The phrase altered state of consciousness was coined in the 1970s and describes induced changes in one's mental state, almost always temporary. A synonymous phrase is "altered states of awareness".

An altered state of consciousness can come about accidentally through fever, sleep deprivation, starvation, oxygen deprivation, nitrogen narcosis (deep diving), or a traumatic accident. Intentionally it can sometimes be reached by the use of a sensory deprivation tank, hypnosis, meditation, prayer, or disciplines (e.g. yoga or Sufism). It is sometimes attained through the ingestion of recreational drugs, plant poisons, or psychedelic substances such as LSD, 2C-I, peyote, marijuana, mescaline, datura (Jimson weed), and alcohol.

Naturally occurring altered states of consciousness include channeling, dreams, premonitions, euphoria, ecstasy, limerence, out of body experiences, and "being in the zone" (athletics).

Related articles

• Aldous Huxley
• Carlos Castaneda
• Charles Tart
• Claudio Naranjo
• John C. Lilly
• Timothy Leary
• Trance

References

• James, William The varieties of religious experience (1902) ISBN 0-14-039034-0

External links

• John C. Lilly (http://www.johnclilly.com/)
• Divine Way of Spiritual Heart (http://swami-center.org/) Knowledge about consciousness developing. Methodology of spiritual self-perfection.