In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. -James 1:1 (KJV). The power of word, or rather, the power of sound has been known to be a powerful force to the ancients. Particularly in the Eastern traditions, practices such as mantra, the repetition of certain sounds, are known for their abilities to alter and expand consciousness. Further, sound is often related to creation, with wavelike vibrating molecules creating an orchestra that gives the appearance of particles, which further gives the appearance of creation. In Vedic philosophy, sound through speech is personified as a Goddess, Vak. Through syncretization with Tantrik philosophy, particularly of the Samkhya Tradition, a scientific school of consciousness exploration, the Goddess is often identified with Prakriti, or the laws of nature. Prakriti, is nature herself, not only of objects but the movement of objects, while the masculine Purusha is simply the conscious observer of Prakriti. Therefore, the beginning of creation, where the vibration of molecules create our universe is the result of sound, something that the ancients understood as the feminine.
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"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. 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. It could be my arrogance, but instead of studying the works of students, I would choose to pursue their masters. One of my major paradigm shifting points in understanding what could be possible, was when I read "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda and "Black Elk Speaks" back in early high school. Both individuals spoke from a place of experience, they captivated their audience not only with their spiritual growth, but their flowering. You're not getting second hand teachings with these masters, but witnessing first-hand the footsteps that breath the teachings. As an example, I've read a little of Deepak Chopra and seen some of his lectures. No doubt he's built a spiritual empire, a power-house that will only keep expanding. He is a phenomenal stepping stone, a catalyst for people to pursue more from their spirituality. But for me, his work has always fell significantly short. You can't go from Nisargadatta Maharaj and have expanded experiences of Self, and then read Deepak Chopra, unless Nisargadatta went over your head. However, Mr. Chopra is a great place to be an entry-point to higher teachings. I carried a personal preference of Mr. Chopra's colleague, Dr. Wayne Dyer, who would not only disclose/cite to other teachings, his teachers, etc., but he would bring us along on his personal spiritual journey to help us reflect on our own lives. As my own intuitive abilities are expanding and experiences are deepening, there's something more in studying the works of masters. In the Hindu tradition, we would call this Darsana, I presume. Though defined simply as auspicious sight of a deity or holy person, I've come to believe Darsana to be a telepathic exchange of energy, one that noticeably alters consciousness. Nisargadatta's texts are ones that I feel I'm constantly being thrown out of my body, in reading the words of a man whose consciousness has dissolved personal ego for infinity. I've found the same with channeled material, especially the Seth Speaks writings, where The Nature of the Psyche left me consciously feeling funny and having long movie-like dreams though the night. I share similar sentiments with devotional Tantrik Mantras, particular to the Shiva-Shakti (Parvati) dynamic, the divine couple who taught the world meditation and yoga. Such mantras energetically envelope the physical body, causing the practitioner to feel and experience heightened states. Practicing these mantras is like going directly to the original masters, who will continue to guide you on your spiritual journey. What seeded this post is due to the vast amount of information that is now arising due to the popularity of these subjects. It's great that more and more people are attempting to dive deeper, and many of these new teachers are stepping stones to greater learning, but I feel that many are teaching subjects for which they lack experience. Should the subject be pure logical knowledge based, it's great and more information can be used to create differing perspectives, which I found to be useful in studying differing esoterica. But when it comes to meditation and experiences derived thereof, I'm finding many lack the experience but make up for it by citing to the tradition. This morning, I watched a youtube video where a western teacher attempted to synthesize meditation with sex. The video was under the banner of a spiritual company I've somewhat kept my eye on, has over 300k views with plenty of positive comments, and had an overall professional appeal as if it were Ted-Talks. In addition, the teacher is elevated with high credentials including "Vedic", having spent numerous years in India. Excitedly, I gave the video a go hoping to find just a few tidbits to broaden my practice. However, the video simply went downhill until it crashed and burned for me. The teacher immediately began with a statement somewhat stating that it is impossible to stop the mind, where then