GENUINE MEDIUMSHIP/PART 1
PART I
NATURE'S FINER FORCES
One of the most
common mistaken conceptions of the average student of the occult sciences, and
of so-called "psychic phenomena" in general, is that which may be
expressed by the term "supernatural." This term, as you know, is used
to express the idea of "that which is outside of the realm of Nature, and
of Nature's laws."
Knowledge Versus Faith
As a matter of fact,
as all the advanced students and teachers of the occult doctrine know full
well, we have no direct knowledge whatsoever of anything that is "outside
of the realm of nature, and of Nature's laws." It is true that we may, by
an act of faith, profess to believe in powers and beings entirely apart from
the great realm of Nature—in fact, most persons do believe in such powers and
beings in connection with their formal religion—but their belief is entirely
within the category of Faith, and is not even pretended to be based upon actual
experience and phenomenal manifestation.
The moment that there
appears any manifestation which is possible of being known to, or experienced
by, the human senses, ordinary or extraordinary, that moment the phenomena and
the immediate cause thereof must be regarded as being properly classed in the
category of "natural." This is true not only of such phenomena as are
perceived by means of our ordinary five senses, but also of those which are
perceptible only to the highest powers of perception, or higher senses, which
are latent in all human beings but which are unfolded only in the case of
a comparatively few individuals of the race.
It should be clearly
understood by all students of occultism or psychic phenomena that man's
knowledge and experience, normal or supernormal, is confined to the realm of
Nature. There is a "ring pass-not" around the boundaries of the
Kingdom of Nature which mortals cannot pass, no matter how high may be their
degree of development and advancement. Even those great mystics whose writings
are filled with the startling revelations of "union with the Divine,"
and of "At-one-ment with Deity," are under no illusion concerning
this fact they know full well that only in so far as Deity involves itself in
Nature—wraps itself up in the garments of Nature—can it be directly experienced
by man, and thus actually known by him.
Supernormal, Not Supernatural
Perhaps a clearer
understanding of this important subject will be had if we but substitute the
term "supernormal" for that of "supernatural." The term
"supernormal" is not commonly employed, and but few know that such a
word is to be found in the dictionaries, much less know its meaning; but a
study of its meaning, and its adoption in our thinking, will serve to give us a
clearer conception of the true nature of many strange phases of experience of
which we have become conscious, either by reasons of their manifestation by
ourselves, or else by the manifestation on the part of others. It will
accordingly be well for us to carefully examine this term and its meaning.
"Subnormal"
means: "Beyond, above, or exceeding that which is normal;
extraordinary, inexplicable perhaps, but not supernatural."
Now, the term "normal" means: "Conforming to a certain standard,
rule, or type"; hence, anything that is "supernormal" is
something that is above the usual pattern, rule, or type.
There is an important
distinction to be noted here, to-wit: a thing may be outside of
the usual pattern, rule, or type, in the sense of being inferior to or under the
ordinary standard, and in this case is known as "abnormal,"
the latter term being employed as a term of depreciation. On the other hand,
the "outside of the standard" quality may consist of
a superiority to the prevailing standard, and accordingly is
entitled to be classed in the category of the "supernormal"—the
prefix "super" meaning "above, over, higher,
etc."
It is important that
the distinction be made clearly between the use and meaning of these two terms,
"abnormal" and "supernormal," respectively. The first named
denotes inferiority, and the latter denotes superiority.
This distinction may be more clearly apprehended by means of a concrete
example, as follows:
On our own plane of
existence the senses of sight and hearing, respectively, are included in the
usual standard, pattern, and type of sense normality—every normal person
possesses these senses in a certain general degree of power; hence, on this
plane of existence, a person born blind, or deaf, is spoken of as "abnormal,"
that is to say, such a person is deficient in regard to the
sense powers.
On the contrary, let
us imagine a plane of existence, in which the great majority of individuals
lack the power of sight and hearing, respectively. On such a plane of
existence, the occasional individual who was born possessed of the powers of
sight and hearing, respectively, would be properly regarded as "supernormal,"
that is to say, such a person would be superior to the
ordinary run of individuals—above them, in fact. The term "abnormal"
means minus the ordinary standard quality; and the term "supernormal"
means plus the ordinary standard quality. And yet both the
"plus" and the "minus" would be "outside" the
normal type, though there is a difference as wide as that between the two
poles, in this "outsideness."
