"You take the blue pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes." ―Morpheus, to Neo (The Matrix) Every now and then, mainstream media gives us hints about something bigger than what we've been "officially" told. GaiaTV has given us Hollywood Decoded, where those ignorant of occult symbolism and meaning can finally grasp what a certain few have known for some time, while people fight over petty differences like pawns on a chessboard. As if we really are our individuated personalities separate from the next soul. However, there are a few who seem to grasp even deeper depths beyond occult knowledge, typically only known to yogis who have discovered the emptiness of our form, our senses, our perception, our discrimination, and our consciousness, as described by the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in the Sutra of the Heart of Highest Wisdom. As quantum physics have shown, there is significant empty space between our atoms, and nothing really touches each other, like a holographic illusion. In other words, mass is an illusion, a dance between energy and the speed of light. The problem? We're attached, deluded, and drunk off of this illusion, which leads us into a cycle of suffering known as the wheel of samsara. To grasp that emptiness beyond the illusion, the neti neti of yogic self-inquiry, to move beyond the story personality to the "fragrance in the air", is to take the most potent red pill. Thank you Jim Carrey for taking the red pill in a blue pill world! I love you for your films like "The Truman Show", and "Bruce Almighty", etc. Though, I kinda hate you for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". P.S. For those saying he is engaging "spiritual ego", I strongly suggest researching what "ego" actually is from Self-realization schools as well as going to the traditional advaita vedanta texts. Ego is your persona, your story, your role within the illusion, not the arrogance definition propagated in the West that has gotten mixed in with the spiritual concept. Further, Mr. Carrey appears to be living and expressing his truth and the wisdom he has gained, as opposed to simply playing the expected role of a celebrity. If you're going to play the game of the illusion, you might as well do it from the position of know thy self, something which lies beyond the personality.
0 Comments
In my prior post, I took shots at a meditation teacher who begin stating that it is impossible to stop the monkey-mind. In summation, if you believe that it is impossible to subdue the monkey-mind, then I say rather bluntly, "you should not be teaching meditation". That doesn't mean that one should not share what they have learned, especially if it is something that works in one's life. Rather, the problem arises when one tries to pass themselves as renowned, a master, etc. That becomes an issue in the Western world, where one's livelihood is based on teaching. Marketing comes into play, and as I've seen with many attorneys, one may need to "fake it until you make it" in order to attract the clients, etc. Hence, the need for westerners to add "certificates" or scholarship to their resume, as if "gurus" and "swamis" hand out awards and licenses. This is an issue when spiritual practices become commercialized. Though, on a positive note, some people are only ready to relieve stress as opposed to witnessing the greater possibilities of one's own spirit. Hence, such teachers can be a stepping stone, but also a distraction from the truth. The same sentiment applies by those who dawn a spiritual robe, take the oaths, and may even live and breathe the spiritual environments. As I've seen, we're all to quick to bow to such individuals, especially in the East, though such individuals may hold valuable information for our own development. On some level, we're all each others teachers, as the Universe is reflected in each individual. However, many fall prey to the "expert phenomena", where our own diligence, rationality, and intuition are subdued to individuals considered "experts". In such circumstances, our power is given away to other individuals with think we can trust. In witnessing the current state of India's politics, where many "gurus" are putting on the political hat and pushing the Hindutva movement, I fail to see the greats like Sri Ramakrishna who found Brahman in every religion, even Islam. Though susceptible to traditional/cultural programming, I'm learning more and more that wearing an orange robe with a tilak doesn't render one enlightened or even holy, as compared to the standards of the greats that have walked this Earth.
