Conference hydra::dejavu

    
    Some good books on the subject are:
    
    1.  "Leaving the Body, A Complete Guide to Astral Projection" by 
        D. Scott Rogo  82-13273  1983
    2.  "Far Journeys" by Bob Monroe 85-1633  1985
    3.  "The LLewellynm Practical Guide to Astral Projection" by Melita
        Denning and Osborne Phillips, 79-88141, (one of the best I think)
    4.  "The Study and Practice of Astral Projection" by Dr. Robert Crookall
        (case histories of mostly unintentional or spontainious OOBEs
        and can be dry at times)
    5.  "Astral Projection" by Brad Steiger, 1982, (more case histories
        with some "channeling" and "past life regression")
    6.  "The Traveller's Guide to the Astral Plane" by Steve Richards
        (Astral Projection through the "Tree of Life" and other
        Kaballistic type devices), 1983
    7.  "The Art and Practice of Astral Projection" by Ophiel, (Astral
        Projection through the Tree of Life and the Tarot), 1961
    8.  "Astral Doorways" by J. H. Brennan, ( Astral Projection through
        the Tree, Tarot, and Eastern devices.)

I think I can make a suggestion without knowing the person.  To 
take the first step toward relaxation:
  Breath deeply, and
  Breath slowly
whenever you begin to feel tense.  Keep practicing breathing 
deeply and slowly.

There are millions of other techniques that range from 
visualization to acupuncture, but learning how to breath properly 
is the first step.

(And since we live in a culture that accepts addiction to 
caffeine as the norm, if you drink more than 2 cups of coffee a 
day, cut back.  Don't argue with me about it, just do it!)

Hope this helps,
chuck

    howdy,
         Get yourself a copy of THE RELAXATION RESPONSE by Dr. Herbert
    Benson, or one of a lot of books that will teach you to meditate.
    I learned to do TM long ago, and it works.  I sit in a comfortable
    position and concentrate on a mantra.  When my mind wanders, which
    it often does, I return very gently to my mantra.  I don't use a
    lot of mental force to keep thinking the mantra; just a lot of calm
    persistance in returning to it when my mind wanders.
         Also, I'm sure you can find some material on progressive
    relaxation if you look around. Get a tape recorder and read the
    instructions into it. Then play it back and follow the instructions.
    If you live near Hudson,Mass.  I have abook or two you could borrow.
    good luck, and have fun.
                                  mike gauthier
    
    
    

    Any advice on how to choose a mantra?  I am reading a book on TM
    and it says that when taught TM a mantra is assigned to you.

    Re .4:
    
    If studying under a teacher, that one assigns the mantra.  The mantra
    assigned can be one that matches or complements your personality
    or aspect.
    
    If you are doing self study, that's another matter.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    I understand that TM assigns a mantra based on your birth year.
    Supposedly, they are based on your personality, aspects, etc.  Sigh...
    
    If doing self study, anything that works for you is fine, whether
    it is a set of nonsense sounds, a nursery rhyme, a phrase that appeals
    to you, whatever.
    
    Elizabeth
    

    Re: .4

    > If studying under a teacher, that one assigns the mantra.  The mantra
    > assigned can be one that matches or complements your personality
    > or aspect.

    The 'teachers' may want the 'pupils' to beleive that the mantra is some-
    thing meant just for them, but the way they are selected is purely
    mechanical - based on sex and the first letter of the person's first name.
    They are a collection of the names of Hindu gods. When assigned, the pupil
    is warned against revealing his/her personal mantra to any one else. This
    keeps the mystique going.

    -- Rav Karwan

    Re .7:
    
    Rav, you quoted my .5, so, I'll respond.
    
    You are correct, but mit's obvious this person is self-studying.
    Therefore, a meaningful mantra can be created/formulated.
    
    Note please I said "The mantra assigned _can_ be one ..." [emphasis
    added].  I'm not into TM, but the idea of using a tailored mantra
    for meditational purposes is certainly okay.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.  
    
    P.S.: A number of techniques have value, even if some people take
          advantage of them for whatever purposes other than what they
          may say publicly.  It's a matter of separating the wheat from
          the chaff, as I've observed elsewhere.