possible to record the thoughts of living people. And we currently know of no way to shield from thought. Section 7 Community Introduction I dedicated nearly a third of Your Immortal Self

(129) to the discussion of community. In my view, one can talk about the metaphysical theory (Part 1) and all about recording and understanding Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) (Part 3), but it is the community in which we work with these phenomena and study their meaning that serves the seeker’s needs (Part 2). Consider some of the essays I have written about the paranormalist community. (26) The paranormalist community is composed of people who are more than a little interested in things paranormal. Some are academics working as parapsychologists, some are skeptics trying to show there is no such thing and some, mostly laypeople, want to know more and how to work with the phenomena. The community is mostly dysfunctional. For instance, there is an Academic-Layperson Partition mostly enforced by academics that tends to separate people best qualified to study these phenomena from those best able to demonstrate them. Amongst practitioners, some prefer using devices which others think do not work. There is a lot of “new Age thinking by all. This section includes questions that relate to community, but please consider reading some of the essays listed above for more understanding. Question 209 Why do you edit for Wikipedia (I'm writing an essay on Wikipedia and need primary data)? Answered November 18, 2021 Answer It is ironic that one of the people answering this question said that Wikipedia “admins are very leftist biased.” I quit editing because my area of interest concerns paranormal phenomena, and I was overwhelmed by antiparanormal

skeptic editors and admins. They tend to present as science apologists, mainstream thought and conservative. I suppose it depends on the subject areas. I was active during the time three arbitrations produced rules for dealing with frontier subjects. I describe them in Wikipedia Arbitration. (81) The Arbitrations set the rules for what is fringe science, what is paranormal and what is pseudoscience. Those three rulings pretty much set the stage for skeptic, anti-paranormal editors to say what they want to cast undue doubt on subjects. In fact, I was “banned for life” (113) from editing the Rupert Sheldrake (135) biography of a living person because I advocated a more balanced treatment of his ideas. They used the Pseudoscience ruling as their authority. The dominant skeptic editors do many things like that to assure readers will think poorly of subjects not specifically supported by mainstream science. Here is the list of frontier topics characterized as pseudoscience by Wikipedia (83) I have been co-director of an association dedicated to the study of phenomena, especially Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), since 2000. To this day, I cannot edit the EVP article without attracting anti-paranormal editors to reverse my work. Aside from my insistence that a balanced view is given, they claimed that I might have a conflict of interest. Wikipedia hates subject matter specialists! At least for the frontier subjects I study, the intention for the rules is to produce articles that are subtly written to give the impression that the subject is nonsense.

For those subjects, Wikipedia is more scientism propaganda than accurate information. In my considered opinion, it is intellectually lazy for anyone to use Wikipedia as a source. (Well, it is probably okay for such stable information as the name of a movie.) Consider these essays: Pseudoscience (171) Skeptic (172) Wikipedia Bullying Editors (173) Concerns with Wikipedia (174) Wikipedia Watch (175) Question 210 How do metaphysical naturalists approach ethics? Answered November 7, 2021 Answer At the risk of assuming qualification not in evidence, I will argue that I am a metaphysical Naturalist. To be sure, let me define a few terms as I understand them: Naturalist - a person who observes the environment and attempts to identify patterns which will lead to reasonable hypotheses. Metaphysical - observation of the fundamental characteristics of nature; first cause and the effects of first cause; characteristics of nature implied by observations of nature. Ethics - while morality is a local attribute of social order, ethics appear to be implied by fundamental principles of nature. Consider the idea of human instincts. We all share a fundamental set of imperatives which moderate our behavior. My human’s instinct is to make decisions that help assure the dominance of its gene pool. Note that I said “my human’s.” Those are not what I consider my spiritual self’s instincts and I work every day to moderate my human’s urge to dominate. Metaphysics tends to take two very different paths. The mainstream view is that reality is defined by the physical

universe. All of it began with the Big Bang. (Never mind what came before that singularity.) That is the Physicalist’s view. The Dualist’s view is that we are spiritual personality entangled with our human avatar for this lifetime. Otherwise, our spiritual self existed before this lifetime and will continue to exist after as a self-aware, sentient personality. This is the “Spiritual being having a human experience” view. If you subscribe to the Dualist point of view, ethics represent a set of behaviors that are governed by … for lack of a better term, spiritual imperatives. While our human is preoccupied by continuation of the specie's, we, as immortal beings, aspire to be more concerned with understanding the nature of our environment. The Lucidity Model Diagram below illustrates my view of the Lucidity Spectrum. Increasing lucidity represents increasing awareness of the actual nature of reality. As we move from the lefty side of the diagram to the right, the awareness of our actual nature becomes clearer. With it comes a keener sense of ethics. Physicalist metaphysicians may decide that the survival imperative of human instincts makes it ethical to kill as a means of domination to promote their personal gene pool. However, in the same sense, rape to procreate in an effort to further the gene pool appears to be common in the animal kingdom. Would a Physicalist Naturalist think rape is okay? As one moves from instinct-dominated to discerning intellectdominated judgement (from left-to-right in the diagram), the person’s altruistic nature

becomes more influential in decision making. A person living on the far right of the diagram would tend to find many human instinct behaviors unethical. I believe people try to do the right thing as they understand “right.” If you contemplate your own actions, I think you will see that you feel justified in everything you do. While a person may be delusional or may not correctly understand the circumstances, he or she decides based on a desire to fit into the community. That is a human instinct-driven behavior. My answer, then, is that metaphysicians (should) approach ethics from the perspective of examining the implications of their assumptions. It appears organizing principles are implicit in nature and always organize formation, be it conceptually as in thinking about birds or objectively as in making a bird house. Question 211 How does a layperson find a spiritual master? Answered November 5, 2021 Answer As a seeker, the first point for you to note is that there are many right answers. Which is best for you depends on the way you learn. The David Merrill and Roger Reid Social Styles Model (33) are a useful tool for understanding the way you prefer to learn. According to the model and generally speaking, people deal with information in one of four ways: Analytical: Thinking, thorough, disciplined Amiable: Supportive, patient, diplomatic Driver: Independent, decisive, determined Expressive: Good communicator, enthusiastic, imaginative From the four, find the way you first reaction to deal with day-to-day challenges. Again, from

the four, find your “I wish I did it this way” second reaction. For instance, I think of myself as Analytical-Expressive. Your objective as a seeker is to be able to turn toward the most appropriate response but otherwise remain in balance. Your first challenge, then, is to understand your temperament and contemplate ways that you can balance yourself amongst the four extremes. When we sense reality, what we become consciously aware of— conscious perception—is modified by our worldview. That is, we tend to experience reality as we have been taught. Seekers of greater understanding try to learn how to look past cultural teaching. How well the seeker has learned to align their worldview with the actual nature of reality is thought of as being more or less lucid. One of the dominant influences in that mostly unconscious filtering process is our human’s instincts. Not only do we experience as we have been taught, we are also more inclined to experience our world through the eyes of our instinctual urge to assure dominance of our gene pool above all others. For instance, we might choose to get along with someone we do not like because doing so might elevate our stature in the community. It is helpful to find someone to show the way toward greater lucidity. The problem is in finding someone who knows the way and who will not lead you down some rabbit hole like quantum mysticism. I do not know how to advise you on how

