GENUINE MEDIUMSHIP/PART 3
PART III
THOUGHT TRANSFERENCE
The most elementary
and simple form in which mental vibrations are transmitted is that which may be
called Thought Transference. In the category of Thought Transference may be
included two quite general classes, as follows: (1) Involuntary Transmission of
Mental Vibrations, and (2) Voluntary Transmission of Mental Vibrations,
commonly known as Telepathy. In this part of this book both of these general
classes of Thought Transference shall be considered in some detail.
Involuntary Transmission of Mental Vibrations.
Mental vibrations
emanating from the brain of the individual take on the form of wave-like
movements in the ether, which are accordingly known as
"thought-waves." These thought-waves are constantly being sent forth
from the brains of all persons, and after being sent forth they spread in space
from the immediate neighborhood of the person originating them, to a distance
proportioned to the strength and power energizing the original mental state.
These thought-waves have the power of awakening and arousing into activity
corresponding mental states in other persons coming within their field of
force, according to the laws of Mental Induction. It should be noted here that
the activity aroused in the mind of the receiving person is accomplished by the
setting into vibratory motion the Chitta or Mind-substance of that person, just
as the receiving diaphragm of the telephone is set vibrating at the same rate
as that of the sending instrument, and thus the original sound-waves are
reproduced.
Thought Waves
Thought-waves are
manifested in various forms, modes, and phases, and in different degrees of
power. Some are emanated without any clearly defined desire or intent to
accomplish certain ends, while others are charged with strong desire focused to
a definite point by clear-cut ideas of ends sought to be accomplished. The
latter, however, are usually entitled to be classed among the
"involuntary" phases of Thought Transference, because the senders are
generally unaware that thought-waves have an actual effect upon the minds of
other persons; their thoughts and mental states arising in accordance with
their feelings, desires, and general aims. Where the individual has learned
that thought is an active power, he may deliberately send forth his thought-waves
directed toward the person or persons whom he wishes to affect and influence.
The student must
remember, however, that there is a great difference in the power and effective
activity between thought-waves sent forth under different circumstances. Some
are sent forth idly, and with no focused power or energy of desire and feeling,
and such naturally are weak in effect upon others. Others are sent forth
vitalized with strong desire and feeling, and focused with a clear ideal and
mental picture, and, consequently, exert a far greater degree of effect upon
the minds of others with whom they come in contact. The analogy of the waves of
electricity holds good here, for just as the electric power may be strong or
weak, as the case may be, so may the mental force be strong or weak under
different circumstances, and in different individuals.
Vibratory Thought Force
The vibratory force
of thought-waves persist for some time after their original emanation. Here,
also we have analogies on the physical plane, as follows: The heat of a room
continues for some time after the fire which originally caused it has ceased to
burn. Likewise, the air of a room may manifest the perfume of a flower, or
extract, long after the latter has been removed from the room. Again, rays of
light persist in existence long after the star manifesting them has been
blotted out of existence. In the same way thought-vibrations continue to
manifest in a place, large or small though its space may be, long after the
original sender has passed from that plane—perhaps even long after he has
passed from earth life.
Mental Atmospheres
A well known American
writer on this subject has said concerning this point: "There are many
places today filled with the thought-vibrations of minds long since passed out
of the body. There are places filled with the strong vibrations of tragedies
long since enacted there. Every place has a mental atmosphere of its own,
the same arising from the thought-vibrations set in motion by the various
persons who have inhabited or occupied them. Every city has its own mental
atmosphere which has its effect upon persons moving into them. Some are lively,
some dull, some progressive, some old-fogyish, some moral, some immoral—the
result of the character of the early settlers and leading spirits, of the place
in question. Persons moving into these towns are affected by the mental
atmospheres thereof, and either sink to the general level, or else, if strong
enough, help to change the mental tone of the place. Sometimes a change in conditions
bring a large influx of new people, to a town, and the mental waves of the
newcomers tend to bring about a marked change in the local mental atmosphere.
