Let me re-emphasize my main point, which is to get clear on what each tool/technique does/is good for. My point is not to put down BET. My point is to be clear on what it does and to compare and contrast that with meditation. Both have value, as has been described by the article and the comments above.

One thing that I would like to bring into even greater clarity is that different BET programs have different effects and different meditations have different effects. For instance, one of the meditations that I teach, Core Energy Meditation, leads through six different states of consciousness: relaxed inner body, core heart feeling, focused clear mind, coherence of body-heart-mind, awareness of Awareness itself, and whole body inner space.

It is not common for sales approaches to differentiate at this level. Most often we come across claims that this or that will “do everything for you.”

So, to include, I hope this article and this discussion help us each to be more discerning about the various states of consciousness that are possible and to use tools specific to what we desire to create in our lives.

BET and meditation can be good tools with some similar effects and some major differences.

Enjoy your practice,
Kevin

It is from this background that i came across brain entrainment, through one of the major exponents on the internet, however i didnt go with that one, although, as you said i could have been meditating like a zen monk in a month. The fact was i felt i already was I did further research and found other technologies far cheaper that utilized isochronic and monaural beats as well as binaural. The former two mentioned, do not require headphones. I have used this approach inline with meditation for 12 months now and found my practice and motivation have improved dramatically even when i dont use BET.

The site that i used stresses the importance of meditation and also offer, totally free of charge a downloadable meditation course for beginners and practitioners that is second to none. The forum is amazing with contributions from knowlegeable/self realized individuals who contribute freely based on what i perceive as the bodhisattva principle of helping others. This sounds like a plug but i can assure you i have no connection other than through being an extremely satisfied customer of Project Meditation(not sure if youll allow that

To finish on i would like to make the point that the present interest in meditation and the development of consciousness goes far beyond the individuals disatisfaction with life as it is, it is imperative that we change otherwise the planet will not survive.

A question…arent church bells, temple gongs, rosary beads, chanting, singing hymns all forms of entrainment ? BET to me seems to be the next logical step in speeding up as a matter of urgency the evolution of consciousness.

Graham
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Like you say, I would encourage people to consider both approaches in their respective roles, and for what they are most effective at. There really is no replacement for the skills developed by a concentrated meditation practice, yet at the same time, I love the ability for brainwave entrainment to help take me to the ‘next level’ quickly in regards to personal development topics or just getting my brain into a certain state of consciousness quickly.

And there really is nothing like the experience of a *really good* brainwave entrainment visual guided meditation… The Monroe Institute does some amazing stuff with their Gateway Voyage program.

An interesting article, but I’d have to disagree on your fundamental argument; namely that meditation and BET should be kept distinct and separate.

I’ve been a student of meditation and a user of various BET products for just over a couple of years now. Whilst I’m by no means an expert at meditation, I wholeheartedly disagree with you:

I’ve found that BET has significantly helped me to meditate more effectively. I could compare BET to the training wheels on a bicycle; whilst they are on, you are not actually learning to balance, but you are getting to grips with the basic mechanics of riding a bike. When you take the stabilisers off, you’re in a much better position to take your skill to the next level.

Similarly, when you use BET to take your brain down in frequency, you’re giving it a sneak peak of what meditation is actually like. When you then try meditation without BET, your brain has a rough idea of what you’re aiming for, and it is easier to remain focussed and calm and to meditate effectively.

You say BET is “passive”, but as you know this is purely up to the individual. Whilst sometimes I allow my mind to wander and visualise when using BET, often I prefer to focus on silence, or on my breathing – which is how I’ve been taught to meditate. The result? A deep sense of inner peace and connectedness, heightened and quickened by BET.

I’ve personally found that Isochronic Tones are better for meditating than binaural beats, particularly when coupled with “meditation music”. Click on my link to find out the difference between the two.

PS – Kevin – it’s a really interesting article, however I feel that it is potentially misleading. BET has helped me and countless others to bridge the challenging gap to meditation. You may see this as “cheating”, but if it has such a magnificent impact on such a wide range of people, and inspires them to learn how to meditate, surely this is a win / win?!