Awakening: Bi-Polar, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety, Healing, Kundalini, Jhana

[Jhanon]

Perhaps, but consider this. I took ayahuasca on the day I was forced to use geodon, a so-called "less effective" anti-psychotic than Zyprexa. The effects of the ayahuasca were so powerful that my consciousness was repeatedly leaving my body as I stumbled to the bathroom for the geodon. It took all I could muster along with the help of a friend to empty out the capsule under my tongue. Within 20 mins, it was all over. But it didn't end on it's own. Ayahuasca is one of the most potent hallucinogens known to man. I still had at least 3 hours left of those effects. To me, that speaks well to the immediacy of it's inhibitory effect.

If I find a good opportunity to test Zyprexa, I will. Because samadhi and Zyprexa is almost completely unexplored, and someone has to ensure mankind doesn't get in the way of enlightenment more than it already does. So, we'll see.

I am very happy to hear you're getting better results with meditation. If you can provide a brief summary of the most recent developments, I am very happy to read it. And no, I will not bring up the Zyprexa issue again.

[Jhanananda]

I am sorry, Michel, for the troubles that you have had with psychiatry.  Sadly, psychiatry does not understand the experience of the mystic, so they are inclined to misdiagnose a mystic as delusional; and I believe that you were misdiagnosed.

I've been studying and experimenting with medicine ever since my Mother had me put on Ritalin at 7 years old.

Putting a child on Ritalin is very disturbing to me, and shows how deeply delusional world is.

[Michel]

...  Actually, the Pali term 'Viriya' is a Sanskrit term and it is related to our term 'virtue' which is not a wholesome behavior, nor an 'effort.'  Virtue, Viriya, is a spiritual attainment or quality that one can accumulate through leading a rigorous, self-aware contemplative life.  So, Supramundane Viriya is Energy, or kundalini are related terms.  When one experiences a powerful surge of energy while in deep meditation, this is Virtue, Viriya, arising, which is Supramundane Viriya.  It is self-arising. Whereas, effort of any kind is mundane effort.

When I've been in manic states I recall not only having feelings of intense love, euphoria and bliss, but also of having this incredible energy within me. I guess I was experiencing Viriya, the 3rd factor of the 7 factors of enlightenment. Sometimes I long to be manic. The typical long and deep depression which follows mania, I believe, is actually a mourning for its loss.

[Alexander]

When I've been in manic states I recall not only having feelings of intense love, euphoria and bliss, but also of having this incredible energy within me. I guess I was experiencing Viriya, the 3rd factor of the 7 factors of enlightenment. Sometimes I long to be manic. The typical long and deep depression which follows mania, I believe, is actually a mourning for its loss.

Here is what I've been able to scrap together about esoteric anatomy:

First, there are two higher centers in the human being, the spiritual heart and the spiritual crown.

Second, there is a hidden energy in the human being that 99.9% of us never encounter. In Buddhism, the term "viriya" refers to this energy, but we also find analogous terms in Christianity and Hinduism.

When we live the spiritual life, we learn about ourselves, simplify ourselves, withdraw from the world, and conquer our dysfunctions. What happens when we do these things is this energy emerges, and starts to rise up the spinal column. When that energy reaches the chest, the spiritual heart becomes activated and we undergo a profound transformation.

Later, if that energy reaches the crown of the head, it represents that someone has become a siddha or a perfected one.

Finally, from what I understand about the OOBE, in an OOBE that energy explodes out of the crown of the head while one is in the spiritual realm.

So, this energy rises in us in a linear way. If we have a sensation of it in the head, it means we have already unlocked the spiritual heart and so on. You would not have an experience of it without having been through the long journey of activating it and helping it emerge.

Some other points:
- A full body sensation is not viriya, but the sensation of the aura or spirit.
- Heat in the chest represents the activation of the spiritual heart.
- The stage of uncontrolled sobbing is connected with the activation of the spiritual heart.
- There are other centers than the heart and crown, in Yoga they list 7. However, we can simplify this into the most important two, the heart and the crown.
- The source of this energy appears to be the base or sexual center, so changing our relationship with sexuality is critical to getting on the spiritual path proper.

[Jhanananda]

When I've been in manic states I recall not only having feelings of intense love, euphoria and bliss, but also of having this incredible energy within me. I guess I was experiencing Viriya, the 3rd factor of the 7 factors of enlightenment. Sometimes I long to be manic. The typical long and deep depression which follows mania, I believe, is actually a mourning for its loss.

