TheSilva Method is aself-help andmeditation program developed by José Silva. It claims to increase an individual's abilities throughrelaxation, improve theintelligence quotient, use the mind to heal the body, develop higher brain functions, andpsychic abilities such asclairvoyance.[1]
It has been variously classified as aself-religion,[2] anew religious movement, and acult,[3] and has been criticised aspseudoscience.[4]
José Silva (August 11, 1914- February 7, 1999), an American electronics repairman, grew up inLaredo, Texas. He developed an interest inpsychology to see if it could help him increase his children'sIQ. After experimenting and being convinced of his daughter's sudden clairvoyance, Silva decided to learn more about the development of psychic abilities.[5]
In 1944 Silva began developing his method, formerly known asSilva Mind Control. He used it on his family members and friends before launching it commercially in the 1960s.[1][6]
Silva was the subject of a 1990 biography.[7]
The technique aims to reach and sustain a state of mental functioning, calledalpha state, wherebrainwave frequency is seven to fourteenHz.[8]:p19-20 Daydreaming and the transition to sleeping are alpha states.[8]:p19-20
Silva claimed to have developed a program that trained people to enter certain brain states of enhanced awareness. He also claimed to have developed several systematic mental processes to use while in these states allowing a person to mentally project with a specific intent. According to Silva, once the mind is projected, a person can allegedly view distant objects or locations and connect with higher intelligence for guidance. The information received by the projected mind is then said to be perceived as thoughts, images, feelings, smells, taste, and sound by the mind. The information obtained in this manner can be acted upon to solve problems.[8]
James Randi wrote of the Silva Method:[6]
A system developed by José Silva (1914- ) that claims to develop improved memory, learning ability, and paranormal powers like telepathy. Much of the course consists of 'visiting' absent persons imagined by students and performing diagnoses on them. No tests of the validity of this practice have been done; such tests are discouraged by the teachers of the system.
A system developed by José Silva (1914- ) that claims to develop improved memory, learning ability, and paranormal powers like telepathy. Much of the course consists of 'visiting' absent persons imagined by students and performing diagnoses on them. No tests of the validity of this practice have been done; such tests are discouraged by the teachers of the system.
