Mike,I agree that the differentiation between objective and subjective is problematical, but the position I start from, paricularly in view of the many unexplained experiences I have had, is that the subjective alone is insufficient for me to treat experiences as 'the truth'. I have been fooled, or fooled myself, too many times to do so. So I would like some objective evidence for the extraordinary claims that are made. For instance, when someone (such as myself) has an experience of being 'all-knowing', then some small, verifiable, piece of information from that 'all-knowingness' should not be too much to ask.
Regarding dissociation and meditation, I quickly tried to find references but I couldn't, although I have read at least one study in the past. However, many pro-meditation websites warn readers that those who are prone to dissociative states should not meditate, or only do so under supervision (see example link below). How an individual knows they are prone to dissociative states is not made clear. I am sure that none of the mahatmas or instructors who decided or currently decide that someone is ready for Knowledge are trained in psychiatry.
This winter is a bit crappy so far as it keeps thawing, so we get the wet and muddy weather every couple of weeks. Last year we only had one thaw before spring. Otherwise things are good.
John.
