Re: loop religion

["jmw/cmu" <evening@ulster.net>]

>Your kidding, but it may be true in some way, any serious observations?

Actually, I'm not kidding. I've done a fair amount of meditation and I've
noticed very similar states of conscienceness after intense listening to
looped material, which is why I made the connection.

In Zen ( and other buddhist traditions) the 1st practice is counting each
breath from 1 to 10 and repeating the cycle, starting from 1 again each 
time
your thoughts have strayed. Next you may count every other breath up to 
ten.
Then just focusing on each breath without counting. Most likely you will
become aware of the rhythm of your breathing & of your heartbeat. To my 
mind
these are all loops.

Listening to loops for prolonged periods may promote deeper concentration
simply by virtue of the fact that by not changing (much) they allow the 
mind
to
settle down. Deeper concentration may lead to introspection and ultimately
you may find very deep significance in the dust particles on the floor. I
also think that drones work in the same way  (maybe drones are just really
small loops).

There have been studies of shamanistic drumming that suggest static rhythms
at certain tempos can alter brainwaves. The same has been said about the
rhythm of "rave" music. (Of course in both cases there can be lots of drug
use which also effects the brain.)

Lest we mistake "the finger pointing at the moon for the moon" - it's not
the loops, drones, drugs or practices, those are all fingers that just aid
us in getting out of our own way. In the end "Buddha realizes Buddha" and
the eye sees itself.

Sheesh, see what happens when I answer email before having coffee! 

peace,

jmw