Supernormal, Not Abnormal
The above important
statement concerning the distinction between the "abnormal" and
"supernormal" is not made merely for the purpose of academic
differentiation and classification. On the other hand, it is made because there
is a most pernicious tendency on the part of the ignorant and unthinking
portions of the public to regard and to classify certain high phases of occult
and psychic manifestation of power as "abnormal," hence below the
standard; whereas, properly speaking, such manifestations of power are
far above the standard, and, hence, clearly entitled to the term
"supernormal."
The Prevailing Ignorance
The ignorant and
unthinking attitude of certain portions of the general public toward this class
of phenomena is akin to that of a community of blind and deaf persons,
satisfied that their own "three sense" standard is the highest
possible one attainable by living creatures and that all variation therefrom
must be considered as "abnormal." In such a community there would
occasionally be born certain individuals possessed of the senses of sight and
hearing, in addition to the common three senses possessed by the entire
community. Judging by what we know of the tendency of human nature in such
cases, we are warranted in conjuring that the ordinary run of persons in such a
community would revile the seeing and hearing individuals as "abnormal,"
and their possessors therefore to be pitied, and perhaps shunned. Only the
intelligent and thoughtful members of such a community would be able to grasp
the fact that these exceptional individuals were really not only not
"abnormal," and inferior to type, but that they were really
"supernormal," and superior to type.
Prejudice Against the Unusual.
Those to whom the
above illustration may seem far-fetched, exaggerated, and unwarranted, are
asked to carefully consider the ignorant and unthinking attitude which the great
majority of the general public, at least at first, present toward that most
wonderful display of supernormal powers, known as "occult" or
"psychic," made by the few highly developed individuals of the
race who are able to manifest them to some degree. These individuals are
regarded as "queer," and "strange," "unnatural,"
and "abnormal" by their ignorant and unthinking neighbors and
associates, just as the seeing and hearing exceptional individuals were
likewise so regarded by their blind and deaf neighbors in the above
illustration. And, here as in the illustration it is only the few intelligent
and thinking individuals of the community who recognize that the departure from
the standard type is in the direction of advancement and gain, rather than of
retrogression and loss—a plus attribute, rather than a minus one. The
illustration is startlingly true and in accordance with the facts of the case,
as many thoughtful persons know only to well, and admit sadly.
Great Changes Impending
But it would be
unjust and unfair to the general public were we to fail to add to the above
criticism the fact that there is underway a great change in the public opinion
regarding this important matter. More and more persons are becoming interested
in Nature's Finer Forces every day; more are becoming more familiar with the
phenomena manifested by the gifted individuals possessing these wondrous
powers; and more are coming to realize that these powers are really latent in
all of the members of the human race, though lying dormant in the majority
thereof, and may be unfolded and brought into active manifestation by
scientific methods of training and development. But, even so, the student and
teacher of this great subject should carefully bear in mind the important
distinction above made between that which is "abnormal," and that
which is "supernormal"; and such should lose no opportunity in
pointing out this important distinction whenever the subject arises in
conversation or argument—for the propaganda of truth should be earnestly and
vigorously pursued, in order that the world may be liberated from its chains of
error.
The Naturalness of the Occult Powers
Returning to the
subject considered in the opening paragraphs of this book, namely, the naturalness of
the occult and psychic higher powers and the manifestation thereof, we strongly
advise all students of these subjects to acquire a working knowledge of the
place in Nature occupied by these powers and their manifestations. A little
scientific information on this subject will render the student better able to
intelligently teach others concerning these matters, and also to successfully
defend himself when the ignorant and unthinking seek to attack the things which
are so dear to his heart, and so real and evident to himself. Many, by reason
of their lack of scientific knowledge on these points, not only fail to make
converts to their cause of truth, but often really drive away persons who might
otherwise be interested. Many persons are really interested in and attracted to
the manifestations of the higher occult and psychic powers, but are fearful of
anything "unnatural" or "supernatural," and are disposed to
be frightened off by any suspicion of such qualities in things. These same
persons, if shown that the phenomena have a perfectly valid scientific base in
natural forces and laws, will throw aside their fears and will become earnest
investigators and students of this great subject. Hence, as we have said, every
teacher and student of this subject should know the true scientific natural
basis thereof; and in the following few pages we shall endeavor to plainly,
though briefly, present these to you.
