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The Center of the Cyclone: An Autobiography of Inner Space

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An autobiography of Inner Space is indeed what is happening here. Dolphin researcher turned consciousness explorer reaches heights that Timothy Leary so much admired about him. The book journeys from his youth to his research days at the dolphin labs and his scientific and personal discoveries and relays them to the reader in such humbleness that one cant help but to empathize and rejoice in his discoveries. Once his dolphin research was abolished, he took it upon himself to turn to neurology and neurological drugs, i.e. LSD-25, or as they called it "Pure Sandoz." It is here where his naieve approach to drugs really comes out in his writing, as he was not afraid of them, but also had never tried them (LSD in particular). Lilly read everrything he could on LSD before trying it (study before trial, similar to magic and all forms of initiation. Today with psychedelic drugs illegalized almost everywhere in the world (a conspiracy if you ask me), Lilly never condones this method (drugs) to attain self knowledge. Lilly in his deep moments of self reflection and depression understood that it could be achieved through other means without drugs. From here, is where he finalizes his journey. A marvelous book, unfortunately now its out of print, however, if you should find a copy, it would be worth your while to pick it up. I am also assuming you are somewhat familiar with John Lilly, either through Professor Leary or Robert Anton Wilson, in which it will not be a waste of a purchase.

Through the course of this book, Dr. Lilly describes and explains his experiences, with and without drugs, which led to the formulation of the statement which is it's core: "In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true within limits to be found experimentally and experientially. These beliefs are limits to be transcended." One creates one's own truth and may or may not subject it to tests which may or may not confirm it, so that even one's objectivity is subjective. Awareness of this constant state of things allows one to observe one's own behavior, as well as that of others, with greater empathy and understanding of the process by which one chooses to believe

This is Lilly's map of inner space explored during his famous LSD experiments in the sensory deprivation isolation tank that he invented. He gives detailed descriptions of various levels of consciousness on a scale including both positive and negative states. The Hollywood movie Altered States, directed by Ken Russell and starring William Hurt, was based on this book.

John Lilly gives a sensitive and insightful overview of his work on transcendent consciousness and its ramifications for society. His ideas perfectly complement those by Timothy Leary's Eight Neural Circuit model. Interested magicians and mystics can chart their progress as well as get new ideas on personal transformation through Lilly's knowledge and experiences.

This is the story of Dr. John C. Lilly's move from dolphin research to "inner space" research. We read of the strange places we can go to in our head.

The first third of the book concentrates on Lilly's experiments with LSD. The relatively detailed first hand accounts of what a hallucinogenic trip can be like makes fascinating reading for those of us who have never experienced such a brain state. These chapters definitely made the book truly memorable for me and are written in a very engaging style that reveals Lilly's own enthusiasm for the material.

In the mid section Lilly describes his experiences at the Esalen Institute both as a participant and lecturer. This includes sessions with the Gestalt Therapist Fritz Perl and the psycho-masseuse Ida Rolfing. These were truly 'happening' experiences in the sixties, but may be more familiar to twenty first century readers.

The final third of the book covers Lilly's experiences with mystical, physical exercises in an esoteric "school" in Chile. Much time is devoted to describing different psychological "states" classified according to Gurdjeiff's system. I found this section of the book a chore to read, but the events and information were obviously very important to Lilly.

and it is here that Dr. John C. Lilly takes us journeying - into a world inside our own heads more vast and varied than any of us could imagine!

The Center of the Cyclone

invites the reader behind the scenes into the inner life of a dedicated scientist experimenting and exploring inner space - the teeming universe of the human mind!

--- from book's back cover

This is an interesting book. I swallowed it whole the first few times I read this book. I no longer believe that the Oscar Ichazo group, nor the training methods in this book, represent the most accurate way to look at the world. It basically comes down to the assumptions made behind the meta-programs as presented. However, the techniques may very well represent a functional methodology for achieving... I don't know what. Go into this with an eye for asking yourself what is implied by what is said.

To dolphins everywhere, this book also has the sensory deprivation tank, like in the William Hurt movie,Altered States. The movie was actually based on the book. Even with the Hallucinagenics, the tank brings out severe hallucinations, into other worlds and it really tempts people to try a Dep. tank! Makes us realize that Dolphins are smarter than humans because of their brain size. See's the brain as a personally programable bio'computer, where you become, what you put into yourselves. I first was turned on to this book in 1982, and it really opened my consciousness. Recomend for anyone that wants a good laugh, or should I say an intelligent laugh, on the introspective methods of the working dolphin and human brain-Bravo John Lilly-May your work continue and the Dolphins be as free as a human-Marilyn(Garry)