Mind control and other emerging neuroscientific technologies and weaponry constitute a frightening aspect of the future we presently inhabit. When one considers potential spiritual ramifications, as perhaps not all researchers and reporters do, it becomes [...]]]> “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.” - Bob Marley

Mind control and other emerging neuroscientific technologies and weaponry constitute a frightening aspect of the future we presently inhabit. When one considers potential spiritual ramifications, as perhaps not all researchers and reporters do, it becomes clear that at the very least, awareness is crucial. The only question that remains is what we can do about it.

Information is not the problem. Even if we have access to only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what has been released to the public, one can write books on it. Recently, one person did; last year Dr. Jonathan Moreno, a bioethicist, published Mind Wars: Brain Research and National Defense. Granted, as a former government advisor on biodefense, and child of another Dr. Moreno, a psychiatrist known for his own questionable psychotherapeutic endeavors including human experiments with LSD in the ’50s and ’60s, one does wonder at his motives. Especially interesting is that he made a point of insisting he went as far as he could in his research (though he admits he hit a few brick walls in terms of what certain people and agencies were willing to divulge about military uses for the technologies), and then proclaimed he was ‘no conspiracy theorist’ to the extent that he didn’t quite believe the stories of people who claimed to have been victims of CIA-led mind control experiments and torture. That there are secrets too big to contain? Poppycock. In the name of national security (and perhaps threats to family, etc.) any and all can be kept quiet. Make no mistake about that.

His refusal to believe the disturbing stories is strange especially since in the ’90s, he worked on a presidential advisory committee investigating secret human radiation experiments by the US Government since the 1940s. It was during that time he learned of the CIA’s interest in LSD and other brain-altering methods – and still, in his own words, “it took the better part of another decade for me to achieve the insight that let to the idea behind this book: If national security agencies had so much interest in how the relatively primitive brain science of the 1950s and 1960s could help find ways to gain a national security edge, surely they must be at least as interested today, when neuroscience is perhaps the fastest growing scientific field, both in terms of numbers of scientists and knowledge being gained.“ (p.3) If it took someone so deeply involved in the subject matter ten years to begin questioning the ethics of new neuroscientific technologies, it does beg the (perhaps conspiratorial) thought: maybe we really are under some kind of mass hypnosis of non-knowing. Asleep we are, whilst wizards wage war right under our noses…or perhaps, behind them.

On the other hand, at least he’s bringing up the subject and beginning a dialogue on the disconcerting topic of ethics in regard to the use of these little-understood systems. He suggests that these new technologies may warrant consideration for new rules, policies, standards and treaty obligations. Dr. Moreno found it “amazing” that no one had yet analyzed the relationship between brain science technology and national defense. Personally I’m not surprised. These agencies don’t want their secrets out; that’s what national security is all about. Information is kept divided between multiple scientists and studies, the right hand never knowing what the left one is doing. However I might add, if it’s being tested, or worse, full-out used on our own population, we surely have the right to question the ethics and demand standards; but we may never really know if they would be adhered to, because the technologies themselves (many of which likely will never be declassified) could help to keep us in a state of denial or non-knowing or even not-caring. The capabilities of these technologies, even what little we know of them, can be frightening. It’s like a science fiction/horror movie come to life. And some of them are coming to a neighborhood near you.

Much of the information available comes from DARPA, which Dr. Moreno reminds us is not an espionage outfit but a science agency, and is involved with development of “dual use” neuroscientific technologies valuable to both civilian commerce and national security. Apparently there was no way to know for sure whether the CIA or other espionage agencies were also researching brain sciences, since that would remain ‘black’, or secret, explains Dr. Moreno. However what we do know seems disturbing enough to start with, if I may suggest.

Certainly one is encouraged at the idea that robotized limbs might prove useful to amputees and paralysis victims. This article about electric fields being used against cancer tumors is also interesting. However “dual use” does raise Terminator-like concerns. Move over, Bionic Woman. Imagine an army of robots, Asimov-style; or perhaps, an army of soldiers with implanted neural prostheses. A recent article informs us that the Pentagon is working on what could be the first phase of this idea by implanting chips in our soldier’s brains; do you believe they intend only to monitor their health, when we already know about Dr. Delgado’s behavior control experiments with monkeys and bulls? Long range, electronic control of animals is already a proven ability. The Augmented Cognition program, or AugCog, is an interesting offshoot of this concept, involving human-systems integration.

