Time, Matter, Spacetime, Advaita Vedanta & YOU

Time, Matter, Spacetime, Advaita Vedanta & YOU

One might ask: What degree is time the creator or revealer of matter, supporting and negating the idea that the material world does not exist except within our minds according to our belief in time?

The idea that time is the creator or revealer of matter, and the notion that the material world exists only within our minds according to our belief in time, touches on deep philosophical, scientific, and metaphysical concepts. Here’s an exploration of both supporting and negating perspectives on these ideas:

Supporting the Idea

Philosophical Idealism: Philosophers like George Berkeley argued that reality is fundamentally mental and that material objects only exist as perceptions within our minds. From this perspective, time is a mental construct that organizes our experiences. Without time, our perceptions (and thus our reality) would not have any sequence or order.

Quantum Mechanics: In quantum physics, the observer effect suggests that the act of observation influences the state of a quantum system. This can be interpreted to mean that our perception (which operates within the framework of time) plays a role in the manifestation of matter. Time, as a dimension, is essential for our observation and understanding of quantum events.

Relativity Theory: According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, time and space are intertwined in a four-dimensional continuum known as spacetime. Matter and energy interact within this continuum, and their existence is defined by their coordinates in spacetime. This implies that without the dimension of time, the concept of matter as we understand it would be meaningless.

Spiritual and Mystical Views: Many spiritual traditions propose that the material world is an illusion (Maya in Hindu philosophy) and that true reality is timeless and beyond physical perception. Time is seen as a veil that obscures the true nature of existence, which is fundamentally non-material.

Negating the Idea

Materialism and Physicalism: These philosophical stances argue that matter is the fundamental substance of reality and exists independently of perception or time. Time is considered a dimension in which matter exists and changes, but it is not the creator of matter. Matter would exist regardless of whether there is an observer to perceive it.

Empirical Science: Scientific methodologies are based on the objective existence of the material world. Experiments and observations consistently demonstrate that matter exists and behaves according to physical laws, irrespective of human perception or belief in time. For instance, celestial bodies and geological processes exist and operate over vast timescales far beyond human perception.

Biological Evidence: Biological processes, such as evolution, operate over millions of years, suggesting that time is a real, measurable phenomenon independent of human consciousness. The existence of fossils and geological strata provides evidence of a material world that has evolved over vast periods.

Psychological and Neuroscientific Insights: While human perception of time can be subjective and influenced by various factors, neuroscience shows that our brains operate within the constraints of a material body and a physical world. Our cognitive processes are deeply rooted in the physical structure of our brains, which exist in a temporal context.

Synthesis

The debate over whether time is the creator or revealer of matter, and whether the material world exists only within our minds, is ongoing and multifaceted. Both perspectives offer valuable insights:

From a philosophical and metaphysical standpoint, time can be seen as a construct that gives structure to our perceptions, suggesting that our experience of the material world is intimately tied to our consciousness and belief in time.

From a scientific and empirical standpoint, matter exists independently of our perception, and time is a dimension in which material processes unfold, reinforcing the objective reality of the material world.

Ultimately, the degree to which time is seen as the creator or revealer of matter depends on one’s philosophical, scientific, and spiritual frameworks. Each perspective provides a unique lens through which to explore the nature of reality.

Speeding Up Imagery

The phenomenon of speeding up an image of someone walking until they disappear can be interpreted in several ways, each offering insights into the relationship between time, perception, and reality:

Perceptual Perspective

Temporal Resolution of Human Vision: Human perception is limited by the temporal resolution of our vision. When we speed up a video, frames pass by faster than our eyes can process them, resulting in the appearance of a blur or disappearance. This highlights how our perception of reality is constrained by our sensory and cognitive capabilities. It doesn’t mean the person has physically disappeared; rather, our ability to perceive them has been exceeded.

Time Compression and Information Loss: Speeding up an image compresses the time over which the visual information is presented. If the speed exceeds the threshold at which we can process individual frames, the details merge, and information is lost. This can be seen as a metaphor for how time and perception are interlinked—our experience of reality is a continuous flow, but when that flow is disrupted, our perception of continuity breaks down.

Philosophical Perspective

Illusion of Continuous Reality: The disappearance of a person in a sped-up image can be used to argue that our perception of a continuous, stable reality is an illusion created by the brain. If time is compressed or altered, our constructed reality falters. This aligns with the philosophical idea that what we perceive as reality is a mental construct dependent on the processing of temporal information.

Subjectivity of Time: This phenomenon underscores the subjectivity of time. What we perceive as movement or existence is based on our internal clocks and sensory processing. When external time is manipulated (sped up), our perception fails to keep up, suggesting that time is not an absolute entity but a relative experience shaped by our biology and cognition.

