I came across this book and got hooked straight away and I now have purchased the entire series of Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds and I'm really looking for always getting through them, which will take time!
Revelation Space is a hard science fiction space opera and was the first to be released in the Revelation Space universe. There are four main books and six others with the final book in the collection being released in September 2024 to bring it to an even ten books total.
Synopsis: "Nine hundred thousand years ago, something wiped out the Amarantin. For the human colonists now settling the Amarantin homeworld Resurgam, it's of little more than academic interest, even after the discovery of a long-hidden, almost perfect Amarantin city and a colossal statue of a winged Amarantin. For brilliant but ruthless scientist Dan Sylveste, it's more than merely intellectual curiosity - and he will stop at nothing to get at the truth. Even if the truth costs him everything. But the Amarantin were wiped out for a reason. And that danger is closer and greater than even Sylveste imagines...
Revelation Space : a huge, magnificent space opera that ranges across the known and unknown universe ... towards the most terrifying of destinations."
The story I feel has has been really stimulating and an absolutely enjoyable time has been had throughout my first reading. I have avoided interviews with the author and peoples reviews. I did do a search though to identify the series book titles and in which order to read them in. There is a choice to either go chronologically time-wise of the in universe events, or the order they were published in.
I think that after reading the first published, I am familiar enough to both the author and the universe this Space Opera is set in, and I'm deciding to now begkn the entire series in chronological order.
In my opinion the author is an extremely good writer and the use of the English language is mighty impressive, with a smooth flow and cadence is just about excellent.
Why haven't I read fiction for a long time?
Well...to be honest, due to ignorance mostly, I can now analyse this from a step removed, and observational stand point of view because this book has been an awakening for me to the fact that fiction turns to reality with things touching on space and the future fate of our human civilization.
The science in this book is impressively paraded proudly to the reader right from the off.
My reason for sticking to nonfiction, was because I was oblivious and ignorant to the fact that some of these fictional books offer a lot to be learned, thanks to the intelligence and background of the author presenting their wisdom via their stories. But this is of course what religious and spiritual institutions are built upon.
As a person who enjoys writing, the lessons in writing skill and the grammar of such, form, layout, descriptors and level of craft in such fictional writings are incredibly valuable even regardless of the topic also when gleaned from a stood-away-step or two...
I have just finished the book and my gosh what a masterpiece of science fiction it is.
So deep and vast that only a student of science fact could have created such rich, and intelligently philosophised underpinning of conceptually advanced concepts that is Alastair Reynolds Revelation Space.
The skill of authorship Alastair Reynolds displays in his writing by utilising the English language from the first to the very last word leaves me in awe, and with nothing less than a profound respect and effect of just how good a science fiction novel can be.
How Revelation Space has got past me all the years since it was published is beyond me.
The story subject matter is so relevant to today, with things like ai, consciousness and medical implants all are themes carried throughout the book I think.
I mean, I think there's a lot of possibles and plausibles for predicting futures within Revelation Space' pages.
I'm torn as to see why this hasn't graced cinema bigscreens in box-office movies, or also Netflix or Prime etc as a moreish bingeable series.
Personally, I love this book. If you enjoy hard science fiction written with good intelligence as is author Alastair Reynolds, with likeable characters and grandiose scaling , both in time and in space; Revelation Space may be worth some consideration on your next read.
I'm looking forward to reading next in the Revelation Space Universe; Chasm City.
The book I am reading now is taking the reader back in time to the age of the Romans and is titled Arena by Simon Scarrow and T.J. Andrews. Which is the first in a series and part of my series' reading rotation.
It has been two years and 4 months since beginning this path of exploration as an Esoteric Student.
Essentially it is a journey of learning how to gain back some ground within my mental and physical health, and wellbeing.
During this time I have travelled between spaces and groups of others who all, in a great variety of different ways, are seeking, learning, teaching, and sharing experiences which are richly dense with wisdoms; for the mostpart in the names of love, life, and peace across mediums, formats, platforms accessible to everyone....one way or another.
