The way that I now use this process is very different from the way that I started using it some 45 years ago. This is not surprising; I have allowed it to evolve and become more appropriate to my purpose. I am going to use this section of the website to describe how I now use the fantasy. If you have not used this process before I strongly recommend that you read my introduction here based on how I initially used the process. The original fantasy I used is also set out here together with a recording of the fantasy. In what follows I assume that you have either used the process many times before, or have read that introduction with all its hints and warnings.
There are three key differences between my initial use and what I now do. The first is the relaxation exercise that I now use to enter into a suitably deep meditative, or trance, state. The second is with the mechanics of how I undertake the process. Previously I completed the process lying on the floor; now I do it sitting up in a chair. Previously all the conversations were silent, within my head; now I speak out loud. The third is that I have actually changed some of the details of the fantasy journey used to access the wise man and some of the details of how I interact with him. The journey is now a little longer and on the way I collect something to burn on his fire. I now rarely have to go back and forth between being myself and being the wise man. Generally I now take quite a long time explaining my issue(s) and then have one long response from him. I also no longer use the ‘gift’ part of the process.
There are three essential ingredients that ensure that this process works as effectively as possible.
The first is the process used to enter into a suitably deep trance or meditative state before embarking on the fantasy journey. Previously I used a relaxation process that involved releasing tension from successive parts of my body over a period of 10-15 minutes. I now use a simple breathing exercise. I start by counting my breath. Then I notice my heartbeat and count my breath in synchrony with my heart beats. What works best for me is to breathe in for two beats, out for two beats and then pause for two beats before breathing in again for two beats. This is my pattern of heartbeats and breathing, everyone has their own pattern that will enable them to relax and meditate best. Once I have established the pattern I then count my breath and do so until I can count 25 breaths twice without losing count or being distracted. This can take anything between 20 and 30 minutes for me to achieve – it depends upon how agitated I was when I started. Only when I have completed two 25 breath cycles without any loss of concentration or distraction do I start the fantasy journey. (I will describe the revised fantasy journey shortly. )
The second key ingredient is to allow myself to fully describe all aspects of the issues or questions I want the wise man to address. This has therapeutic value in its own right; it is like talking over a problem with a really good friend who knows how to just listen. I allow myself to explain what my concerns are, what I have already tried, what I’m afraid of, what I want to achieve and so on. If there is more than one issue (and there usually is) this can easily take 10 to 15 minutes.
The third key ingredient is to take time to allow the instruction “now become the wise man” to take effect. Part of this is allowing time for answers to the questions to arise; What is your existence like as this wise man? ….How do you feel ? … What is your life like? …. How do you spend your time?… If you are relatively new to the process this is what you must do until you have used the process for long enough to start to notice a shift in your awareness when you become the wise man. Now when I give myself the instruction now become the wise man, I notice my state change and my awareness becomes very spacious, and fulfilling – and different from my normal waking state. I am aware of a large expanse of space above and beyond me. And as I write this I realise the description is inadequate, because what I’m trying to describe is a sense of a shift in my state of consciousness. Once I experience this different state then I know I have become the wise man – previously I became him by allowing myself to answer the questions and imagine myself in that life. But it is crucial to have some sense of becoming the wise man before attempting to provide any sort of answer or commentary.
Here is the revised version of the fantasy that I now use. I have also made an mp3 recording of this which is included at the bottom of this page together with instructions on its use.
Imagine that you are walking along a mountain trail at night. You can easily see where you are going because there is a full moon. .. Are there any trees? … What are the rocks like? …. How do you feel as you walk along this trail ? …. You are on your way to visit a very wise man who can answer any question you may have… Up ahead the trail branches. When you come to the branch take the trail to the left which goes up higher towards the wise man’s cave. … Notice how the trail changes as you move up higher. … As you continue you can hear a stream on your right and shortly you find yourself walking alongside the stream with moonlight reflected on its surface. … Continue until you come to a simple bridge that enables you to cross the stream … Once you are across you find another branch in the trail; again take the left hand branch which rises gently until you come to a small wood…. The trees in the wood are not close together, so you can easily see the trail going through the wood. As you go along this trail look for something to take to the wise man’s fire. It can be as small as a fir cone, or as large as a log, or anything in between…
..When you come close to the wise man’s cave you will see a small campfire in front of the cave and you will see the wise man sitting by the fire. Go up to the fire, put what you have brought with you on the fire and sit quietly… As the fire burns more brightly you will be able to see the wise man more clearly. Take some time to really become aware of him…
Now ask the wise man the questions that are important to you. Take time to explain the significance and background to each of your questions ……
Now become the wise man…. What is your existence like as this wise-man? ….. What is your life like? …. How do you spend your time?… Look at this visitor who has come to see you. How do you feel towards this visitor?….. What do you say to this visitor? …. Become yourself again. It is now time to leave the wise man. Before you go, thank him and .. slowly .. say goodbye. Now turn away and start back down the trail
A Master's Path 
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