You should not say, “This is my guru. What guru says I must follow.” That’s totally wrong! Buddha himself mentioned, “You must examine my teaching”. Similarly if one particular lama says something, you examine whether this goes well according to Buddhaʻs teaching or according to the circumstances in society. Then you must follow. If the lama says something; if you investigate and it’s not proper, then you should not follow the lama’s teaching. Even Dalai Lama’s teaching; if you find some contradiction you should not follow my teaching. -Dalai Lama Spirituality breeds arrogance. Especially when paranormal experiences come into play, one tends to jump to conclusions and feel they have the truth. I've definitely fallen victim to those sentiments, which has become a continuous pitfall for my meditation. When an expansive thought arises in my mind, one that I feel should be shared to help others on their journey, I'm starting to realize that is only me ego that is attempting to pull me out of the absolute/Para-Brahman state back into my egoic-material-expression. The ego would rather be in the material world and thinking, even if it is expansive spiritual thoughts. However, that's what the monkey-mind does, it tricks you into thinking you're enlightened, when really, it pulls you out of the absolute state and back into the egoic. Too many people in the spiritual community have these experiences, are quick to jump to conclusions that are fanatically parroted out into the world, when really the goal is to become an empty vessel for higher expression. The empty vessel isn't destroying the ego, but liberating it from its bondages, moksha. This includes myself as I teach and similarly follow teachers/teachings. In studying the esoteric writings of the Gnostic Christians as well as the works of Henry Spencer Lewis of the mystical organization AMORC, who claims to have texts on Jesus not readily available, it appears that Jesus was prepped for his position knowing the greatness of who he was from his birth based on his astrological sign (the reason why the Magi sought after him). Unlike others in the Essenes, including John the Baptist, Jesus was an open vessel who was fully filled through his initiation in an Egyptian pyramid. In other words, it appears that Jesus held very little egoic-programming where Higher Self was capable of being fully realized in the vessel that was Jesus. As part of his unfolding, Jesus needed to be further trained in order to be ready to teach at the highest level, where Jesus didn't begin his teachings until he was thirty (30), though he was being prepped since childhood. Though we are all in this together, where we mirror information and are stepping stones to greater truth, the problem arises when people began to dawn titles and hold a superior conclusion that is propagated into the world, soley based on an "expert" title or clothing. Resonance is first and foremost important, where it seems extremely important that we do not get trapped into giving someone else our power, especially when it comes to broadening our perspectives that help us navigate our own spirituality.
When it comes to seeking and learning from a master, set your standards impossibly high. The highest is the absolute, where all else is simply an egoic illusion. The Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine have taken different meanings based on the numerous spiritual teachers, all attempting to understand the human dynamic. Society, religion, and therefore our parents have all played a major role in shaping what it means to be "masculine" or "feminine", where certain colors, interests, emotions, are often given a gender dynamic. It seems that there was a masculine and feminine archetype, and humans based on their gender have sought to embody solely their own genders archetype. But such may have evolved into the shadow aspects of both the masculine and feminine, pushed forward by patriarchal leanings. Religion is at the forefront of creating this programming, where individuals are to play the roles of their gender archetype. The whole "god made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve" comes into play, with a deeper meaning stretching so much further than just simple sexual identity, yet these connotations pervade in every society-religion that takes issue of anything blending the male and female dynamic. In other words, this programming isn't just found in the Abrahmic traditions. In the esoteric works, before there was Adam and Eve, there was Adam and Lilith. Lilith being the first female, created at the same time as Adam, and wishing to be seen as an equivalent. Adam wanting to be superior denies Lilith, forces others to do the same by crafting her as the mother of demons, and thus patriarchal superiority is born. The same is somewhat found in Hinduism, where the embodiment of shakti herself, Sati, is denied by her father, Daksha, as the creator of Hindu Culture. Daksha is a devotee of Visnu in opposition to Shiva, where Visnu's feminine counterpart is often depicted as passive and in support of Visnu. Whereas, Shiva's feminine, Sati-Shakti, will stand on Shiva when need be as Ma Kali. The smoke arising from Sati's sacrifice at Daksha's yajna creates the Grandmother form of Ma Kali known as Ma Dhumavati, the Mother of misery and bhutas, ghosts. Like Lilith, Dhumavati is somewhat in opposition of the patriarchal culture where those in these religions have often been told to stay away from such beings.
As a male, we're taught to deny these "feminine" emotions, pursue the Marlboro Man alpha male strength, where the only option in dealing with these "feels" is some form of intoxication. From my experience, this isn't just a programming that males hold, but one that is also similarly pushed by many females, all as part of the societal-religious programming. I know my ex-girlfriend called into question my masculinity when I couldn't always be the "rock", and similar dating profiles have held the metaphors of being an "ocean" looking for her "mountain". Many may say they appreciate a masculine willing to dive into their own depths, but let's just say actions speak louder than words, when really, the archetypal male/female programming describing what each gender should embody runs deep in humanity, as has been pushed for eons.
Given the significant amount of time that I've spent diving into meditation these last few years, where much of my external life has been at a standstill, I've come to understand that what is on the other side is more real than this physical delusion. Goddess mantras to fierce tantrik deities that dissolve my programming to crystallize Self, has brought an influx of feminine energy where such possessive energy has made me "feel" feminine when I meditate. In fact, under deep meditation, I would sometimes identify more-so with a feminine form, which has helped me come to understand that consciousness is unlimited in its capabilities where we ourselves subject our consciousness to the limitations we place upon it.