to tell the difference. In this day, considering many different teachers will give you the tools to recognize the lucid from the delusional teacher. Our mostly unconscious mind is reluctant to change once it has made an agree-disagree decision about something. An important seeker’s tool is to habitually suspend judgement about experiences until more information comes in. As an example, someone tells you a physical medium is a fraud because he or she was caught walking around during a dark room séance. So, you decide the medium is a fake. You may even decide all mediums are fake. However, one of the reasons physical mediums are sometimes tied to their chair during a séance is to assure they are not used as a trance puppet by the communicating discarnate personality. There is also the problem of matter-through-matter sometimes demonstrated by physical mediums. In fact, deeply entranced mediums have been shown capable of moving through their bonds and then returning again. Most observers of such phenomena do not have the education about the subject to realize that mediums may not be faking at all. Yet, by deciding they are, they deprive themselves of ever learning about that most fascinating capability. Their skepticism might also have a negative influence on the whole physical mediumship demonstration. First comes discerning intellect developed by conscious, habitual examination of beliefs. From discerning intellect comes lucidity or more clearly sensing reality. From that comes the opportunity for greater understanding which is probably our purpose for existence. Seeking

is a process of self-education based on many sources. The idea of a spiritual master as a teacher comes from the days when the lessons were secret knowledge. The information seekers need is publicly available today. Much of it is on the Internet. The idea of “For those who have eyes to see” is still true, though. It all begins with questioning implications of belief. Contemplate a lot rather than meditating. Question 212 What books/ audiobooks are good for trying to understand reality/consciousness and just making you aware of what life really is? Or any advice you have on this topic? Answered October 21, 2021 Answer To understand “…just making you aware of what life really is” is what spiritual seeking is all about. Consider number seven of The Nine Principles cited as the foundation understanding of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC) (45) which reads: “We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature’s physical and spiritual laws.” After all of the “better and better” explanations of the principle are set aside, the main points are that Nature is organized by naturally occurring principles and that personal progression comes from seeking to understand those principles and learning to live in accordance with that understanding. The idea of recognizing and living in accordance with Natural Organizing Principles is also part of the Hermetic Wisdom. For instance, Key 8 of the Hermetic Tarot is titled Strength and

is concerned with the seeker learning to manage Natural Law. You can say that the seeker represented by Key 0 The Fool applies the meaning of NSAC Principle 7 to overcome ignorance represented by Key 15 The Devil. See The Hermes Concepts Essay (23). Seeking also involves understanding the way we develop perception. I write about it a lot, but the basic idea is that we “preprocess” environmental information in our mostly unconsciously mind based on Worldview. Worldview is our sense of what is true based on our human’s instincts, cultural training and memory. The seekers task is to recognize that perception is formed by two minds. The human avatar’s instincts dominate at birth and continue to do so unless the person learns to moderate that instinctual urge for gene dominance. This moderation comes from what the ancient teachers referred to as the discerning self. See The Razor’s Edge - Katha Upanishad Essay (23). In it, the teacher (God of Death) instructs the seeker to: 1-III-3. Know the Self to be the master of the chariot, and the body to be the chariot. Know the intellect to be the charioteer, and the mind to be the reins. 1-III-4. The senses they speak of as the horses; the objects within their view, the way. When the Self is yoked with the mind and the senses, the wise call It the enjoyer. 1-III-5. But whoso is devoid of discrimination and is possessed of a mind ever uncollected – his senses are uncontrollable

like the vicious horses of a driver. 1-III-6. But whoso is discriminative and possessed of a mind ever collected – his senses are controllable like the good horses of a driver. 1-III-7. But whoso is devoid of a discriminating intellect, possessed of an unrestrained mind and is ever impure, does not attain that goal, but goes to samsara. This is not about religion. Some of those principles involve such physical concepts as the natural rate of decay and gravity. The real challenge is in understanding such concepts as perceptual agreement and lucidity. These instructions remain relevant today. Emerging understanding in modern science is teaching that we only become aware of the world as our perception is moderated by worldview. In effect, our perception is based on what we think is true more than what is actually true. See Our Unconscious Mind (28) and About First Sight Theory. (31) The Temperament mediated Perception Diagram below is an attempt to put all of this together. Spiritual progression does not happen overnight. The seeker’s way is to habitually seek to understand the natural principles governing reality and work to align worldview to better agree with that understanding. The most important tools for this are the expression of intention and suspended judgement. The Hermetic teaching tell the seeker to learn everything possible about everything. I will add to that the idea that effective seeking involves contemplation of the implications of what we think is true. My personal website includes “Believe what you wish but

understand the implications of what you believe.” Oh, and always be aware that, while some do bring value, most books on the subject are New Age, sounds good pablum. Discernment with suspended judgement applied to daily living is the best teacher. Question 213 We know from surveys that 80% of mainstream scientists dismiss psi and the paranormal. But nobody seems to ask how do engineers feel about it? Answered September 14, 2021 Answer I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and electronics engineering (BSEEE). My specialty is telecommunications, but since dropping out of the corporate world in 1996, my focus has been on the development of frontier science related to Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) (Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) is a subset of ITC). ITC can be generalized as the Psi influence of intentionality on physical systems. The majority of scientists I have encountered exhibit one of three points of view about the world. The majority maintain the idea that there is only the physical. Psychologists are the most typically anti-anything Dualistic. Academic philosophy is typically based on Physicalism. Some small number of scientists work in parapsychology and most of them are focused on debunking Psi phenomena. They sometimes refer to themselves as Anomalistic Psychologists, but most are more evasive. See What is Anomalistic Psychology?. (100) An even smaller group of scientists accept the assumptions of Anomalistic Psychology but hold that some apparent Psi phenomena is nonphysical. I have learned to think of them as Exceptional Experiences Psychologists. See what

is Exceptional Psychology? (176) Finally, a few scientists are open to the possibility that Psi functioning is evidence of a nonphysical aspect of consciousness. I have learned to think of that as survival metaphysics. It is important to note that parapsychologists tend to exhibit an Anomalistic Psychology or Exceptional Experiences Psychology point of view, but not all parapsychologists are psychologists. Most are retired academics from such unrelated fields as biology and philosophy. It is better to examine the mechanism of belief rather than belief itself. As an engineer who has been deeply emersed in the subject for many decades, I have found that acceptance is more a function of how well the person is informed about Psi phenomena. In essence, if they are not informed, their opinion has little merit. Surveys seldom consider that. Question 214 Who postulates that the human mind at birth is a blank slate or tabula rasa? Answered September 9, 2021 Answer I do not know who in the academic world hold that we begin physical life with a blank mental slate. It seems reasonable to argue that there are at least five primary influencers of mind: Instincts — At birth, there is an inward-looking aspect of mind that seems to be guided by evolved human instinct to assure dominance of the personal gene pool. This appears to be a characteristic shared by all people. See 3 Basic Instincts: Which Dominates You and How It Shapes Who You Are - Learning Mind. (177) Altruism — At