The World of Vibrations
Modern science
furnishes abundant testimony to support and substantiate the teachings of the
ancient Hindu sages to the effect that everything in the Universe is in
constant motion, which is manifested by varying rates, degrees, and modes of
vibration. The modern scientists, alike with the ancient occultist, knows that
the differences between the things of the Universe arise mainly from the
different rates, modes, and degrees of the vibrations manifested in the things
themselves. If we change the vibration of a thing, we practically change the
manifested nature of that thing. The difference between solid ice, liquid water,
semi-gaseous vapor, and gaseous steam is simply the difference caused by
various rates of vibration caused by heat. The difference between red and blue,
green and violet, is simply that caused by varying rates of vibration. Light
and heat, as well as sound, depend for the differences upon rates of vibration.
Super-Sensible Vibrations.
Moreover, as every
text book on science informs us, there are sounds too low as well as those
too high for the human ear to register, but which are registered by delicate
instruments. Again, there are colors beyond the place of red, at one end of the
visible spectrum; and others beyond the place of violet at the other end of
that spectrum, which the human eye is unable to register and detect, but which
our apparatus in the laboratory plainly register. The ray of light which
registers on the photographic plate, and which causes sunburn on our skin, is
too high a rate of vibration for our eyes to perceive. Likewise the X-Rays, and
many other of the finer rays of light known to science are imperceptible to the
unaided human vision—they are actually "dark rays" so far as the
human eye is concerned, though man has devised instruments by means of which
they may be caught and registered.
The Higher Vibrations
The vibrations of
magnetism and electricity are imperceptible to our sight, though they may be
registered by the appropriate apparatus; and if we had the proper sense of
apparatus to perceive them, these rays of vibratory force would open up a whole
new world to us. Likewise, if we could increase our power of
hearing-perception, we would seem to be living in a new world of sights and
sounds now closed to us. Reasoning along the same lines of thought, many great
thinkers have held that there is no reason for doubting the possible existence
of other world-planes of being, just as real and as actual as the one upon
which we live, and move, and have our being, but which is forever invisible to
the ordinary human sight and senses; the apparent nothingness of such
worlds arising solely from the great difference in the rates of vibrations
between the two planes of being.
Unseen Worlds.
Listen to what
careful thinkers have said concerning the possibility of entire worlds existing
in the same space occupied by us, but of which we are unconscious by reason of
our failure to sense their vibrations: One says, "All our sensations are
due to the impact upon our sense-organs of vibrations in some form. Variations
in the strength and rapidity of these vibrations constitute the difference in
our perceptions. Our range of response is but a limited one. Some vibrations
are too rapid and some too slow to affect our senses, and therefore we have
called to our aid various mechanical contrivances which enable us to recognize
existences which would otherwise remain unknown. But it is still conceivable
that there may be, and doubtless are, conditions of vibratory energy that
escape us, and which, if we could develop finer senses, would yield wonderful
results and extensions of our power and knowledge. Today, indeed, we are coming
into contact with forces, possibilities, and personalities which amount to a
revelation of a new universe of things."
Interpenetrating Planes and Worlds.
Another says:
"It is true that 'things are not what they seem'; but everything seems to
be 'thus and so' to us only because of its particular plane of being, and that
plane of being is determined by its vibrations. On one plane there is a
certain vibratory value or speed; on another plane, a different one; but a
plane is not a place, but a state, and so it is possible that two utterly
different planes of being might co-exist in the same place and be entirely
unknown to one another. That may seem absurd, but it is a scientific truth, and
many authorities have endorsed the same."
Another says:
"There may be, right here and now, passing through us and this world, some
planet invisible to us, with mountains, oceans, lakes, rivers, cities, and
inhabitants: and yet we know absolutely nothing of their existence."