Psyops, or psychological operations, reportedly began sometime after World War II, first involving low-tech propaganda such as leaflets. Research into paranormal phenomena such as remote viewing followed in the 1970s with studies at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). Dr. Moreno touched on experiments with neuropharmaceuticals, Manchurian-candidate style. Psychotronic weapons, such as electromagnetic radiation or ELF (extra-low frequency) waves and other Tesla technologies, have proven interesting since the 1970s to the Soviet and the Chinese military, among others, and were mentioned in the Space Preservation Act of 2001 along with other ‘exotic weapons’ such as chemtrails. Such technologies are known to be able to influence the psychological states of humans from great distances. fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imagery) technology could identify at a distance individuals with increased blood flow to the brain, thereby suggesting they might be prone to aggressive behavior. Imagine such use at airports, for example. Fortunately, as Dr. Moreno points out, a big problem here is a giant magnet like that would suck everyone up along with their jewelry and belt buckles! Unfortunately, it seems they are working on a way around that problem; Project Hostile Intent was reported just a few days ago in The Guardian, planned implementation being 2012. The brain fingerprinter is another development causing many to worry that the military can, or is trying to, actually read our minds, and the issue of cognitive liberties is aptly noted. I don’t think George Orwell would be very surprised.

Other DARPA programs such as PDS (Preventing Sleep Deprivation) and “Metabolic Dominance” promise enhanced abilities for soldiers, involving pharmaceuticals. Artificial intelligence programs such as LifeLog, now defunct, sought to artificially store memories and experiences; today, the Advanced Soldier Sensor Information System and Technology (ASSIST) seeks that very goal in combat situations. There’s also talk of altering soldiers’ neural circuits to lessen fear and stress. Transhumanism seems to many a natural evolution of our species; to others, the very death of it. Here the issue of spirituality seems quite threatened, in my opinion. Where does one draw the line, and where might spiritual individuality or awareness become lost? Visions of Star Trek’s Borg are marching through my head.

Non-lethal weapons are fast becoming the talk of the war room. The Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program (JNLWP), part of the US Marines, defines non-lethals as, “weapons that are explicitly designed and primarily employed so as to incapacitate personnel or materiel, while minimizing fatalities, permanent injury to personnel, and undesired damage to property and the environment.” The Pentagon, among others, is interested in technologies that have use in “Operations Other Than War” (OOTW). Crowd control, hostage rescue, and capture of criminals or terrorists are named as such situations. Acoustic devices are among those which have caught my attention. Hypersonic sound (HSS) was first developed by a genius inventor called Woody Norris, about whom the New York Times Magazine did a fascinating story in 2003. This device can aim sounds at individuals or groups, at debilitating volumes, without affecting surrounding people or areas. LRADs (Long Range Acoustic Devices) are already in use by the military, used as information and warning devices. HIDAs (High Intensity Directed Acoustics) are more aggressive, like ‘sonic bullets’, creating intense pain and vomiting. Trapped in Matter’s blog recently commented on an emergency warning device going up in downtown Chicago; he took a picture of it, and it resembles our upgraded tsunami-warning sirens here in Hawaii, which I took some shots of yesterday. Also check out this crazy picture; we have these towers here too, purportedly cell phone towers, but in Phoenix they are disguised as palm trees! These devices are going up rapidly all over the place. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand they probably have more than one use. Certainly HAARP, which uses electromagnetic radiation to influence the Schumann resonance, and thereby our own bodies and weather systems, comes to mind, no pun intended. For more information on this technology, which is now fully operational worldwide, I suggest starting with HAARP.net or Jerry Smith. There’s enough about that to warrant the many books already written about it.

Stinkbombs, or malodorants, are another area of research. Recently in the news is the new flashlight weapon, called the LED Incapacitator, which flashes lights that make you disoriented and nauseous. Nanotechnology is also rapidly progressing; who knows the implications of that yet. Perhaps most concerning is technology, such as the so-called “Frequency Fence” which supposedly cuts of an individual’s connection with their higher self, and the Holographic Insert, which can made three-dimensional objects (alien invasion? Second coming? 9/11?) appear in the sky. I could find a lot of rumors about those but not much substantive information. What I could find is evidence that there are proven capabilities to inject words and/or images directly into people’s minds. See MindJustice for more on this.

