The ganzfeld effect is a new term to me. I've heard of something like it, though. It's a limited form of sensory deprivation effect, where the lack of new information coming in through a particular sense - most often sight - can cause hallucinations. Besides Brion Gysin's Dreamachine the principle has also been used in artist Robert Irwin's installations. It's an interesting effect. Best if you have the option of walking away from it. But if anything we're subject to sensory overload most of the time.
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Sensory deprivation techniques have been used by meditators for a very long time as a way of visualizing the Bardo states in particular. Obviously that kind of work involves a great deal of training and the support of trustworthy teachers. I remember reading that the sarcophagus in the King's Chamber of the Great Pyramid was likely used in a similar fashion.
Modern techniques like flotation tanks and ganzfield setups are designed to give people a demonstration of the way our senses inform our understanding of how our minds work. Sitting quietly in a totally dark room with your eyes open can also result in seeing individual photons.. or something. You're certainly right about sensory overload being endemic.
My cursory knowledge of Buddhism informs me that the Bardos - states between lives - would be a pretty heavy subject to contemplate. Yes, I can see how you'd need to boost your concentration somewhat. And you make a good point about needing trustworthy teachers. Elsewise your attention would be taken up by fretting about what you'd gotten yourself into.
It was my impression that sarcophagi were always used as coffins. It would be interesting if some lay and pondered in them while still alive.
Your eyes adjust to most levels of darkness over time. I wonder if the transition time is when you're apt to see photons. Sensory overload is something that comes to us whether we want it or not, but we tend to seek it out, too. Sometimes a remedy is needed, a balance.
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