MATURE CONTEMPLATION |
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| Authors: | Charles D. LaughlinJr. John McManus Eugene G. d'Aquili |
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| Affiliation: | Charles D. Laughlin, Jr., is Professor of Anthropology at Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KLS 5B6.;John McManus is a social-psychological consultant. He may be reached at 852 North Twenty-second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130.;Eugene G. d'Aquili is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, 2400 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract. This chapter extends biogenetic structural theory to a consideration of the biopsychological principles underlying higher phases of consciousness, particularly those attained by the systematic exploration of consciousness called contemplation. The concepts of psychic energy, flow, centeredness, energy circulation, and dreambody are explored as presented in various mystical traditions, and a model of the underlying neurophysiology is presented in terms of ergotropic-trophotropic tuning. The psychophysiology of various forms of meditation together with emergent peak experiences is examined and integrated into the ergotropic-trophotropic tuning model. Structural invariance of ergotropic-trophotropic tuning as well as invariant aspects of contemplation across different cultures and associated with different symbol systems is considered. Finally the nature and implications of Void Consciousness, God Consciousness, or Abssolute Unitary Being are examined. |
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| Keywords: | Absolute Unitary Being centeredness contemplation ergotropic-trophotropic tuning flow God Consciousness meditation neuropsychology peak experiences psychic energy structural invariance Void Consciousness |
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