Here he suggests that recent developments in science, particularly parapsychology and neuroscience, provide new insights into the processes by which religions are formed and maintained. He discusses this in terms of healing research, research on meditation, presentiment research, and studies of targets in remote viewing. He also draws implications from this research for our understanding [...]

Here he describes how, prior to meeting George Gurdjieff, Peter D. Ouspensky had achieved acclaim in Russia as a writer, journalist, and lecturer. He had been active in the Theosophical movement. His encounter with Gurdjieff changed his life. The relationship was not an easy one, and at one time Ouspensky suspected that Gurdjieff had gone [...]

Here he reviews and compares the quantum mechanical theories of consciousness by Henry Stapp, Evan Harris Walker, Roger Penrose and Sirag himself. All of these approaches are based on the principle enunciated in the 1930s by John von Neumann that consciousness is responsible for the collapse of the Schrödinger wave function. Each of them addresses [...]

Here he points out that parapsychological events involving ostensible psychokinesis, telepathy, and precognition can also be thought of in terms of coincidence or synchronicity. Serendipity, however, need not involve psychic talents at all. He notes that certain normal psychological functions enable people to notice and act upon useful coincidences when they occur. He also maintains [...]

Here he explains how, at the age of 11 following the death of his father, Aleister Crowley decided to turn toward a path of darkness. He rebelled against his rigid upbringing in the Plymouth Brethren community. This wide-ranging discussion focuses on Crowley’s activities with the Order of the Golden Dawn and his later involvement with [...]

Here he describes the results of a survey of individuals who believe themselves to have experienced contact with non-human intelligence associated with unidentified aerial phenomena. Over 3,000 people responded to an in-depth survey. About 70% reported that their experiences had a positive impact in their life. About 25% reported that they had strong, waking memories [...]

Here he describes the history of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (formerly known as CSICOP) as an effort to counter the perceived “rising tide of superstition” in modern culture. He distinguishes between scientific parapsychology and various occult claims — while acknowledging that not all skeptics will do so. He voices his criticisms of various approaches [...]

Here he shares his experiences as a former disciple of Swami Muktananda regarding the yearnings and promises that lead one to pursue a journey of spiritual discipline and devotion. He describes the stages of initiation, testing, and discipleship. He explains the notions of spiritual transmission associated with guru yoga. He also describes a variety of [...]

Here he reflects upon his lifelong quest to better understand the mystery of death. He acknowledges the existence of the afterlife, saying that he could no longer resist the evidential strength of certain cases. He also shares his passion for the philosophical exploration of near-death reports. He explains how he came to develop a classification [...]