she somewhat further alluded to the purpose of meditation is not necessarily stopping the mind. Just because she hasn't been able to do it, doesn't mean it can't be done. I should have stopped the video then, but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. What she then thereafter presented was numerous logical-scientific reasons for meditation, relieving stress, and even gave a quick meditative practice in being mindful to the senses as a way to turn on the sixth sense. In summation, what I saw in this video was a meditation teacher who stated that it's impossible to turn off the monkey-mind, and then given me numerous reasons of why she herself can't successfully do that. If you're engaging the logical-scientific aspects of meditation, and attempting to be mindful to your senses, it's going to be difficult in moving beyond (transcending) the logical-mind and the bodily senses that keep us limited within our egoic expression. It's like when the Dalai Lama was asked about the meaning of Om Mane Padme Hum, where he simply responded with, it's really not about the definition or meaning, it's what arises within you and the shifts that occur from doing the practice. The teacher did bring up the two schools of meditation in India, one for monks, the other for householders. Though, she didn't present much more than that other than the householder one may be more powerful. I'm not sure if she understood that the householder meditative practice is known as Kriya Yoga, which is what Yogananda and his Self-Realization camp teach. The techniques appear to be similar to Mantak Chia's taoist techniques, from my studies of both Chia's work and Stevens work Kriya Secrets Revealed. Though my sentiments on this teacher may be harsh, it's something that appears to be arising very rapidly in the western world. I've seen what the western world has dangerously done with the concept of tantra, where many are quick to enjoy heightened sexuality, but without facing their demons/blockages held in their light-body/chakra system. The same appears to be done with meditation, especially if you're doing techniques beyond calming the monkey-mind. Through meditative practices, such as Kriya Yoga, one develops an inner awareness and the ability for inner engineering, so that one may handle the kundalini fire, which clears the way for Higher Self, which is found through transcending the monkey-mind and bodily senses. These teachings are not just found in India, but all throughout the world, though hidden in occult and spiritualist settings. However, a lot of these western meditation teachers do not fully dive in to truly unlock the inner potential that meditation is capable of accomplishing. Again, I'm not trying to be harsh, but there's a lot of information being presented, and to a very large audience, which may be a result of misunderstanding. India is known for having many teachers. My understanding is that you can probably find one in every corner. It's a blessing in that there are so many individuals willing to dedicate themselves to this practice, to look for truth and experience. However, the problem isn't finding the right teacher, it's more-so, how far are you, as the adept, willing to take this. Many people are complacent with relieving stress so that you can better manage their egoic life, some may even dabble in concept of siddhas to help shift their egoic lives in certain ways. But you attract the teacher based on your intent, relevancy to your blue-print, and your sincerity in seeking. In other words, you don't have to go to India, especially living in the age of information. Even if you do go to India or anywhere else, law of attraction will put you before what you are ready to handle. It's understanding the whole "when the student is ready, the teacher will come" based on the law of attraction. However, it seems many are not attempting to attract Self-Realization as their utmost goal. In the Sri Tantraloka, Abhinavagupta discloses the search for a proper teacher. Essentially, the teacher must be so elevated, that he must be none other than Lord Shiva himself. For an individual who believes that enlightenment is far away, who is simply attempting to manage their day-to-day egoic life, use these teachers as stepping stones to greater information, when you're ready. Use the law of attraction to put yourself before the teacher/teachings that will take you the highest to reach your own full-potential.
For the sincere seeker in search of the highest, look for Shiva (infinite consciousness). As Abhinavagupta further states, if you can't find such a teacher in human form, conjure his Shakti, the Goddess of Wisdom. Conjuring Shakti through mantras is the path I took, which has brought me before numerous teachers/teachings and dissolved density for heightened awareness, all of which have pushed me further in expansion than I would have dreamed possible. When it comes to spirituality, it behooves you to only settle for the best based on your resonance. That someone may not necessarily be someone with a large business, ashrams, titles, a large resume, etc., but may be a simple householder like Nisargadatta Maharaj. 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.
