" I love this venue because I can drive to it and because of this house, this building. It is a rare opportunity to step into the mind of a genius. Frank Lloyd Wright, whatever his excesses, sins and peculiarities, was an authentic American genius.

McCluhan said that we move into the future like a person who drives an automobile using only the rear view mirror. I think that this is true and what we see in our rear view mirror is modernity. The entire spectacle of the 20th Century from impressionism to rave. But that's not where we are going. None of that is where we are going.

So the question remains, where are we going? How will it look? Is it an extension of what we've known or is it something very different? I maintain that we are probably at the most important cultural watershed imaginable, since the discovery of fire or the discovery of language. And it is a collective adventure.

All previous historical and cultural breakthroughs have occurred in a limited theatre of influence, in Europe, in China, in India, or in Egypt. Now the theatre of cultural development is global and instantaneous and this is changing the character of the enterprise beyond recognition. The other thing that's happening is that all cultural impedimenta, points of view, philosophies, and tools are available and accessible to bring to bear on our experience.

We have Ayruvedic medicine, Shamanic philosophy, the input of syncratic Brazilian religions, the point of view of quantum physics and deconstructionism, so forth and so on. Our tool kit is much deeper and broader than any tool kit that we have ever had before as a global culture.

My own interests have always lain in the direction of modeling, intellectual modeling of reality. Trying to figure out what it is, how does it work and how can we squeeze more spectacular effects out of it? I'm not a follower of Gurdjieff or Ouspensky but I love the title of Ouspensky's major work "In Search of the Miraculous." That could be the theme for my life...."

Thus began our week together, our second annual gathering with Terence in Hawaii. You might say we were all in search of the miraculous. It was an amalgam of energetics; the group was as multi-faceted as the teacher. Base camp included the Frank Lloyd Wright hemicycle home and two other exquisite beach front sites.

There is a phrase "Lucky you live Hawaii." We can expand this to "Lucky Terence lives Hawaii," for experiencing him in his domain one finds both the regions of his mind, and the landscapes extremely fertile.

Our week together included:

A visit to the Puako Petroglyphs

and to Pu'ukohola Heiau (Temple of King Kamehameha)

Relaxing yoga classes taught oceanside by Christine Devai

An exersize in forward time travel with author Alice Anne Parker,(on right) and a reading from her soon to be released book "Last of the Dream People" due out in January 1998, published by HJ Kramer.

A viewing of "Echoes of the Archaic," the evocative artwork of artist Erez Sitzer

Great food and new friendships

The musings of Social Architect Jim Channon at Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi

And the celebration of Terence's 51st birthday

Here are a few comments from those who found refreshment at the trough:

The pinballs in my mind are spinning, careening, bouncing around amongst the cosmic debris which usually just sits. Old theories have resurfaced with new blood pulsing and tentacles extending into other newer ideas that have floated alone until now. When I am on the verge of technological/psychedelic Buddhahood, I will have this week and Terence McKenna to thank. This has been the equivalent of a huge neon sign blaring: "This Way. Step Right Up!" MGWW

It was a delight for the mind and soul to hear Terence McKenna. The power of his intellect fueled by radical honesty makes of him a precise instrument of inquiry that cuts through the veils of the consoling dream, to reveal the aliveness of a cosmology that is not another set of beliefs but rather an announcement of the death of the believer - the next step in human evolution. The staff of the New Millennium Institute was very attentive and supportive of my needs. Never imposing and always generous with themselves. Jose Da Costa Reis D.C.N.D.

I have listened to Terence at various venues for more than ten years. His continuing maturity has been a wonder to observe. In my many travels to seemingly endless conferences and speakers his mind stands out above all others and now hearing him in the matching quality of this beautiful setting and unique home is the best yet! Susanne's hospitality and infinite attention to the program detail and the comfort of the guests matches the site and the speaker. Richard W

It seems I have spent most of my week in silence, but it has not been of alienation or boredom. My instinct was that of a good student (I hope): Just Listen. My week has become much more than lectures and interesting conversation. I have experienced exactly what I needed here, and don't care if it was synchronicity, cosmic chaos or self-fulfilling prophecy. The feet of my mind have taken a micro-step down a path that's going to lead to a much more interesting and creative future. Hopefully I can find the talent to share it in the eloquent way Mr. McKenna has. MG

Whether you are seeking answers, a sense of place, or a sense of community&emdash;this experience has to fulfill those needs. I leave here with body and spirit refreshed and a mind ready to receive Louise

Pampered by luxurious accommodations, gourmet food, breath-taking scenery, and fascinating company, I had no choice but to just sit back and allow McKenna to tickle my mind. Jeny & Co.

Thanks to Terence McKenna, The New Millennium Institute, staff, and participants for all the Heavenly Intercourse. Aloha, AA