[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by Altair

And it's not just a 40 day fast, even something as common as a vitamin D deficiency can lead to brain issues. This is why I'm really interested in super healthy people having these sort of experiences, because that excludes at least some purely physiological explanations. It worries me as forceful health decline is such a big thing throughout history, seeking experiences through methods that cause lack of health.

I think if a middle way means porridge and a banana a day then it's not extreme asceticism but it's still inadequate. If you were to follow this for years you develop health issues. I'd be interested in super healthy people, champions of life, of a sort, to have these kind of experiences. Say a fit king or leader instead of the fasting priest or skinny shaman..

SPOT ON!

How many people have had 'experiences' only to find out they have been taking Oxycontin? And then there is the person who got drunk...... and had a close encounter with God as they prostrated themselves in front of the porcelain 'altar'. Some even went so far to get a blessing from God as evident with the water that is still present on the top of their head visible as wet hair.