Dr. Moreno ends his book by recommending these technologies remain within the realms of both academic and military research, so that the ethics of their uses can be controlled; but remember he did admit there is evidently quite of bit of secret research going on that even he couldn’t find out about. ‘Informed consent’ is another of his recommendations for human experimentation; yeah, that’ll happen. As if our government even abides by the Geneva Convention anymore

So what to do? It’s easy to become fearful, that’s for sure – and yet we must be careful NOT to fall into that trap; fear has a certain frequency of its own, and spiritual awareness, not to mention love, is far more difficult in that state. There are several places to find out more and/or get help if you believe you’ve been a victim; check out Center for Cognitive Liberty and Ethics, the American Cognitive Liberties Association, or even Christians Against Mental Slavery. But aside from that, here are a few practical recommendations. Take care not to consume too many food additives or chemicals; these can and do alter the brain, perhaps even resonating in concert with some of the technologies mentioned above. Take some time to connect with your higher power; whether through prayer, meditation, music, yoga, tai chi, art, sports, or whatever works for you. Just find and maintain a higher consciousness as best you can.

Finally, I’d like to end with a little telling test of hope.

Point to yourself.

That’s right; point to yourself.

Where did you point? In my experience I’ve found that most people place their finger or hand on their chest or heart, rather than their head. And this is a good thing. It tells me that what makes us us, our I AM so to speak, resides not in our brains but somewhere else. The essence of our spirit, and I believe we are spirit beings riding around temporarily in physical bodies, is connected to and resonates with a certain frequency that could remain outside the purview of our military if we simply know and practice this awareness. And TUNE IN to the frequency of LOVE. This seems simple and obvious but can actually be the most difficult thing to do, considering all the non-love we get bombarded with every day.

So am I horrified at these new technologies? Yes. Am I afraid? No. Don’t stick your head in the sand; and yet, don’t let them rule your life or get you down. I believe it’s simply part of what is meant to happen, before we can take ourselves to the next level of being – or frequency. Our present dimension is not the end, nor is it the only one; quantum physics can teach us that already. What the powers-that-be may not realize is that they are increasing our awareness and understanding of the frequency of being to the extent that many more of us may indeed be able to escape their control one day. I personally have had the experience, in mediation, of touching a higher place (certainly I’m not the only one, either); I’m not going to preach to you about heaven, but I do believe in higher dimensions and our ability to get to a place where love rules the day. Can’t prove it, but I’ve been there, and I plan on going back as soon as I can pass on the info to a few more souls

So keep the faith. All is not lost – not by a long shot.

“Your mind should be in harmony with the functioning of the universe; your body should be in tune with the movement of the universe; body and mind should be bound as one, unified with the activity of the universe.” -The Art of Peace

Today we find much discussion regarding the evolution of consciousness and the realization that we take part in the creation [...]]]> “The life force is all-pervasive and its strength boundless. The Art of Peace allows us to perceive and tap into that tremendous reserve of universal energy.” – Ueshiba, The Art of Peace

Today we find much discussion regarding the evolution of consciousness and the realization that we take part in the creation of our reality; books like The Tao of Physics and films such as What The Bleep Do We Know!? and The Secret track our coming of age on these topics. Modern day physicists, spiritualists and free thinkers are beginning to realize that truth lies somewhere between outdated concepts of ‘science’ and ‘religion.’ If we think, speak and visualize in positive ways, the law of attraction plays a role in amassing positive outcomes for our lives.

“Our world is made up of interlocking wavelengths of light. Matter is a matter of opinion. When you speak into this quantum void, you are creating your own reality whether you know it or not, constructing and deconstructing the ‘frozen music’ that makes up our reality.” – Surfing the Tao: A Revolution of Free Will

These ideas are not in fact ‘new’, but can be found within many of our world’s spiritual traditions. Each culture and era phrases it differently, but the importance of this spiritual law hasn’t changed.

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” – Proverbs 23:7

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” – Buddha

Oftentimes people wonder about the difficulty of controlling one’s thoughts; or what one should be visualizing for themselves. The good news is, if we can find a grateful, loving and positive frame of mind, we can put these questions out to the Universe, and it will take care of the details for you. Some say “let go, let God” and this is a good way to put it.