Scientific Perspective

Frames and Perception: In video and film, a sequence of still images (frames) creates the illusion of motion when played at a certain speed. If the speed is increased, the continuity of motion breaks down. This scientific explanation emphasizes that our experience of movement and existence is based on discrete snapshots processed by our brains into a continuous flow. The disappearance is not a physical reality but a perceptual limitation.

Relativity of Time: From a scientific standpoint, particularly in relativity, time is not a fixed backdrop but a dimension that interacts with space and matter. The phenomenon of speeding up a video can be seen as a practical demonstration of how altering the flow of time (even artificially) affects our perception of reality. It suggests that our understanding of time is crucial for our experience of the material world.

Metaphysical Perspective

Temporal Illusions: In metaphysical terms, this could be seen as evidence that time and the material world are interdependent constructs. If altering time (by speeding up a video) causes someone to disappear from our perception, it implies that our material reality is closely tied to the temporal dimension. This supports the idea that time is a crucial element in the manifestation of the material world.

Existence Beyond Perception: Another metaphysical interpretation is that what we perceive as disappearance due to speeding up is merely a limitation of our sensory apparatus. The person still exists, but our perception can no longer register their presence. This can be extended to suggest that the material world might exist independently of our perception, but our experience of it is bounded by time and sensory processing.

The phenomenon of a person disappearing when an image of them walking is sped up serves as a compelling illustration of the complex relationship between time, perception, and reality. It demonstrates that:

Perception is limited by sensory and cognitive capacities.

Time is a relative and subjective experience.

The continuity of reality is a constructed illusion based on temporal processing.

This underscores the idea that our understanding of the material world is deeply intertwined with our perception of time, whether we consider time as a creator, revealer, or a contextual dimension in which reality unfolds.

Druids, Native Americans, and Advaita Vedanta

The concepts discussed above can be aligned with various principles from ancient spiritual traditions, including Druidism, Native American spirituality, and Advaita Vedanta, as well as other ancient ideologies. Here’s how these perspectives might integrate with the idea of time and perception shaping reality:

Druidism

Interconnectedness of All Life: Druids believed in the interconnectedness of all life and the cycles of nature. The idea that altering the flow of time affects our perception of reality resonates with the Druidic understanding that all elements of existence are interconnected and influence each other. The disappearance of a person in a sped-up image can symbolize the transient nature of existence and the cyclical flow of life and death.

Nature’s Cycles: Druids revered the cycles of the moon, the seasons, and other natural rhythms. These cycles are temporal constructs that shape their perception of reality. The manipulation of time in our perception aligns with the Druidic recognition of the fluid and ever-changing nature of existence.

Native American Spirituality

Animism and the Spirit World: Many Native American traditions hold that all things possess a spirit and are interconnected. The notion that time and perception influence our reality aligns with the belief that the material world is imbued with spiritual significance, and our perception is just one layer of understanding. The change in perception due to the speeding up of time can be seen as a shift in our awareness of the spiritual dimension.

Sacred Time: Native American cultures often differentiate between linear time and cyclical or sacred time. The idea that altering time changes our perception of reality echoes the concept of sacred time, where time is not linear but a series of interconnected moments. This perspective supports the view that time is a flexible construct that shapes our experience of the world.

Advaita Vedanta

Non-Duality (Advaita): Advaita Vedanta teaches that the ultimate reality is non-dual and that the perceived separation between the self and the material world is an illusion (Maya). The idea that the material world does not exist except within our minds according to our belief in time aligns with the Advaitic principle that reality is a unified whole, and distinctions such as time and matter are products of ignorance (Avidya).

Illusion of Time (Maya): The concept of Maya in Advaita Vedanta suggests that the material world and the flow of time are illusions that veil the true, timeless nature of reality (Brahman). The disappearance of a person in a sped-up image can be seen as a metaphor for how time-based perception obscures our understanding of the eternal, unchanging reality.

Other Ancient Spiritual Technologies

Buddhism: The Buddhist concept of impermanence (Anicca) teaches that all phenomena are transient and constantly changing. The manipulation of time to alter perception aligns with this principle, highlighting the impermanent nature of reality and our attachments to temporal experiences.

Hermeticism: The Hermetic principle of “As above, so below” suggests that the microcosm reflects the macrocosm and vice versa. The idea that our perception of time affects our reality can be seen as an expression of this principle, where changes in the temporal microcosm (perception) reflect changes in the material macrocosm (existence).

Ancient Greek Philosophy: Philosophers like Heraclitus believed in the constant flux of reality, famously stating, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” The idea that speeding up time causes changes in perception aligns with this view of constant change and the fluid nature of reality.