I am aware that I have only just reached a tip of the preverbial iceberg. But this iceberg is more akin to a snowcone of sweetness and a variety of flavours, with plenty more still to discover.
The whole point of writing a blog, is to not only utilise the method for my own relief, but to share with others my findings in hope of making a difference to at least some-one persons out there, wherever there may be.
A huge part of my life over the last couple of years has been spent within communities of people who have all found their ways to the best of what virtual reality has to offer; at the bleeding edge and forefront of physical and mental wellbeing.
For a person like me, who can have a hard time socially, virtual reality has offered me a way of being able to develop personally, and experiencially grow gradually; comfortably.
Which brings me to the point of writing this post...
To get to this point in my life has taken a lot of peoples time, energy, guidance, and care converging unto myself.
Throughout which I have spoken a great many things about how I want to live my life, and my wants of things I'm to do once I am in a settled position to do so. And while I have spoken of my grattitudes along the way...it is now the time to start putting the money where my mouth is. This horse has been led to the water...nothing more can be done for me and I must drink.
So here are my pledges of intention birthed of grattitude.
Removing Barriers
Everyone faces barriers in life which come in as many forms as there are people, and my goal is to try in small ways to alleviate some which I have faced myself, which I hope can be of service to others.
Esoteric Student Library
Originally, I created an online Esoteric Student Library filled with books, and essays, available to download instantly, for free for everyone.
This was my first conception and notion of the inception to the act of barrier removal in order to help people on their journeying and become their own Esoteric Sudent.
While limitations can be useful in personal development and growth, brick walls can end paths before they begin. The internet can be a brick wall for many people when trying to scour and locate things such as books.
You may end up somewhere uncouth, downloading viruses for example. Or never find what your looking for, heck, how do you even know what to look for when first setting out?
Since creating it though, I have took the decision to not risk any chance of issues with copyrights and things of the sort by having to reinstate a partial barrier.
Currently, if one should happen upon the link to the library it will land you onto a 404 page in its place.
However, all people need is a Gmail account and to send an email to library@esotericstudent.com providing a Gmail address to be added onto the permitted users access list and hey presto, you're good to go.
This is live, and available to do right now.
In fact, I think it retains an element of the esoteric, mystery aspect to all of this in it having to be done this way but be quick because I am still toying with the idea of it becoming a membership perk.
With over 40k different books, files, documents, essays and images in my collection being uploaded to it over time, it is for sure something to check out.
Something I am missing in my life is responsibility, accountability, and routine.
Being held to account is important for personal development. Being dependable, and forming structure to one's life, with a solid commitment has to be built upon solid foundations.
With these things comes purpose and meaning to the why's and what's we do.
So the next announcements are things which are reasonably within the borders of what I can keep up with regularly.
Esoteric Student Events Calendar and Resources Directory Database
While on my adventures I have attended many events, and found resources across multiple medium formats, and platforms accessible to everyone.
So, from February 2024, I will be posting the events schedule daily to EsotericStudent.com in a dedicated section, and provide daily, an email to anyone who chooses to receive it.
Containing all the necessary information, such as platforms, devices required, links, timezones, community's, genre/category, and so on, this will be a one-stop solution designed to remove as many barriers to access as possible towards helping not only those who wish to find and attend such events, but to help those who have events to be found.
Alongside this is an easy to use and search directory, containing information of those in the wider health and wellbeing community who have something to share, safely and of value.
This includes any group, event, and sessions leaders personal projects who you may meet at the events scheduled, as well as attendees.
Since the closing of a virtual reality social platform AltspaceVR it became glaring that there are people and pockets of communities out in the wilds now, from the AltspaceVR days who were affected by its demise due to ASVR having an events board which was easy to follow.
Losing that was detrimental to many, including myself, and my hope is that bridges can be begun to be built crossing the gaps, but also revitalised by others sharing this information and putting it out there too. And I know some are also working on do the same.
The goal is to not only bring together the old school, but to bring many fresh faces to these events and to broaden the wider health and wellbeing community of which we are all a part of.
