Limitless Mind: A Guide to Remote Viewing and Transformation of Consciousness

by Russell Targ, Jean Houston (Foreword)

Popular misconceptions of psychic ability and ESP have often prevented these topics from being taken seriously, yet an abundance of scientific research shows that we have a tremendous capacity for developing these talents. In 1972, physicist Russell Targ, co-founded the Stanford Research Institute’s program to investigate the development of psychic abilities. In his ten years with this program, he came to understand that most people have the ability to describe events and locations that are blocked from ordinary perception. The term remote-viewing was coined for this ability. In this, his sixth book, Targ explores the scientific as well as the spiritual implications of remote viewing and offers detailed exercises to assist readers in cultivating their own psychic abilities.
Russell offers several techniques and exercises to overcome all of this clatter and to develop remote-viewing skills. Remote-viewing offers a path of self-inquiry and self-realization and expands our limited awareness of the consciousness shared by all humans.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paranormal, Science, Esp, Metaphysics

233 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2004

About the author

Russell Targ was born in Chicago on April 11, 1934. He is an American physicist and author, ESP researcher and pioneer in the earliest development of the laser.

Targ received a Bachelor of Science in physics from Queens College in 1954 and did graduate work in physics at Columbia University. He received two National Aeronautics and Space Administration awards for inventions and contributions in lasers and laser communications.

Targ is also an editor, publisher, songwriter, producer and teacher. In 1997 he retired from Lockheed Martin as a project manager and senior staff scientist, where he developed laser technology for airborne detection of wind shear and air turbulence. He has published more than a hundred papers on lasers, plasma physics, laser applications, electro-optics, and psychical research.

At the Stanford Research Institute in the 1970s and 1980s, Targ and his colleague Harold E. Puthoff co-founded a 23-year, $25-million program of research into psychic abilities and their operational use for the U.S. intelligence community, including the CIA, Defense Intelligence Agency and Army Intelligence. These abilities are referred to collectively as "remote viewing". Targ and Puthoff both expressed the belief that Uri Geller, retired police commissioner Pat Price and artist Ingo Swann all had genuine psychic abilities. They published their findings in Nature and the Proceedings of the IEEE. From 1972 to 1995 the program was classified SECRET and compartmentalized with Limited Access. That is to say, the program was not only classified, but every single person who was informed about the program had to personally sign a so-called bigot list, to acknowledge that they had been exposed to the program data.

Targ's autobiography, Do You See What I See: Memoirs of a Blind Biker, was published in 2008, and describes his life as a scientist and legally blind motorcyclist.

Targ lectures worldwide on remote viewing. He now resides in Palo Alto, California with his second wife, Patricia.

Targ's website presents videos demonstrating remote viewing at: www.espresearch.com.

Reviews

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Russell Targ is one of the founding members of the Stanford Research Institute's studies of psychic phenomena. He worked with Hal Puthoff and Ingo Swann to develop the remote viewing protocols for the CIA.

Remote viewing, though lambasted in popular culture in such films as "Men who Stare at Goats," is an actual practice. It was utilized by United States and Russian militaries with some success or complete failure- depending on who you ask.

I thought that a handbook on remote viewing from this seminal scientist would delve more into the nitty-gritty of the practice. But, it doesn't.

Targ does give a broad outline of what remote reviewing is. He also give examples of his research, but it wasn't all that I had hoped it would be.

Limitless Mind is, however, packed with information about psychic studies from the late 1800's until the current time. Targ discusses the studies from multiple countries covering such diverse topics as spoon bending, distance healing and psychic diagnosis.

If the reader is looking for remote viewing techniques only, I'd recommend Remote Viewing: The Complete User's Manual for Coordinate Remote Viewing or The Seventh Sense: The Secrets of Remote Viewing as Told by a "Psychic Spy" for the U.S. Military.

[Manny]

Oooh! Bad, bad recommendation engine!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opener. Not just a book on Remote Viewing but one that is also grounded in science and spirituality. Chapter One & Seven is particularly illuminating. Being a physicist his claims are backed with scientific rigour and theories of how psychical mind might actually work is related back to Quantum Theory and the nonlocal universe (which have been experimentally proven). I really like how he distills and unifies many different faiths together in Chapter Seven where he talks about self-realization, kinda like Aldus Huxley''s perennial philosophy.