Integration and Synthesis

From the perspectives of these ancient spiritual traditions, the key takeaways aligned with the idea of time and perception shaping reality are:

Interconnectedness: All life and phenomena are interconnected and influence each other. The perception of time is part of this interconnected web.

Sacred and Cyclical Time: Time is not merely linear but can be understood as cyclical or sacred, affecting how we perceive and interact with reality.

Illusion (Maya): The material world and time are seen as illusions that veil the true, unchanging reality. Altering our perception of time can help reveal deeper truths about existence.

Impermanence: All phenomena are transient and constantly changing. Our perception of reality is shaped by this impermanence.

Unity and Non-Duality: Ultimately, reality is a unified whole, and distinctions such as time and matter are illusory constructs of the mind.

By recognizing these principles, we can gain a deeper understanding of how our perception of time influences our experience of reality and explore ways to transcend these illusions to connect with a more profound, timeless truth.

Advaita Vedanta … is the scientific study of spacetime related to our physical reality, wrapped in a pure, unbiased, spiritual context. It is often regarded as a profound spiritual philosophy, offering a lens through which we can explore the nature of reality, consciousness, and existence.

At its core, Advaita Vedanta posits that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is non-dual and that the distinctions we perceive in the material world, including time and space, are illusory.

This perspective can be intriguingly related to modern scientific understandings of spacetime and our physical reality. By delving deeply into both Advaita Vedanta and contemporary science, we can uncover profound insights about our existence.

Moreover, to truly benefit from Advaita Vedanta and move towards enlightenment, we must transcend mere intellectual understanding and embody its principles in our daily lives.

Advaita Vedanta and the Nature of Reality

Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, is centered on the teachings of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras. Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher and theologian, is one of the most significant exponents of Advaita Vedanta. According to this philosophy, the ultimate reality is Brahman, which is infinite, eternal, and beyond the limitations of time and space. The individual soul (Atman) is not separate from Brahman; rather, it is identical to it. This realization of the non-duality (Advaita) of Atman and Brahman is the essence of enlightenment.

Spacetime and Physical Reality

In modern physics, the concepts of spacetime, matter, and energy form the foundation of our understanding of the universe. Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity revolutionized our conception of time and space, merging them into a single four-dimensional continuum known as spacetime. In this framework, time and space are not independent entities but are interwoven and affected by the presence of matter and energy.

Quantum mechanics further challenges our intuitive understanding of reality, revealing that at the most fundamental level, particles do not have definite positions or velocities until they are observed. This introduces the idea that the act of observation plays a crucial role in shaping reality, echoing the Advaitic principle that perception and reality are deeply intertwined.

Bridging Advaita Vedanta and Science

At first glance, Advaita Vedanta and modern science may seem to operate in entirely different realms: one in the spiritual and metaphysical, the other in the empirical and measurable. However, both seek to understand the fundamental nature of reality. Advaita Vedanta asserts that the material world and its distinctions are illusions (Maya), while modern science reveals the malleability and interconnectedness of spacetime and matter.

From the Advaitic perspective, the material world is a manifestation of Brahman, perceived through the lens of Maya. This is analogous to how modern physics views the universe as a dynamic interplay of energy and matter within spacetime. Both perspectives suggest that the reality we experience is not the ultimate truth but a constructed understanding based on our perceptions and cognitive limitations.

Un-Intellectualizing Advaita Vedanta for Enlightenment

While intellectual study of Advaita Vedanta is essential for grasping its principles, true enlightenment requires transcending mere conceptual understanding. Here are some ways to embody the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and move towards enlightenment:

1. Meditation and Self-Inquiry

Meditation and self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) are central practices in Advaita Vedanta. Through meditation, we quiet the mind and create a space where we can observe our thoughts and perceptions without attachment. Self-inquiry involves asking fundamental questions such as “Who am I?” to peel away the layers of ego and illusion, leading to the realization of the Self (Atman) as Brahman.

2. Mindfulness and Presence

Living mindfully and being fully present in each moment helps us transcend the illusion of time. By focusing on the present, we can experience the unity of existence and diminish the distractions created by past and future concerns. This aligns with the Advaitic principle that time and space are constructs of the mind, and true reality exists beyond these constructs.

3. Non-Attachment and Detachment

Advaita Vedanta teaches non-attachment (Vairagya) to the material world and its transient phenomena. By cultivating detachment, we free ourselves from the bindings of desires and fears, which are rooted in the illusion of separateness. Practicing non-attachment allows us to experience the underlying unity of all existence.

