Throughout the ages man have been impressed by intimations of presences manifesting themselves through chosen channels: shamans, mediums, clairvoyants. The earliest descriptions are found in Chinese literature dating back four thousand years. Mediums were called wu at the time and were often consulted, even by emperors. These mediums claimed to transmit advice given by spirits of the deceased. The phenomenon may also present itself when people come together with a common objective. It seems that their minds fuse, creating a common field. In it a presence may manifest itself in such a strong manner that it is not recognised anymore as being part of the participants.
Consciousness and 'presence' remain unfathomable qualities of life. One may wonder, going further on the path of speculative thought, whether the phenomena discussed are all part of a broader fundamental issue: 'What is the nature of consciousness'?
From another level one may wonder whether there is any division between life and matter. Persons who had a marvellous instant of cosmic consciousness describe their experience as feeling not only one with the universe but also with all and any of the forms that make up all of its wondrous splendour.
Linked together a self-conscious 'I', or soul comes into being. That 'I ', in turn has the capacity to link up with other higher forms of consciousness and so forth. (taken from about.com)