 I've spent much of my life stooped in religion, mythology, esoterica, an obsession of mine to unravel the mystery's of the universe. Particularly in the last few years, I've somewhat studied ancient Indian Goddess Cults (Tantra), Pre-Creed of Nicea Christianity (Gnosticism), Hermetic Qabalah, as well as Ancient Alien materials including Sitchen's work and other materials about Sumer, etc. Though I was looking for the esoteric wisdom to push me further in my spiritual path, the historical context of such material unraveled a separation between mystical thought and religion. All mystical schools, be it Tantrik, Qabalist, Hermetic, Taoist, Gnostic, Sufi, Troubador, etc., stress the importance of Self-Realization. Self-Realization is the unraveling of the ego-identity tangible universe, to recognize the essence, the atma, that resides within and permeates all that we perceive. It is to move beyond creation, to the absolute limitless light from which all that we perceive is a tangible transient dream. This is the practice of recognizing the truth within, where heaven resides as Jesus taught. Religion on the other end, stresses the importance of the tangible transient dream, and the need to perpetuate such existence. As Brahma the creator is not worshiped, as he is the biggest Ego of creation who sought to be superior, similarly the Gnostic Christians did not worship Yadlbaoth, the creator God, who similarly sought to be superior. It is from these creator gods, these Prajapatis, that we have tradition, culture, the need to perpetuate a doctrinal way of life, where mystical schools have sought to dissolve such mental constructs and programming. Hence, the reason why Jesus conflicted with the Pharisees/Sadducees, who did things by the books written by the ancestors, and not by the essence found within. India: In studying Tantra and the history of India, a different story unraveled than one which would be described by the fanatical religious. Akin to studying U.S. history from the eyes of the Indigenous, African-Americans, or Mexican communities, there is much to learn in studying Brahmanic India from the eyes of tribal/cult groups, many of which have become synthesized with or completely enveloped by Brahmanic standing. In looking at the Indus-Valley and its lack of archaeological Hindu artifacts, sans what the religious describe, the Indus may be described as the first "secular" society (cited to the Brahmanic despised Wendy Doniger). The Indus-Valley has a water ditch which Brahmins have categorized as for ritualized bathing. Though such can easily be for water storage in an agricultural society. There are also numerous Shiva-Lingams allegedly found, or they could be mortar & pestals for, again, an agricultural society. Lastly, there is also a picture of a horned male, seated in what Brahmins deem a "yoga asana". However, one thing that I have noted from most religious depictions of this image, is that the undecipherable script is often not discussed or the size of the artifact, which is a mere 1"x1" stamp. Hence, the Brahmins could be correct, or there could be an alternative reason, but to decide now appears to be jumping the gun. Further, despite what Brahmins have stated about their religious language Sanskrit influencing Indian languages, though Sanskrit has numerous similarities with European languages and maybe even Semetic, such is not so with Dravidian languages and the undecipherable Indus script. Such gives credence to the Aryan invasion theory, where the Brahmin tradition most likely invaded a country with a foreign people (Dashas?), with a foreign religion, and a foreign language. Though, the Hindu tradition today may really be a synthesis of numerous traditions, including Zoroastrian/Greek/Roman/Egyptian/Semetic/East African from the Hellenic period, a period significantly older than the earliest version of the Mahabharata/Ramayana (both conflicting Hindu and Jain versions), it appears most Hindus would not like to acknowledge such information and stories as having an outsider influence. An interesting tidbit that the controversial translator Zecharia Setchin and the channeler Barbara Marciniak have discussed, is that the Sumerian Goddess Inanna was given the domain of the Harrapan Civilization. If such is true, ancient Indian religious traditions would be tied significantly to ancient Sumer. Further, archaeological artifacts thus far have shown Sumer to be contemporary with Indus, where Indus stamps have been found in Sumer as such societies traded with each other. Therefore, there could be much more influence on Hinduism from ancient Sumer than anyone has given credit, which has been thus far left unacknowledged. The Indus Valley is the oldest civilization discovered in India, where Inanna would be one of the oldest traditions and influences in India. As she is associated with sex, mystery schools understand the correlation of sexual energy and knowing, or "gnosis", where kundalini is awakened. Hence, she