Another says: "Some students of the occult find it difficult to grasp the
idea of a number of manifestations, each having its own rate of vibration,
occupying the same point of space at the same time. A slight consideration of
the phenomena of the physical world would perhaps aid such persons in
assimilating the concept in question. For instance, as every student of physics
knows, a single point of space may contain at the same time vibrations of heat,
light of many shades, magnetism electricity, X-Rays, etc., each manifesting its
own rate of vibration, land yet none interfering with the others."
Another says:
"Every beam of sunlight contains many different colors, each with its own
degree of vibration, and yet none crowding out the others. By the use of the
proper forms of laboratory apparatus each kind of light may be separated from
the others, and the ray thus split up. The difference in colors arises simply
from the different rates of etheric vibrations. Again, it is possible to send
many telegrams along the same wire, at the same time, by using senders and
receivers of different vibratory keynotes. The same thing has its corresponding
analogy in the case of the wireless telegraphy. So you see, even on the
physical planes we find many forms of vibratory energy manifesting on, in, and
at the same point of space at the same time, without interfering one with the
other."
Manifold Planes of Existence
The ancient occult
teachings have ever insisted upon the presence of numerous planes of existence,
of which our own particular plane is but one. And all of these numerous planes
are equally within the realms of Nature; none of them being supernatural. And
there is always found to exist a correspondence between these several planes of
manifestation; and, under supernormal conditions, a certain degree of possible
communication between them. Each of these planes has numerous subdivisions and
subplanes, the divisions being according to the rule of "sevens," as
follows: there are seven grand planes, and each of these are subdivided into
seven secondary planes, and each of these into seven tertiary planes, and so on
until the division has been made seven times.
The student of
occultism, particularly at the beginning of his studies, experiences difficulty
in comprehending just what is meant by the term "plane" as employed
in the occult teachings. His first impression, usually encouraged by the use of
the dictionary, is that each "plane" is one of a series of strata or
layers, above and below which are present other layers or strata. Even
after the student progresses in his understanding of the subject, this original
picture of material layers and strata tends to persist in his thought on the
subject. The error, of course, arises from his original conception of the
planes, layers, or strata as being composed of gross material matter, whereas,
as a matter of fact, only one of the many planes is so composed. When one stops
to think that even the grossest form of matter is itself composed of vibrations
of energy (for science teaches that all matter is but energy at the last); and
that all other forms of material substance is likewise so composed of
vibrations of energy; then one is on the road to the discovery of the real
state of affairs. Then he begins to realize that instead of the planes of being
rising one above the other in the scale of their fineness, they are graded
according to their degree of vibratory energy, and each may actually occupy the
same space as all the others. In short, the "planes" are not strata
or layers of "matter" at all, but are simply different states of
vibration of energy; and that which we know as "matter" is simply one
(and a very low one) of the many forms of such vibrations.
From the above, it is
seen that the various planes of being are not distinguished by spatial
position; they do not lie one superimposed on the other, like layers or strata
of matter. Instead, they interpenetrate each other in the same limits of space.
A single point of space may accommodate the manifestations of each and all of
the seven great planes of being, and all the subdivisions, and sub-divisions
(sevenfold in division) at the same time. The old occultists impressed
this and other facts upon the minds of their pupils by the oft-repeated
aphorism: "A plane of being is not a place of being, but a state of
being." And the "state of being" is simply a certain
manifestation of vibratory energy. With these ideas firmly fixed in the mind,
the student is less apt to wander astray from the facts of the case.
Planes and Vibrations
To those who may be
disposed to regard the above statements concerning the "planes of
being" as somewhat visionary, theoretical, or imaginary, we would say:
"Go to modern science, and verify this statement." The following
quotation from a writer on the subject will serve to illustrate this fact,
viz.: "We are apt to think that we are familiar with every kind of matter
in existence, but such is not the case. We are familiar with only a few forms
of matter. Spectrum analysis shows us that on certain fixed stars there are
forms of matter far different from matter as we know it on this planet. On some
stars this unknown matter appears to be of a much lower form of vibration than
that manifested by terrestrial matter; while on others, there appears to be a
much higher vibratory rate than even that manifested by the most subtle forms
of ultra-gaseous matter known to us here. Even on our own globe we can
distinguish between several great class of matter. In addition to the forms
called 'solid,' 'liquid,' and 'gaseous,' respectively, science now recognizes a
fourth plane of matter known as 'ultra-gaseous' matter, and there are
indications of several even finer states of matter, known under the
general term of 'radiant matter.' In fact, modern science sees 'radiant matter'
apparently fading away into 'radiant energy.'"