These facts have been noticed by many observing people who often have not been
familiar with the principles underlying and producing the facts which the
observers have so clearly discerned."
The Contagion of Thought.
The same writer says,
along the same general lines: "Many have of course noticed the differing
mental atmospheres of stores, offices, and other places of business. Some of
such places give one an air of confidence and trust; others create a feeling of
suspicion and distrust; some convey an impression of active, wideawake
management, while others impress one as being behind the times, and suffering
from a want of alert, active management. These differing mental atmospheres are
caused by the different prevailing mental attitudes of the owners of the
respective establishments. The managers of business places send forth
thought-waves of their own, and their employees naturally falling into the
pace set for them also send forth similar vibrations, and before long the whole
place is vibrating on a certain scale. A change of management soon produces a
marked change in the entire mental atmosphere of the place. In the same way, we
notice the mental atmospheres of the houses we happen to visit; in this way we
become conscious of an entire mental scale of many notes, the notes being
sounded unconsciously by the minds of the occupants of the houses. From some
thresholds radiate harmony, while others breathe the spirit of inharmony. Some
radiate emotional warmth, while others chill one like an iceberg, by reason of
the emotional coldness of the dwellers therein. Likewise, the low quarters of
our cities, the dens of vice, and the haunts of dissipation vibrate with the
character of the thought and feeling of those inhabiting them. And, often, the
weak-willed visitor is thus tempted. In the same way, certain other places are
charged with the vibrations of strong, helpful, elevating mental states, which
tend to lift up and elevate, energize and stimulate the minds and feelings of
those visiting these places. Thought and feeling are contagious, by reason of
the laws of mental vibration and mental induction."
Mental Whirlpools.
The contagion of
thought-vibrations is manifested by such vibrations coming into contact with
the minds of other persons within the field of mental induction of the first
person, and there setting up similar vibrations. We know that orators, actors,
preachers and others addressing audiences of persons, send forth strong
mental currents which tend to awaken corresponding vibrations in the minds of
their hearers. We weep, smile, grow angry, feel happy, according to the
character of the thought-waves, of the person on the platform or the stage,
providing that we accept the same. And, according to the same principle,
persons scattered over large areas are influenced and affected in the same way
by whirlpools of mental vibrations set into original motion by some strong,
masterful public man. A writer has said concerning this point:
Mental Tidal Waves
"We know how
great waves of feeling spread over a town, city, or county, sweeping people off
their feet, and causing them to lose their balance. Great waves of political
enthusiasm, or war-spirit or prejudice for or against certain people, or groups
of people, sweep over places and cause men to act in a manner which they
afterward often regret when they come to themselves and consider the matter in
the light of cold reason. People are swayed by demagogues or magnetic leaders
who wish to capture their votes or patronage; and they are often led into acts
of mob violence, or similar atrocities, by yielding to these waves of
contagious thought. On the other hand, we know equally well how great waves of
religious emotion spread out over the community upon the occasion of some great
'revival' excitement or religious fervor."
Immunity to Thought Influences
Persons becoming
acquainted for the first time with the above recited facts of mental
vibrations, mental currents, mental waves, and mental contagion,
frequently raise the objection that if all this be true, why are we not
constantly swept off of our feet by these great waves of mental vibrations,
whereas, in fact, we are seldom or never aware of them? The question is a
natural one, and is capable of a satisfactory answer. In the first place, many
of these mental currents neutralize each other, and thus both
cease to exert any marked effect. And again, most persons are really
"immune" to most of the thought waves reaching them, this by reason
of the protective resistive power bestowed by Nature, and acquired during the
evolution of the race.
To understand this,
we have but to think of our immunity to the great majority of sounds and sights
on the streets of a busy city. On a busy street corner, we are assailed by an
infinitude of sounds and sights—but we hear but few of these, and see still
fewer. The rest of these impressions are lost to us, although we have ears to
hear and eyes to see. We hear and see only those impressions which are strong
enough to awaken our attention. In the same way we fail to perceive
the numerous thought vibrations and mental currents constantly surrounding us,
and our attention is attracted and awakened by those sufficiently strong and
vigorous to awaken our attention. The analogy is a very close one, and the
understanding of one set of phenomena gives us the key to the other.
