Inner Light?

One of the best articles that I have found online was compiled by Suzanne Carr in 1995. It goes into a detailed study of the phenomena and yet is written in clear and understandable language, complete with many illustrations which we can use to identify those images we see 'behind the curtain' of our closed eyelids.

The home page
www.oubliette.zetnet.co.uk...

At the bottom are the seperate subjects/chapters.

From chapter 3

THE NEURO-PHYSIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

i. Non-Drug-Induced Phosphenes
"The eye is a sense organ that can be readily turned off" (Oster 1970:83). To exclude any optical inputs one must enter a totally dark room or wear a light-tight blindfold. However, once this is carried out, visual perception does not end; there is not an impression of total blackness. Once the eye has become adapted to the darkness, and particularly if one relaxes, the visual field lights up: wispy clouds and moving specks of light appear, generally in pastel shades of blue, green, orange and yellow. If one presses the eyes further, figures are evoked. These subjective images resulting from the self-illumination, as it were, of the visual sense are called phosphenes (from the Greek phos, light, and phainein, to show). Oster (1970:83) continues by stating that, because phosphenes originate within the eye and the brain, they are a perceptual phenomenon common to all mankind (past and present, one assumes), and they are extremely interesting from a psychological and aesthetic standpoint. Because their patterns must be intimately related to the geometry of the eye, the visual cortex, they provide a means of studying the exquisite functional organisation of the brain (Oster 1970:83).

The occurrence of phosphenes can be spontaneous, and they can be provoked in a number of ways. They appear spontaneously only when visual stimuli are lacking and especially when the viewer is subjected to prolonged visual deprivation. According to Oster (1970:83), phosphenes may account for the 'illuminations', the visions or the experience of 'seeing the light' reported by religious mystics meditating in the dark; they are the 'prisoner's cinema' experienced by people in dark dungeons; they may well occasion reports of phantoms and ghosts. Darkness is not a requirement; only the absence of external visual stimuli is needed. Phosphenes are a hazard to the long-haul truck driver peering for hours into a snowstorm. Aeroplane pilots often experience phosphenes, especially when they are flying alone at high altitudes, where the sky is cloudless and empty of the usual depth cues (Oster 1970:83).

www.oubliette.zetnet.co.uk...

SpeakerofTruth, you asked this question; "why white light?"

In my experience, it starts out like just a white light, but, with concentration and patience, can become something more.

As a result of my interest in the subject over the past year or two, I've attempted to produce a series of paintings which try, as much as I can manage, to recreate the images I see onto a panel using acrylic paints. Here is my interpretation of the 'white light at the end of the tunnel' after a fairly short meditation. You'll note that I saw more than just white light at the center, but more of a tight grouping of different colours...

In your last post, you mention the Quakers and 'the Light that enlighteneth every man who comes into the world'.

That encapsulates my interest in this research. I believe those visions are the very reason that religion exists at all. I believe it is a 'connection' to the Divine and there are heaps of literature on that idea.

Masqua, there is actually a theory that the ancients had more visions and such because there wasn't any flourescent lighting. According to the theory, the absence of lighting caused their "third eye," pineal gland, to be more perceptive. What is your take on this issue?

Originally posted by SpeakerofTruth
Masqua, there is actually a theory that the ancients had more visions and such because there wasn't any flourescent lighting. According to the theory, the absence of lighting caused their "third eye," pineal gland, to be more perceptive. What is your take on this issue?

That is certainly an interesting observation, SoT, and there may be more to that then meets the eye (pun intended ).

In these times, there is hardly ever total darkness, especially for those who live in cities, but even for a backwoods dweller like myself. I live on the shore of one of the Great Lakes and on occasion, have gone far out onto the lake during the very early hours of the morning. When I venture out on a cloudy night, when the moon is new (not full), the darkness is complete. The water is the same inky black as the sky and I cannot tell where the water ends and the sky begins. It is utterly black.

Only if you experience it, can you tell the difference from that to your bedroom before going to sleep.

That is the same darkness which the ancients used by entering deep caves and sitting in the same pitch-black environment. Not only is there a total absence of light, but also a complete silence. The only comparable situation today would be the Sensory Deprivation Chamber and, I don't know if you've seen the movie, but the hallucinatory effects of the lack of stimuli can be very profound. I believe I mentioned somewhere about the Native American sweatlodge being dark, but there one can hear and feel, and yet the visions come easily.

I'm sure that when a human being living in the wilds of pagan Europe, say 1000BC, blew out his or her oil lamp, and it was a cloudy night, they would be in a darkness similar to the one I experienced far from shore on that lake.

Such conditions, where there is nothing for the eyes to focus on, are sure to bring on phosphenes, form constants, entoptics and even theriathropic episodes.

Well, we all have heard of the dangers of flourescent lighting, so it wouldn't be hard to conceive that it may very well inhibit the natural flow of things.

Originally posted by SpeakerofTruth
Well, we all have heard of the dangers of flourescent lighting, so it wouldn't be hard to conceive that it may very well inhibit the natural flow of things.

About flourescent lighting and its effects on the gland, I found nothing at all.