The objective of bringing people together, and promoting inclusivity, is the theme I wish to continue carrying forward into as many aspects of Esoteric Student as I can; which brings me to these next couple of announcements.
Medoké event banner for VitalCon 2024
Medoké
At some point along the way, quite a while ago, 18 months roughly, discovering the aforementioned inspired me to want to have my own small event in virtual reality.
I wanted to interview people in front of a small live audience, record it and create a podcast.
The premise being centered around the notion that everybody is unique, and no one life experience is the same as any other, everybody has at least one peice of wisdom that nobody else has.
So in 6 word or less, I ask what is the wisest, most unique to you, and valuable life lesson that you would like to put out into the world?
And the conversation goes on from there.
An Evolution of this format is...Medoké!
What in the world is Medoké?! Is something you may be finding yourself wondering...
Something which has helped me so so much in these couple of years is meditation. Prior to venturing forth as an Esoteric Student I had never meditated, but that changed when I met the wonderful over at 'Together With Tripp', formerly known as EvolVR.
Attending their events multiple times each day in virtual reality had an instant big impact in my life, even while at first I literally had no idea what it was exactly we were supposed to be doing. So for a while there I was doing a different style to the rest of those there...oops.
I can't thank them enough, the core community welcomed me with open arms, and has only ever shown me love and kindness. In my own way, I am working towards returning to them in kind, all that they have offered, and all that I have taken...but more on that shortly.
I have found other groups and communities out there in the wilds who run different styles, and themes, and informational nuggets of gold, just like Together With Tripp also does.
At these events people have check-in rounds, and check-outs too, where those who are there share their experiences, and briefly touch on things which arose during the session.
With a vast array of community members, both diverse and rich with knowledge, and experience, many things spoken catch my attention when it comes to peoples personal practices, but the sessions come to a close and I'm left to wonder, wanting to know more. I know I can't be the only one.
I even have heard it mentioned by some that they would like to try their hand at leading a meditation to a live audience, and present to others their favourite practices, myself included has said and thought this. I also wonder how many think it but haven't said it out loud?
But where can we find a live audience and the space setup to present our practices?
In virtual reality, a hugely popular activity people really enjoy is VR Kareoke.
At this point I think you know whats coming next...Medoke is the combination of meditation and kareoke...Medoke is meditation kareoke!
Inspiration is infectious, and I found myself saying this not long ago, "If we can find inspiration within our-'self'; the rest will follow, as we already have what we need..."
I strongly believe it to be true, I must do because I said it while inspired, as a description to how I interpret the feeling present and in that moment, with awareness and curiosity.
And so my hope and aspiration is to provide people with the platform to be inspired, and empowered to guide others for 10 minutes, during which, the space is yours, and your audience.
But I can't provide the space alone; alas...I am not alone.
Vitality ReAwakened, is a very special community I met during the time I spent in AltspaceVR.
Created by Anita, and Kaiju and Jose, have built a strong foundation which at the core, is aimed at removing barriers for people to find, revisit, and ReAwaken our Vitality.
It is something which they have consistently providing throughout the whole time I have known them. And they have projected a lot of really great, positive and inspirational events in virtual reality.
The barriers Vitality ReAwakened removes includes providing people with a space, and platform, to teachers, guides, leaders, doctors, professors, people who have something to share, and students.
And this includes myself, with Esoteric Student. For which I'm immensely grateful to Anita and the team of creators who collaboratively make any of this possible.
Thank you Vitality ReAwakened!
So...Medoké, what to expect?
At this 1 hour and 20 minute event, 2/3 people will have the floor to lead a 10 minute meditation each, with a short interview by the host, Esoteric Student, and an oportunity for the guide and audience to engage with each other, right after, prior to the next guides time.
We are in need of participants for the alpha phase, during which we will better determine timing and structure for future events.
You are a perfect candidate if you would like to stretch your limits, experience something new and amazing, and be a part of setting the foundation for a unique event that will touch many lives over time!