Mental Attunement
It should not fail to
be noticed, moreover, that we habitually receive and accept more readily those
thought vibrations which are in harmony with our own average habitual
mental states; and, according to the same general principle, we tend to
habitually reject and fail to receive those vibrations which are inharmonious to
us for the same reason. Here, you will notice, we have an illustration of the
principle of "attunement" which, as we have informed you, is
operative on the plane of thought and mental vibrations as well as on that of
wireless telegraphy. Just as it is a psychological fact that we tend to see and
to hear those things which are in harmony with our beliefs and opinions, and
our interest, so is it a metaphysical fact that we tend to accept and absorb
the mental vibrations which are in harmony with our opinions, beliefs, and
interest, and to reject those which are opposed thereto.
Moreover, the person
who acquaints himself with the law of mental vibrations and
thought-transference acquires a practical knowledge which enables him to render
himself immune to objectionable and undesirable mental currents or
thought-waves. We are not necessarily open to the influence of every stray
current of thought or feeling that happens to be in our immediate vicinity.
Instead, by the proper methods, consciously or unconsciously practiced and
manifested, we may, and often do, insulate ourselves so that these undesirable
mental influences fail utterly to affect us; and, likewise, we may actually
attract to ourselves the desirable mental currents. These principles and
methods will be given later in this part of this book; they are mentioned here
merely to acquaint you with the fact that they are existent and known to those
familiar with this subject.
Voluntary Transmission of Mental Vibrations.
Under the head of
Voluntary Transmission of Mental Vibrations may be placed the following two
general classes of phenomena, viz., (1) Voluntary Efforts to Exert Mental
Influence upon Others; and (2) Voluntary Efforts to Produce the Phenomena of
Telepathy, along Scientific Lines. Each of these general classes of phenomena
will now be presented for your inspection and consideration.
Voluntary Mental Influence.
Under the category of
Voluntary Mental Influence we find much of the phenomena formerly classed as "Magic"—and
by this we mean both White Magic, or efforts to produce results beneficial to
the person influenced, and Black Magic, or efforts to produce results
beneficial to the person exerting the influence, and often to the positive
detriment of the person influenced.
White Magic. Under
the category of White Magic may be placed all those efforts of mental healing,
and similar phases of metaphysical therapeutics; and the accompanying efforts
directed toward the general happiness and welfare of the person "treated."
The word "treatment" has sprung into use in this connection, in
America and Europe, by reason of its employment by the numerous metaphysical
cults and schools flourishing there. We hear on all hands of persons being
"treated" for Health, Happiness, and Prosperity in this way. While in
some cases, the "magic" is worked on higher planes than those of
thought-vibrations, it is nevertheless true that in most instances the entire
process is that of mental induction, along the lines described in the preceding
pages of this book. In such cases the person influenced opens himself to the
helpful thought of the person "treating" him, and thus a co-operation
and mental "team work" is secured, often with the most beneficial
results. This phase of the subject is too well known to require lengthy
consideration in this book, and is more properly the subject of the many books
devoted to this special phase of mental power.
Black Magic. It
has well been said that there are always two poles to everything in Nature, and
continued experience and investigation seems to substantiate this statement.
Whenever we find a force or power producing beneficial results, we may usually
feel assured that the same force or power, turned in another direction, or
possibly reversed in its action, will produce results of an opposite character.
And so it is with this subject of "Magic" which we are now
considering. While we would be very glad to pass over this phase of the
subject, truth and duty to our readers compel us to state that White Magic has
its opposite pole—that opposite pole known as Black Magic, or the use of
psychic force for selfish and unworthy ends. There is no use trying to pursue
the ostrich policy regarding these things—it is always better to face them
boldly, and then to take means to avoid the evil contained in them.