[Avel Rudenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in order to gain some mental stimuli in a sort of enhancing way, like athletes who take really expensive supplements in order to supercharge their bodies to maximum potential. Same thing with the brain and mind. If we become aware that we feed our minds just as much, if not more than we feed our physical bodies; we might as well feed it the best stuff on Earth! I wanted to understand how we can get out of the box, so to speak. Stretching the boundaries that we all put up to feel safe. This book didn't disappoint. It is well worth reading because it gets you to think and try harder to see over the horizon. I'm glad I bought this. This is some heavy reading for the layman, but after a while of reading, it seems like the mind's eye starts expanding, even for the average Joe. Russell Targ, one of the greatest in his field and should be venerated for all his life's work!

[Anita Bartholomew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Targ is a fascinating scientist, but he skims along the surface of a great number of psi topics, without getting very deeply into any of them. I'd expected a comprehensive look at his remote viewing work, and got anecdotes but nothing substantive.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remote viewing!!!

[Sharon Moonbeam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the whole concept to be really interesting...

[Sian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some interesting content telling of others experiences in the practise, which kept my interest. However, I have learnt more with reading other remote viewing books, that have more practise exercises. It’s not one I’d recommend if you want to learn more techniques and expand on your learning, although I did enjoy the book.

[Carla Parreira]

Melhores trechos: "...Aprendemos que a fonte amorosa que estamos procurando está prontamente disponível quando fazemos contato com o grande 'Eu Sou' dentro de cada um de nós... Os únicos limites às nossas capacidades paranormais consistem no ruído mental produzido pela memória, pela imaginação e pela análise... Sonhos frequentemente nos dão um vislumbre dos acontecimentos que iremos vivenciar no dia seguinte ou em um futuro próximo. Na verdade, acredito que os sonhos precognitivos podem ser causados pela experiência que temos nesse tempo futuro. Por exemplo, se você sonha com um elefante passando na frente da sua janela e na manhã seguinte, ao acordar, vê um circo liderado por um elefante desfilar pela sua rua, eu diria que o sonho com o elefante da noite anterior foi causado pela sua experiência de ver o elefante na manhã seguinte. Esse é um exemplo de futuro afetando o passado - o que não é tão estranho quanto possa parecer quando você compreende que somos todos uma percepção atemporal. Há um imenso corpo de evidências que dão apoio a esse modelo da causalidade. No entanto, o que não pode acontecer é um acontecimento futuro mudar o passado. Nada no futuro pode fazer com que algo que já aconteceu não tenha acontecido. Isso é chamado de 'paradoxo da intervenção'. Esse paradoxo é ilustrado pelo conhecido experimento de pensamento no qual um homem mata de maneira paranormal a sua avó no passado, quando ela era criança, impedindo desse modo que ele próprio viesse a existir... A teoria quântica revela que não existem partes separadas na realidade, mas ao contrário apenas fenômenos intimamente relacionados entre si a ponto de serem inseparáveis... O sonho precognitivo não é uma profecia, mas uma previsão baseada em todas as 'linhas do universo' presentemente disponíveis... Os pensamentos de uma pessoa podem, de fato, afetar o comportamento de outra a distância... Esses experimentos do tipo vodu, vindos a nós do começo do século passado, podem parecer chocantes diante dos modernos padrões de pesquisa. Para este físico de temperamento conciliatório, contudo, a observação de que a eficácia da conexão mente-para-mente não depende da distância e nem da blindagem eletromagnética parece extraordinariamente contemporânea... Nós mesmos conferimos sentido a tudo o que experimentamos, o que nos proporciona liberdade absoluta, juntamente com responsabilidade absoluta... A ideia de um Deus interior amoroso é não dualista e nos leva à paz... Um milagre é uma mudança na percepção, e não algum tipo de ocorrência sobrenatural. Mudanças na nossa percepção alteram o modo como experimentamos os acontecimentos em nossa vida... O propósito da vida é nos tornarmos um com Deus e, por meio da compaixão, ajudar outras pessoas a fazer o mesmo... Somos o espelho e não todas as coisas caóticas que nele se refletem..."