In view of the facts
of modern science concerning the different planes of substance, matter and
energy, it is mere stupidity that ventures to question the possibility of the
existence of great plane of being and life beyond the range of the ordinary
senses of man—planes surrounding us on all sides, occupying the same space as
we do, yet unseen by us, and we largely unseen by those dwelling upon such
planes.
The Higher Senses of Men.
There are found
persons who, while admitting the possibility of other and finer planes of being
and life, yet question the possibility of communication between these planes of
existence. They say, with apparently sound logic, "How is it possible for
the human being, with his ordinary senses, to 'sense' things or being, dwelling
on finer planes of being?" If this were all that there is to the question,
we might well echo "How, indeed?" and agree with the critic. But,
this is not all that there is to it—not even the beginning of the end of the
tale. For not only may things on the finer planes become perceptible to human
beings by means of the lowering of the vibrations of these finer vibratory
objects in certain ways, but human beings may develop and cultivate an
increased power in their senses of sight and hearing, and thus raise their
vibrations so as to "sense" the things of the higher vibrations; and,
still more, human beings may, and often do, develop and cultivate certain
latent powers of "sensing" which are inherent in every one of us, and
thus directly "sense" the sights and sounds of the higher planes of
existence, almost if not quite as clearly as they can sense the objects and
events of their own plane of existence. To understand how this can be, it is
necessary to carefully consider the question of "sensing" in general,
so as to understand just what enables us to "sense" anything at all.
Once understanding this, it is but a step further to understand this supernormal sensing
referred to. Let us then examine this matter of "sensing" in general.
The World of Sensation.
The reports of our
sense organs are called "sensations." A sensation is defined as
"an impression, or the consciousness of an impression, made upon the mind
through the medium of a nerve or one of the organs of sense. The term 'sense'
is defined as 'a faculty possessed by animals of perceiving external objects by
means of impressions made upon certain organs of the body, or of perceiving
changes in the condition of the body.' Our senses have been well said to
constitute 'the doors to the outside world.' Unless our attention is specially
directed to the subject, few of us even begin to realize how completely we are
dependent upon these 'doors' to the outside world" for our knowledge of
that outside world. It is only when we stop to imagine how completely shut in,
or shut out, we would be if all of our sense channels should be destroyed, that
we can even begin to realize just how dependent we are upon our senses
for our knowledge of the world in which we live, and move, and have our
being.
A Senseless World.
A writer on the
subject has said: "Psychologists have pointed out to us the fact that if a
human being were born without sense organs, no matter how perfect a brain he
might have, his life would be little more than that of a plant. Such a person
would exist merely in a dreamlike state, with only the very faintest
manifestations of consciousness. His consciousness would not be able to react
in response to the impact of sensations from the outside world, for there would
be no such impact. And as consciousness depends almost entirely upon the impact
of, or resistance to, outside impressions, his consciousness would be almost
entirely inactive. He would be conscious of his own existence, but would
probably never realize the fact fully, for he would have nothing else with
which to compare himself, and his self-consciousness would never be aroused by
contact with things outside of himself. Such a person would not have even the
memories of previous sensations or experiences to arouse or heighten his
consciousness or thought, and consequently he would have no imagination to use.
He would be, to all intents and purposes, a living corpse. Helen Keller has
only two doors of sensation closed to her—the sense of sight and the sense of
hearing. Touch, taste, and smell, however were left to her; and each was
quickened and heightened in order to help so far as possible to perform the
world of the defective senses. The reaching of the consciousness of this
girl is considered by science to be akin to a miracle—yet only two senses were
missing. To appreciate the full meaning of the importance of the senses, one
has but to think of Helen Keller as having been also deprived of the sense of
touch."
The Elemental Sense.
