Expanding Dimensions of Consciousness

Hundreds of thousands of people try to achieve altered states of consciousness through meditation, mind control sources, and uncommon drugs. Millions try to achieve it with alcohol and marijuana. Millions more are involuntarily exposed to such procedures , and some are institutionalized. Altered states of consciousness, says Charles Taft, represent some of the most intense, exciting, dangerous and potentially valuable experiences that human beings can have. But what do we understand about them? What are the benefits of Altered states? What are the perils? How can the costs and dangers be minimized and the benefits maximized? Expanding Dimensions of Consciousness presents an overview which pulls together the vast number of facts and experiences into a concise, comprehensive volume of up-to-date theory and scientific research. Discussions by experts in their fields include such topics as conceptual orientation, meditation, EEG biofeedback, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, mysticism, alcohol and drugs. The material is clinically oriented and will enlighten both psychologists and students.