Some people struggle with having spiritual experiences and enjoying vivid dreams, including out of body experiences. Even when these people take hallucinogenic substances, such as LSD, they may complain that their experiences are not visual enough. When they take entheogens (drugs that generate divine experiences), such as Ayahuasca, they may not be able to experience full fledged visions, which are a sort of drug-induced lucid dreams.
On the other side of the spectrum are people who have been experiencing intense hallucinations since they were children. They may have had spontaneous lucid dreams and out of body experiences. Perhaps they were even diagnosed with having a mental illness at some point in their life.
What determines where each person is on this spectrum of vision?
There’s no scientific answer, although there is an interesting theory.
Briefly, we already know that the pineal gland in our brain is a tiny organ whose purpose is to generate melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone which is constantly excreted, but destroyed when we are exposed to bright light, including sunlight and some frequencies of light emitted from electronic devices, such as screens.
According to the theory, the pineal gland has one more function which science is yet to discover. It also secretes a substance called DMT. DMT may be responsible for the visions of sleep as well as for inducing spiritual and visionary experiences, such as the commonly experienced tunnel of light people see when they’re having near death experiences.
Like melatonin, the DMT your brain generates is is also destroyed under normal conditions. There is an enzyme in the digestive tract (called MAO, short for monoamine oxidase) which neutralizes DMT. The existence of this enzyme explains why when we ingest plants containing DMT, we do not feel any effect unless an additional substance is consumed as well, which destroys the enzyme that neutralizes the DMT.
Syrian Rue, Passionflower, and Ayahuasca are examples of plants which contain MAO inhibiting compounds, namely harmine and harmaline. When taken with a DMT-containing plant, they can induce a psychedelic experience. But DMT-containing plants are illegal to consume. Is it possible to make the brain create more DMT than it normally does?
Perhaps there is, and we will go over the evidence in the next section of this article. But to increase your chances of developing your visual capacity, there is also a spiritual process you should go through. This involves energy balancing, specifically bringing to optimal balance your “third eye” chakra, or energy center.
Chakras are large energy centers located along our spinal chord and in the brain. The third eye is a chakra located in our forehead, which is responsible for inducing visions.
Interestingly, according to the mystical viewpoint, the third eye is located in the same area where the pineal gland is physically located, namely in the center of the head, from where it emanates both toward the forehead and the back of the head. Could they be one and the same? Perhaps the pineal gland is the physical manifestation of the third eye chakra, which would explain why when it is activated, the result may be a heightened visionary state. Perhaps activating the third eye chakra, also causes activation of the pineal gland and production of DMT, which enhances our spiritual vision.
This article is a complete guide on how to become a seer, or at least how to attain the potential to become one. It will benefit people who feel that they don’t have the natural capacity to entering the path of the visionary or experience lucid dreams and other altered states of consciousness.
The guide focuses on two methods, a physical method and a spiritual method. Both should be practiced at the same time. The physical method involves making sure the brain has all the substances required for the synthesis of DMT, while the spiritual method involves the spiritual activation of the third eye.
The Physical Method – Increasing the Production of DMT in the Brain
First, it’s important to understand how DMT is created in the body.
It all starts with an amino acid called tryptophan. This is an essential amino acid, which means the body cannot produce it. We must get tryptophan from food sources.
Which food sources contain tryptophan?
High protein plant-based and animal-sourced foods contain tryptophan. The problem with animal products is that they were found to lower the production of melatonin by the pineal gland, and therefore may also interfere with DMT production.
The plant-based foods with the highest amount of tryptophan are:
- Nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin and squash seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and pistachios.
- Legumes, especially soybeans, tofu, and white beans.
- Whole grains, especially oats.
To increase the amount of tryptophan you get from the food, make sure to include ample carbohydrates with a protein source from the above list.
What about supplements?
In the body, tryptophan is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Therefore, is taking a 5-HTP supplement just as helpful as ingesting high levels of tryptophan from the diet? Probably not. The reason is that tryptophan goes through decarboxylation to turn into tryptamine, and then it can either go through hydroxylation and turn into serotonin, or it can go through demethylation and turn into DMT.
So if you would like to avoid eating a high carbohydrate and protein meal at night, it would probably be better to go with a tryptophan supplement.
Now that we have plenty of tryptophan in our bodies, the next step is to make tryptamine through a process of decarboxylation by an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) enzyme.
The AADC enzyme uses pyridoxal phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6, as a cofactor.
Tryptamine is already slightly psychedelic. When 250 mg tryptamine was given intravenously to subjects, the “subjective changes are not unlike those seen with small doses of LSD. A point-by-point comparison between the tryptamine and LSD syndromes reveals a close similarity which is consistent with the hypothesis that tryptamine and LSD have a common mode of action.” (Source)
However, tryptamine is rapidly metabolized by MAO enzymes, which is why to continue the DMT creation process, taking a MAO inhibitor would be necessary.
The tryptamine then goes through a process called methylation, wherein a methyl group from cofactor S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) is transferred to tryptamine by a special enzyme.