However, there has always been a connection made through it to the spiritual world, but the reasoning behind such thinking is not well known scientifically. I tried Googling for good quality information and found a paltry amount of sites, most of which are not very enlightening, but, here's a sampling:

www.theosophy-nw.org...

There are many mysteries here because the exact function of the pineal gland is still unknown to science. Microscopic examination has revealed that it is formed of cells that have the distinct features of the rod-shaped light-sensitive cells found in the retina, indicating its possible original function as an organ of sight. The pineal gland appears to receive signals from regions of the brain directly affected by the impulses traveling down the optic nerves, and it secretes the hormone melatonin, present also in the retina of the two eyes. This hormone appears to be involved in circadian rhythms or the sleep/wake cycle, a process scientists do not yet fully understand. Theosophical literature, however, maintains that in addition to its physiological functions, this pea-sized gland at the base of the skull is an important psychophysiological center or chakra involved with such activities as clairvoyance and intuition.

www.experiencefestival.com...

Thus this organ is in central relation to the coordinating organs of all the senses and sensations, and to the thinking brain which perfects and coordinates ideas. Its purpose, however, remains a mystery to the medical profession. A standard anatomy says: "The ancients had a grotesque theory that the epiphysis is the favorite and peculiar abiding-place of the human soul. Modern morphologists have shown it to be the homologue of the third eye which some reptiles possess."


www.strayreality.com...

While the physiological function of the pineal gland has been unknown until recent times, mystical traditions and esoteric schools have long known this area in the middle of the brain to be the connecting link between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Considered the most powerful and highest source of ethereal energy available to humans, the pineal gland has always been important in initiating supernatural powers. Development of psychic talents has been closely associated with this organ of higher vision.


The third eye can see beyond the physical

Do you think this discussion provides some possibility that the eye in the triangle could be representing these processes?

Once a long time ago I stared into my pupil in the mirror and my consciousness went "inside my mind" somehow and I heard inside my mind a sound like a cassette tape rewinding and it seemed that I saw myself through the creators eyes. It seemed as if I was standing at the throne and my life "passed before my eyes" My intentions/My heart was examined, not my acts.

Eyes are interesting.

Originally posted by interestedalways
Do you think this discussion provides some possibility that the eye in the triangle could be representing these processes?

Once a long time ago I stared into my pupil in the mirror and my consciousness went "inside my mind" somehow and I heard inside my mind a sound like a cassette tape rewinding and it seemed that I saw myself through the creators eyes. It seemed as if I was standing at the throne and my life "passed before my eyes" My intentions/My heart was examined, not my acts.

Eyes are interesting.

Well, you do know that there is the saying "The eyes are the window to the soul." I think you may have hit upon something that I never really considered. I have always taken the whole eye abovethe pyramid thing to be the "all seein eye of God," but you have brought new light onto the subject. Well, kind of..

I have had a theory for quite sometime that since,at least I believe, we all have a part of God within us, the reason God knows everything is because he see through our eyes,hears with our ears, learns what we learn,et cetera....

Now, orthodox Christians will say, "Aren't you taking away the sovereignty of God by saying that?" Am I? I don't think so. I think it's pretty awesome that God can experience through our experiences. One thing is for sure, if true, there is no doubt that God is always present.

The eye above the pyramid may be trying to symbolically transmit to us, the idea that I just presented. I don't know.

[edit on 8-11-2006 by SpeakerofTruth]

Originally posted by interestedalways
Do you think this discussion provides some possibility that the eye in the triangle could be representing these processes?

It is my belief that the symbol of an eye in a triangle (the 'All Seeing Eye') is directly representative of what this discussion is about.

Originally posted by masqua

Originally posted by interestedalways
Do you think this discussion provides some possibility that the eye in the triangle could be representing these processes?

It is my belief that the symbol of an eye in a triangle (the 'All Seeing Eye') is directly representative of what this discussion is about.

Thank you, Masqua...........

I was thinking of your avatar last night when I read about an angel seen by John in Revelations whose head was "white like wool, as white as snow" like a helmut of some kind. Also this creature had a voice "as the sound of many waters"
With the earpiece, microphone on your avatar this sound could be made!

Speaker of Truth, what came to my mind when you mentioned God seeing through our eyes, it reminded me of the watchers, watching.......... using the symbol of the eye in the triangle or something along those lines. We have learned on ATS if nowhere else about the '___' molecule secreted by the pineal gland which some believe to be a bridge to heaven maybe.

Originally posted by interestedalways
Speaker of Truth, what came to my mind when you mentioned God seeing through our eyes, it reminded me of the watchers, watching.......... using the symbol of the eye in the triangle or something along those lines.

Yes.. I am sure you have heard the term, "I am a witness," in religious circles. Well, there is more truth to that, at least in my opinion, than they even realize.

[edit on 8-11-2006 by SpeakerofTruth]

[edit on 8-11-2006 by SpeakerofTruth]

This thread has turned out to be quite "en light ening"

I never thought of that. I am a witness. Indeed!