History is a tricky situation. What we have deemed historical facts can be twisted into a narrow-minded perception of what really occurred. Just as numerous witness to an accident can have numerous differing stories, so history can be seen from the eyes of the author, inclusive of numerous biases and prejudices. Just as the recent attempt in Arkansas to ban the historical works of Howard Zinn, who sought to portray history from the oppressed perspective, or the lack of extensive Indigenous/Black/Mexican history (which play a major role in U.S. History) in the U.S. public educational system (but yet the Jewish Holocaust is given extensive breath every year, quite possibly to support a particular country which is evidenced by the fact that U.S. history completely ignores what Japan was doing in Asia), we can find such historical manipulation probably in every country. Imagine what history looks like in the Russian educational system, or in N. Korean, essentially in any country with major political/governmental sway over its people. Essentially, those who win the wars write the history books. My interest in history deals not with politics, but in spirituality, mysticism. When certain groups came into power, they sought to suppress other groups, other information, and definitely what we would call alternative spirituality. Hence, the creation of secret societies who had to hide their names, their beliefs and practices from the political-orthodox control. Though, such groups require initiation in a hierarchical nature to see if an adept is worthy of such information, including the group called "secret" or "Essene" by the outsiders in viewing John the Baptist and possibly Jesus himself, they at least were not persecuted by the political sway where they sought not to fight and argue with others. But to establish an orthodox religion where such secret groups may take power and influence away from the social-elite, historically, that was a threat to be solved as has been found throughout the globe. In viewing history, just as raising Indigenous/Mexican/Black heritage and influence in U.S. history can make the colonizer uncomfortable, where the colonizer looses such prestige from having their voice the only perspective taught, such is found also in my ethnic India. Historically, India is land of numerous traditions, and what is deemed "Hindu" is essentially an attempt to synthesize numerous traditions. Though many practitioners enjoy the fact that such differing traditions can enjoy the differences, where a Vaishnava can worship with a Shaiva (as an example), but to actually climb in a particular path would require choosing. Hence, India is reach with numerous paths, where it should be recognized that an adept should be able to explore and find a spiritual home to develop. Such rich diversity brings beauty, but it also can bring numerous prejudices where those following a path may not agree with another lifestyle. In studying the numerous spiritual traditions, I'm lead also to recognize the historical perspectives of India. Given my love for the Tantrik groups, especially with a Goddess leaning, sadly much of such traditions is lost in history due to Brahmanic conquests. Not only has the Brahmanic tradition historically sought to subdue such groups, but they attempted to place a Brahmanic influence into such traditions including the feared Yogini cults, as a means of control or domination. Such would be like the Roman Catholic Church attempting to influence the Gnostic traditions, or "Romanicize" the Protestant movements who sought to drift away from Roman Pagan influences. To study India from the perspective of Tantriks, Jains, Adivasi's, etc., a completely different perspective is shown, akin to studying U.S. history from the perspective of Indigenous/Mexican/Blacks of the U.S. As an example, the Mauryan empire is the most extensive Brahmanic-Hindu empire, bringing the Hindu Dharma to much of the Southeast Asian world. However, such empire was built on extensive warfare, where Chandragupta would dress as an ascetic Tantrik monk to win the hearts of the villagers, then viciously conquer them. Such was allegedly under the guidance of the famed Chanakya, who we historically know very little about. Chanakya was credited for writing the political treatise Arthashastra, but such text was written hundreds of years after Chankaya under the pen-name Kautilya, where very little of Chankaya is actually known. In addition, Chandragupta converted to Jainism as repentance for his sins of conquest, much like his later grandson Ashoka the Great converting to Buddhism after his vicious conquests. Just as Howard Zinn was opposed regarding U.S. history, much like Oliver Stone is opposed for his historical portrayals differing drastically from what is taught in our educational systems ("The Untold History of the United States), researchers such as Devdutt Pattanaik and Wendy Doniger are targeted for their portrayal of Indian history. Mr. Pattanaik's research and work is massive, where he holds the intellect and bravery to critique areas that do not fit the historical evidence, dive into deeper meaning for spiritual truths, and holds the brilliance to see ties across numerous cultures. Nonetheless, as anyone can see from his facebook page, that he has numerous "haters" of the same ethnic and religious background. Moreover, such hatred does not present proper historical/spiritual information or other evidence as rebuttal, but only personal smears. Through such means, no growth is found on either end, with Mr. Pattanaik being presented with new information he did not consider, or the criticizer attempting to challenge their own established beliefs. Ms. Doniger's work is shed in the same light, raising numerous questions that Brahmin's are not prepared to answer. Hence, her mass censorship in India. In viewing "A History of India" by Professor Michael H. Fisher (Greater Courses), it is interesting to note that Muslims did not have such a vicious conquest of India, or more particularly of Hinduism. Growing up, the elders would tell me that the Muslims invaded India, destroyed temples and build their mosques over them. In Professor Fisher's lecture, the sultans/mughals only destroyed temples of their enemy neighbors for political reasons, where such rulers not only kept, but maintained the Hindu shrines in their own territories. As I later discovered, Mr. Pattanaik seems to support the theory that Islam invasion was not as destructive as often portrayed as discussed