birth, there is a more outward-looking aspect of mind that seems guided by a more altruistic aspect of who we are. I think there is continuing debaters in academia about the difference and origins between self-serving survival instincts and public-serving altruism. The degree of altruistic expression is not the same for everyone. See Altruism. (178) Understanding — From birth, mind appears to exhibit a degree of understanding that does not seem to be related to prior experience. Such understanding does not appear to be the same for everyone. See What It Actually Means to Have an Old Soul. (179) Cultural Influence — During a lifetime, people are more or less influenced by cultural teaching. This is different for each of us. See Over Fifty Ways Culture Influences Us. (180) Memory — During a lifetime, people acquire memory that accumulates and tends to influence future experiences and how the person relates to them. The nature of this influence is unique to the individual. See Memory. (181) Temperament — While I have not learned to properly characterize this influence, I am pretty sure each of us exhibits a temperament that tends to turn us to prefer particular choices. See A study on human behavior has identified four basic personality types (34) and 4 Most Common Temperament Types. (182) The “blank slate” idea may be something of a religious view. For societal purposes, we stipulate that a child is innocent as related to the behavior of family and culture. Also, our human instincts

are hard wired to protect our children. Question 215 What makes Wikipedia unreliable? Answered August 8, 2021 Answer Increasing complexity of editor-editing rules, methods for such functions as including citations, and the Wikipedia editor arbitration system have made it increasingly complex for new editors. In the parts of the online encyclopedia in which I have previously been active as an editor, the veteran editors are pretty much running the show. The majority of the veteran I have encountered are anti-anything that is not specifically acknowledged by mainstream science. The result is that Wikipedia is a social tool used for suppressing new thought. Of course, that is a good example of scientism. To illustrate, since 2000, I have been co-director of an organization focused on the study of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). ATransC - Association TransCommunication (24) I was not allowed to edit the EVP article in Wikipedia because I might have a conflict of interest. That is, I might make self-serving edits. I have not checked for a few years, but back in the early days, the article was a mess. I suspect it is still written to suggest fraud or delusion while ignoring “fringe” research. Virtually all of the “authoritative references” were sourced from skeptical material. The skeptical editors dominate by using Wiki rules to push aside editors with non-mainstream points of view. I have been banned from editing the Rupert Sheldrake article because I proposed that his theories should at least be addressed in a neutral manner. They

justified the ban based on the Pseudoscience Arbitration, (81) saying I was promoting pseudoscience. First, “pseudoscience” is a term coined to cast aspersions on anything not in agreement with mainstream science. If you look at the list of subjects considered pseudoscience by the dominant group of Wikipedia editors, you will see that virtually all frontier subjects are on the list. See List of topics characterized as pseudoscience. (83) Three rules were established for Wikipedia that I think solidified the influence of scientism in Wikipediae. I discuss the essence of them in Wikipedia Arbitration. (81) They are: Wikipedia: Requests for arbitration/Fringe Science Basically, the only sources editors can use to support a point are in the mainstream press. The very good, peer-reviewed parapsychological journals can be disallowed. Wikipedia: Requests for arbitration/Paranormal Anything not mainstream is considered paranormal. For instance, in the finding about inclusion: 3) In addition to firmly established scientific truth, Wikipedia contains many other types of information. “The threshold for inclusion in Wikipedia is verifiability, not truth” (from Wikipedia: Verifiability). However, “verifiability” is based on accepted publications. No matter how good they are, “fringe” - “pseudoscience” sources as defined by the dominant editors are excluded. Thus, the only words allowed in an article typically comes from anti-frontier subject sources. Wikipedia: Requests for arbitration/Pseudoscience I have already discussed pseudoscience. Wikipedia may be fine for information about a movie, but it is academically lazy to use Wikipedia for most subjects. The problem is that the reader cannot know if there is

any controversy. Always look at the editing history of an article to see if it is stable. Look at the Talk page to see if all points of view are being considered. A last point. The fact that Wikipedia editors can work with fake names has enabled something of a poisoned-water, Lord of the Flies environment. That means editors can be as nasty as they want with impunity. Many are. Such an environment cannot produce stable articles that serve the best interest of the public. Instead, Wikipedia is a powerful tool for protecting the status quo. Question 216 Are esoteric people delusional? Answered July 18, 2021 Answer Esoteric is defined as “Knowledge that is understandable by only an enlightened inner circle” With a little rewording of the definition, quantum physicists could be considered “esoteric” people. I assume the question is about spiritual, metaphysical, paranormalrelated subjects that are generally related to anomalous mental phenomena like psychic and healing intention. However, my comment should apply to any subject. Our mind operates in conceptual reality, meaning that we mentally deal with symbols and other abstractions. When we decide something — say what an object is or a person's name — we assign physical meaning to that conceptual decision. For us to experience something, we must first know how to assign the correct physical meaning. The very large majority of people never become consciously aware of the need to question personal assumption. Their daily living is guided by instincts, memory and cultural training. A

few people have realized the need to habitually examine truths. Those truths are abstract and their examination of them is a complex process of balancing being human with being an etheric personality entangled with a human. Realizing such a need is a very esoteric change in mind. A person who has not made such a transition tends to find it difficult to comprehend the need to examine choices. The esoteric schools refer to this form of secrecy as “For those who have eyes to see.” More to the point, if the person does not have the mental references to understand the information, the person will have difficulty understanding it. Truths often hide in plain sight as abstract symbols requiring supporting information to decode. Are people who study things esoteric delusional, or do they have the necessary understanding to correctly perceive esoteric experiences while others do not? People deeply involved with esoteric subjects would tend to be something of a mystery to people who are not. Such involved people might be considered delusional. Some probably are, as there are always those who refuse to do the work. But it is for the observer to learn, rather than judge. Most all people are capable of developing the eyes to see. Question 217 How do we control our Destiny? Answered June 26, 2021 Answer In the Conditional Free Will Essay, (25) I tried to explore the influences in our life that go to moderate our freedom of choices. You may want to look

