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Stalking the Wild Pendulum

Stalking the Wild Pendulum

On the Mechanics of Consciousness
by Itzhak Bentov 1988 208 pages
4.28
500+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Our Reality is a Vibratory Illusion: Matter is Mostly Empty Space

As we magnify, we find that the real reality—the microreality, that which underlies all our solid, good, common-sense reality—is made up of a vast empty space filled with oscillating fields!

Matter is mostly void. When we examine matter at the atomic level, we discover that what appears solid is actually composed of atoms that are 99.9999% empty space. These atoms consist of tiny nuclei surrounded by even tinier electrons, with vast distances between them relative to their size.

Everything vibrates. At the subatomic level, all particles are in constant motion, oscillating at incredibly high frequencies. These vibrations create interference patterns that give rise to the illusion of solid matter. Our physical reality is essentially a dance of energy fields, pulsating and interacting in complex ways.

Perception shapes reality. Our senses are limited in their ability to detect these subtle vibrations, leading us to perceive a "solid" world. However, this perception is merely a convenient interpretation of the underlying vibratory nature of existence. Understanding this can lead to a profound shift in how we view ourselves and the world around us.

2. Consciousness Permeates All Existence, from Atoms to Galaxies

My basic premise is that consciousness resides in matter; put another way, all mass (matter) contains consciousness (or life) to a greater or lesser extent.

Consciousness is fundamental. Rather than being an emergent property of complex biological systems, consciousness is a basic attribute of the universe itself. It exists in varying degrees throughout all matter, from subatomic particles to planets and galaxies.

Hierarchy of consciousness. The level of consciousness in a system correlates with its complexity and ability to respond to stimuli. This creates a spectrum of consciousness:

  • Atoms: Simplest form of consciousness, responding to basic physical forces
  • Plants: Able to grow, reproduce, and respond to environmental stimuli
  • Animals: Possess emotions, instincts, and limited self-awareness
  • Humans: Capable of abstract thought, self-reflection, and spiritual experiences
  • Planets and stars: Vast, collective consciousnesses that guide evolution on larger scales

Interconnected awareness. All forms of consciousness are interconnected through the underlying fabric of the universe. This interconnectedness allows for phenomena such as telepathy, intuition, and the collective unconscious.

3. Time is Subjective: Altered States Allow Access to Different Realities

We have said that our reality is coded in terms of movement and rest. We also remember that when an oscillator is in a state of rest, it tunnels into a spacelike dimension, which implies infinite velocities that are equivalent to a state of rest—it becomes omnipresent.

Time is not absolute. Our perception of time is subjective and can be altered through various means, including meditation, psychoactive substances, and certain psychological states. These altered states of consciousness allow us to experience time differently, sometimes seeming to slow down or even stop entirely.

Multiple realities exist simultaneously. Our normal waking consciousness is just one of many possible states of awareness. Other realities, such as the astral and mental planes described in esoteric traditions, exist alongside our physical reality. These different planes of existence operate on different "frequencies" of consciousness.

Accessing other realities:

  • Meditation and mindfulness practices
  • Lucid dreaming and astral projection
  • Psychedelic experiences
  • Near-death experiences
  • Spontaneous mystical states

Expansion of consciousness. By learning to alter our state of consciousness, we can access these different realities and gain new perspectives on existence. This expansion of awareness is a key aspect of spiritual growth and evolution.

4. The Universe is a Hologram of Information and Consciousness

We can visualize the quantum as a packet of ripples on the surface of that sea. It vibrates relative to the calm layers of the infinite sea of pure consciousness, and now we may answer the question as to "what it is that vibrates within the quantum." It is a unit of pure consciousness that vibrates there.

Holographic principle. The universe can be understood as a vast hologram, where each part contains information about the whole. This holographic nature applies to both physical matter and consciousness itself.

Information is fundamental. At the deepest level, the universe is composed of information rather than matter or energy. This information is encoded in the fabric of spacetime and gives rise to the physical world we experience.

Key aspects of the holographic universe:

  • Non-locality: Information is distributed throughout the entire system
  • Interconnectedness: Every part is connected to and influences every other part
  • Fractal nature: Similar patterns repeat at different scales of existence
  • Observer effect: Consciousness plays a role in collapsing quantum possibilities into reality

Implications for consciousness. If the universe is a hologram of information, then consciousness itself may be a fundamental aspect of this information field. This suggests that our individual consciousness is intimately connected to a larger, universal consciousness.

5. Evolution Drives Consciousness Towards Higher Complexity and Unity

The thrust of evolution is toward more and more complex systems, implying higher and higher levels of consciousness.

Cosmic evolution. Evolution is not limited to biological systems but is a fundamental principle of the universe. It drives the development of increasingly complex and conscious entities, from subatomic particles to galaxies and beyond.