Some people say that taking a L-methionine supplement will help to increase the likelihood of this process as it supposedly encourages methylation.
Where does that leave SAM? It transforms into S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). N-methyltryptamine (NMT) is also created in the process. We’re getting close…
Next, NMT is again methylated to form the end product: DMT.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid are required for some of these processes to occur.
Anecdotal evidence suggest that taking a tryptophan, methionine, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid will create the most favorable conditions for the body to generate higher levels of DMT. It also suggested to include melatonin to inhibit the body’s melatonin generation process (since presumably the pineal gland will generate either melatonin of DMT.) Taking melatonin may inhibit an enzyme which turns tryptophan to 5-HTP, then to serotonin, and melatonin. We want to avoid that and allow the body to make DMT out of the tryptophan.
I would like to add that perhaps adding 5-HTP to the mix will prevent the brain from converting tryptophan to 5-HTP since there is plenty of it available. This is speculation though.
Then, all that’s left is to take a MAOI, such as Ayahuasca, Passionflower, or Syrian Rue, to inhibit the DMT breakdown process.
One person reported taking 500 mg tryptophan, 500 mg methionine, half oz passionflower extract, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and 20 mg melatonin. He writes:
After about 30 minutes after ingesting the effects felt like salvia until i fell asleep. I tripped in my sleep often waking up. The next day my mind seem clearer.
Schizophrenic patients were treated with tryptophan with a MAOI, as reported in TiHKAL. “Most showed marked changes such as an elevation in mood, an increased involvement with other people in their ward, and an increased extrovertism.” In a separate study, L-methionine was added, which “produced in about half of these patients a toxic or delirioid state.”
Some say that adding vitamin B3 or NADH may be helpful since they are required for the SAM cycle to continue.
There are also foods that naturally inhibit MAO, such as apples, berries, grapes, onions, green tea, cloves, oregano, cinnamon, and nutmeg. So perhaps there’s no harm in adding a hot and spiced chai with green tea, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg or a cold apple-berries smoothie with some matcha powder to your efforts.
While it would probably not be enough to replace the MAOI ingredient, it is much tastier than Syrian Rue tea…
The Spiritual Method
Mind is body, body is mind. Both are aspects of the same thing, which I call the “Mindbody” or the “Bodymind.” Yogis are said to be able to control their blood pressure and even their pulse with the will. Presumably, there should be a way to control the brain psychically, telling it to convert the L-trypotophan you provide it with to DMT, rather than serotonin.
If there’s such a method then it would be meditation.
Is there any specific meditation that would work best in this regard?
I believe that meditations involving the “third eye,” as well as other energy practices, could do the trick.
Not only that the third eye corresponds to the pineal gland, where DMT is generated, but it is also where visualization occurs. People who are able to see, in the spiritual sense of the word, do so through their third eye. The third eye is the gate leading to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness.
I will describe three practices here. One is an energy awareness exercise. Second are two meditations that open the third eye. First, you learn to feel your energy and direct it consciously to the third eye center, then with the meditations, you can charge it, harmonize it, and activate it to, hopefully, start producing visions for you. I will end this chapter with sharing my own practice.
Energy Awareness
One of my favorite authors who deals with energy work is Robert Bruce. He wrote Astral Dynamics, which is a great book for those who are also interested in astral projection. People who are only looking to develop their vision can go with his book Energy Work: The Secrets of Healing and Spiritual Growth.
The technique I share here is based on Robert Bruce’s techniques.
You basically want to tap into the natural circuit of energy movement that always occurs between the body and the environment. Often this is accompanied by breath in the physical body, and with other phenomena in other bodies.
The energy raises up from the Earth, which is one source of energy, climbs up your legs until it reaches the base chakra, located in perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus. This is the first chakra. From there it climbs up the chakras.
The second chakra is the sex chakra, then there’s the solar plexus, the heart, the throat, and the third eye is in the brow. The final chakra covers the top of our head and is known as the crown. Since it is above the third eye, and beyond all subjective phenomena, we will not be dealing with it here.
For the sake of this practice, simply feel that with the in-breath, energy raises from the ground to your first chakra, then with the out-breath feel your base chakra. You can repeat this and the next steps as many times as you feel like.
Then, with the in-breath, sense how energy raises from the Earth, to your base chakra, and up into your sex chakra. If this is too stimulating for you, skip this step. Again, and throughout the rest of this practice, with the out-breath, experience the energy in the specific chakra you are in.
Then, continue in the same way, raising energy to your solar plexus, heart, throat and finally to your third eye.
End the exercise with silent, sitting meditation, dropping all effort, and just feeling your energy.
Third Eye Meditations
The first meditation I will share with you is the Tibetan Dream Yoga practice of Zhiné, or Calm Abiding. The goal of this practice is to prepare the oneironaut for his journey within the dream world by steadying his mind and stabilizing it enough in presence to avoid being swept away and losing awareness. Without this, it’s not possible to remain lucid within a dream.
It is described in the book The Tibetan Yogas Of Dream And Sleep by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche.