4. Selfless Service (Seva)

Engaging in selfless service helps dissolve the ego and reinforces the understanding that all beings are manifestations of the same underlying reality. By serving others without expecting anything in return, we align our actions with the principle of non-duality, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

5. Contemplative Study and Reflection

While it is important to move beyond intellectualization, contemplative study of Advaita Vedanta texts can deepen our understanding and provide insights that support our spiritual practice. Reflecting on these teachings in a meditative state allows us to internalize and embody them.

6. Living in Harmony with Nature

Many spiritual traditions, including Advaita Vedanta, emphasize living in harmony with nature. Recognizing the divinity in all forms of life and the interconnectedness of the natural world helps us transcend the illusion of separateness. By aligning our lives with the rhythms of nature, we can experience the unity of existence more profoundly.

Our Experience of Physical Reality

Our physical reality, as experienced through our senses and interpreted by our minds, is a complex interplay of perceptions, beliefs, and underlying truths. From the perspective of Advaita Vedanta, what we perceive as the material world is a projection of our consciousness, shaped by the limitations of our senses and cognitive frameworks.

1. Sensory Perception

Our sensory organs are designed to perceive a limited range of stimuli. For example, our eyes can see only a narrow spectrum of light, and our ears can hear only certain frequencies of sound. These sensory limitations mean that our experience of reality is inherently incomplete and filtered. Advaita Vedanta teaches that what we perceive through our senses is not the ultimate reality but a manifestation of Brahman filtered through Maya.

2. Cognitive Interpretation

The mind interprets sensory data and constructs a coherent picture of reality. However, this cognitive process is influenced by past experiences, beliefs, and biases. As a result, our perception of reality is subjective and often distorted. Advaita Vedanta encourages us to transcend these mental constructs through practices such as meditation and self-inquiry, allowing us to experience the true nature of reality.

3. Temporal Experience

Our experience of time is subjective and varies depending on our mental state and activities. Moments of intense focus or joy seem to pass quickly, while periods of boredom or discomfort seem to drag on. This subjectivity of temporal experience highlights the illusory nature of time. Advaita Vedanta teaches that time is a construct of the mind and that true reality exists beyond the confines of time.

4. Spacetime and Unity

The scientific understanding of spacetime as a continuum where time and space are interconnected aligns with the Advaitic view of non-duality. Just as spacetime unifies the dimensions of time and space, Advaita Vedanta teaches that all distinctions are ultimately unified in Brahman. By recognizing this unity, we can transcend the illusion of separateness and experience the oneness of existence.

Practical Steps to Embody Advaita Vedanta

To move beyond intellectual understanding and embody the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, we can integrate practical steps into our daily lives. These practices help us internalize the principles of non-duality and experience the unity of existence.

1. Daily Meditation

Establishing a regular meditation practice helps us quiet the mind and connect with our true nature. By meditating daily, we create a space to observe our thoughts and perceptions without attachment, allowing us to experience the underlying unity of existence.

2. Self-Inquiry Practice

Incorporating self-inquiry into our daily routine involves asking questions like “Who am I?” and “What is my true nature?” These questions help us peel away the layers of ego and illusion, leading to a deeper understanding of the Self as Brahman.

3. Mindful Living

Practicing mindfulness in our daily activities helps us stay present and aware of the interconnectedness of all life. By being fully present in each moment, we can transcend the illusion of time and experience the unity of existence.

4. Cultivating Non-Attachment

Developing non-attachment to material possessions, desires, and outcomes frees us from the bindings of the ego. By practicing detachment, we can experience the true nature of reality beyond the illusions created by the mind.

5. Engaging in Selfless Service

Participating in acts of selfless service helps dissolve the ego and reinforces the understanding of non-duality. By serving others without expecting anything in return, we align our actions with the principle of interconnectedness and unity.

6. Contemplative Study

Engaging in contemplative study of Advaita Vedanta texts provides insights that support our spiritual practice. Reflecting on these teachings in a meditative state allows us to internalize and embody them, deepening our understanding of non-duality.

7. Connecting with Nature

Spending time in nature and recognizing the divinity in all forms of life helps us transcend the illusion of separateness. By living in harmony with nature, we can experience the unity of existence more profoundly and align our lives with the rhythms of the natural world.

Transcending Intellectual Understanding

While intellectual understanding is valuable, true enlightenment in Advaita Vedanta requires transcending mere conceptual knowledge and embodying the principles of non-duality in our daily lives. This involves a holistic approach that integrates meditation, self-inquiry, mindfulness, non-attachment, selfless service, contemplative study, and connection with nature.