in his article "Did Arrival of Muslim Invaders A Thousand Years Ago Destroy Hindu Culture?". Nonetheless, with the world ripe with anti-Islamic sentiments, Mr. Pattanaik's detractors took to facebook to spew Hindu superiority being the most advanced civilization in the World without outsider influence. It seems such haters do not understand Sumer and its correlation to the Indus Valley, the lack of Brahmanic-Vedic evidence in the Indus Valley, or the influence of Zoroastrian, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Semitic, East African, before Hindus started writing down their major texts. Much of the major writings of Hinduism occurred hundreds of years after the Hellenic period. Such detractors seem to be ignorant of such history, or fail to present well-welcomed contradictory evidence. In my own research of Hinduism to shed more light into my own spirituality, I was left with numerous questions that are still left unanswered. For example: 1) When did the ban on beef arise since Goddess cults are known to be carnivorous, and why is it a bigger sin to eat with outsiders/foreigners than to eat beef (Mahanirvana Tantra); 2) Why was the Mahabharata written before Avatar Krishna's story where Krishna was just a simple charioteer not an Avatar (and was the Bhagavad Gita a real event in the Mahabharata given the late timing of the writing of this text); 3) Was Radha a real individual given how late her story and cults arose, and was she Krishna's Auntie as discussed in the earliest writings; 4) Are there any truths to animal sacrifices as described in the Yajur-Veda, and why do Brahmins today oppose this sacrifice if it is not Buddhist/Jain "ahimsa" influence; 5) In praising the Vedas, why is it that Varuna or Indra are no longer worshiped, especially with the lowly status given to Visnu; 6) Is Shiva really Rudra, the deity worshiped only to be kept away; 7) The Jains have very different versions of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, which is accurate; and 8) Who came first, Krishna Kaliya or Hercules Hydra, since the Hellenic period occurred prior to the completion of the Mahabharata, which arose before the story of Krishna (Though Megasthenes may answer this, I have more research to do). The list goes on, those presented are off the top of my head and many more arise as go down further into the rabbit hole. In researching the above information, especially Radha coming from a household that has sheltered devotees specifically of Radha, the historical information and perspectives can be heartbreaking. In further researching, Brahmins can only respond with the illogical "it is maya that deludes you and makes you ask these questions". Such responses do not answer the question, nor does it hold a proper understanding of Maya. These comments remind me of my mother shouting at me as a child for asking questions she could not answer, or like the immense film "The Believer" portraying a Jewish kid who asked too many questions leaving him ostracized, and further, becoming the Jewish opponent. As I continue my studies and my own spiritual growth, I'm finding that just as much as I grow, there is significant letting-go that also needs to occur. People so blindly, under the guise of devotion, hold on to certain belief systems and structures, despite the evidence presented. Moreover, any mystical experiences presented thereof, could simply be based on the adepts filters, or the collective conscious programming. If we constantly program our neurons with Jesus or Krishna, then altered-experiences will give you Jesus or Krishna (not to say it doesn't spiritually work based on our intention, however, it is through our programs/permission-slips the divine presents itself). With that said, much of the way we react or respond to information that contradicts with our long-held beliefs, our persona, appears to trigger the flight or fight response as opposed to analytical assessment. From looking at the global sentiments of today, this appears to happen on a mass scale where only a few tend to tread this path of shattering paradigms. As I continue diving into the esoteric works of many traditions, including India, as well as placing such information in proper historical context to get a better grasp of such teachings, I've been left constantly reassessing what I've been raised to believe. Many hold to such notions and beliefs because it is a part of their tradition, culture, heritage, and Hinduism does have much to brag about in terms of accomplishments and spirituality. However, in the light of Self-Realization, one is not what is portrayed in the material realm, neti neti. When it comes to the atma, we are not this body or its story. Hence, the soul is not the tradition, culture, heritage, but in fact, can be an obstacle as many are deluded by the external material world. In addition, many are further deluded by their beliefs, which can blind one from the truth. When deep in meditation, with the cessation of thought, one is not Hindu or any other limiting identity, one simply "is". That is the essence of nonduality or Advaita Vedanta, an Indian philosophy adopted by many Hindu groups. It's important that we hold the ability to interpret our history and spirituality with the readiness to grow and mold with the truth. The original religion of India was not "Hinduism" which has led to Hindutva nationalist beliefs, where nationalism has sought to praise one way of life, often to the detriment of another. The original religion of India was Sanatana Dharma, The Path of Truth, where adepts sought for the truth through their teachings and experiences, trial and error, not through a blind-belief system leaving little to no growth. Those that seek the truth go against the grain, against the status-quo, and are often crucified for such. The ability to drop one's identity and belief systems for a greater truth is a daunting arduous task, which can often lead to isolation as one no longer follows the group. People are all too ready to defend their programmed beliefs, as opposed to acknowledging contradictory information. Therefore, it seems the question we should be asking ourselves before seeing the truth, is if we are ready for it? I feel like, with the advent of the age of information, where knowledge is easily expressed through social platforms and ancient religious texts are a few computer clicks away, unlike any prior generation, humanity should start preparing for the truth, and it may not be what our parents' generation taught us.