over that essay as part of this answer. In the metaphysics I study, it is useful to think of who we are as being two people in one body. I use that idea in the Two Mind Solution to the Survival Hypothesis. (32) It is a Dualist concept (mind is separate from brain) as opposed to Physicalism (mind is produced by brain). The idea is that we are an immortal personality entangled with our human avatar in a symbiotic relationship. Who we think we are is a combination of our human personality (avatar) and our immortal personality (symbiont). While we are inclined toward gaining greater understanding, our human avatar is inclined toward gene dominance. This model is useful for considering such questions. I am not qualified to say if it is the best (scientific) explanation. The degree to which we are able to gain understanding from life experiences is a function of how well we can manage our human’s instincts. The average person seems mostly unaware of the need to manage their instincts. I cannot say if we have Divine influences in our life. I think we enter into a lifetime to gain understanding about the nature of reality through life experiences. It would be consistent with what we know about sentience to think that we had a specific area of interest. We do see this in how some people want a particular kind of education and career. If this is true, it would seem to mean that our destiny

is to live this lifetime as fully as we can. Hiding in a cave to gain enlightenment would defeat that objective. Getting dirty in a low paying job might be just what we need. It is best to judge our progression rather than our station in life. I like to think that the primary motivation of Source is curiosity. For me, as an aspect of Source, there are only two sins. One sin is to consciously avoid opportunities for experience and the other is to interfere with other people’s opportunity to have experience. With all of that said, the answer would seem to be that we begin to take control of our destiny by learning to manage our human’s instincts. We can do that by making it a life-long habit to consciously examine the implications of our choices (discernment). We need to honor our human, but it is for us to manage its influence on our progression. Question 218 Why does the New Age believe everything has to be no bad vibes instead of doing shadow work, or having discernment when needed? Answered June 1, 2021 Answer At 78, I consider myself a card-carrying New Ager. A sense of curiosity started my journey. It was my intention to be the first man on the moon, but there are a million naturally occurring reasons that did not happen. I had a few episodes of heightened awareness when I was preschool child … altered states of consciousness that left me wondering why.

That was in the 1940s and there were no adults in my small town who could give me a reasonable explanation. The local preacher was scary. The doctor was uninformed. No way my parents would understand. It was better to keep my experiences to myself. Fast forward a few years to when I discovered the Rosicrucians through their “Thoughts have wings” advertising in one of my science magazines. That was late in my high school years. My study of the esoteric wisdom stopped when they said to meet them on the inner. I didn’t know enough to ask the right questions. Back then, there were few books on the subject in my small logging town library. I did find a lot of books on psychology. As it turned out, science fiction writers were my most important teachers. Hypnotism was fun. I got in trouble with the English teacher for trying to hypnotize another student. Since then, I have taken numerous classes on everything from psychic development to lucid dreaming. I prefer the deep emersion, week-long classes because the instructor is better able to help students enter into deeper states of awareness. It usually takes a few days for me. Today, I am an ordained Spiritualist minister, certified healer and medium. With my wife, I am a director of the Association TransCommunication (24) and have written several books on human potential as it is informed by Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) which is the audio form of Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). New Age

is a culture but not a specific group. As a general statement, New Agers are people who accept the evidence that they are more than their body and seek to understand what that means and how to make the best of it for themselves. They are neither stupid nor greedy. They live in a “what if” world and are not actually believers as the general public thinks. The New Age culture is mostly about human potential. I study what I refer to as survival metaphysics. A few New Agers are interested in survival, but most are seekers after understanding their personal nature. New Agers are mostly self-taught and tend to gravitate toward schools of thought. While the underlying concepts appear to be universal, such as Dualism and continuous life, the way they are thought of may be different. For instance, some seekers think they must be pure of heart and live with Mother Nature. Others focus on preparing their body to support what they think of as more spiritual energy. I have great respect for people who are willing to take the time to teach. Like any service, they should be paid for their effort. With that said, people who seek to teach are taught by other New Agers who, themselves were probably self-taught. A common characteristic of anyone learning about something they love is the desire to be able to work in the field all the time. That results in some teachers being a lot better than others, so

buyer beware—as with any human endeavor. One of the driving influences in the New Age culture is the lack of science-based guidance. The most ignorant, self-serving scientists tell New Agers they are delusional, yet, today, psychic ability has been shown to be a natural ability (see 100 Scientific Papers Offering Evidence for Psi Phenomena & Effects (36) and Dean Radin’s research. (35) After my little altered states experiences in youth, it only discredits the scientist who tells me I am misinformed. It is for them to explain why and few can. Lacking reasonable, learned guidance from scientists, people are left with their own devices to come up with their own truths. Just about every teacher has a different way of explaining essentially the same concepts. So, if you think New Age concepts are nonsense, your grievance is with the teacher who is trying his or her best, but who lacks the academic support to know better. Be understanding. Better yet, ask why you think the way you do. “Bad vibe avoidance” amongst New Agers is the same as “Can’t we all get along” in general society. Having been a seeker for some 70 years, I can say that there is a lot many New Agers do not understand. However, seeking is a journey. Every silly idea a person thinks is true is a silly idea that that person must live with and test in order to understand it is a silly idea. That is the way of progression. Rather than

thinking of New Age as a club, think of it as an idea. The fundamentals of that idea are conscious seeking to understand shelf and the nature of reality. There can be no higher purpose. Question 219 What are some negative aspects of skepticism? Answered March 21, 2021 Answer In my experience, there are people who practice discernment as an informed response and people who reject ideas without reasonable examination. In practice, discernment means suspended judgement while questions are addressed. People who reject ideas without examination have taken the name of skeptic. The Skeptics Society, (116) for instance, represents people who are skeptics but not discerning. The old saying that skepticism is healthy is still true, but society has changed. Today, where I stand on the frontier of science, the term “skeptic” means obstructionist. Virtually every complaint skeptics have voiced about my field of study have been in the form of unquestioning belief that only mainstream science can define science. That is scientism. In contrast, I have found those who express an opinion about research based on self-education about the subject are discerning. I can usually tell the difference because discerning people usually maintain suspended judgement until they have all of the facts. When they say they do not accept the evidence, they do so as an informed decision. Skeptics, on the other hand, typically do not have realistic reasons. The problems with being a skeptic and not an informed observer with an opinion include: • Skeptics have labeled anything

not specifically supported by current science as “Pseudoscience.” They have convinced industry, even governments that anything pseudoscience is a danger to society. Young scientists can ruin their career by associating with a field of study skeptics have labeled as pseudoscience. • There is little money for research of so labeled pseudoscience. • Book burning can occur. See Biography of Wilhelm Reich (183) • People who are skeptics tend to prevent themselves from having potentially life-changing experiences Question 220 Skeptics believe that only science is everything, however is there a world of magic, supernatural phenomena, and mysticism that they miss out on experiencing because they are covered by ignorance? Answered December 5, 2020 Answer I will take this in parts. First, organized skeptics (116) at least behave as if they think “If science does not specifically allow for a reported phenomenon, that phenomenon cannot be real and must be fraud or imagination.” That is scientism, which is a faith-based ideology. This point of view has been expressed to me many times by skeptic editors in Wikipedia, people in Quora who begin their responses with such phrases as “Yes well that post is as ignorant as anything I have ever read anywhere.” Lacking the background, skeptics tend to use such insults rather than informed arguments. From my study, there is magic as it is practiced by stage magicians, and there are magical experiences people report having that are studied as paranormal phenomena. From my study, there is no such thing as magic

