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Grof, Dr Stanislav - Being given knowledge of the functions of the universe
Identifier
011067
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
LSD Doorway to the Numinous – Professor Stanislav Grof
In rare instances, an LSD subject can have the feeling that his consciousness has expanded to encompass the totality of life on this planet, including all humankind and the entirety of flora and fauna, from unicellular organisms to highly differentiated species.
An individual can identify with the phylogenetic evolution of life in all its complexity and reach an intuitive understanding of the underlying biological laws. He can explore the factors that influence the origin of new species or are responsible for their extinction, and see the operation of Darwinian and Lamarckian forces determining the survival of the fittest.
Similar insights can be experienced in regard to the interaction of different life forms in all the permutations of their synergisms and antagonisms within the framework of planetary ecology. The consciousness of all living matter can also be associated with the exploration of the contradictions and conflicts intrinsic to life, with attempts to estimate the relative power of life’s self preserving forces versus self destructive potentials, and with an assessment of the viability of life as a cosmic phenomenon.
Experiences of this kind can result in an enhanced awareness of and sensitivity to ecological problems related to technological development and rapid industrialisation