We prefer to quote
from other writers on this subject, who have given this particular matter the
most careful attention and investigation, and who have set forth simply and
plainly the result of their investigations and discoveries. Here follow several
quotations from authorities of this kind:
Base Use of Mind Power
One writer says:
"It is a fact known to all students of occultism that Black Magic has been
frequently employed in all times to further the selfish, base ends of some
people. And it is also known to advanced thinkers today that even in this
enlightened age there are many who do not scruple to stoop to the use of this
hateful practice in order to serve their own ends, notwithstanding the punishment
that all true occultists know awaits such persons. The annals of history are
full of records of various forms of witchcraft, conjuration, and similar forms
of Black Magic. All the much talked of practice of 'putting spells' upon people
are really forms of Black Magic, heightened by the fear and superstition of
those affected. One has but to read the history of witchcraft to see that there
was undoubtedly some force at work behind all of the appalling superstitions
and ignorance shown by the people of those times. What they attributed to the
influence of people 'in league with the devil' really arose from the use of
Black Magic, or an unworthy use of Mental Influence, the two things being one
at the last.
The Secret of Witchcraft
"An examination
of the methods employed by these 'witches,' as shown by their confessions, give
us a key to the mystery. These 'witches' would fix their minds upon other
people, or their animals, and by holding a concentrated mental picture there,
would send forth thought-waves affecting the welfare of the persons being
'adversely treated,' which would influence and disturb them, and often
bring on sicknesses. Of course, the effect of those 'treatments' were
greatly heightened by the extreme fear and superstition held by the masses of
people at the time, for fear is ever a weakening factor in mental influence,
and the superstitions and credulity of the people caused their minds to vibrate
in such a manner as to render them extremely passive to the adverse influences
being directed against them. It is well known that the Voodoos of Africa, and
similar cults among other savage races, practice Black Magic among their people
with great effect. Among the native of Hawaii there are certain men known as
'Kahunas' who pray people sick, or well, whichever way they are paid to do.
These instances could be multiplied almost indefinitely, but the basic
principle is ever the same in such cases.
Modern Black Magic.
"In our own
civilized lands there are many people who have learned the principles of mental
influence, and who are using the same for unworthy purposes, seeking to injure
others and to defeat their undertakings, or else trying to bring them around to
their own (the treators') point of view and inclinations. The modern revival of
occult knowledge has operated along two lines, and in opposite directions. On
the one hand, we see and hear of the mighty power for good that mental
influence is exerting over the race today, raising up the sick, strengthening
the weak, putting courage into the despondent, and transforming failures into
successes. But, on the other hand, the hateful selfishness and greed of
unprincipled persons is taking advantage of this mighty force of nature, and
prostituting it to the hateful ends of such persons, without heed to the
dictates of conscience or the teaching of religion or of ordinary morality.
These people are sowing a baleful wind, which will result in their reaping a
frightful whirlwind on the mental plane. They are bringing down upon themselves
pain and misery in the future."
The Explanation of Sorcery.
Another writer says:
"In various stages of history we find the records of persons having been
affected by the influences of witches, sorcerers, and other evil-minded,
unprincipled persons. In most cases these so-called witches and sorcerers
themselves were under the delusion that they were being assisted by the devil
or some other supernatural being. They did not realize that they were simply
using natural forces. Studying the history of witchcraft, sorcery, black magic,
and the like, you will find that the devotees thereof usually employed some
psychometric method. In other cases they would mould little figures of clay, or
of wax, in the general shape and appearance of the person whom they wished to
affect. It was thought that these little figures were endowed with some
supernatural powers or attributes, but of course this was mere superstition.
The whole power of the little figures arose from the fact that they aided the
imagination of the spell-worker in forming a mental image of the person sought
to be influenced; and thus established a strong mental rapport condition. Added
to this, you must remember that the fear and belief of the public greatly aided
the spell-worker, and increased his power and influence over these poor
persons."
The Power of Fear-thoughts.