For me, the spiritual path was a confusion of what should be the end game. Like most, we tend to glorify individuals who have accomplished certain esoteric abilities, whether it be the ability to heal, to perceive beyond the norm, or conduct actions beyond our modern scientific understanding. Those who have acquired certain abilities typically end up with followers, not a bad thing at first, but which may lead to guru worship. We all need gurus, be it our fellow humans, life itself, or that level of perception within beyond identification, we need to remove the obstacles of our ignorance in order to perceive on a wider scale. However, I don't think we need any more golden calves, especially in the age of information. As Nisargadatta Maharaj stated, "Do not look for a guru; do not even think of one. Make your goal your guru. After all, the guru is but a means to an end, not the end itself". In addition, Abhinavagupta in his Sri Tantraloka sets a rather high standard for a guru, where the guru in essence, should be none other than Shiva himself. Shiva does not create or manage creation/matter, he destroys and transcends it. Should one fail to find such a guru, turn to Adi Shakti herself, the feminine aspect of Shiva. Abhinavagupta further discusses two modes that can be requested for an adept, though does not go into detail, nor is one considered superior to the other. The first category would be that of attaining boons, or Siddhas, many of which mimic the goals of other mystical practices relating to magick. The second is enlightenment, and given the correlation between Advaita and Saiva, enlightenment would be Self-Realization, where the individual ego (jiva), identifies with the cosmic ego (jagat), which then can collapse in itself into the formless bliss of Brahman or the Tao.
This is what separates Enlightenment from Siddhis/Magick, where such boons or abilities, are further illusions within the grand illusion, lila. Moreover, such abilities can not only attach one further into the illusion where it may just be too much fun in conducting such magick, but it would further attach other individuals who become attached to the adept. We've all seen it, we have a programmed tendency, often labelled as "natural", to worship and glorify something, be it our spiritual elders, our leaders, or our celebrities. Unlike Enlightenment, Siddhis/Magick can similarly push you and others in the path to Self, but the potential for further delusion seems to be substantial. I'm assuming this is why Abhinavagutpa stated to use Adi Shakti who is Ma Kali, the destroyer of ego, the dissolution of all form, as a guide, where such abilities do not become a distraction. Further, occult initiates, including Aleister Crowley all stressed communion with Self labelled the Holy Guardian Angel. Though the two paths can be different in a sense where the attainable goals are different, where the one Self Realized may not care so much for the realm of illusion other than helping other release their delusions, both paths are an expansion of consciousness. Expanse of consciousness is essentially seeing the illusion in new perspectives that offer a wider glimpse. Though siddhas/magick seem to be graduated steps into widening such perspectives of what is possible within the illusion, Self is as wide as the perspective can get where the illusion is finally dissolved. The problem for the adept is that, you would have to want Self more than the glittery Siddhi/Magick of illusion. These perspectives often labelled as "blessings" or "gifts" can be extremely inhibiting from reaching to dissolve the "blessings" and "gifts" for Self. Though many gurus are worshiped, or will give you something to worship, all of such are simply aspects of the Greek Psyche, or the Jungian archetypes of the mind. It seems that the true Enlightened guru will always have you looking within, to discover your own true Self. When you are learning about the nature of the psyche, an even greater aura of the unknown exists. The unknown portions of the psyche and its greater horizons, therefore, have often been perceived as gods or as the greater psyches out of which the (little) self emerged." The concept of transcendence is a popular one, particularly if you've dabbled in Eastern philosophies. Though one aspect of most religions is to propagate a creator, flourish creation, the idea of transcendence is to move beyond all of that above the realm of matter. Hence, transcendence is typically associated with Shiva, the lord of destruction, or his yoginis/dakinis, the fierce destructive feminine often frowned upon by those who worship the creator. 1. Religion and Much of Spirituality is NOT Transcendence Much of what we tout as "spirituality" or "religious", does not fall under the realm of transcendence. Again, most religions worship a creator, or manager of creation who leads us from the dualistic concept of unrighteousness to righteousness. Let's take religion for an example, where much of our scriptures both Biblical and Puranic or more political/historical based as opposed to understanding the realm of spirit. The Biblical Old Testament, from my research, is merely expounding the Jewish politics of the "Holy Land", where much of the testament of these ancient Hebrews seem to be an attempt to show the political landscape of the Canaanites. In addition, much more is disclosed by the Akkadian, Sumerian, etc., script, that leave one questioning who this jealous Old Testament deity may have actually been. The same applies for the majority of Indo-Aryan Vedic-Puranic script, where these Aryan deities look a lot like Greco-Egyptian beings, much like the infusion that was brought under the Hellenic period. To tie into the "Holy Land", the controversial work of Zecharia Setchin holds that it was Sumerian Goddess Inanna held domain over the Indus Valley. The