“Peace originates with the flow of things – its heart is like the movement of the wind and waves. The Way is like the veins that circulate blood through our bodies, following the natural flow of the life force. If you are separated in the slightest from that divine essence, you are far off the path.” –The Art of Peace

Surfing the Tao refers to simply choosing love for the direction of your actions; allow the Tao (God, Brahman, the Force, the Great Spirit…whatever you call it) to flow through you, and hop on for the ride of your life. Truth is simple – Walk the Walk; Live the Way. Use various methods – you can use a long board or a short board, right-footed or left, but you’re still allowing the wave to carry you. I suggest this revolution of thought, of our free will, is radical and yet of utmost importance in today’s world. Learn to create a new reality in harmony with the Tao. Choose love and watch your life, and the world, transform.

“…There is evil and disorder in the world because people have forgotten that all things emanate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger.” –The Art of Peace

]]> http://surfingthetao.com/2006/06/27/the-law-of-attraction/feed/ 3 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://surfingthetao.com/2006/04/06/be-the-magic/ http://surfingthetao.com/2006/04/06/be-the-magic/#comments Thu, 06 Apr 2006 21:24:00 +0000 Angela http://surfingthetao.com/?p=26 The Master allows things to happen.

She shapes events as they come.

She steps out of the way

and lets the Tao speak for itself.

-Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, #45

Once upon a time there was a [...]]]> The Master allows things to happen.

She shapes events as they come.

She steps out of the way

and lets the Tao speak for itself.

-Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, #45

Once upon a time there was a poor farmer in China who had a son, but no horse. One day a beautiful stallion appeared at his door. “Oh, good luck, good luck,” said the villagers. “Good luck, bad luck, who knows,” replied the farmer. One day his son rode the horse, fell off and broke his leg. “Oh, bad luck, bad luck,” cried the villagers. “Good luck, bad luck, who knows,” the farmer said. The next day the army rode through town, recruiting youths for a faraway war. They took many of the villages sons to the distress of their families, but passed over the farmer’s son, because of his broken leg. “Oh, good luck, good luck,” said the villagers. “Who knows,” said the wise farmer.

Taoism is difficult to absorb for the modern, western mind because its tenets are so opposite to what we are taught in the world. Most of us are raised to be ambitious or aggressive about we want in life, and to react negatively when things don’t go ‘our’ way. Taoists believe in a more organic approach; to not label things or events as bad or good, but instead learn to use everything in a continual evolution. If we hold to tight to one aspiration, for example, we may be unable to recognize an even better opportunity when it comes along. Sometimes the best things that happen in life might have been called accidents or mistakes. It’s like a silver lining approach to life – whatever happens can be good if we simply decide to perceive it that way. All events can be part of a process of growth and change.

When we attempt to force something out of life, or out of ourselves, we are, perhaps unknowingly, deciding to disregard that the Universe, the Tao, might have something better in store for us. In fact, many people even practice magic, attempting to reroute the powerful flow of the Tao for their own desires. Rather, Taoism teaches one to become at rest in the midst of this universal flow, finding gratitude for the now and allowing the future to take care of itself; allowing the great ‘magic’ of the universe to weave the ultimate web of life. It is much the same idea of living in faith, described in other religions. Many of our great sages attempted to explain this.

Trying to control the future

is like trying to take the master carpenter’s place.

when you handle the master carpenter’s tools

changes are that you’ll cut your hand.

-Tao Te Ching, #74

This doesn’t mean we have no say in our own lives. We are still responsible for making decisions and choices every day. But our free will is arguably limited if we are not aware of all our choices. Are we always clear on what we are choosing? Are we following our own selfish desires, to the detriment of other people and the world around us? Are we making the effort to find that stillness and peace within us, and seek the answers there first? Are we aware that this Way of life is truly is an “Art of Peace”?

Peace originates wth the flow of things – its heart is like the movement of the wind and waves. The Way is like the veins that circulate blood through our bodies, following the natural flow of the life force. If you are separated in the slightest from that divine essence, you are far off the path.

-Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace

To Surf the Tao, this flow of all things, we must first become aware of the Surf in the first place. Becoming aware of the Spirit, that vibrating harmonic of life all around us and within us, is different for each person. There is a great flowing Source of energy just waiting for you to choose its Way of love, peace and harmony. When you are in this Flow, your life will naturally become one of prosperity and peace.

Remember, we are human beings, not human doings. I will allow Lao Tzu sum up, for he said it better than I ever could, “The Master doesn’t seek fulfillment. Not seeking; not expecting, she is present and can welcome all things…The Master sees things are they are, without trying to control them. She lets them go their own way, and resides at the center of the circle…Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?”

