<p> This qualitative research study aims to explore and provide a comprehensive descriptive record of the significant experiences of Pranahuti Aided Meditation (PAM) practice and transformation by eight practitioners from the San Francisco Bay Area. It investigates the linkage between their meditation experiences and transformations to better understand this new phenomenon.</p><p> PAM, also known as Sri Ramchandra&rsquo;s Raja Yoga or Natural Path, is a new spiritual practice invented by Sri Ramchandra of Shajahanpur, U.P., India in the 1940&rsquo;s. It utilizes the technique of Pranahuti (<i> Yogic Transmission or Transmission of Life Force</i> i.e. <i>Prana </i>) to aid individual&rsquo;s meditation practice and facilitate the process of consciousness transformation. Academic research on PAM has been scant so far. This is the first study using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) to systematically explore the experiences of PAM practitioners with 1 to 10 years of practice experience.</p><p> The first major finding of this study was that this group of participants experienced a large number of positive non-ordinary states, of which more than 95% occurred during Pranahuti. Some altered states were somatic in nature, and some psychological, noetic, and mystical; still some were particularly exquisite and profound. The first major conclusion that can be drawn from this is Pranahuti resulted in positive non-ordinary states experienced by the participants during meditation.</p><p> The second major finding was that participants experienced many positive changes such as acquisition of positive qualities, values and principles, psychological balance, and sense of wellbeing. They had progressed into what in PAM is known as the realm of upper, or altruistic, consciousness to a significant extent, and most had further development in the realm of divine consciousness. The study found a very close correlation between participants&rsquo; meditation experiences and the transformations unfolding in daily lives. The second conclusion to be drawn from this is that PAM practice had enabled all participants move from the lower to the upper plane of consciousness to a significant extent. It also enabled many to move further into the realm of divine consciousness, resulting in various significant transformations including shifting of perspectives, and gaining positive qualities and attitudes in life.</p>

<p> Exploring the symbolism of the eye alongside the ancient religious concept of the omniscient Eye of God, this dissertation engages in a depth psychological analysis of consciousness, the God-image, and postmodern notions of the apocalypse. By considering all aspects of the eye as represented throughout mythology and religious texts, this study addresses everything from blindness to the comprehensive sight of mystical union. The one-eyed Cyclops, the Eye of Horus, the figure of the many-eyed Argus, and the third eye of the Buddha are examples that elucidate the range of eye types addressed. </p><p> The penetrating image of the eye as it emerges within the unconscious in dreams and visions is given ample consideration through the work of Carl Jung and other prominent depth psychologists. Theories regarding the archetypal dimension of the eye are discussed including Jung&rsquo;s contention that the eye acts as a regulating principle, or <i>yantra</i> within the psyche, restoring balance in times of psychological chaos, upheaval, and transition. As the nucleus of a psychic mandala, the eye serves as a centering force while simultaneously making its numinous presence clear and felt to the individual ego. Edward Edinger&rsquo;s contention that the eye marks the ego&rsquo;s encounter with an overwhelming other is given credence while the difference between a feeling-tone of judgment versus equanimity perceived by the observed is weighed.</p><p> Connecting eye symbolism to the God-image, this dissertation embarks upon an exegesis of the eye in religious texts and challenges the omniscient Eye of God in its traditional projected, sky-bound sense. Arguing for personal responsibility in relation to the God-image, this study advocates for a reengagement with <i>anima mundi</i> or the world soul through the advancement of consciousness on a personal level. The recognition of the immanence of divinity and the need for an earth-based religiosity is emphasized. This study points out that eye symbolism is cropping up with increasing regularity in our current, apocalyptically entranced culture in an effort to jolt us from an unconscious slumber and provide the necessary psychic objectivity required to survive a planetary transformation.</p><p> Keywords: Apocalypse, Consciousness, Depth Psychology, Eye, God-Image, Mythology, Objectivity, Postmodern, Self, Witness</p>