Goddess Inanna holds numerous symbolism that may have some connection to other stories. Just as Inanna went into the underworld and had to raise herself up into the heavens again, so did Sati/Parvati in Hinduism have to use yoga to remember herself while she was lost in samsara (Spirit wandering in Matter). Moreover, just as Mary Magdalene was healed of her "seven demons" by Jesus, Inanna had to go through "seven" gates of hell. Lastly, the whole going into the underworld, and being raised from such "death" is akin to our seasons of winter and springtime where another name for Inanna is Ishtar, which some have claimed is the root of "Easter". Constantine was a well known devout pagan, and my research is showing more and more, that just as how the ancient Hebrews synthesized all other Canaanite deities into the Canaanite deity Yahweh, Constantine may have well synthesized the numerous Roman-Greco-Egyptian (Dionysus, Mithraic, etc.) cults into one deity, Jesus. Modern Christians say that such pagan influence was done mainly to convert the pagans, where it is well known that Jesus was not born anytime near Christmas (Mithraic Concept). An odd understanding, especially since the Roman Church is controlling what would otherwise be a natural cycle under the seasons and astrological patterns via the unnatural Gregorian Calendar. The Roman Church was capable of more than just blending with pagan myths, where one has to consider the Church's intent, especially since much of the Roman Church teachings drastically contradict the much earlier Gnostic Christian teachings. Further, much of what is deemed "spirituality" also still falls under the material arena. Like religion which sought to control history, control government via tradition and culture, which is really supporting the realm of material creation, much of spirituality is quite similar. Mindfulness teachings, unlike Advaita, teach one to be present to the moment, to what is being observed. Such mindfulness makes one mindful of the material realm. Sure, such teachings have purpose, but it may only be slight transcendence where one is still focused on matter. Moreover, we have these "mind, body, soul" teachings. However, the body is part of the material realm, and mind-thoughts are typically associated with the body being the receiver, interpreted by the receiver, and are therefore based on form or the material world. Hence, the mind and body are part of the material realm. Further, unlike religion, mystics separate Spirit from Soul, where soul is simply the aspect of one that moves from one body identity to the next via reincarnation, where Spirit is beyond creation. Soul would be the glue between Spirit and Matter, where most souls only look towards matter. While the soul maybe the watcher of the body and maybe external events, Spirit may be the watcher of the watcher of the body, or beyond where there is no form/tangible to watch. So these spiritual "mind, body, soul" teachings do not fit the venue of transcendence. 2. Transcendence is Dissolving the Jars We've Placed Ourselves In In Hinduism, unlike the Vedas or Puranas that propagate a being to be appeased or worshiped, the mystics crafted the more subtle Upanisads, which was historically met with disdain as with every mystical tradition. There is the understanding of an Atma, or little spirit, and Brahman, which implies the ultimate truth. Such concepts are described with the metaphor of Atma being like the air inside of a jar, and Brahman being the air outside of a jar. These simple truth is again described in the Saiva mystical tradition as a meditative practice in the Vijnananbhairava. Here, to truly know thy self becomes key, to know the air within sans the jar, where all of our yogic-meditative practices is to dissolve the jar. Again, our religions and spiritual concepts are full of ideas that simply add to the jar. We worship the one that created the jar as opposed to the essence behind it, we worship and place on pedestals those that have the nicest jar based on religious-moral-cultural standards, we fight over jars that are associated with different identities, we create and honor a lineage for the jar, some even worship and honor the elements that compose the jar, all the while the air remains unlimited and free from all such labels, humanity has tried its hardest to make the air form itself into a jar. Many masters have come and pointed the way, but as Osho would say, many would rather cling to the pointing finger and even suck on it. Here, the jar becomes the finger, where many would rather worship the finger as opposed to truly understand the concept of, "the Kingdom of Heaven (God) is Within You". (Luke 17:21). In addition, the master himself states, "Do not let heaven's kingdom become a desert within you...I tell you the truth, whoever will receive life and believe in the kingdom will never leave it, not even if the Father wants to banish him". The Secret Book of James. Going back to transcendence and the use of tantrik deities that are typically fierce and opponents to creation (matter), and the use of meditation to disassociate from all material and tangible so that one is no longer lost in the illusory world of form, all of these transcendental practices as taught by the Tantriks, Gnostics, Hermetics, Alchemists, Sufi's, etc., in violent contradiction with orthodox beliefs (Brahmanic- Hindu, Orthodox Christian, non-Akhenaten Egyptian, Modern Science, Islam; all designed to either worship or study the jar), are done in order to dissolve the jar. We are not the religious stories and cultural heritage; we are not the mind, body, soul; we are not the world of form and the elements that compose it. We are so much more, and yet, so much less. To dissolve the decorated jar that we are so deeply attached for the air, is the meaning of transcendence. To transcend