Science informs us
that all of the five senses of man, viz., the respective senses of touch,
sight, hearing, taste, and smell are but modifications of one elementary sense
namely the sense of touch; and that the other senses have been gradually
evolved from that one elementary sense. This is seen to be the case when it is
realized that the only way that we "sense" the presence of an outside
object—be that object either a material substance, a vibration of the air, or
an etheric vibration of light—is by that outside object coming in contact,
directly or indirectly, with one or more of our sensory nerves, the latter
conveying the report of the contact to the brain, which translates the
sensation into what is called a "perception." This is true of the
sensations of touch, sight, hearing, taste, and smell, and of senses higher
than these and which as yet are not recognized by science. Consequently, the
consciousness of the presence of an outside thing arises from contact with that
outside thing through the channel of the sense of touch, or of some of its more
complex evolved phases.
The Raw Material of Thought.
From what has been
said, it is seen that we can know only those things concerning the outside
world which are capable of being reported to us by means of sense
impressions, simple or complex—all of our thought regarding the world is made
up from "the raw materials of thought" which psychologists have
termed sensations. Consequently, if an individual is deprived of one or more of
his ordinary senses, his knowledge of the outside world is decreased to just
that extent. And, likewise, if the individual were to be given one or more
additional senses, his knowledge of the world would be increased in the same
ratio. The same result, at least in a certain degree, would be attained if the
existing senses of the individual were to be increased in power so as to
register higher rates of vibration than they now consciously register and
record.
The Evolution of the Senses.
This subject of
increased sense-powers has always been a fascinating one for the psychologists,
and much speculation has been indulged in concerning the increased
consciousness of mankind were additional senses opened to it. We ask you to
carefully consider the following quotations from psychologists possessing the
"scientific imagination."
A psychologist says:
"All the senses have been evolved from the elementary sense of Touch. All
of our senses are but modified, specialized, and more complex forms of the
sense of Touch. The elementary life-forms possessed merely the sense of Touch;
and that but faintly developed—but a faint sensitiveness to outside
impressions. Then developed the sense of Taste, from which later evolved the
sense of Smell, the latter even now being closely associated with the
former. Then evolved the sense of Hearing, or the consciousness of the contact
of air vibrations called 'sound.' Then evolved the sense of sight, or the
consciousness of contact with the light waves of the other. And it is not
impossible, or even improbable, that the human race will eventually develop
other and more complex senses—in fact, many even now claim that the development
of extra senses is now under way in the race, and that the same are now
manifesting the presence and their powers in exceptional cases."
Unfoldment of New Senses
The same writer
continues as follows: "Even as it is man is able to perceive only a
limited number of sound vibrations—there are many sound vibrations above and
below his scale, and which he is unable to perceive, but which are registered
by delicate instruments. Likewise, man is able to perceive only a limited range
of light vibrations, there being enormous fields of such vibrations above and
below his range. Again, man is unable to sense electrical waves, or magnetic
waves—though, theoretically, he should be able to sense these as well as light
waves, the difference between these respective fields of etheric vibrations
being simply different rates of vibration. Imagine what a new world would be
opened to man if he could sense the waves of electricity. In that case he could
'see' things as far away from him as the waves of electricity could travel, and
even though solid objects intervened, as in the case of the X-Rays. In such a
case a man might actually 'see' things at the other side of the world, by means
of 'wireless electrical waves.' Theoretically these things are possible,
providing that man's optical nerves are rendered more sensitive, or provided
that he evolves a new set of sensory nerves and instruments of
impression."
Discovery of New Worlds.
Another psychologist
says: "If a new sense or two were added to the present normal number in
man, that which is now the phenomenal world for all of us might, for all that
we know, burst into something amazingly different and wider, in consequence of
the additional revelations of these new senses." Another authority has
said: "It does not seem at all improbable that there are properties of
matter of which none of our senses can take immediate cognizance, and which
other beings might be able to see in the same manner that we are sensible to
light, sound, etc." Another writer has said: "We know that our
sensory nerves are capable of transmitting to the brain only a part of the
phenomena of the universe. Our senses give us only a section of the world's phenomena.
