This document summarizes a comparative study of trance induction in temples and night clubs. It finds that both environments use similar elements like music and authority figures to induce trance states. Specifically, it discusses how temples and clubs both use repetitive music and cultural authorities that people trust to focus attention and induce relaxing trance experiences. The purpose of the study is to explore the similarities between these seemingly contradictory environments and how individuals can experience trance in both places.
1. Comparative study of various
trance
inducing elements in a temple
and night club
Prarthana Prakash Sharma 05-09-2014
2. "Trance phenomena result from the behaviour
of intense focusing of attention, which is the
key psychological mechanism of trance
induction. Adaptive responses, including
institutionalized forms of trance, are 'tuned'
into neural networks in the brain and depend
to a large extent on the characteristics of
culture. Culture-specific organizations exist in
the structure of individual neurons and in the
organizational formation of neural networks."
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3. Similarities in the ambiences
• Components which are same in both temples
and pubs. (Music, Authority)
• In the two ambiences which are viewed
(believed) to be so different, there exist
similarities. (
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4. schema
Activation of varied schema’s when in a temple
and/or night pub results in viewing the two so
differently.
However, what does not change is the
impact of the two. They both are very
relaxing.
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5. Purpose of the study
• The purpose of this conceptual study is to find
these similarities and explore the varied ways
in which individuals experience trance despite
the contradictions in the socially constructed
environment.
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6. Music
Temple
• Mehndipurbalaji- “trance
phenomenon in neurotic
patients observed”
• there is a causal relationship
between certain kinds of
music such as heavy, fast
drumming or repetitious
melodic phrasing and certain
kinds of trance.
Night Clubs
• Psychedelia- (1960s-70s)
exotic, psychedelic drugs,
Tabla and Sitar
• Neopsychedelia- (1980s)-
lyrical trance- drugs and
surreal experiences
• Trance Music- 1990s
Germany- female singer
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7. Authority
“Successful night is the one where maximum people feel drunk
without drinking. If you let music enter every part of your
existence, then you’ll know how deep it can go, much deeper
than where alcohol can reach. As we go further into the night,
darker shades of light harness the new side of the people who
they have never connected with before.
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8. Authority
“Suggestion and faith are two major factors in
the induction of trance for neurotic patients of
Mehndipurbalaji”
“Temple priests or faith healers come from
same culture as the patients, i.e. they wear
same dress, use same language, and practice
healing methods which are consistent with
their beliefs.”
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9. The music, the light and the presence of another person
standing beside and enjoying the ecstatic world pulls the
other into the mystery- which for me is trance and the real
purpose of every individual entering the pub- to meet the new
you. Trance is what we sell- in our music, in our ambiance, in
our drinks and even in the kind of glasses that we serve the
drinks in.”
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10. Music
Scientific research into resonating systems and
entrainment has shown that our internal rhythms such
as heart beat and brainwaves may synchronize to
external pulses, such as drumming.
“Trance is practiced in all cultures. I believe that it is
not pathological, but one possible way of "being-in-the-
world". All cultures that I know of have
institutionalized musical contexts in which trance is
either occasionally, commonly or necessarily a part.”
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11. Future direction
• What is used in a club is not used from a therapeutic
perspective
• Needs to be redirected to benefit the people
• If used more consciously clubs could become healing
places for the 21st century youth.
05-09-2014
