I would like to know you guys' opinion in using light and sound machines (e.g. http://www.mindmachines.com/RelaxationSuperstore/Light-Sound-Mind-Catalog/index.html ).

I don't deny that these machines works for some people to go into the alpha level (or even deeper) but does this rob the practitioners of meditation the discipline and patient inculcated if you do this naturally?  

I have nothing against these machines but it's just like this country's fastfood mentality, everyone wants shorcuts. You're sick, you take a pill; you're hungry, you go to the drive-thru; you want to meditate, you hook up a machine.

i understand what u mean... we live in such a rat race that if u dont catch up u get left behind.. i guess thats one reason people depend on artificial modes.

Don't they also use light and sound machines in Discos?

Ok I know this is an old post but just in case someone stumbles across this thread and wants to know more i have posted this...

Forget the light side of things and stick with the audio. I find that the goggles can give you a bitching headache and some can be cumbersome which can cause a sore neck and bridge of the nose. Also if you are even slightly epileptic it can trigger fits. Audio can also reach frequencies that light can't. You see we get used to the frequencies and need to change them. Light only goes so far and then it is pretty much useless. Sound surpasses it and if you keep using BB* you can naturally achieve deep states of meditation without even using the audio. Trust me sitting quietly with a set of headphones on and clearing your mind for an hour is a lot less stressful than having a lightshow throbbing in your face.

Well depending on what you want I would recommend the following:

SBaGen -- Binaural Beat Brain Wave Experimenter's Lab

http://uazu.net/sbagen/

It is freeware and very good for a start in the field of BB. You can give it a go and see if it works for you. Some people find that BB have absolutely no effect (although it is and they cant perceive it) . Others (including myself but only for a second!!) have astral traveled.

Brainwave generator

http://www.bwgen.com/index.htm

It's shareware and there is a large user base who make various preset files that have various effects from meditation to allegedly simulating drug like experiences. If you want to spend a little money BG is better.


Holosync

http://www.centerpointe.com/holosync/

Ah holosync! A system which I feel is the best one you can pay for out there. It costs a lot but at the end of the day you get to meditate like a "zen monk". I have used the first level myself and found it quite a journey.

At the end of the day I believe that a balanced view is necessary. If you want to do a little more research on BB read this article on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binaural_beats and then maybe follow a few of the links on the bottom of the page for further reference if you wish.



If you ever read this wild divine, I must disagree. I see BB as a great use of technology. If BB are used by people to meditate what is the worst that can happen. People will eventually become more focused, aware of their actions and surroundings, calm, introspective and  mindful. Oh the horror!!


BB* Binaural Beats

I did a search for holosync, as I have been using it for nearly 4 months now. I want to get the next level. I think it could be a short cut, but am not against that. I drive myc ar because it is faster than walking. And I dont beleive that just because i use sound to reach an alpha state that I am taking anything away from the benefits of a mantra or affirmations.

I'm a newbie at the whole thing but do enjoy it. I wouldnt stick with the traditional meditations but have and will continue with holosync.