The reason I chose this meditation as a third eye meditation is that it uses a visual object as an anchor rather than more classical Buddhist meditations which tend to focus on the breath.
Traditionally, the Tibetan letter A is used in the middle of a colorful mandala.
Alternatively, you can just stare at a lit candle. Stare with your eyes open at your object for as long as you can. If you have to close your eye, keep concentration on the afterimage which will form. Eventually, you will be able to see the object with your eyes closed, which will mean your have achieved your goal.
The second meditation is from Osho’s Book of Secrets. It is a technique to open the third eye.
Sit down with your eyes closed. Focus your physical eyes on your third eye, as if you are looking at it. Fix your attention on the third eye. You will be able to tell that you have the right point if you feel that it’s difficult to move your eyes.
It is a simple, yet powerful technique.
This technique is also mentioned in the book Mastering Astral Projection: 90-Day Guide to Out-of-Body Experience a way to trigger and strengthen exit related sensations during astral projection, where it is called Brow Center Trigger Exercise. It is said to be useful for “mind taming, getting into trance, heightening intuition, and so on.”
My Practice
Personally, I combine a third-eye short meditation with a more classical Buddhist meditation in the following way. I start by sitting comfortably and relaxing. If I’m not too tired, I may lie down if that feels more comfortable.
I will start by the classical Zen meditation of counting my breaths. The in-breath is 1, the out-breath is 2, another in-breath 3, out-breath 4, and so on…
Usually, it is recommended to stop at 10, and restart at 1.
I prefer to keep counting so that I have a measurement of success and a way to track my progress.
For absolute beginners, I recommend starting with 10 full breaths (count to 20.) When you’re able to keep your mind focused solely on your breathing, without day-dreaming and losing count, then you can gradually increase the number to 50 breaths (count to 100), to a 100 (count to 200), and even more.
When you’re done counting, the most important phase of the meditation begins – Just let go of all mental effort (counting) and simply be present.
It is at this stage that I add the third eye meditation. I simply look with my closed physical eyes at my third eye (from within the skull), like Osho’s technique above. I stay in this physical position until either the mind starts dreaming again or the body wants to get up.
Often, if I’m relaxed enough, then I can end the meditation by slipping into a lucid dream (via WILD) or even go on an astral journey. In the beginning though, you may notice during the final stage of this meditation, that you can actually see even though your eyes are closed. If you experience this, don’t panic! Don’t open your eyes! Remain relaxed and watch the spiritual realm through your Third Eye.
Mission accomplished.
Conclusion: How to Open Your Third Eye?
My untested (other than on myself) method for developing vision and becoming a Seer includes both a physical and a spiritual aspect.
Physically, taking the following supplements (on empty stomach) may help:
- Tryptophan
- Methionine
- A MAOI, such as Ayahuasca, 3 grams Syrian Rue, or Passionflower
- Vitamin B6 & Folic acid (at least twice the daily recommended dosage)
- Vitamin B12 (preferably sublingual)
- Melatonin
- 5-HTP – the amount of 5-HTP will determine how strong your experience will be. Start with a low dose, and increase gradually, if needed.
Moreover, eating foods rich in tryptophan and MAOI will not hurt, and might even help.
Note that I do not recommend taking any supplements without consulting with your physician first.
Spiritually, it may require meditating as well as other energy practices. Learn how to become aware to your energy and to direct your energy to your upper centers, such as the heart, throat, and third eye. Spend a few minutes each day practicing one of the third eye meditations.
P.S. Eating the Forbidden Fruit…
Making use of DMT-containing plants while illegal can also assist in development of vision.
After experimenting with DMT, one can theoretically learn to self-induce the experience since DMT can be generated in the body.
Engaging in daily meditation, one should eventually be able to see, namely experience visions, naturally, at will. And the visions are said to have more mental clarity and control when there’s no intoxication, which sounds sensible. One person used Phragmites (Common Reed) initially to experience DMT, and then tried to recreate the experience daily during deep meditation. S/he relates:
The vision quest will last for hours. I simply lay down on a bed and listen to good “astral-type” music until I’m very tired, yet still very alert. A good image to start with is light reflecting off water. Once you can see this clearly, then all the other images will come much easier. Don’t force it, allow it. And don’t try and visualize any objects or people. Just let your mind show you what it wants. Don’t try to see it, just feel it with the music. The more emotion, the clearer the vision. But you can’t be expressing the emotion like you normally would. What I mean is that you can’t express it like you are screaming it in your head. You have to be passive, yet completely expressive at the same time. And the only way your brain will accomplish that is by producing these astounding visions. Just like a DMT trip, the visions will blend into each other as they change from one to the next. There will be no break in the visions – they continuously morph into each other. I could easily go on and on about this, but it’s not necessary. Let me just add that these visions” are actually a new way of thinking in a superior way. In fact, you will be going through complex ideas so fast yet so intricately detailed that you will probably believe you are communicating with some higher intelligence. Especially since so much of the visual content tends to have the appearance of stars and galaxies. And after only a few minutes of this, you will be amazed. If you aren’t, then you are doing something wrong and not “tapping” the information.