The last-named writer
explains the reference to "fear and belief" in the last sentence
above quoted by the following very important statements, and these we ask every
student of this book to firmly impress upon his mind, for a mighty truth is
therein conveyed. The statements in question are as follows:
"Your attention
is hereby called to a very important psychic principle involved in the
manifestation of that class of phenomena in which is embraced the cases of
witchcraft, sorcery, etc., with which the pages of history are filled. It is a
well established fact that by denying the psychic power over you exerted by any
person whatsoever, you practically neutralize the psychic power of such person,
at least so far as its effect upon and power over yourself is concerned. The
stronger and more positive is your mental attitude of immunity to such power,
and your assertion and affirmation of that immunity, the greater is your own
power of psychic resistance, and the less does his possible power over you
become. The average person, not knowing this, is more or less passive to
psychic influences of other persons, and may be affected by them to a greater
or less extent, the degree depending upon the psychic development of the person
seeking to influence him.
The Negative Pole.
"At the extreme
negative pole of susceptibility we find persons who believe firmly that other
persons have psychic power over them, and who are consequently more or less
afraid of such persons and of their influence. This belief and fear
operates in the direction of making such persons peculiarly sensitive and
impressionable to such influence, and thus easily affected by psychic
induction. This is the reason that the so-called witches and sorcerers and
others of evil repute have been often able to acquire such a power over their
victims, and to cause them so much trouble. The secret is that the
victims believed in the power of the other persons, and feared their power.
The greater the belief in, and fear of, the power of the other persons, the
greater the susceptibility to their influence; the greater the disbelief in
such power, and the firm belief in one's own power of immunity and that of
neutralizing the effect of the psychic influence of other persons, the less is
one's degree of susceptibility, and the greater is one's degree of immunity and
power. This is the rule in the case—keep it in mind!
Voodooism Explained.
"Among the
negroes of the South, in America, and among the Hawaiians, we find marked
instances of this kind. The negro Voodoo men and women work Black Magic on
those of their race who are superstitious and credulous, and who have a mortal
fear of the Voodoo. Travelers who have visited the countries in which there is a
large negro population have many interesting tales to recite of the terrible
workings of these Voodoo black magicians. In some cases, sickness and even
death is the result. But, mark you this! It is only those who believe in, and
fear, the power of the Voodoos that are so affected. In Hawaii, the Kahunas or
native magicians are renowned for their power to cause sickness and death
to those who have offended them; or to those who have offended some client of
the Kahuna, and who have hired the latter to 'pray' the enemy to sickness or
death. The poor, ignorant Hawaiians, believing implicitly in the power of the
Kahunas, and being in deadly fear of them, are very susceptible to their
psychic influence, and naturally fall easy victims to their vile arts, unless they
buy off the Kahuna, or make peace with his client. White persons living in
Hawaii are not affected by the Kahunas, for they do not believe in them,
neither do they fear them. Unconsciously, but yet strongly, they 'deny' the
power, and are immune. So you see the principle working out here, too. Once you
have the master-key, you may unlock many doors of mystery which have heretofore
been closed to you."
Self-Protection.
The following
quotations from writers on this special subject contain detailed directions for
the use of those who may have reason to believe that some other person or
persons are trying to use psychic force, or mental currents, upon them for
selfish purposes, or otherwise. Of course the general mental attitude of
disbelief, and assertion of one's one immunity is sufficient for the purposes
of general psychic protection; but we have thought it proper to include the
following special directions given by those who have made a close study of this
subject.