Masqua, your painting reminds me of when I observed a prism of the sun which reflected all the color rays. After observing for a time I looked lower and saw a dancing speck of blue/red/yellow energy that seemed to be prime energy. Original spark. It looked much like your light at the end of the tunnel.

And didn't Jesus say "I am the LIGHT of the world"

Originally posted by interestedalways
This thread has turned out to be quite "en light ening"

I never thought of that. I am a witness. Indeed!

Masqua, your painting reminds me of when I observed a prism of the sun which reflected all the color rays. After observing for a time I looked lower and saw a dancing speck of blue/red/yellow energy that seemed to be prime energy. Original spark. It looked much like your light at the end of the tunnel.

And didn't Jesus say "I am the LIGHT of the world"

I was thinking exactly the same thing, interestedalways...that this thread has become 'enlightening'. Illuminating, even.

Since you mentioned my avatar earlier, I thought it might be good to show you the painting as a whole...



As you can see, my portrait has me facing in a direction opposite of the other two individuals. It is titled 'Introspection'.

Thank you for sharing the painting. It is simple, yet deeply meaningful, as is th act of introspection.

Speaker of Truth what motivated your starting this thread?

Originally posted by interestedalways
Thank you for sharing the painting. It is simple, yet deeply meaningful, as is th act of introspection.

Speaker of Truth what motivated your starting this thread?

Interested, a couple of nights ago I closed my eyes, and as happens on a fairly regular basis, I saw this light that seemed to be either reflecting off of the back of my eyelids or swelling up from my inner being.

Masqua, is that a piece of tinfoil wrapped around your avatars' head?

Here is a little more background information on how the Quakers relate to the inner light and exactly what it means to us individually

The Quaker belief that an Inner Light resides in each person is based in part on a passage from the New Testament, namely John 1.9, which says, "That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." Friends emphasize the part of the verse that indicates that every person is born with the Light within him or her. Early Friends took this verse as one of their mottoes and often referred to themselves as "Children of the Light."

One of the founders of the Society of Friends, George Fox, claimed that he had a direct experience of God. He had explored various sects and had listened to an assortment of preachers. He finally concluded that none of them were adequate to be his ultimate guide. At that point he said that a voice told him, "There is one, even Jesus Christ, that can speak to thy condition." He felt that God wanted him to teach others that they need not depend on human teachers or guides either, because each one of them could experience God directly and hear his voice within. He wrote in his journal, "I was glad that I was commanded to turn people to that inward light, spirit, and grace, by which all might know their salvation, and their way to God; even that divine Spirit which would lead them into all Truth, and which I infallibly knew would never deceive any."[2] Fox taught: that Christ, the Light, had come to teach his people himself; that "people had no need of any teacher but the Light that was in all men and women" (the anointing they had received);[citation needed] if people would be silent, waiting on God, the Light would teach them how to conduct their lives, teach them about Christ, show them the condition of their hearts; they loving the Light, it would rid them of the "cause of sin"; and soon after, Christ would return in his glory to establish his Kingdom in their hearts. Fox called the Light destroying sin within as the Cross of Christ, the Power of God.

Later, Robert Barclay, an apologist for the Society of Friends wrote: "This most certain doctrine being then received, that there is an evangelical and saving Light and grace in all, the universality of the love and mercy of God towards mankind, both in the death of his beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the manifestation of the Light in the heart, is established and confirmed, against all the objections of such as deny it." As the quotations demonstrate, both Barclay and Fox connected the Light not only with an experiential knowledge of God but with the grace and mercy that leads to salvation from sin and acceptance by God.

Friends Society

I think that the Quakers are probably about the closest ones to obtaining the truth on this subject...

I will check on that link when I have time to read it later. Thanks for the in-sight, Speaker of Truth. I will be thinking..............

by SpeakerofTruth

Masqua, is that a piece of tinfoil wrapped around your avatars' head?

That's exactly what it is... I can call the work 'mixed media'.



The strange thing is that I did that painting many years before hearing about ATS.

...I closed my eyes, and as happens on a fairly regular basis, I saw this light that seemed to be either reflecting off of the back of my eyelids or swelling up from my inner being.

Quick question on the light...when you attempt to 'look' directly at the light, does it seem to move away? In other words, is the 'light' directly in the center of your vision or does it seem to be slightly off to the right side?

It's like in the center of my vision. I can see it through both eyes. Like I have said, it's almost shaped like a washer or a doughnut. It gets real bright and gradually fades. Sometimes it kind of pulsates.

By the way, it's interesting that you made the picture before you started coming to ATS. Perhaps it was a portent of things to come,eh?

[edit on 8-11-2006 by SpeakerofTruth]

[edit on 8-11-2006 by SpeakerofTruth]

Masqua, I always liked your avatar, it has always intrigue me. You are very talented my friend. I live in Michigan by the way we are nearly neighbors.

speeker, this thread is illuminating, this could very well be an inner light phenomenon. Light in the head though sparks my EMS side though. Have you had a cat scan or MRI done? You could scan your cat yourself if you can hold em down while the scanner warms up.

Seriously it sounds like a spitual journey, but please have it checked on by your MD.

Oh and if you have a lot of touble scanning your cat just use duct tape, works every time...