If you would like to apply, or for more information please send an email to medoke@esotericstudent.com
“Medoké"
The community project I'm involved with, VitalCon, is coming up really soon, January 3rd it all kicks off.
It is being an eye opening experience, seeing some of what happens behind the scenes of, what is scheduled as of now, a showcase of sixteen events!
I myself have settled into the project, and my roles, of which some are born again unto me from previous experiences.
Esoteric Student though, is from the pov of a journalistic, experientialist, documentarian, aka blogger. Not just words though.
So, now it is time to end this transmission of bounty, by saying that I hope a happy holiday to all...
Please do check out VitalCon 2024's website if you're at all curious.
I am grateful because a pattern is forming within a hopeful new routine. I have been dismayed at how long it's taking me to adjust to my new surroundings since moving home, but not now I'm noticing some structure to my life.
I am working on a few different projects for the blog.
Each project is really positive and beneficial to not just myself but for others too.
Things such as a live event in virtual reality, and writings on my experiences with and in vr, a long form book, an article on mindful beekeeping, book studies, people profiles and interviews, and more; all take time but are underway. But I do also just tend to take longer than most to do things in general. Which is odd as I always feel like I am rushing.
I would also like to get a video started soon.
Playing around with some new logo ideas. This one incorporates the moon
One priority, away from Esoteric Student, in my life is getting my new home into good order as it was far from that when I moved here…and it still is far from it. Especially as I am just a tad concerned about winter and the temperatures.
I realise that many of these update posts may not get read and I am good with that because aside from the Esoteric Student Facebook page which has followers left over from a previous users project, I am being a hopeful romantic about trying to keep things as organic as possible by word of mouth, organic search results etc.
I think it is not very likely to make a ripple from a micro-droplet given how technology and the internet is saturated with creators far more talented and interesting than I, who make use of the resources such as ad placements, and professionals.
I was recently asked a question at a regular writing meeting (in virtual reality) “who am i writing to?”
Meaning who do I feel is my audience?
It is a great question…I thought I had an answer for her but impermanence has done it's thing because it isn’t the same as when I started this path. I would say that it was to nobody, i just needed he action of pressing send, and putting it out into the ether like a message in a bottle.
I didn’t know anyone who may be reading what I write so chose to be anonymous instead just in case someone I know reads it and caused arguments or something of that ilk.
But in the past week I have arrived at the answer that I am writing to those I have met along the way up to this point now.
And I do know some of those people whose eyes may glance my scribbles from time to time. So I am changing my perspective and anwser to the question, I am starting to write friends.
I also revealed myself to a group of people who have supported me through these past couple of years, and whom I am going to be posting a lot about soon. They were once called EvolVR and now they are known as the “Together With Tripp” Community..
It is a privilege to say that I am a part of a truly amazing community and example of the good which can come of utilising virtual reality. Quite simply put, Together With Tripp is VR done right. And the best thing is you dont even need a virtual reality headset to become a part of the bleeding edge movement of the digital revolution in mental, and phsyical health and wellbeing. The events can be accessed via mobile devices and pc also, all for free!
I'm testament to it, and witness the transformation in all kind of people from all walks and locations of, and in, life; time and time again.
From their website they are: "Together with TRIPP. We are the largest live VR meditation community in the world, with weekly live events across the metaverse, on platforms such as VRchat, Rec Room and Horizon Worlds. We build a safe environment for people to connect and collectively support each other’s emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Join us in VR or even from your desktop and experience group meditations and activities without leaving your home."
I hold a huge debt of gratitude to these kind and gentle beings, and people I have met along the yellow brick road thus far from other communities in virtual reality.
Virtual reality has done great things for my life and I also am writing and will be posting a lot about.
There are other communities too of course. I frequent a few regularly, There is the Vitality Reawakened Community, MUSE, a Creative Writing Community, a VR Mystery School, and others of which I am writing stories of but not yet as I am trying to write as linearly as I can about the past.
I am still trying to find my writing style, and still toying with the format and times between posts so please be patient with me.