Because there are significant parallels between the superior spiritual attainments (maha-phala), then I am willing to consider that some people manifest these superior spiritual attainments (maha-phala) prior to taking up a contemplative life.  These people we have many names for, such as: Bi-Polar, PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, etc.  Without leading a contemplative life the person who stumbles upon the charisms will be driven quite mad, and everywhere they look for guidance, they will only find misdirection.  Now that you, Michel, have taken up a contemplative life, then you might be better prepared for the return of the charisms.

[Michel]

So, this energy rises in us in a linear way. If we have a sensation of it in the head, it means we have already unlocked the spiritual heart and so on. You would not have an experience of it without having been through the long journey of activating it and helping it emerge.

I wonder how one could explain mania in terms of what is happening with the chakras? Mania arises spontaneously without any volition; there is no "long journey of activating it" involved.

Why did you not mention the throat and 3rd eye chakras. Do they not have any significance?

[Michel]

  Now that you, Michel, have taken up a contemplative life, then you might be better prepared for the return of the charisms.

The contemplative celibate life I live has reduced my level of stress and anxiety significantly. The only time I feel stressed and anxious is when I see the psychiatrist. I have not had any depression for the last two years since I began practicing the N8P. The N8P is a prescription for mental health and well being.

[Alexander]

I wonder how one could explain mania in terms of what is happening with the chakras? Mania arises spontaneously without any volition; there is no "long journey of activating it" involved.

Why did you not mention the throat and 3rd eye chakras. Do they not have any significance?

I assume they are real as well, although I have never had a sensation at the throat. We can call the third eye analogous to the crown, it is usually associated with Shiva, while the crown is more a part of Christian symbolism.

[Jhanon]

...  Actually, the Pali term 'Viriya' is a Sanskrit term and it is related to our term 'virtue' which is not a wholesome behavior, nor an 'effort.'  Virtue, Viriya, is a spiritual attainment or quality that one can accumulate through leading a rigorous, self-aware contemplative life.  So, Supramundane Viriya is Energy, or kundalini are related terms.  When one experiences a powerful surge of energy while in deep meditation, this is Virtue, Viriya, arising, which is Supramundane Viriya.  It is self-arising. Whereas, effort of any kind is mundane effort.

When I've been in manic states I recall not only having feelings of intense love, euphoria and bliss, but also of having this incredible energy within me. I guess I was experiencing Viriya, the 3rd factor of the 7 factors of enlightenment. Sometimes I long to be manic. The typical long and deep depression which follows mania, I believe, is actually a mourning for its loss.

Very interesting, Michel. I hate to admit it, but it seems I also have manic phases. I had one about 3 weeks ago, which lasted 2 weeks, and I was incredibly productive and put a strong foundation underneath me which should last for the next 8 months to years. I don't generally get too depressed afterward anymore. But goodness! HOW I DO LOVE those phases. So alive!

[Jhanon]

When I've been in manic states I recall not only having feelings of intense love, euphoria and bliss, but also of having this incredible energy within me. I guess I was experiencing Viriya, the 3rd factor of the 7 factors of enlightenment. Sometimes I long to be manic. The typical long and deep depression which follows mania, I believe, is actually a mourning for its loss.

Here is what I've been able to scrap together about esoteric anatomy:

First, there are two higher centers in the human being, the spiritual heart and the spiritual crown.

Second, there is a hidden energy in the human being that 99.9% of us never encounter. In Buddhism, the term "viriya" refers to this energy, but we also find analogous terms in Christianity and Hinduism.

When we live the spiritual life, we learn about ourselves, simplify ourselves, withdraw from the world, and conquer our dysfunctions. What happens when we do these things is this energy emerges, and starts to rise up the spinal column. When that energy reaches the chest, the spiritual heart becomes activated and we undergo a profound transformation.

Later, if that energy reaches the crown of the head, it represents that someone has become a siddha or a perfected one.

Finally, from what I understand about the OOBE, in an OOBE that energy explodes out of the crown of the head while one is in the spiritual realm.

So, this energy rises in us in a linear way. If we have a sensation of it in the head, it means we have already unlocked the spiritual heart and so on. You would not have an experience of it without having been through the long journey of activating it and helping it emerge.

