doc benway

My experience is very similar. What I suspect is happening here is a consequence of the fact that when "visualizing" we are not engaging the "eye sense." The eyes are dependent on light and not active when the eyes are closed. The occipital cortex, which is engaged in interpreting and integrating information from the eye organ, is not as engaged - at least that's my belief. I haven't done much investigation into that piece. I wonder if studies are out there looking at that? Hence the difference between seeing with the eyes (eye sense) and seeing in a different way. Another way to explore and play with this is to visualize with the eyes open and lights on. One can see what is in front of the eyes and also "see" what one is visualizing. Yet another way to explore this is with prolonged practice in a dark room. This is the basis of the Tibetan "thodgal" practices in which one spends 49 days in an utterly dark room. There is no intentional visualization done at all. The idea is to rest fully in the meditative, Natural, state of mind. Over time visions arise but have nothing to do with the "eye sense."

I’ll add that trunk, ilumairen, zerostao, and dwai are a wonderful team. I hope they all continue to serve the community as they have for as long as they feel called and capable. They have a wonderful balance of views, all tempered by principles and empathy. I deeply appreciate their previous and continued service! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 💋💋💋

@Shadao Voila!

A demon may not be inclined to reveal their true intention so readily…

It’s Natural! A 90’s fav!

Another masterpiece from 1973

I never realized Edgar played the sax and timbales too... damn!

Oh my, SLYl

I googled “things called steve” and… https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_(atmospheric_phenomenon) From Nature, “ …Steve’s distinctly different shape and behaviour suggests that his origins lie in some unusual chemistry involving very hot ionised gas.” My family would agree ^ | Steve on carryout night

Don't eat the yellow snow!

Tomioka Soichiro - Trees (oil on canvas) 1961

Smote

@el_tortugo @Miffymog You should both now have access.

I think it was called gangsa, it’s been a long time. Golden Rain is a very cool piece!

Thank you @Trunk I appreciate you taking steps you feel are in the best interest of this community and the community at large. That’s all anyone can ask.

Obsessive use of meditative disciplines or perennial study of scripture and philosophy will never bring forth this wonderful realization; This truth which is natural to awareness, because the mind that desperately desires to reach another realm or level of experience inadvertently ignores the basic light that constitutes all experience. ~ Tilopa

I played in a Balinese gamelan angklung in college. Got to play at the Indonesian embassy in DC. Fantastic experience!

I remember when I first was active here, back in the good old days, people were often lamenting how good things used to be here back in the good old days. The good days are now! We are all here. Hopefully we are reasonably healthy. We’re smart as hell and funny. Let’s make the most of our time together. FUCK RON JEREMY! 😁

@Uncle Fester Your wish has come true.

@questionmark Voila!

Double-stuffed

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