I've heard that, at an altitude of 16,000 feet, half the earth's atmosphere is below you. The Himalayas, upon the peaks of which it is traditional to sit in the lotus position and meditate and be above it all, one is considerably above 16,000 feet. The air gets pretty thin up there and the brain can become starved for oxygen, which may account for some of the weird perceptions and ideas that can occur. I think the Native Americans of the Southwest use peyote to get similar effects. Never touch mind-altering drugs myself.

Besides, sitting there in the lotus position for long periods of time can really bugger your knees. . . .

Don Firth

P. S. The world is still waiting for the Great Revelation.