Some other points:
- A full body sensation is not viriya, but the sensation of the aura or spirit.
- Heat in the chest represents the activation of the spiritual heart.
- The stage of uncontrolled sobbing is connected with the activation of the spiritual heart.
- There are other centers than the heart and crown, in Yoga they list 7. However, we can simplify this into the most important two, the heart and the crown.
- The source of this energy appears to be the base or sexual center, so changing our relationship with sexuality is critical to getting on the spiritual path proper.

This aligns with my study and experience as well. Michel, you as well, yes?

[Jhanon]

When I've been in manic states I recall not only having feelings of intense love, euphoria and bliss, but also of having this incredible energy within me. I guess I was experiencing Viriya, the 3rd factor of the 7 factors of enlightenment. Sometimes I long to be manic. The typical long and deep depression which follows mania, I believe, is actually a mourning for its loss.

Because there are significant parallels between the superior spiritual attainments (maha-phala), then I am willing to consider that some people manifest these superior spiritual attainments (maha-phala) prior to taking up a contemplative life.  These people we have many names for, such as: Bi-Polar, PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, etc.  Without leading a contemplative life the person who stumbles upon the charisms will be driven quite mad, and everywhere they look for guidance, they will only find misdirection.  Now that you, Michel, have taken up a contemplative life, then you might be better prepared for the return of the charisms.

Jhananda, this also coincides with my experience. I have mentioned my sibling once before, who has extensive access to the attainments, but was indeed driven quite mad.

[Michel]

Very interesting, Michel. I hate to admit it, but it seems I also have manic phases. I had one about 3 weeks ago, which lasted 2 weeks, and I was incredibly productive and put a strong foundation underneath me which should last for the next 8 months to years. I don't generally get too depressed afterward anymore. But goodness! HOW I DO LOVE those phases. So alive!

Sounds like you were experiencing hypomania. You do get a lot done when your in that state. I know what you mean when you say your 'so alive.' What I like about manic states is the element of extreme creativeness. Take any endeavour that you're interested in, and you can easily arrive at some really creative solution. I learned stuff on the guitar in a couple days that I would not have been able to figure out had I not been manic. I played with such intensity that I was afraid of breaking the guitar. My fingers were almost bleeding.

[Jhanon]

Same here, Michel. I don't consider it "manic" as much as I do "inspired", which means "in spirit."

I, too, have composed beautiful songs, which the process itself was blissful. Yet I couldn't when I wasn't manic/inspired, however hard I tried. It even felt like the creation of te music was being lead but someone/thing else. It was profound.

[Michel]

Fascinating. I am watching your progress. If Michel or someone were to sleep in a faraday cage, and his unwanted mental conditions significantly improved, I would most likely find a way to make this work.

In my case my chronic depressions completely subsided after I began meditating and studying the Pali Canon. For 2 years straight I - have not - been depressed. Acute chronic depression is not an illness in my view, rather it is - a very healthy response - to your environment: it's telling you that there's something very wrong, it's just an unresolved psychological issue that you have to come to terms with: the world is full of insane people who think they are normal. The depression will last as long as it isn't resolved. When people have hope, direction and purpose they're empowered to some extent, though not completely, to take on the sufferings that come their way. Now, I strongly believe that we should not medicate people with antidepressants, their problems simply go unresolved. Antidepressants often cause people to become manic. Then the psychiatrists say that you're "bipolar," that it was latent in you, and that it took the antidepressant to trigger it, and then you find yourself stuck in their vicious little game. Often they will turn your family against you, telling them that you are severely mentally ill, that you aren't "normal."

As for the mania that I've experienced, I think that even though I could be really out of it at times, I think that the insights that I gained in these states were very sane as I've written elsewhere. You can't tell me that being full blown manic is a totally psychotic and insane state. The revelations that come to you are spiritually sublime, and ineffable to others who have not experienced them. You are transformed by these experiences. Now I don't understand the manic component of bipolar fully, but I cannot agree that my bipolar is an "unwanted mental condition" as you put it. Depression and mania are in the end very healthy responses to an insane environment, even though sometimes painful and disruptive. So is being bipolar really an illness?

[Jhanon]

No, we have mis-communicated. I just got re-diagnosed as bi-polar, severe ADHD, anxiety and depression.

But when I'm not pressured by society, I feel awesome. I don't have a problem with me. This world is just insane. And we are sensitive (which to me feels like a very good thing.)

I agree with your entire post. I didn't know how you regarded your mind, and was trying to be considerate. Most people get pissed if you say "we're just sensitive to the worlds insanity." They want to believe there is something wrong with them. I haven't been able to determine where you stand, so I erred on the side of probability.