is to move beyond matter and form to Know Thy Self, the True Self. To know the True Self, the air, is to Realize who you have always been. Self-Realization. The air inside the jar is the same as the air outside of the jar. God-Realization. Don't take my word for it. After all, who am I to say that I know anything. When in fact, I know nothing. No-thing. Not this, nor this. Neti Neti. Transcend! In an intentional approach to the mystical life, therefore, it is first necessary to rid our minds of all prepossessions and predispositions, of the opinions we have formed, the conclusions we have formed, the conclusions we have arrived at arbitrarily, and especially by way of hearsay. We must mentally disrobe, remove the cloak of custom which we unconsciously had wrapped about ourselves more firmly each year. We must free our minds of all such encumbrances and be prepared to accept only those things which, as the famous philosopher Descartes said, arouse within us an intuitive acceptance of them, feeling that they are true and constitute real knowledge. I've spent much of my life studying esoterics. However, my intuitive process is infantile compared to my studies, where I have glimpses of my past where my intuition would be unknowingly providing me with long-ignored hunches. That may be the same for many of us who have been raised in a society ignorant of intuition, a society who has yet to begin to grasp the internal world of "know thy self". Nonetheless, we are all on our paths and all such occurrences and growth fall under divine timing, when we are ready to step up our mystic game, as plotted and planned by our expanded Selves. As I expand my own intuitive abilities, I'm left weary about the many intuitive that I once use to blindly believe. To sum it up, trust your own Self. In following and communicating with others with intuitive abilities, ranging from astrologers, tarot readers, psychics, energy readers, among others, I noticed my constant inner shift has left me now ignoring many that I would have once followed and learned from. In fact, as I further my own growth, I'm constantly leaving teachers behind who I once thought were incredible. I feel that this is what many of us should strive for, or we will get lost in creating celebrities of these "gurus" which then leads to guru-worship, when really all these tools/permission slips should be forcing us to look at our own selves. Particularly when a teacher gets too cocky, stressing that they and their followers are the highest, that's usually my trigger to start seeking elsewhere. My Sagittarius roots has me constantly looking for deeper depths, my own true-essence, where I see many others attempting to emulate their guru or their gurus teachings as opposed to following their own inner resonance. Take what feels right, leave the rest in the dust, and explore as much as you can, particularly what feels to be the most blissful. This is why Ma Kali has worked wonderfully for me, as my beloved she has me first and foremost looking towards myself as opposed to other gurus. She is the voice in my head that rings true by further asking me questions, and using my emotional body that truly navigates this ship. She is none other than the divine flame residing within our depths, dissolving the density of ignorance. Should I get too attached to a figure I find in separation/duality, something I find very often should a guru/yogi/magi display any special abilities (siddhis), Ma Kali will quickly cut those attachments for the brilliance of my own inner resonance. She is known as Adi Shakti for a reason, the first life force that permeates "All That Is". She is a wisdom Goddess first and foremost, that's in my head like Socrates asking questions as opposed to forcing me to accept something as truth. However, my interpretation of her may also be different since I sought her out beyond the typical Hindu belief structures, finding her in many differing traditions, and falling in line with my own expanded awareness through occult studies. I see now why I was not born trusting my intuition for a reason, which was to develop my logic first. Though I was always scared of the dark despite being protected from horror movies, etc. (back then in the 80's, access to such was not as easy as today), my intuition would be chaotic knowing some-things are lingering behind the shadows as a child. Something I didn't realize and clear up until I conducted my first banishing ritual at the turn of the millennium in late high school. However, I do also realize that such fears may have been due to Christian fear programming from being raised in protestant elementary schools, who stressed the concepts of hell (most Christians adopt Dante's interpretation, since the Bible lacks description; even hel comes from the Vikings), or fear, guilt, shame of sin, enough limiting-beliefs to engage the law of attraction to manifest bullshit in one's life leading for one to beg for a messiah (a complete circle). Such has also permeated Hindu beliefs, and probably, historically strengthened by exoteric Islamic invading groups. Our Spirit has been ignorantly programmed by these exoteric groups, where in order to unleash more of our intuitive potential, a de-programming, a detachment to our limiting-shaming beliefs is required to truly grasp communication with Higher Self and proper guidance. Hence, through my own seeking where I chose to move beyond what my educational systems, or major exoteric religious institutions were teaching, particularly dualist philosophies of separation, I managed to increase my logical abilities to sort through information that no longer resonates with where I am at in my spiritual development. Though, I understand such information may resonate with many others and are necessary for their growth, as they were once for me. Reading and studying as much