Synopisis: In his exciting and original view of the universe, Itzhak Bentov has provided a new perspective on human consciousness and its limitless possibilities. Widely known and loved for his delightful humor and imagination, Bentov explains the familiar world of phenomena with perceptions that are as lucid as they are thrilling. He gives us a provocative picture of ourselves in an expanded, conscious, holistic universe.
Synopsis: The Bhagavad-gita is universally renowned as the jewel of India's spiritual wisdom. Spoken by Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead to His intimate disciple Arjuna, the Gita's seven hundred concise verses provide a definitive guide to the science of self realization. No other philosophical or religious work reveals, in such a lucid and profound way, the nature of consciousness, the self, the universe and the Supreme. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is uniquely qualified to present this English translation and commentary on Bhagavad-gita. He is the world's foremost Vedic scholar and teacher, and he is also the current representative of an unbroken chain of fully self-realized spiritual masters beginning with Lord Krishna Himself. Thus, unlike other editions of the Gita, this one is presented as it is--without the slightest taint of adulteration or personal motivation. This edition is certain to stimulate and enlighten with its ancient yet thoroughly timely message.
These will take me some time to get through and attempt to digest at least some of what these books contain.
I am now using the Gateway Tapes daily but still only the first volume. But I have noticed that when actively paying attention to my hearing and the sounds around me that I can seperate the sound and focus on them into one specific reverberation. Which has now assisted me upon my own intention of capturing sounds, and working on them to produce an undertone to sample in a meditation sound idea I have and aspiration to act upon producing.
I haven't decided which sounds yet, and of course this sublevel track can be added to any number of other recording I can make of the ocean, wind, rain etc, It should be barely audiable to begin my tests with until I discover which of the recording it is most suited to complimenting.
Psychic Wars: Parapsychology in Espionage - and Beyond
by Elmar Gruber
UPDATE: It is official. My move date is April 17th!
Book synopsis:
More than 25 years of secret military research into parapsychology research by the military on both sides of the Cold War resulted in psychic warfare and espionage. This book reveals those experiments and programmes showing how they have gone on to be the foundation for more sensational research and the developments in so-called "PSI powers" and institutions.
I'm Reading Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences In A Quantum Reality
By Dean Radin
Currently, I am reading Entangled Minds. I still am awaiting the official date of when I move home and onto the next chapter in my life. I have been told to expect it to be around the middle of March 2023.
In my last post, I wrote about AltSpace VR but that now is being shut down by Microsoft on March 10th 2023. But I will be posting an updated way to contact and details for any upcoming Esoteric Student VR events; and events I plan to attend of others regularly once I have moved house and have a regular daily routine.
This book is a sign of the direction I intend on going with this Esoteric Student blog.
Entangled Minds book synopsis: Is everything connected? Can we sense what's happening to loved ones thousands of miles away? Why are we sometimes certain of a caller's identity the instant the phone rings? Do intuitive hunches contain information about future events? Is it possible to perceive without the use of the ordinary senses?
Many people believe that such "psychic phenomena" are rare talents or divine gifts. Others don't believe they exist at all. But the latest scientific research shows that these phenomena are both real and widespread, and are an unavoidable consequence of the interconnected, entangled physical reality we live in.
Albert Einstein called entanglement "spooky action at a distance" -- the way two objects remain connected through time and space, without communicating in any conventional way, long after their initial interaction has taken place. Could a similar entanglement of minds explain our apparent psychic abilities? Dean Radin, senior scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, believes it might.
In this illuminating book, Radin shows how we know that psychic phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis are real, based on scientific evidence from thousands of controlled lab tests. Radin surveys the origins of this research and explores, among many topics, the collective premonitions of 9/11. He reveals the physical reality behind our uncanny telepathic experiences and intuitive hunches, and he debunks the skeptical myths surrounding them. Entangled Minds sets the stage for a rational, scientific understanding of psychic experience.
