Quote Originally Posted by Dream of the iris
It is still incredibly difficult to stay in that state for more then a half-hour. And even that is truly rare for me. It happened more often when I smoked more, but I don't really like smoking too much as I find it doesn't help my spiritual development. It's a great tool and helped to jump start my "unlearning", but too much of anything is a hindrance in my book. A great way to stay in that state for longer periods is to accept where you are at the present moment. That means accept your present circumstances wherever you may be and whatever you may be feeling. If you long for enlightenment, then accept that, don't resist it saying in your mind, "I shouldn't be feeling this way". Accept that you feel that way and surrender to it. I also find noticing the space between things a great way to stay in that state. What I mean is, look at anything, a book, a statue, a tree, a sound even. Notice that whatever it is came from nothing and will return to nothing eventually. Sound is a better example because it comes into existence from nothing and exist for a moment in nothing and returns to nothing almost as fast as it came into existence. I find it helpful to notice this and to try and feel that space as best as possible. That means not thinking about it, but letting the space be and whatever is in that space be as well.
Well... after some thought, i noticed my greatest problem. My intent is weak. I dont really care about being enlightened or not. Its VERY hard for me to admit it even for myself, but unfortunately its the crude truth... And so im easily distracted, cause i dont put enough effort on in. Thats the same thing that happened when i tried to astral project. I never suceeded doing it consciously because i didnt really cared about it, it was only a "passtime", or something like this, and so i never put the necessary effort to actually succeed in it.
I only reach this enlightened states when im under the effect of the unmentionable, that throws my consciousness at this state without any effort of my part... but when i try to do it myself, my ego always find an way to distract me, and as my intent is weak, i end by accepting the egos interference, instead to keep trying.
I hope someday my intent grew stronger enough to overcome this problems, though...

Quote Originally Posted by Dream of the iris
Yeah, I've heard that when we dream we enter the astral realm. What's beyond the etherical plane? I know there are other planes, but I'm not sure what they are called.
Well... the usual occult description says that there is the physical plane, the etheric plane (which is the "higher" part of the physical plane, and which is responsible by the physical sensations), the astral plane (where there are the emotions, desires and feelings), the mental plane (where there are the thoughts), the buddhic plane (where there are the spiritual insight), and other higher planes unacessible to normal humans in their usual levels of evolution.
A very good description of this planes can be read here.
(BTW, this entire book is VERY interesting and a MUST read for anyone who have interest in this subjects).