I didn’t find the Tao (or ‘God’, or the Force, whatever,) in church or a book. I found [...]]]> “One does not need buildings, money, power or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.” – Ueshiba, The Art of Peace

I didn’t find the Tao (or ‘God’, or the Force, whatever,) in church or a book. I found it in Kung Fu. It led me to discern this Source of energy from within myself. The earliest roots of Kung Fu come from Taoist monks, who thousands of years ago strived to keep the peace, not promote fights. They were the first to teach how to ‘surf’ this ‘flow’, dancing with the rhythm of the universe.

Kung Fu is an Art of Peace. The key to finding this Empty Force is maintaining a consciousness of love. I study Yee Chuan Tao Kung Fu, one of the last arts to have been passed down within a family. However there is another teacher anyone can learn from – Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Aikido is extremely similar to Kung Fu, especially in its teachings of peace, and having only defensive moves.

Morihei Ueshiba lived from 1883 until 1969, and was known even into his old age for his ability to take down any opponent ‘with a single finger.’ But though he was undefeated, he detested violence, and taught Aikido as his ‘Way’ to peace. In my opinion his Art of Peace has become one of the few true manuals of the Way. It was compiled from a lifetime of his poems and sayings.

During his life Ueshiba experienced three powerful visions which transformed him. “…I felt transformed into a golden image, and my body seemed as light as a feather. All at once I understood the nature of creation: the Way of a Warrior is to manifest Divine Love, a spirit that embraces and nurtures all things…” (intro to the Art of Peace, compiled by John Stevens, Shambhala Publications, Boston, 1992.) He developed Aikido as a way to handle the aggression in the world, and believed that everyone, martial artist or not, could be a Warrior for Peace.

“Contemplate the workings of this world, listen to the words of the wise, and take all that is good as your own. With this as your base, open your own door to truth. Do not overlook the truth that is right before you. Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything – even mountains, rivers, plants, and trees – should be your teacher.” -Ueshiba

Before the universe was born.

It is serene. Empty.

Solitary. Unchanging.

Infinite. Eternally present.

It is the mother of the universe.

For lack of a better name,

I call it the Tao.

- Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching #25

What is the “Tao”? It is a Chinese [...]]]> There was something formless and perfect

Before the universe was born.

It is serene. Empty.

Solitary. Unchanging.

Infinite. Eternally present.

It is the mother of the universe.

For lack of a better name,

I call it the Tao.

- Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching #25

What is the “Tao”? It is a Chinese word which means “Way”. Buddha also spoke of this One Way, and even Jesus said, “I am the Way…” I believe they were all referring to the Void, this great Everything; God, in the universal sense. Finding words to describe this Force is difficult. I recommend quantum physics as another avenue towards understanding (check out The Tao of Physics by Frijof Capra). I call this Way of Life “Surfing the Tao”, and I use the wisdom from various sources to further the message.

“All things, material and spiritual, originate from one source and are related as if they were one family. The past, present, and future are all contained in the life force. The universe emerged and developed from one source, and we evolved through the optimal process of unification and harmonization.” -Ueshiba, The Art of Peace.

Simple realization of this Tao, or Way, can change ones perspective radically. Introspection and meditation can lead one to higher levels of awareness and understanding. One eventually realizes that it is the pursuit of the impersonal wherein realization of the Self arises: when one understands that All is One, and there is no Self – that is, that we are rather part of the Great Self – then our daily sufferings become perceptively smaller.

Emptiness here, Emptiness there,

But the infinite universe stands

Always before your eyes.

Infinitely large and infinitely small;

No difference, for definitions have vanished

And no boundaries are seen…

One thing, all things:

Move among and intermingling,

Without distinction.

To live in this realization

Is to be without anxiety about non-perfection.

-Buddha

Sounds like Lao Tzu, doesn’t it? Buddha, like Lao Tzu, also suggests not to dislike the world of senses and ideas, but just to realize, with enlightenment there is no liking or disliking. Lao Tzu said, “the Master observes the world but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. His heart is open as the sky.”

These masters taught us, that even though reality as we see it is an illusion, that to be a good and loving person within it is important. They teach compassion, harmony, peace, generosity and serenity. Buddha said, “To live in the Great Way is neither easy nor difficult, but those with limited views are fearful and irresolute; the faster they hurry, the slower they go, and attachment cannot be limited: even to be attached to the idea of enlightenment is to go astray. Just let things be in their own way and there will be neither coming nor going.”