in the mystical sense. However, there are reported experiences that seem to defy currently understood physics. Supernatural is, by definition, reported experiences that are outside of the expected norm. While this might be a strange cloud formation, the term is usually applied to experiences that seem related to trans-etheric influences, aka paranormal. Mysticism is important to the last part of the question. The term usually applies to arcane teaching intended to help a person gain lucidity. An indicator for how well a seeker is doing is the degree to which the seeker is able to experience reality as it is, rather than as society has taught. “Mysticism” implies hidden or not easily seen. In fact, “for those who have eyes to see” is a way of saying that something will not be evident if the viewer does not realize the implications of what is experienced. This is a good question because it applies to everyone. Skeptics are especially blinded to their spiritual nature by their ignorance of science and how frontier subjects evolve. People who do not think past the influence of their human instincts tend to be blind to their spiritual nature. An important aspect of the way we think is the way our unconscious mind preprocesses information we sense before it comes to our conscious self. The question asked by our perceptual process of each new sensed signal is, “Does the sensed information agree with our worldview?” In this model, generally, there are three possible answers: 1 If

yes, we consciously experience the information. A little modification may occur to nudge the information toward what we think is real. 2 If the information is familiar, how can it be modified to better agree with what we have been taught? If this is the response, the modified version is sent to our conscious awareness. 3 If it is not familiar at all, the information will likely be rejected, and we might not become aware that it existed. The worldview of a skeptic, or anyone who is steeped in physicalist culture, will tend to reject such reported experiences as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) and remote viewing. Skeptics will predictably hear an example of EVP as simple noise while someone open to the phenomenon will more likely correctly hear the speech. I have witnessed this many times. See EVP Online Listening Trials. (159) The answer, then, is that anyone who is unyielding in their openness to new ideas will not have “the eyes to see.” Typically, all they will report hearing in an EVP is noise and naturally assume people who do report meaningful messages are delusional. Yes, they miss out. Those of us who do have the eyes to see suffer when someone is unable to see. In that sense, it is important for us to find the words to show the reasonableness of what we experience. My Qualifications You can see my biography at ethericstudies.org/tom-butler-biography/. (2) My Influences It may be helpful if you have a sense of my

approach to these subjects. I am fascinated with some of the ancient teaching about our spiritual nature. I always begin with Hermes who was a teacher who lived in Egypt some 6,000 years ago. The Egyptians had a god named Thoth which was considered the mind of God as a teacher, source of writing, healing, art and music. Many contemporary accounts describe Thoth and Hermes as the same person, but it is more likely Thoth was an aspect of God, or ideal, while Hermes was probably an influential priest or class of priests. Amongst many titles, Thoth was considered the heart and tongue of the Sun God Ra and the means by which Ra’s will was translated into speech. He also had the title of Three times great, great. The Greeks thought Thoth and Hermes were the same, and thus gave Hermes-Thoth the title of Trismegistus (Greek for Hermes the thrice-greatest). The Romans referred to him as the god Mercury (Mercurius ter Maximus in Latin). While the line of inheritance is likely different for people who have followed other paths of learning, these are milestones marking the evolution of our modern spirituality as I see them: Pre-Hermetic – The spiritual instructions attributed to Hermes appear to be fully developed in his time. Following the Perceptual Agreement Organizing Principle, such understanding probably should not be expected to appear fully developed. It is more realistic to think it had evolved prior to Hermes’ time. If so, what civilization existed before? See Before

The Pharaohs: The Evidence for Advanced Civilisation in Egypt’s Mysterious Prehistory. (30) Hermes – Perhaps the only document reliably attributed to Hermes is the Emerald Tablet (1) A more appropriate title for the discourse is The Truly Great Work because it describes the creative process and how to apply it to the personal pursuit of spiritual maturity. About 6,000 years ago. Katha Upanishad – Sanskrit was the language of the Indus Valley at the border between Pakistan and India. About 4,000 years ago, the spiritual oral traditions of that region were written as educational stories. The Katha Upanishad (41) describes a conversation between the God of Death and a seeker asking to know the nature of death. It is important because, as I describe in the Razor’s Edge Essay, (42) it clearly explains the relationship between our spiritual self and our human avatar. It also explains how to seek spiritual maturity. John 14 of the Bible – The teaching attributed to Jesus in John 14 (117) also describes the relationship between spiritual self and physical self. It depicts the three aspects of a teacher in the same sense as the Emerald Tablet and the Katha Upanishad. Above all, and a lesson often lost on modern Christians, it teaches the way toward spiritual maturity. About 2,000 years ago. Hermetic Tarot – The earliest Tarot I am aware of appeared in the 1300s. It is important to distinguish between New Age Tarot card used for divination and the 22 Major Arcana of

the Hermetic Tarot designed to depict the way to spiritual maturity. I study a version of the 1910 Rider-Waite deck modified by Paul Foster Case and used by Builders of the Adytum. (48) The 22 Major Arcana (cards) symbolically represent one cycle of seeking toward spiritual maturity. Contemporary Science – Parapsychology is the apparent keeper of contemporary spiritual wisdom. I say that with some reservation because that field of study has probably done more damage than good to our understanding of things paranormal. Here, things paranormal are also related to developing discerning intellect because understanding the one can lead to understanding the other. Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC) – As I studied both audio and visual ITC, it became clear that ITC is a contemporary dispensation of the same guidance taught by Hermes, the Katha Upanishad, Jesus and the Hermetica. My personal objective in life is to understand who I am and my relationship with the greater reality. The most important milestone of all for this quest has been ITC. The phenomena themselves are important, even sometimes useful for such service as helping with grief and fear of death, but the implications of their existence unavoidably show us the fact of our immortality as spiritual self first and human avatar second. I write because it is the only way I can scratch this itch to teach. Index An Index makes little sense in an eBook. However, I developed one for the hardcopy version and think it might be useful as a way