[Douglas Lord · Rating 2 out of 5]

According to ESP researcher Targ (Miracles of Mind: Exploring Nonlocal Consciousness and Spiritual Healing), humankind’s natural psychic abilities are simply “another way to look for the experience of love.” Drawing on significant research and many interesting (but ultimately pointless) anecdotes, be seeks to explain the scientific and spiritual value of remote viewing, i.e., the ability to receive and communicate information intuitively, and to show readers how to develop it. Precognition, seeing objects, intuitive diagnosis of illnesses, and distant healing are poorly explained, as is the relationship between remote viewing and spirituality. The trouble is, Targ spends too much time defending his profession and not enough explaining key concepts. Lacking guidance and how-to, this book (reminiscent of, and oddly less informative than, David Ambrose’s novel Superstition) will do little to move remote viewing into the mainstream.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Busqué este libro a raíz de un de una charla Ted que hizo sobre sus experiencias como investigador sobre fenómenos psíquicos en el FBI en la época de la guerra fría. Hizo unos cuantos relatos jugosos sobre los progresos que hicieron con la visión remota y pensé que me apetecía leer historias sobre espías psíquicos. Sin embargo, este no es el contenido del libro. Me imagino que estos relatos estarán en libros anteriores del mismo autor.
Aquí relata sus ideas acerca de ello, cómo cree que funciona, cómo se vincula con la física cuántica, cómo le llevó a su propio desarrollo espiritual y a adentrarse en el mundo de la curación intuitiva y a distancia. Entre medias va citando experimentos que se han hecho respecto a todos estos temas. Hay un capítulo dedicado a cómo probar uno mismo la visión remota muy corto que se reduce a relájate, establece la intención y espera a ver qué imágenes aparecen. Hay que distinguir la información que viene del subconsciente de toda la asociativa que rápidamente aparece de la memoria, la mente analítica, etc. Y practicar.
Debo decir que lo he probado y estoy gratamente sorprendida con los resultados. Ánimo a todos a probar por sí mismos que es la mejor prueba que tendrán de la existencia de estos fenómenos.
En cuanto al libro, está bien pero no es excelente, a mí entender pasa de forma un poco encima de los temas sin profundizar. Estoy segura que hay mejores libros y seguramente busque algún otro que amplíe y elabore un poco más en breve.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we all experience some measure of remote viewing abilities, including a dash of precognition. Many of us don't recognize it for what it is, probably because those who do speak up are labeled as kooks, nut-bags, and attention seekers. All it takes is one of those attention seekers to spoil it for the genuine example. From there, it's all downhill. It's easier to simply ignore.
But there is something to the term déjà vu, and how many mothers turn in time to catch their child at that moment they are hanging ten at the precipice of disaster? I know I have dreamt of things, or people, or what-have-you, only to be confronted with it later—usually within a week. It can be startling. But if one doesn't practice remembering dreams, they fade quicker than a light fog to a brilliant sunrise.
Perhaps we have had better examples of remote viewing and precognition back when we had to worry about being on the menu of a larger, faster predator. Further, maybe all the noise of the modern era with a gazillion channels of crap, computers full of even more, all trying to sell us stuff we weren't shopping for...maybe all that noise has dimmed the mind to more useful endeavors. How many times have you heard the old adage: use it or lose it?
Anyway, thanks Russell. You pose a compelling process of thought which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated by Russell Targ and his work at the Stanford Research Institute. This book contains powerful ideas and evidence related to quantum connectedness delivered in an accessible and compact manner. The overarching idea is that we possess nonlocal consciousness and can thus perceive distant realities because nonlocal consciousness is connected to everything in space-time. Therefore, separation is an illusion. I appreciate this book for providing scientifically sound proof of remote viewing in the lab, in double-blind studies, etc. I also appreciate Targ's own reflections on how this knowledge has changed his experiences and brought him peace. This book is also a practical guide to remote viewing, which I was able to follow to give the process a try. I learned that I need to work on the basics first of quieting my mind and casting out the analytic overlay so I can actually get images to appear on my mental screen. This book references so many sources and has provided me with a long list of other books I should go read. I recommend this if your interested in Targ's work and the infiniteness of our consciousness.

[Sirene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree, as many others, that it’s not as heavy on the how-to as expected. The hands-on info is still helpful, but the book is even more valuable for at least 3 other reasons: 1) The author is a physicist and cites many convincing experimental resources and studies. He also explains supporting science probably as well as is currently possible to a general audience. It is rare for other authors to do this adequately, if at all, on mystical subjects. Such rationale for this topic in particular is hard to find elsewhere. It’s no wonder many people are either unaware or assume/argue it’s not real. This makes the book useful to share with other intelligent and reasonable people to whom you may need to explain certain things. 2) The overview of all the different types of remote viewing and the wonderful practical uses. 3) Making sense of related spiritual, religious, and psychological concepts that either tie into this or can be problematic for some people. 4) Not to mention, this subject is absolutely fascinating.