One writer says:
"When you come in contact with people who are seeking to influence you by
psychic methods, either direct or indirect, you will find yourself able to defy
their mental attacks by simply remembering the strength immanent in your
Ego, or Spirit, aided by the statement or affirmation (made silently to
yourself) 'I am an Immortal Spirit, using the power of my Ego, which renders me
immune from all base psychic attacks or power.' With this mental attitude you
may make powerful even the slightest mental effort in the direction of sending
forth your own mental vibrations, and these will scatter the adverse influences
in all directions; it will often be found that the other person will show signs
of confusion in such a case, and will seek to get away from your presence. With
this consciousness held in mind, your mental command to another, 'Let me
alone—I cast off your influence by the power of my Spirit,' will operate so
strongly that you will often actually see the effect at once. If the other
person be stubborn, and determined to influence you by words of suggestion,
coaxing, threatening, or similar methods, look him or her straight in the eye,
saying mentally: 'I defy you—my inner power casts off your influence.' Try this
the next time that any one attempts to influence you either verbally or by
means of thought-waves, and see how strong and positive you will feel, and how
the efforts of the other person will fail. This sounds simple, but the little
secret is worth thousands of dollars to every individual who will put it into
practice."
Repelling Adverse Influences.
This writer
continues: "Not only in the case of personal influence in the actual
presence of the other person may be defeated in this way, but the same method
will act equally well in the matter of repelling the mental influence of
others directed against you in the form of 'absent treatments,' etc. If you
feel yourself inclining toward doing something which in your heart you feel is
not to your best interests, judged from a true viewpoint, you may know that,
consciously or unconsciously, someone is seeking in influence you in this way.
Then smile to yourself, and make the statements mentioned above, or some
similar one, and holding the power of the Spirit within your soul, send forth a
mental command just as you would in case the person were actually before you in
person. You may also deny out of existence the influencing power, by asserting
mentally: 'I deny your power to influence me; you have no such
power over me; I am resting securely upon the Spirit within me; I deny out of
existence any power over me asserted by you.' After repelling these absent
influences you will at once experience a feeling of relief and strength, and
will be able to smile at the thought of any such adverse influence affecting
you in the slightest."
Neutralizing Psychic Influences.
Another writer gives
us the following most interesting information and advice for use in cases of
this kind: "I wish to point out to you a means of protection against the
use of psychic influence against yourself on the part of unscrupulous persons,
or any other persons whomsoever, for that matter. One is fully justified in
employing this method of protection against even the meddling influence of
other persons, who are trying to influence you without your permission or consent.
The following is the method of self-protection or defense against this
class of psychic influence: In the first place, you must, of course, refuse to
admit to your mind any feeling of fear regarding the influence of other
persons, for such fear opens the door to their influence, as all students of
this subject know. If you have been, or are fearful of the psychic influence of
any person, you must get to work and drive out that feeling by positive and
vigorous denials. The denial, as all students know, is the positive
neutralizer of the psychic influence of another person, providing you make it
in full belief in its truth. You must take the mental position (which is really
the true one) that you are absolutely immune to the psychic attack or
influence. You should say, mentally, 'deny to any person the power to influence
me psychically without my consent; I am positive to all such influences, and
they are negative to me; I neutralize all such influences by this positive
denial!' It should encourage you to know that it requires far less force and
power to repel and neutralize psychic influences of this kind, than is required
to send forth the power; an ounce of denial and protection overcomes a pound of
psychic attacking power. Nature gives you the means of protection, and gives
you the 'best end of the stick'; and it is your own fault if you do not use it
effectively. A word to the wise is sufficient."
Telepathic Phenomena.
The second general
class of phenomena in the general category of Voluntary Transmission of Mental
Vibrations is that known as "Telepathic Phenomena." In a sense, of
course, all phases of Thought Transmission, and particularly that
of Voluntary Thought Transmission, may be considered as forms of
Telepathy; but for the purpose of classification and distinction we have in
this book classed as Telepathic Phenomena merely those forms and phases of
Thought Transference in which there is an agreement between the telepathic
sender and the telepathic receiver, and in which the experiments are conducted
more or less along the lines of scientific investigation.
Scientific Investigators.