for you to know that a particular name is in the book. Use the search tool to access the name in the body of the book. 22 Major Arcana 9–11 World Trade Center Attack Academic-Layperson Partition Allan Kardec American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena Arthur Clarke Association TransCommunication Astrology Astronomical Cosmology Auditory Pareidolia Axis Mundi Bible Big Bang Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies Black Box Analysis Brazil Builders of the Adytum Cabala Causal Determinism Christians Consciousness Studies Control Recorder Dalai Lama Darwin David Bohm David Merril Dean Radin Deepak Chopra Dominance Threshold Dr. Who Egypt Einstein Emanuel Swedenborg EMDR Emerald Tablet Ernst Senkowski EVPmaker Extraterrestrial First Sight Theory Flat Earth Flat Earth Society Food and Drug Administration Frank Sumption Frank’s Box Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) German Ghost Box Global Consciousness Project God-Realization Greek Grim Reaper Ham Radio Hemi-Sync Hermes Hermetic Tarot Hermetic Tradition Hermetic Wisdom Schools Hermetica Hilary Clinton Horace Mann Hyperlucidity Implicate Order India Indus Valley Inheritance of Credibility Intercessory Prayer Isaac Asimov Isaac Newton James Carpenter Jesus John 14 Kant Kardecist Mediums Katha Upanishad Lord of the Flies Lucidity Spectrum Maggy and Jules Harsch-Fischbach Mandelbrot Set - Apple Man Martha Copeland Mercury Microtubules Monroe Institute Morphic Resonance (Morphogenesis) Morphogenic Mind National Spiritualist Association of Churches Native American Natural Law Nature’s Habit One Thing Ouija Board Pakistan Palm Reading Paul Foster Case Pear Laboratory Phased-array Antenna Psyleron Quantum Mysticism Radionics Radio-Sweep Rider-Waite Robert Heinlein Roman Rosicrucians Rupert Sheldrake Ruth Bader Ginsberg Sanskrit Sarah Estep Scientism Silver Bullet Society

for Research in Rapport and Telekinesis (SORRAT) Spirit Box Spiritism Spiritualism Spiritualist National Union Spiritualists Star Trek Stochastic Amplification Sun God Ra Super-Psi Hypothesis Tarot The Big Bang The Great Work The Hermes Concepts The Lord of the Flies Therapeutic Touch Thoth Tinkerbell Tree of Life Trismegistus Twilight Zone Uncertainty Principle White Noise Wikipedia Wizard of Oz Syndrome Wizard Syndrome References 1. Butler, Tom. “The Hermes Concepts.” Etheric Studies. 2016. ethericstudies.org/hermes-concepts/. 2. Butler, Tom. “Tom Butler’s Biography.” Etheric Studies. ethericstudies.org/tom-butler-biography/. 3. Butler, Tom. “Implicit Cosmology.” Etheric Studies. 2015. ethericstudies.org/implicit-cosmology/. 4. The Monroe Institute. monroeinstitute.org/. 5. Butler, Tom. “Perceptual Agreement.” Etheric Studies. 2015. ethericstudies.org/perceptual-agreement/. 6. Murrell, Beatrix. “The Cosmic Plenum: Bohm's Gnosis: The Implicate Order.” Stoa del Sol. bizint.com/stoa_del_sol/plenum/plenum_3.html. 7. Talbot, Michael. The Holographic Universe. NY, NY: HarperPerennial, 1991. 8. Butler, Tom. “A Model for EVP.” Association TransCommunication. 2017. atransc.org/model-for-evp/. 9. Solomon, Grant and Jane, Solomon. “Paranormal Apports Phenomena Evidence.” The Scole Experiment. thescoleexperiment.com/paranormalapports-phenomena.html. 10. Heasley, Karen. “Precipitated Spirit Paintings I.” Spiritual Path Church. 2017. spiritualpathspiritualistchurch.org/precipitated-spirit-paintings-i/. 11. Grattan-Guinness, Ivor. “SORRAT History and Background.” Association TransCommunication. 2011. atransc.org/sorrat-history/. 12. Butler, Tom. “The Creative Process.” Etheric Studies. 2014. ethericstudies.org/creative-process/. 13. “a priori knowledge.” Encyclopedia Britanica. britannica.com/topic/a-prioriknowledge. 14. Blumenau, Ralph. “Kant and the Thing in Itself.” Philosophy Now. 2001. philosophynow.org/issues/31/Kant_and_the_Thing_in_Itself. 15. Butler, Tom. “About Etheric Studies.” Etheric Studies. 2007. ethericstudies.org/about-etheric-studies/. 16. Butler, Tom. “The Mindful Way.” Etheric Studies. 2014. ethericstudies.org/mindfulness/. 17. Butler, Tom. “ATransC White Paper on Transcommunication.” Association TransCommunication. 2014. atransc.org/itc-white-paper/. 18. Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies (BICS). bigelowinstitute.org/. 19. Butler, Tom. “Review

of Runner Up BICS Essays.” Etheric Studies. 2022. ethericstudies.org/2021-bics-essay-reviews/. 20. Sheldrake, Rupert PhD. Morphic Resonance and Morphic Fields. Rupert Sheldrake. sheldrake.org/research/morphic-resonance/introduction?. 21. Butler, Tom. “The Cosmology of Imaginary Space.” Etheric Studies. 2014. ethericstudies.org/cosmology-imaginary-space/. 22. Howell, Elizabeth. “What Is the Big Bang Theory?” Space.com. 2017. space.com/25126-big-bang-theory.html. 23. Butler, Tom. “The Razor's Edge.” Etheric Studies. 2016. ethericstudies.org/razors-edge/. 24. Butler, Tom and Lisa. “About the Association TransCommunication.” Association TransCommunication (ATransC). atransc.org/about-atransc/. 25. Butler, Tom. “Conditional Freewill.” Etheric Studies. ethericstudies.org/conditional-freewill/. 26. Butler, Tom. “Consensus Building in the Paranormalist Community.” Etheric Studies. 2017. ethericstudies.org/consensus-building/. 27. Butler, Tom. “Organizing Principles.” Etheric Studies. 2015. ethericstudies.org/organizing-principles/. 28. Bargh, John A. “Our Unconscious Mind.” PScience Associates. 2013. pscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/UNCONSCIOUS-unconsciousmind-shapes-our-day-to-day-interactions-Bargh-SciAm-2013.pdf. 29. Max-Planck-Gesellschaft. “Decision-making May Be Surprisingly Unconscious Activity.” Science Daily. 2008. sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414145705.htm. 30. Malkowski, Edward. “Before The Pharaohs: The Evidence for Advanced Civilisation in Egypt’s Mysterious Prehistory.” New Dawn Magazine. 2006. newdawnmagazine.com/articles/before-the-pharaohs-the-evidence-foradvanced-civilisation-in-egypts-mysterious-prehistory 31. Butler, Tom. “About First Sight Theory.” Etheric Studies. 2018. ethericstudies.org/first-sight-theory/. 32. Butler, Tom. “Two-Mind Solution to the Survival Hypothesis.” Ethedric Studies. 2021. ethericstudies.org/two-mind-solution/. 33. Merrill, David W. and Reid, Roger H. “David Merrill & Roger Reid: Social Styles.” Management Pocketbooks. 2017. pocketbook.co.uk/blog/2017/04/18/david-merrill-roger-reid-social-styles/. 34. Poncela-Casasnovas, Julia et al. “A study on human behavior has identified four basic personality types.” uc3m - Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. 2016. uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/UC3MInstitucional/en/Detalle/Comunicacion_C/137122 3155576/1371216052182/A_study_on_human_behavior_has_identified_four _basic_personality_types. 35. Radin, Dean. “Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications on Psi Research.” Dean Radin.com. deanradin.com/recommended-references. 36. “A List of 100+ Peer-Reviewed Papers that Offer Scientific Evidence for Psi Phenomena.” The Science of Subtle Energy. subtle.energy/list-100-peerreviewed-papers-offer-scientific-evidence-psi-phenomena/. 37. Windbridge Research Center. windbridge.org/. 38. Butler,

