In short answer, no. The sensory deprivation tank can not deliver these experiences, but they can make it feel like such a thing is occurring. This information, however, differs from the person to whom you refer to. Evidence of transcendent experience such as like the questions I mentioned, exist in the form of personal accounts. For example, in Lilly's personal findings he described a conference between three beings. Below is a transcript of such a interaction.
"The First Being speaks: "We are meeting at this particular space-time juncture in order to review the evolution of a vehicle that we control on the planet Earth. He is at another transition point in his training. We need to review what he has done, what he is thinking, what his motivations are. We must determine what the future of his mission can be within the evolutionary speed limit allowed the humans on that planet."" This quotation from John C. Lilly's website showed that he experienced a confrontation between beings after being transported to a, 'infinite space filled with light'.
This evidence of an altercation only exists in a personal account and no other evidence is supplied, nor feasible. So this information, along with other reports hold little validity to be considered significant, so much as it can be considered a 'trip'. Added to the fact that this discovery was conceived before he had to give up his tank for those in charge of research for the National Institute of Mental Health; likely triggering a last ditch attempt to show significance.
Demand characteristics and observer bias riddle introspection so a lot of the personal experiences have to be discredited. However, there is some truth in using the sensory attenuation for alternative medication. Extended use of isolation tanks has an effect on brains mirroring those of meditation. Both practices enhancing delta and theta waves commonly found whilst in sleep states. Research done alongside the Revised Hallucinations Scale found that those with a seemingly healthy disposition who experience hallucinations are more likely to report these discoveries, unsurprisingly. However, a study from 2009 found that just after 15 minutes of isolation, participants started experiencing vivid hallucinations.
In conclusion isolation tanks can offer anything from a means to achieving relaxation and reflection to, apparently, a vessel that can aid you in your travels through dimensions and being.
I leave you with a fascinating first in a three part documentary by VICE on sensory deprivation tanks that you may find interesting.
Please comment on your thoughts and feelings.
- Jordan Saward