Scientific observers,
for a number of years past, have been conducting careful series of experiments
in Telepathy, and many volumes of the reports of such investigations have been
published by various psychic research societies. Among the eminent scientists
who have devoted much attention to this subject are the following: Professor
Henry Sidgewick, of Cambridge University; Professor Balfour Stewart, of the
Royal Society of England; Rt. Hon. A. J. Balfour, the eminent English statesman
and scientist; Professor William James, the eminent American psychologist; Sir
William Crookes, the great English chemist, physicist, who invented the
celebrated "Crookes' Tubes," without which the discovery of the
X-Rays, Radio Activity, etc., would have been impossible; Frederick W. H.
Myers, the celebrated investigator of Psychic Phenomena; and Sir Oliver Lodge,
the eminent English scientist. All these men are of the highest international
standing and reputation, and their acceptance of the phenomena of Telepathy
places the same on a firm scientific basis.
How Experiments Are Conducted.
The scientific
experiments involving Telepathy, which have been conducted by numerous
societies for psychical research and other bodies, have ranged from quite
simple tests to those very complex. In all of these experiments there has been
one person called the "sender," and another called the
"receiver"—or names corresponding to these. The sender fixes in his
mind a strong impression of the name or picture to be transmitted, and then
makes a positive effort of the will to transmit the same to the receiver. The
receiver assumes a passive receptive mental attitude, and then reports the word
or image that comes into his mind. The more complex tests embody these same
simple features.
Some of the early
reports of the Society for Psychical Research, of London, England, show results
most amazing to those who have not made a personal investigation of these
matters. In some of the tests, the receiver correctly reported seventeen cards
in succession, the said cards having been shown the sender, but kept out of
sight of the receiver, and no possible communication between the two being
allowed. In tests of naming small objects held by the sender, the receiver
correctly named five out of six. In one complicated test, in which various
objects, names, etc., were transmitted, the report shows a successful report of
202 out of a possible 382. Such results, of course, took the results entirely
out of the operation of the law of averages. Other successful experiments
showed a high percentage of results obtained from the reproduction by the
sender of geometrical and other figures and designs exhibited to the sender.
Private Experiments.
But, after all, the
most convincing evidences of Telepathy are those which most of us have met with
in our own experience. There are but few intelligent, observing persons who
have not, at some time in their life, had experiences of this kind, in which
the thoughts of others were perceived plainly by themselves. Many persons have
established such a close rapport condition between themselves and friends or
relatives that instances of remarkable thought-transmission between them are
quite common and ordinary.
Development of Telepathic Power.
Practically every
person may develop a certain degree of telepathic power, sending, receiving, or
both, by means of a moderate amount of regular and earnest practice and
experiments. In developing sending power, the person should cultivate
concentration, and the use of the will in the direction of projecting mental
states; in the case of the desired development of the receiving power, the
person should develop receptiveness and passivity, and a certain recognition of
an actual telepathic impulse which is impossible to describe in words but which
comes to every investigator, and which when once experienced is always
recognized thereafter.
"Mind Reading."
Perhaps the best plan
for the beginner is to practice the popular "mind reading" experiment
or game, which is quite popular in some localities, and among persons
interested in this line of thought. The experiments of this kind are performed,
generally, about as follows: The receiver leaves the room, and during his
or her absence the company in the room select some object, large or small, such
as a chair or a small penknife, etc., and the same is shown and named to the
sender. Then the receiver is called back into the room for the experiment, and
is blindfolded securely. Then the receiver takes the right hand of the sender
and places it in his (the receiver's) left hand, holding it firmly there. The
sender then concentrates his mind upon the object to be "found," and
mentally wills that the receiver move toward it. The receiver then experiences
a peculiar faint impulse in the direction of the object, and accordingly moves
toward it. After considerable practice, the receiver acquires the faculty of
not only finding large objects, but also is able to locate small objects, such as
concealed rings, pins, etc.
Development Practices.