[Kalebe Ramone · Rating 5 out of 5]

No estoy llorando, tú estás llorando 😭

Un libro hermoso que explora los fundamentos teóricos y experimentales sobre temas como visión remota, precognicion y sanación. Después de establecer este contexto, el grandísimo Russell Targ (un pionero en la fisica de lásers y el "supremo" en la investigación del Stanford Research Institute) en colaboración con Jean Houston se atreve a profundizar sobre las implicaciones espirituales de este tipo de conocimiento, preguntándose qué es lo que nos dicen estos descubrimientos sobre la naturaleza del ser en si mismo. Su función ontológica tal vez 🤔.

"As his awareness increases, he may well develop abilities which appear quite startling to him. Yet nothing he can do can compare even in the slightest with the glorious surprise of remembering who he is." ♥️
-Helen Schucman.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard a lot about Russell Targ.

I first came across Luis Elizondo from YouTube a couple of months ago, and realised he's one of the ex-military and intelligence guys that the US Congress had questioned regarding study of aliens and UAPs by the US intelligence and Army, Air Force, Navy. I read his book "Imminent" and came across the names a number of scientists and remote viewers in the Stargate programme.

This is a broad approach, based on Russel Targ's research, experiences and ponderings about things that are being the Newtonian approach to material life.

A lot of these I am already aware of through energy practicies yoga , meditation, reiki, and visualisation. However, it is always refreshing to hear from someone whose training and early life are completely out of this circle, and hear how they changed their perspectives over time, especially scientists.

[Vincent V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings spirituality into a more coherent framework that would otherwise be fractured to many religions, philosophies and traditions. The subject remains outside of scientific measurement, but doesn't necessarily make it impossible to exist, just unmeasurable/not falsifiable/not scientific currently for some apparent reason. The best we have achieved is the random number generator fluctuations: https://noosphere.princeton.edu/measu...


As an afterthought this raises the question:
Is something not scientific even if in theory it can be falsifiable, but if the phenomenon exists below Planck Scale or what not? This is similar to string theory on it's scientific basis, theoretically can be falsified, but can't be falsified practically. I leave this as an exercise for the reader.

[Inthecircleoffire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. This book. It is a guide into ESP, healing and the universe at the same time. It has numerous sources and has provided me with a huge to-read list. I read the first half in a whim, the same day I learned about Project Stargate. Then I took a break and the last 20% of the book I read a year later. I'm so glad I did; because in that time I had been undergoing significant spiritual growth. The last chapters of this book gift you calmness, inner peace and equanimity, but I wouldn't understand those messages if I hadn't waited. I'm quite sad I can't get a physical copy in my country but I recommend this book to anyone who has a lot of questions (whether about the universe or about themselves.. you'll find out those 2 are actually the same thing).

[Jake Rueth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell Targ is perhaps one of the most incredible and genuine souls to grace this planet. His books and lectures leave me stunned and are a beautiful example of what can happen when science embraces spirituality.

This book was a thrill to read and I only wish there was more substance regarding the procedures for remote viewing. This “guide” is actually only a few pages, the rest of the book was actually quite fun and fascinating as well as uplifting and inspirational. It is an excellent collection of studies and examples of how our minds are truly limitless.

[Giorgio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book by a reputable cientist about a "shady subject"...
Targ can clearly give real information about Remote Viewing because he was there when the American government implemented the StarGate Project.
It is a pity I don´t have time or discipline to try myself RV. In theory, accessible to anyone and the book contains instructions on how to do it (!!!).

[Emre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s the summary of the book: “Hey, there is some cool stuff where you can see the future and make cool stuff like healing yourself and earn easy money. *a little bit info about the process* btw I’m a great teacher and we are great and we are awesome.”

Fees like an ad book with a little practical information.

[DRK · Rating 5 out of 5]

True or not, it is a good read if you are interested in things beyond normal. It is exciting to find out if we could see the world from the other side. I wonder if it is real and if yes, there is much more to explore!

[Sebastián Jaén · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic remote viewing, interesting stories

The book has the basic of remote viewing. Has some interesting stories but sometimes the book gets boring and repetitive. However, Russell gets to transmit his love an inner peace.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get it. I believe it. It's not magick. It works.

[Robert Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remote Viewing & Healing

[Akita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what to think about this.

[Li]

do you want to know what you are capable of and who you are... this will open your perception of reality.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful....excellent for beginners in ESP

[Dax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic voyage through the world of the now declassified Remote Viewers who cracked cases world wide without leaving their chairs.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book, though I'm not sure if I put 100% credence into some of the claims within.