# ANCIENT CULTURES and PANORAMIC SENSING

Some ancient cultures recognised the possibility of using the senses in their panoramic capacity. However they appear to have had no clear terminology to differentiate between panoramic and focused sensing.

In modern times, it is often taught combined with focusing on specific intentions (i.e. as predatory animals use it). I don't know how often this is a new-age influence.

I feel there must be many more examples of its use in ancient cultures, please contact me if you know any.

I imagine many of these traditional practices originated from observing animals, but none i have found even suggest this.

Animals are the living example and proof of its use. Animals are there for everyone to learn from directly.

## Dadirri

Among the Australian aborigines it is called Dadirri : "Simply sit and look at and listen to the earth and environment that surrounds you."

However in the explanations i have read, there is always an emphasis on focusing. "Focus on something specific, such as a bird, a blade of grass, a clump of soil, cracked earth, a flower, bush or leaf, a cloud in the sky or a body of water, whatever you can see."

I believe this 'focusing on specific things' is a modern development.
Source: Deep Listening (dadirri)

## Buddha's Middle Way

Panoramic sensing is a perfect practical example of Buddha's Middle Way. It is a way of using the senses, without any sensory indulgence or sensory withdrawal.

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Tao Taoism started in China around 600 BCE. It teaches harmony with nature rather than supreme enlightenment.
and Zen

Martial Arts combine focused and panoramic perception as used by predatory animals – i don't know if martial arts cultivate pure panoramic perception.

The Chinese and Zen idea of "seeing without looking – hearing without listening" expresses it wonderfully. (I think this quote comes from Bodhidharma – but from where?).

In Taoist and Zen literature, i believe it is meant by the term 'just sensing'.

However "seeing without looking – hearing without listening" and 'just sensing' are always interpreted by modern teachers as a shift in psychological perspective to higher states of consciousness; rather than how we actually use our everyday anatomical senses.

Once you've experienced panoramic sensing, i think you'll agree that 'just sensing' and "seeing without looking – hearing without listening" are very good descriptions of panoramic awareness.

Pure panoramic awareness must be the original idea behind the Taoist and Zen practice of "Staring at Walls". Try it out. Looking at a blank boring wall is ideal as a bridge to panoramic seeing.

## Hakalau

On Hawii panoramic vision is called Hakalau. Please see Hakalau.

## Wide Angle Vision

The North American Indians called it wide angle vision.

Many YouTube videos appear to be made by people who have only done it a few times. See also : Modern Psychology and Social Media

Jesuit
Praxis des Herzensgebets
Andreas Ebert, Peter Musto, Claudius Verlag, Munchen 2013
This book appears to be only available in German. Based on the meditation methods of Franz Jalicz. It uses panoramic awareness to open the mind and then alternates this with focused meditations on the marks of the crucifix, the name "Maria", and other mystical practices. It is claimed these practices were used by 'the desert fathers', the early Christians. I imagine the desert fathers used panoramic awareness without the mysticism, i may be incorrect.

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