| Altered states of consciousness are often described to be states wherein the human mind operates on a different "frequency" or within an alternate "realm" of awareness. Throughout history, select groups and individuals have "searched" for altered states. Aleister Crowley, Timothy Leary and Aldous Huxley are names often associated with the altered states movement. Claims of higher levels of consciousness are associated with Eastern religions and philosophies - Buddhism, Zen, and Hinduism, for example. Altered states are sought through drug-use, rhythmical dancing, rituals, self-mutilation and sensory deprivation and often prove dangerous to a person's health. |
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