Tom. “Becoming Lucid.” Etheric Studies. 2020. ethericstudies.org/becoming-lucid/. 39. Butler, Tom. “Classifying Phenomena.” Etheric Studies. 2016. ethericstudies.org/classifying-phenomena/. 40. Butler, Tom. “EVP Online Phantom Voices.” Association TransCommunication. 2012. atransc.org/phantom-voices/. 41. Mason, Lynne, Patterson, Robert and Radin, Dean. “Exploratory Study: The Random Number Generator and Group Meditation.”Academia.edu. 2007. academia.edu/30794323/Exploratory_study_the_random_number_generator _and_group_meditation. 42. Butler, Tom. Avatar. Etheric Studies. 2018. ethericstudies.org/avatar/. 43. Butler, Tom and Lisa. “ATransC ITC Examples.” Association TransCommunication. atransc.org/itc-evp/. 44. Bargh, John A. and Morsella, Ezequiel. “The Unconscious Mind.” US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 2008. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2440575/. 45. National Spiritualist Association of Churches. February 2012. nsac.org/. 46. Butler, Tom. “Spiritual Anatomy.” Etheric Studies. 2020. ethericstudies.org/spiritual-anatomy/. 47. Carpenter, James. “First Sight: A Model and A Theory of Psi.” James Carpenter. 2014. drjimcarpenter.com/about/documents/FirstSightformindfield.pdf. 48. Butler, Tom. “Life Field.” Etheric Studies. 2014. ethericstudies.org/life-field/. 49. Butler, Tom. “Mind as Storyteller.” Etheric Studies. 2019. ethericstudies.org/mind-as-storyteller/. 50. Butler, Tom. “Radical Conservatism.” Etheric Studies. 2020. ethericstudies.org/radical-conservatism/. 51. Butler, Tom. “A Reason for Mindfulness.” Etheric Studies. 2014. ethericstudies.org/reason-for-mindfulness/. 52. Butler, Tom. “Etheric Fields.” Etheric Studies. 2014. ethericstudies.org/ethericfields/. 53. (Translator) Panoli, Vidyavachaspati V. “Katha Upanishad.” Vedanta Shastras Library. shastras.com/upanishads-krishna-yajur-veda/katha-upanishad/. 54. Butler, Tom. “A Personal Code of Ethics for the Mindful Way.” Etheric Studies. 2016. ethericstudies.org/code-of-ethics/. 55. Lama, Dalai. Dalai Lama. Facebook. September 10, 2012. facebook.com/DalaiLama/posts/10151052842097616?__xts__[0]=68.ARAQZZ HjV4_IelDHqiiIMWqYZEBbG4XAnVozwm7lUEIttYpMJUOjPAtneQW7Y_ceewbQ n6PpXlrP7wqNrGjKiLqN0GtWS-ItjS7nR_5vVZimSJKkbAbFB2sc5iKyntgwZg2FyWxHFhFaJX8Z2IbZAx7x70IuO_aX4GYTv_qUVTBHp3Hm7U77. 56. Doyle, Bob. “Determinism.” The Information Philosopher. 1968. informationphilosopher.com/freedom/determinism.html. 57. Hardin, Brett. “The Four Different Personality Types.” 2014. blog.bretthard.in/the-four-different-personality-types-9366bfefde16. 58. Butler, Tom. “Etheric Studies Occasional Update 8.” MailChimp. 2020. mailchi.mp/788f78f656fb/etheric-studies-occasional-update-8. 59. Butler, Tom. “Morphic Fields.” Etheric Studies. 2018. ethericstudies.org/morphic-fields/. 60. Berggreen, ByJesper.

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EVP.” Association TransCommunication. 2019. atransc.org/characteristic-test-for-evp/. 144. Auerbach, Loyd. “Loyd Auerbach.” Facebook. facebook.com/loyd.auerbach. 145. Chopra, Deepak. “Only Spirituality Can Solve The Problems Of The World.” Huffpost Healthy Living. 2010. huffingtonpost.com/deepak-chopra/onlyspirituality-can-sol_b_474221.html. 146. Builders of the Adytum. bota.org/. 147. “Highlights of Tarot.” B.O.T.A. bota.org/botaineurope/en/tarot/. 148. Butler, Tom. “The Monroe Way.” Association TransCommunication. 2008. atransc.org/monroe-way/. 149. Ayan, Steve on December. “The Brain’s Autopilot Mechanism Steers Consciousness.” Scientific American. 2018. scientificamerican.com/article/thebrains-autopilot-mechanism-steersconsciousness/?fbclid=IwAR18A8_OFcBoOGtObaYHBi_2MsOSSoS51mL6Hxzf6 mMD5Ld_qrzv77Opd4Y. 150. Butler, Tom. “What is it Like on the Other Side.” Etheric Studies. 2012. ethericstudies.org/like-on-other-side/. 151. “B.O.T.A. Tarot Deck.” Esoteric Meanings. esotericmeanings.com/introduction-to-the-b-o-t-a-tarot-deck/. 152. Carruthers, Peter. “The Illusion ofConscious Thought.” Journal of Consciousness Studies. 2017. faculty.philosophy.umd.edu/pcarruthers/The%20illusion%20of%20conscious %20thought.pdf. 153. “Horace Mann Quotations.” Quotetab.com. quotetab.com/quotes/by-horacemann. 154. Raab, Diana. “What Is Spiritual Bypassing?” Psychology Today. 2019. psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-empowerment-diary/201901/what-isspiritual-bypassing. 155. Colvin, Barrie. “Poltergeists (Overview).” Psi Encyclopedia. psiencyclopedia.spr.ac.uk/articles/poltergeists-overview. 156. Spiritualist National Union. snu.org.uk/. 157. Senkowski, Ernst. “Instrumental TransCommunication.” World ITC. 1995. worlditc.org/c_07_senki_00_content.htm. 158. Locher, Theo and Harsch-Fischbach, Maggy. “Breakthroughs in Technical Spirit Communication.” World ITC. worlditc.org/c_01_lohf_first.htm. 159. Butler, Tom. “EVP Online Listening Trials.” Association TransCommunication. 2008. atransc.org/evp-online-listening-trials/. 160. Butler, Tom (et al). “Best Practices: Control Recorder for EVP.” Etheric Studies. 2007. ethericstudies.org/control-recorder/. 161. Butler, Tom. “Case for the Survival Hypothesis.” Etheric Studies. 2021. ethericstudies.org/case-for-the-survival-hypothesis/. 162. Butler, Tom. “Radio-Sweep: A Case Study.” Association TransCommunication. 2009. atransc.org/radiosweep-study1/. 163. Leary, Mark. “A Research Study into the Interpretation of EVP - Three parts.” Association TransCommunication. 2013. atransc.org/radiosweep-study2/. 164. Gullà, Daniele. “Computer–Based Analysis of Supposed Paranormal Voice: The Question of Anomalies Detected and Speaker Identification.” Association TransCommunication. 2004. atransc.org/gulla-voice-analysis/. 165. Bosch, Holger, Steinkamp, Fiona and