This class of
experiments, while open to the objection that there may be more or less
muscular direction consciously or unconsciously given by the sender,
nevertheless tend to develop proficiency in both sender and receiver. In fact,
such experiments are perhaps one of the very best methods of developing
projecting or receiving power along the lines of occult or psychic forces. This
because the persons become familiar with the psychic processes involved, and
their efficiency becomes increased by practice and experiment. This plan is
like that of teaching a child how to walk by means of holding its hand,
allowing it to rest on chairs, etc. In practicing such experiments, the
receiver will soon become conscious of receiving the thought message in
what may be called a "wireless flash," instead of by the slower, and
less clear process of transmission through the physical body of the sender, and
thence through his own nerves. When the sender begins to experience these
flashes of consciousness, he is ready to proceed to the next stage.
The "Willing Game."
The second stage on
telepathic development is much akin to that just described, with the difference
that there is no physical contact between the sender and the receiver—no
holding of hands, etc. A variation of this is found in the familiar
"willing game" in which the whole roomful of persons concentrates
upon the receiver, and "wills" that he find a selected object. On the
whole, however, the private experiments conducted by the sender and the
receiver, with perhaps a few intelligent and sympathetic spectators, are far
better than the "willing game" plan, in which there are usually many
triflers present ready to make a joke of the whole thing, and thus taking away
that true concentration under which the best results may be obtained.
Formal Tests.
The third step in
telepathic development is that of conducting experiments similar to those
originally conducted by the Society for Psychical Research, previously mentioned.
That is to say, the sender may select cards from a pack, coins from a pile,
small objects from a collection, etc., and then endeavor to transmit the
impression of the same to the receiver—the latter then reporting his
flashes of impression received. This may be rendered more complicated by
having the sender in one place, and the receiver at another, the time having
previously been agreed upon between them. In experiments conducted at long
range, it has been generally found better for the receiver to write down the
word, thought, or mental, picture which has been transmitted to him by the
sender; and for the sender to write down the name or picture of the thing the
idea of which he has transmitted. These memoranda serve not only as scientific
proof of the experiment, but also serve as a barometer of progress being made
during the experiments.
Automatic Writing.
In this connection it
may be stated that many investigators and experimentors along the lines of
telepathic phenomena have met with considerable success in the direction of
Automatic Writing from living persons, which of course is merely a special form
of Telepathy. In some cases the communications received in this way were at first
thought to be from disembodied entities, until later it was discovered that the
thoughts were actually transmitted (in some cases unintentionally) by living
persons. The late W. T. Stead, the London editor and famous investigator of
psychic phenomena, who was lost on the "Titanic" several years ago,
was remarkably successful along this special line of telepathic transmission,
he being one of the most efficient receivers of this kind of which those
familiar with the subject have any knowledge. His written records of these
experiments are very interesting, and form a valuable contribution to this
subject. In this class of experiments, the sender concentrates fixedly
upon the thought—word for word—and wills that the recipient write down the
word so transmitted; the receiver sit passively at the time agreed upon, and
allows his arm and hand to be moved by means of the psychic currents beating
upon him, and which are then unconsciously transformed into muscular action—the
process being similar to that of ordinary writing, except that instead of the
activity of the brain of the writer being behind the muscular motion, that of
the sender performs that task.
Psychic Sensitiveness.
The student of this
book will find in the succeeding portions thereof, from time to time, certain
general instructions regarding the cultivation of psychic receptivity and
sensitiveness. These general instructions are also applicable to the
cultivation of telepathic power, and may be properly applied to that end. There
is really but one general principle involved in all the many forms of psychic
receptivity, namely that of (1) shutting the senses to the ordinary impressions
of the outside world, and (2) opening the higher channels of sense to the
impressions coming in the form of vibrations of the higher forces and finer
powers of Nature. At the last, it is simply a matter of "getting in
tune," just as truly as in the case of the wireless telegraphy. These
things are difficult to explain in ordinary words to one who has had no experience
along these lines; but when one begins to actually experiment and practice, the
way opens out gradually and steadily, and then the person can grasp the meaning
of the little "hints" dropped by others who have traveled the same
path. So, after all, it comes down to the matter of Practice, Experiment, and
Learning by Trying!
NEXT CHAPTER
CLAIRVOYANCE AND KINDRED PHENOMENA
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