would be the tantrik root of India. Also associated as a warrior Goddess, she would fit right into the Hindu pantheon, especially with comparable Durga. It is also interesting to note that historically, India has always been tied to the Goddess tradition, despite patriarchal Brahmanic traditions. The cult of yoginis which has been sought to be subdued is one such remnant, where such cults have been akin to salem witch hunts. Inanna is said to be the Queen of Heaven and Earth, who traversed into the underworld, who among her family, became an immortal, and hence, a Goddess. Just as the main yogini, Sati-Parvati, fell into the wheel of samsara and needed to find the Self-Luminous light, Prakasa, through yoga (union) to become the Goddess, Shakti. Though the stories may be different, the symbols/archetypes, seem to be common. Especially if Inanna is in competition with her patriarchal relative, Marduk. In reference to the symbolism of the Indus Valley, it is noted that not just the male was given horns, but every animal in depiction including horses. All such animals were males. The only female depictions emphasized fertility as shapely figures, another aspect of Inanna. Hence, with horned males and pregnant females, these images may emphasize a fertility cult, a common ancient theme. Therefore, I'm finding Inanna's presence in ancient India more and more believable.
Abrahamic Traditions: The Abrahamic Traditions trace their roots to ancient Judaism. But from studying Gnostic Christianity, as well as the history of the Middle East to get the proper historical context and foundations, Judaism may simply be a derivative of the Canaanite religion, where the ancient Jews adopted not only one of the many competing Canaanite deities (probably El later becoming YHVH, or IAO), but even the Hebrew alphabet may be adopted from the Canaanites as described by Professor Jodi Magness (The Holy Land Revealed). And where did the Canaanites get their religion from? Ancient Sumer. Just as India may not give acknowledgment to Sumer, the Abrahamic traditions similarly follows suite. Though that could be simply due to the historical context only being recently disclosed with translations of the Sumerian tablets. Nonetheless, it is interesting enough to know that these traditions may hold some root to ancient Sumer, and quite possibly, the religious confliction we've seen on this planet. Annunaki: In taking a look at the Sumerian religion, it seems to be a royal family (bloodline), attempting to fight over territory on Earth. As children of the father god, Anu, Enlil is more practical and wants to wipe the project of creation clean, where his brother Enki, is fond of creation and saves Gilgamesh from the great deluge. The family of Anu needs gold to support their planetary atmosphere, engineered mankind to be miners who worship their creators leading to blind servitude, but overall, is completely at loggerhead with each other fighting over dominion. As many know these beings to be the biblical Elohim, they brought much to humanity as evidenced by the superiority of the Sumerian civilization, which included an astronomy that surpasses modernity and has influenced every current tradition to this date, though probably not through a direct chain of command. These may well have been the pyramid builders, who share commonality all throughout the planet, over many different civilizations, including South America. Yet, as a dysfunctional family, they also brought their problems. Given the strong influence ancient Sumer has imposed throughout our traditions, cultures, knowledge, and the potential link of all of our religions to this family, it makes one wonder if this is the reason for our territorial/resource wars and obsession with gold, should such family have a continuing influence. In studying all of these topics, I many not fully-believe such material yet, but I do feel like humanity has been deluded from our historical past. It seems we think we have it figured out, when really, we don't have a damn clue, as I continue going down this rabbit hole. What's important to me is not the religious, political, cultural programming that we all have seemed to have bought into, where contradictory information is fought over, suppressed, etc., but the realization of the truth no matter how much it hurts and conflicts with our beliefs. But can we handle this truth? We can barely handle the truth of our politicians, but what of our religious figures, beliefs, and customs? Sadly, we may simply have to wait for the return of Nibiru for the great revelation of our history, of humanity, of our truth. Could this be why the Jesuits, our Pope, have been looking at the skies with observatories for so long? The truth is definitely out there, and it's not what we as the masses have been propagandically fed. Again, the question is, are we ready?  |
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
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