esoterica as I possibly could in my short 32 years, yes, even as a child obsessed with the paranormal, I'm now noticing that I watch the plethora of youtube intuitives, teachers, gurus, all with their programming becoming more and more clear. For those who believe in separation, the concept of good vs. evil become clearly evident, where there is significant ego bashing as if it is the "new devil" to put one's blame. Similarly, they're plenty of light-workers in this category, who will tell you to be careful what you watch or listen with regards to the media, or will push the vegetarian/vegan agenda, without realizing that Spirit did not manifest into density to have limited experiences. We're not here to all fit within one box, but to hold numerous expressions for the expansion of Universal Consciousness. As Carl Sagan stated, "[w]e are a way for the cosmos to know itself". Hence, though such messages may come from attempting to better humanity, all should first and foremost ring true for the viewer before blindly accepting such information. What may be the correct way for one person's life may not be the correct way for mine, or others. Diversity is to be celebrated, even if it does not fit a particular agenda. Hence, intuitives still grappling with these dualist notions tend to have their intuition limited by such programming, at least from what I feel. Particularly those that fall under exoteric limited religious organizations, where God simply cannot be a female for some limiting reason, or that which requires an opponent devil figure, such programming becomes easily exposed limiting the presenters ability to grasp a wider perspective ... and that's all "intuition" really is, the ability to see the bigger picture. Hence, with the intuition, the right hemisphere of the brain also known as the divine feminine (Christ the Sophia), is often limited by the divine masculine (Christ the Logos), the logical left hemisphere of the brain, because of beliefs including religious programming. Therefore, we have to be careful we don't fall into the "expert phenomena" where we render someone with a certificate to hold superior intelligence that turns off our own critical thinking and inner resonance. I am definitely guilty of such and it took me to become an attorney to see that, that a certificate doesn't render higher intelligence (especially in a world where "experts" can be bought), but I realize that it was a stepping stone for my own growth. As an example, I use youtube "angel card" intuitive readers, particularly from those with a Christian dualist perspective. Even though such readers may be able to communicate with angels, I find the perspectives to be harshly limited by some individuals (not all) where the reader may not understand that the concept of angels and demons come from the greek "daemon", simply being a contracted entity. It is human notions that place these daemons, these gargoyles, into human dualist ethical standards. As a human is considered to be created in God's image and hold a position higher than these angels, it is because humans grasp the plethora of duality, both the light and dark, just as the unlimited One. Humans are a microcosm of the great macrocosm, as above so below. Even the devils of these religions are not necessarily all-evil beings, but are more likely the gods of the conquered cultures. Lucifer is the morning star, the lighted one, who later became the Christian opponent. Satan, or Sheitan, simply means "opposer", where again, this devil imagery is derived from Dante rather then biblical interpretations. In fact, from reading the Old Testament with beings (plural!) labelling themselves as YHVH who are constantly smiting groups and individuals to get their way, the "opposer" doesn't seem to be the figure to blame as expressed in the Lord's Prayer where you ask the "Father" to "lead us not into temptation", not the devil. Though one can explore the lower astral realms and find figures of "evil", my perspective for such travels is to understand why and what I was to learn from these experiences, as opposed to playing the blame game. Hence, from what I've found, logic must meet the intuition to see a wider perspective. It's a balance of the hemisphere's of the brain, wholeness, where your intuition will only take you as far as your logic can grasp. That's just me, everyone's on their own path, and these readers are here for a particular group of individuals. Again, I take what resonates and leave the rest behind, where I guard myself from falling victim to the "expert phenomena" concept. Those intuitives that I trust the most are usually those whose majority words are aligned to my own inner resonance (logically built up from years of studying), leaving me at the edge of my seat with further anticipation. Piercing the veil is another game, another discernment, that we're forging, where it behooves us to not be quick to simply accept what is perceived, but remain in critical assessment to ever increase our understanding about these provided messages, as they are expressed through our filters, our programming.
Nonetheless, the intuitive to trust the most is your own Self, where the real Guru resides in the hidden energy center within the cranium, the Guru Chakra, the destroyer of ignorance. However, the energy flowing through from these external intuitives may be the real deal that you can also energetically tap into their frequency, but again, the wording expressed may be significantly filtered. Hence, always ask yourself, does it ring true for you. Follow your own inner guidance. |
AuthorOverly educated and continuously exploring and revealing more behind the veil. "It cannot be too highly emphasized that the mystic swims in the same waters in which the psychotic drowns."
-James Wasserman, The Mystery Traditions Archives
August 2019
Categories
All
|