Uploaded December 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Dr. Gino Yu
Associate Professor, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Society for Consciousness Studies 2021 Conference Presentation Title:
Developing a Common Framework and Vernacular for Personal Development
Abstract: Over the past two years, we have been building a local community of people who have had “mystical” experiences that are unexplainable by modern science and disbelieved by the general population. Very often, these mystical experiences are predicated by a “spiritual emergency” or “awakening experience.”
For some, these experiences often involve beliefs and spiritual practices among different religious traditions. For others, they are triggered by existential crisis or the use of psychedelics. Either way, the result is a profound shift in their understanding of the World and their role within it. These experiences are very personal and involve inner states of being for which language has a hard time capturing.
Their phenomenological experience may change including new found abilities to see auras, see “entities,” or hear voices. Bringing together people with a diverse range of direct experiences further complicates communication and collaboration.
We have developed a framework that is consistent with modern science as well as both theistic and non-theistic religions. It is hoped that by sharing this framework, we can accelerate the growth of the local community and provide a “safe space” for sharing our experiences toward positive collective growth.
Bio: Dr. Gino Yu received his BS and PhD at the University of California at Berkeley in 1987 and 1993 respectively. After receiving is PhD, he taught at the University of Southern California and worked to establish multimedia initiatives including the Integrated Media Systems Center. From 1995 to 1997, he taught at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology where he helped to establish the Center for Enhanced Learning Technologies. In 1999, he established the Multimedia Innovation Centre (http://www.mic.polyu.edu.hk) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), a leading edge think tank and research centre on digital entertainment. He is currently an Associate Professor and Director of Digital Entertainment and Game Development in the School of Design at PolyU where he oversees M-lab. His main area research interests involve the application of media technologies to cultivate creativity and promote enlightened consciousness.
Dr. Gino Yu
Associate Professor, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Society for Consciousness Studies 2021 Conference Presentation Title:
Developing a Common Framework and Vernacular for Personal Development
Abstract: Over the past two years, we have been building a local community of people who have had “mystical” experiences that are unexplainable by modern science and disbelieved by the general population. Very often, these mystical experiences are predicated by a “spiritual emergency” or “awakening experience.”
For some, these experiences often involve beliefs and spiritual practices among different religious traditions. For others, they are triggered by existential crisis or the use of psychedelics. Either way, the result is a profound shift in their understanding of the World and their role within it. These experiences are very personal and involve inner states of being for which language has a hard time capturing.
Their phenomenological experience may change including new found abilities to see auras, see “entities,” or hear voices. Bringing together people with a diverse range of direct experiences further complicates communication and collaboration.
We have developed a framework that is consistent with modern science as well as both theistic and non-theistic religions. It is hoped that by sharing this framework, we can accelerate the growth of the local community and provide a “safe space” for sharing our experiences toward positive collective growth.
Bio: Dr. Gino Yu received his BS and PhD at the University of California at Berkeley in 1987 and 1993 respectively. After receiving is PhD, he taught at the University of Southern California and worked to establish multimedia initiatives including the Integrated Media Systems Center. From 1995 to 1997, he taught at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology where he helped to establish the Center for Enhanced Learning Technologies. In 1999, he established the Multimedia Innovation Centre (http://www.mic.polyu.edu.hk) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), a leading edge think tank and research centre on digital entertainment. He is currently an Associate Professor and Director of Digital Entertainment and Game Development in the School of Design at PolyU where he oversees M-lab. His main area research interests involve the application of media technologies to cultivate creativity and promote enlightened consciousness.