Boller, Emil. “Examining Psychokinesis: The Interaction of Human Intention With Random Number Generators—A Meta-Analysis.” academia.edu. 2006. academia.edu/6873648/Examining_Psychokinesis_The_Interaction_of_Huma n_Intention_With_Random_Number_Generators_A_Meta_Analysis. 166. Butler, Tom and Lisa. “The EVP of Tom and Lisa Butler.” Association TransCommunication. atransc.org/evp-tom-lisa-butler/. 167. Cooper, Dennis. “Frank’s Box: The Real Telephone to the Dead.” The Blog of Author Dennis Cooper. 2022. denniscooperblog.com/franks-box-the-realtelephone-to-the-dead/. 168. Scofield, Tony. “The Radionic Principle: Mind over Matter.” The Radionics Associatiion. 2007. radionic.co.uk/PDFs/Mind%20in%20Radionics.pdf. 169. Butler, Tom (et al). “Practices.” Association TransCommunication. atransc.org/practices/. 170. Butler, Lisa. “Recording Thoughts of the Living.” Association TransCommunication. 2001. atransc.org/recording-thoughts-of-living/. 171. Butler, Tom. “Pseudoscience.” Etheric Studies. 2012. ethericstudies.org/pseudoscience/. 172. Butler, Tom. “Skeptic: On Practicing Healthy Skepticism and Being a Skeptic.” Etheric Studies. 2011. ethericstudies.org/skeptic/. 173. Butler, Tom. “Wikipedia Bullying Editors.” Etheric Studies. 2016. ethericstudies.org/wikipedia-bullying-editors/. 174. Butler, Tom. “Concerns with Wikipedia.” Etheric Studies. 2009. ethericstudies.org/concerns-with-wikipedia/. 175. Butler, Tom. “Wikipendia Watch.” Etheric Studies. 2010. ethericstudies.org/wikipedia-watch/. 176. “What is Exceptional Psychology?” Simmonds-Moore, Christine. 76 supplement, Pages 54-57. Journal of Parapsychology. 2012. 177. Forsythe, Francesca. “3 Basic Instincts: Which Dominates You and How It Shapes Who You Are.” Learning Mind. 2017. learning-mind.com/basicinstincts-dominant/. 178. “Altruism.” Psychology Today. psychologytoday.com/us/basics/altruism. 179. Raypole, Crystal. “Ever Been Told You Have an Old Soul? Here’s What That Really Means.” Healthline. 2020. healthline.com/health/what-is-an-oldsoul#traits. 180. “Over Fifty Ways Culture Influences Us.” Center for Teaching. teach.its.uiowa.edu/sites/teach.its.uiowa.edu/files/docs/docs/Over_Fifty_Wa ys_Culture_Influences_Us_0_0_ed.pdf. 181. “Memory.” Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/memory.html. 182. Buckley, Dylan. “4 Most Common Temperament Types.” Better Help. 2020. betterhelp.com/advice/temperament/4-most-common-temperament-types/. 183. “Biography of Wilhelm Reich.” The Wilhelm Reich Infant Trust. 2011. wilhelmreichmuseum.org/about/biography-of-wilhelm-reich/. 184. LaMorte, Wayne W. “The Social Cognitive Theory.” Behavioral Change

Models. 2016. sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPHModules/SB/BehavioralChangeTheories/BehavioralChangeTheories5.html. 185. Lange, R. and Houran, J. “The role of fear in delusions of the paranormal.” Pub Med - US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 1999. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10086472/. 186. Butler, Tom and Lisa. “ATransC NewsJournal Archive.” Association TransCommunication. atransc.org/category/archive/. Your Immortal Self Exploring the Mindful Way Book’s dedicated web page We Can Know the Nature of Reality Our understanding of the nature of reality is undergoing an important shift from mostly supposition and belief to actionable facts based on important developments in parapsychology and transcommunication. This means the emergence of new tools which are helping us better understand our nature and the nature of the world we live in. To be sure, this shift involves theory and research, but it ultimately comes down to who we are and what we can become. The best way to describe this future paradigm is in terms of mindfulness and the middle way of mindful living. This is not the mindfulness of living in the moment based on the belief that you are your body. It is the mindfulness of experiencing life from the perspective of your immortal self. This book is written to show you the evidence of survival and the implications of that evidence as an important model for future research. While your personal progression depends a lot on understanding the evidence, the community sharing your journey is equally important. To help you learn where to look for help, a comprehensive survey of our paranormalist community is included.

Mindfulness can lead to important growth in your ability to work with nature, to sense the subtle fields influencing your life and more confidently commune with your loved ones on the other side. But it is important to understand how this paradigm shift is changing our understanding of the phenomena of transcommunication and interconnectedness in our community. The last part of this book includes a comprehensive discussion of the phenomena, including EVP-ITC, healing intention and mediumship transcommunication phenomena. On Amazon Exploring the Mindful Way Companion to Your Immortal Self Book’s dedicated web page Immortal Self-Centric Mindfulness The most important understanding seekers of spiritual maturity must come to is the difference between lucidity and hyperlucidity. Lucidity is the degree to which we are able to clearly sense information from our mostly unconscious mind. Hyperlucidity is a term used in the Implicit Cosmology for a complex of behaviors motivated by the belief we are lucid when we are actually only sensing what we have been taught to expect. The second most important understanding is that lucidity is the seeker’s objective, but that it is achieved in small steps. The only real conscious influence we have on our mostly unconscious mind is the expression of intention. This means that we must learn to consciously examine what we think is true. Mind changes only slowly, and so, the seeker’s objective is to habitually express the intention to align perception with the actual nature of reality. In the first book, Your Immortal Self, the process

of consciously seeking greater lucidity is referred to as the Mindful Way. Many people practice mindfulness simply to improve personal wellbeing. A few step onto the Mindful Way to seek greater understanding of their immortal nature and the nature of the reality they inhabit. Even fewer remain as wayshowers for those who seek greater lucidity. The fact of our immortality is explained in Your Immortal Self. This book, Exploring the Mindful Way, includes twenty-one essays explaining some of the more important concepts encountered on the Mindful Way. While you will benefit from first reading Your Immortal Self, there are sufficient explanations in this book to make it a stand-alone text. Will you be a wayshower? On Amazon [End] ---