Like most of us do, I was just browsing social media and the internet in general, which led me to come across this meme you see before you. And it stopped me in my tracks because of how true it is, how simple it seems of a thing to be pointed out. But yet it is sort of mind-expanding in a more esoteric way than something so unassuming could lead a person to believe.
In a post that I wrote previously, I spoke about the ways in which I see existence, yours, mine, ours, everyone's, and everything.
I mean, within the context of the question asked, along with the image, it does take one a moment away from the self and into the realm of imagination. I can very much visualize the music videos and the artists doing their thing. I can hear the soundtracks in my mind.
One step further than that? I can see in my mind a step further, with the production equipment out of frame. Lighting, cameras, studio crew, director. A bit further behind those, makeup, and fashion stylists won't be too far away. Heck, we could from that point onward travel out the studio and into a car park. And then roads, shops, bars, and restaurants. Why stop there even? Maybe we can envision the moon and beyond.
We could go beyond that visionary experience, afforded to us by the asset of imagination. Because of perspective. During reading my words, did you see other people in your mind? A celebrity or two perhaps? Very possible, and I have no doubt indeed that many stereotypes were also envisioned.
But, I wonder how many saw, felt, transported, and traveled from where you are right now as you're reading this, to being there in person. In that studio, on set, lights, camera, music, action, along with the crew, director, artists even, bling everywhere, champagne, cognac, of which, nothing but Hennesy will do, costumes, make-up, getting loose and riding the vibe, all while you're in the center...of a cheese grater!?
In my mind, it raises more questions, ponderings, possibilities, and potential. Because of one reason, my perspective, and back to my earlier post (linked here). But possibly after reading this, it could also be your perspective. Are we all in the cheese grater?
Very much so, yes, I believe we are. I believe everything is in a cheese grater, all a part of something much, much, much larger than we can ever have the capacity to comprehend. But we can try, and grow along the way as we travel the journey of a traveler in this thing we have chosen to name, called life, and whatever may be outside of, and beyond the greater cheese grater.
For the sake of a running theme of stumbling onto paradoxical conundrums, I suggest to you that looking deeply into oneself, allows, over time, for an ability to outwardly see far beyond the depths journeyed inward. Or So I think, and I wonder if this is remote viewing of, and channeling from an infinite multiverse.
I have at times unwillingly and accidentally stumbled into a deepest depth of mind by damaging it over the course of my life, with substances, sleep deprivation, famine, and binging until my body and mind could no longer keep up, one day it just changed, something switched, snapped, and I could pull information, random and specific from the air, like it's all around us, everywhere, flying around, ideas, knowledge, predictions, were drowning in it, It's filled all around and we're swimming in it. The "ding" moments when a new idea or thought comes into someone's mind, it comes from somewhere, it is what I'm saying to you it is. Break enough and you will reach it consciously.
unsplash.com/@armato
The pineal, much like you can move your eyebrows, puff your chest, move your arms and legs, can be moved exactly the same way. Project it, it can be done, and you will get a hit, something bangs into you, like a physical punch in the chest, and stomach, it makes you tense your core after and can begin feeling those hits and prepare for them.
but...
I don't have a choice when something hits me, could be minutes, could be hours. I haven't been able to get there properly yet to make it hurry. It is just what it is and I am trying to get back that intensity in 2014-15 when I pushed myself too far, without having to push that hard and far. The trick is just to be ready and recognize it when it hits you. You know I make sense and what I'm telling you is as real as you and I.
It needs a bump start for some people, for others, it is a more profound sensory awareness experience but unnoticed and things unexpected happen that people can't explain and have trouble talking about for the sake of criticism and mental condition. And people like me who stumbled onto, but became super aware of what's possible, and left neglected for some time. Nevertheless, I want it back under my full control but without going so close to the edge this time. But experiences can be very different from believers and trying to navigate the legitimacy between those can be tricky of course. But when you see and meet the ones who truly know, as a person who also truly knows, it's as obvious as the difference between night and day. And of course, there is the vast majority of our species now, who will never process out from the coma that blankets them. May peace be with you.