Our senses usher only certain phenomena into the presence of our minds. If we
had three or four new senses added, this might appear like a new world to us;
we might become conscious of a vast number of phenomena which at present never
have any effect upon our nervous system. It is not possible to imagine a race
of beings whose senses do not resemble ours, inhabiting other worlds."
Transcendental Senses
Another writer has
drawn an interesting picture, which is based upon a conjecture which
is scientifically valid, as follows: "The late Professor James once
suggested as a useful exercise for young students a consideration of the
changes which would be worked in our ordinary world if the various branches of
our receiving instruments happened to exchange duties; if, for instance, we
heard all colors, and saw all sounds. All this is less mad than it seems. Music
is but an interpretation of certain vibrations undertaken by the ear; and color
is but an interpretation of other vibrations undertaken by the eye. Were such
an alteration of our senses to take place, the world would still be sending us
the same messages, but we should be interpreting them differently. Beauty would
still be ours, though speaking in another tongue. The birds' song would then
strike our retina as pageant of color; we should see all the magical tones of
the wind, hear as a great fugue the repeated and harmonized greens of the
forest, the cadences of stormy skies. Did we realize how slight an adjustment
of our own organs is needed to initiate us into such a world, we should perhaps
be less contemptuous of those mystics who tell us in moments of transcendental
consciousness they 'heard flowers that sounded, and saw notes that shone'; or
that they have experienced rare moments of consciousness in which the senses
were fused organs is needed to initiate us into such a world into a single and
ineffable act of perception, in which color and sound were known as aspects of
the same thing."
We Sense Only Vibratory Motion.
In assimilating the
strange and wonderful conceptions of the psychologists above quoted,
concerning the possibility of a new world of sensation arising from the
possession of new channels of sense impression, we must never lose sight of the
basic fact that all sensations result from contact with vibratory
motion. An eminent scientific authority has said regarding this: "The
only way the external world affects the nervous system is by means of vibratory
motion. Light is vibratory motion; Sound is vibratory motion; Heat is vibratory
motion; Touch is vibratory motion; Taste and Smell are vibratory motion. The
world is known to us simply by virtue of, and in relation to, the vibratory motion
of its particles. Those vibratory motions are appreciated and continued by the
nervous system, and by it brought at length to the mind's perception."
The Higher Planes of Nature
In view of the facts
and principles above set forth and considered, we may begin to see that there
is nothing "unnatural" in the hypothesis that there may be reports
conveyed to the consciousness of man by means of higher vibrations than those
of ordinary sound, or ordinary sight, providing that man has either (1) highly
developed his ordinary senses of sight, hearing, or touch to a degree
sufficiently high to register these higher vibrations; or else has evolved and
unfolded into consciousness certain latent faculties of sense-impression which
are lying dormant in the great masses of mankind. In fact, the thoughtful
person will be forced to admit that this new knowledge of the nature of
sensations, and of its relation to vibratory motion, renders extremely
probable the truth of the great body of reports of such so-called extra-conscious
knowledge which the experience of the race has furnished from the beginning of
human history down to the present time. Such a person will see that it is not a
sign of "credulity" for a person to accept such reports, so
universally set forth; but that, rather, it is a sign of "credulity"
for a person to accept blindly the dogmatic assertions of the materialistic
sceptics to the effect that "there is no such thing possible in the
natural world, under natural world, under natural laws—the whole thing is delusion
or else deliberate fraud." Such "know-it-all" persons are
usually found to really "know much that is not true," and to lack
knowledge of much that is true, regarding Nature, her realm and her laws.
An Appeal To Reason.
Concluding these
statements, let us say that the student of this book will find nothing
contained within this book which is contrary to Nature's laws and principles.
He will nowhere in it be asked to suspend the exercise of his reason, and to
accept as facts things which violate all of Nature's laws. Instead, he will
find at each point full natural explanations of even the most wonderful
phenomena; and the appeal to accept same will be made always to his reason, and
not to his blind faith or unreasoning belief. The student is urged to build his
knowledge of this important subject upon this solid rock of natural law and
fact, and not upon the shifting and sinking sands of mere dogmatic assertion
and appeal to assumed authority ancient or modern.
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