Hierarchy of consciousness. As systems become more complex, they develop higher levels of consciousness and self-awareness. This progression can be seen in the evolution of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms to humans with abstract thinking capabilities.

Stages of consciousness evolution:

  1. Matter: Basic responsiveness to physical forces
  2. Life: Self-replication and adaptation
  3. Mind: Abstract thought and self-reflection
  4. Spirit: Unity consciousness and cosmic awareness

Ultimate goal. The purpose of this evolutionary process is for consciousness to fully realize its own nature and unity with the entire cosmos. This realization is often described as enlightenment, cosmic consciousness, or union with the divine.

6. Intuition and Meditation Unlock Access to Universal Knowledge

Knowledge is structured in consciousness.

Intuitive knowledge. Beyond rational thought and sensory perception lies a deeper form of knowing. This intuitive knowledge allows direct access to information stored in the universal consciousness field.

Meditation as a tool. Regular meditation practice can help develop and refine intuitive abilities. By quieting the mind and expanding awareness, individuals can tap into broader fields of consciousness and information.

Benefits of developing intuition:

  • Enhanced problem-solving abilities
  • Increased creativity and innovation
  • Deeper understanding of oneself and others
  • Access to higher wisdom and spiritual insights
  • Improved decision-making in complex situations

Scientific validity. While intuition has often been dismissed by mainstream science, emerging research in fields such as quantum physics and consciousness studies is beginning to provide a framework for understanding these phenomena.

7. The Creator's Purpose: Self-Realization Through Diverse Experiences

He realizes that unless He can produce a consciousness equal to Himself in all qualities, He may never know what He Himself is all about.

Cosmic play. The universe can be understood as a vast experiment in self-discovery by the ultimate consciousness, often referred to as God, the Creator, or the Absolute. This infinite being manifests itself in countless forms to experience all possible aspects of existence.

Purpose of creation. The goal of this cosmic drama is for the Creator to fully know and experience itself through the myriad forms and experiences of all conscious beings. Each individual entity, from atoms to humans to galaxies, plays a unique role in this process of self-realization.

Aspects of the Creator's self-discovery:

  • Experiencing duality and separation
  • Exploring good and evil, pleasure and pain
  • Developing self-awareness and free will
  • Evolving through countless lifetimes and forms
  • Ultimately recognizing unity with the whole

Human role. As highly evolved conscious beings, humans have the potential to consciously participate in this process of cosmic self-discovery. By expanding our own awareness and realizing our fundamental unity with all existence, we contribute to the Creator's self-realization.

8. Stress Release and Kundalini: Physical Manifestations of Spiritual Growth

We tend to view the human nervous system just as any other organ in our body, as relatively static and unchanging. I would like to point out that our nervous system has a tremendous potential for development, and its development will occur through the normal biological evolution during the coming millennia.

Physiological transformation. Spiritual growth and expanded consciousness often manifest as physical and energetic changes in the body. These changes can sometimes be intense and even alarming if not properly understood.

Kundalini awakening. Many spiritual traditions describe a powerful energy, often called Kundalini, that can be awakened through spiritual practices or spontaneously. This energy is said to rise up the spine, activating various energy centers (chakras) and leading to transformative experiences.

Common symptoms of Kundalini awakening:

  • Involuntary body movements or tremors
  • Sensations of heat or energy flowing through the body
  • Intense emotional releases or mood swings
  • Spontaneous yogic postures or mudras
  • Heightened sensitivity to energies and environments
  • Expansion of psychic or intuitive abilities

Integration and support. While these experiences can be challenging, they are often signs of accelerated spiritual evolution. Proper guidance, understanding, and integration practices can help individuals navigate these transformative processes safely and beneficially.

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.28 out of 5
Average of 500+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Stalking the Wild Pendulum receives high praise for its accessible exploration of consciousness, quantum physics, and metaphysics. Readers appreciate Bentov's clear explanations, engaging analogies, and thought-provoking theories. Many find the book mind-expanding and illuminating, particularly in its early chapters. Some readers struggle with the more speculative later sections, while others embrace the book's spiritual aspects. Critics argue it misinterprets quantum mechanics, but most reviewers find value in Bentov's unique perspective on consciousness and reality.

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About the Author

Itzhak Bentov was a multifaceted individual who made significant contributions to both science and spirituality. As an inventor, he pioneered biomedical engineering with innovations like the steerable cardiac catheter. Bentov's fascination with consciousness led him to author several books on the subject, blending his scientific background with mystical insights. He sought to explain complex concepts in quantum physics and higher states of awareness in an accessible manner. Bentov's work continues to influence the field of consciousness studies, bridging the gap between empirical science and spiritual exploration.

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