By moving beyond intellectualization, we can experience the true nature of reality and achieve enlightenment. This process requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to let go of the ego and the illusions created by the mind. As we embody the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, we can experience the unity of existence and the realization that the Self (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman).

Conclusion

Advaita Vedanta offers profound insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and existence, which can be intriguingly related to modern scientific understandings of spacetime and our physical reality.

By integrating the principles of Advaita Vedanta into our daily lives and moving beyond mere intellectual understanding, we can transcend the illusions of time and space and experience the true nature of reality.

Through meditation, self-inquiry, mindfulness, non-attachment, selfless service, contemplative study, and connection with nature, we can embody the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and move towards enlightenment, experiencing the unity of existence and the realization of the Self as Brahman.

To begin the process, explore The Shankara Oracle – it can dramatically improve your life – and finally your ability to see yourself and all reality clearly.

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About The Author:

Paul is a spiritual healer and coach with more than 30 years of experience. He is the founder of The Shankara Experience, and creator of The Shankara Oracle and The Personality Cards.

His work is focused on guiding seekers to inner freedom and awakening.

June 25, 2024July 1, 2024

What Is Tantra & Why Does Everything Think It’s About Sex

What Is Tantra & Why Does Everything Think It’s About Sex?

Tantra, within the profound depths of Advaita Vedanta and the wider expanse of Indian spiritual traditions, is a rich tapestry of spiritual practices often misunderstood and simplified in popular Western culture.

Far from being primarily focused on sexuality, Tantra is a holistic approach that involves various teachings and practices designed to expand consciousness and facilitate the liberation of individuals from the confines of ego and material existence. This article explores the true essence of Tantra, revealing its multifaceted nature and its profound spiritual significance, which extends well beyond the narrow misconceptions about its focus on sexual practices.

In the scope of Advaita Vedanta and other Hindu traditions, Tantra often includes the following forms:

Ritual Tantra: A Sacred Journey to Divine Energies

Ritual Tantra is a profound and deeply sacred path within the broader spectrum of Tantric practices. It encompasses a meticulous sequence of rituals and ceremonies designed to bridge the mundane with the divine, facilitating a profound connection with the cosmos’s omnipresent energies.

Practitioners of Ritual Tantra engage with mantras – sacred utterances that resonate with cosmic frequencies – and yantras, intricate geometric diagrams that serve as physical manifestations of divine energies. These tools are not mere symbols but vibrant portals to the spiritual world.

Each ritual in Tantra is performed with a deep sense of reverence and purpose, aimed at invoking specific deities or cosmic forces, depending on the practitioner’s spiritual needs and aspirations. The goals can vary widely – from seeking spiritual enlightenment and inner peace to soliciting aid for worldly endeavors. This form of Tantra teaches us the power of intention and the importance of aligning our actions with cosmic will, reminding us that we are not isolated beings but integral parts of a grand, divine play.

The practice of Ritual Tantra is not just about achieving desired outcomes but also about the transformation it fosters within the practitioner. Through disciplined engagement with these sacred rites, individuals purify their body and mind, gradually removing the layers of ego and illusion that veil their true nature. This path is both an art and a science, offering a structured approach to exploring the infinite expanses of the soul and the universe.

Yoga Tantra: Cultivating Harmony and Insight through the Body

Yoga Tantra is an invitation to explore the sacred temple of our own body, understanding it as a finely tuned instrument of the divine. This practice integrates asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dhyana (meditation) to create a harmonious symphony of movements that cleanse and refine both body and mind. Each posture is more than a physical exercise; it is a gesture of respect towards the body and its subtle energies, and each breath is a reminder of the life force that animates us.

In Yoga Tantra, the body is both the means and the site of liberation. Through disciplined practice, the body becomes supple and disciplined, capable of channeling higher energies that awaken deeper layers of consciousness.

The breathing techniques enhance this process by regulating the flow of prana, the vital life energy, helping to calm the mind and sharpen the senses. Meditation deepens this journey, guiding the practitioner into states of profound silence and heightened awareness.

As the Yoga Tantra practitioner advances, they often experience a significant transformation that transcends the physical. The practice cultivates a deep inner peace and a radiant sense of health and vitality, but more importantly, it fosters a direct experiential insight into the nature of reality. This insight reveals the non-dual nature of existence, where the separation between self and other dissolves, and one’s divine essence shines forth.

Enjoying Sacred Rituals & Yoga

Both Ritual and Yoga Tantra are sacred paths that teach reverence for life and the interconnectedness of all things. They are journeys of transformation that not only prepare one for experiencing the divine but also transform everyday life into a living expression of that divine encounter.

As we walk these paths, we learn to see the sacred in everything and to live with a sense of greater purpose and connection. These practices remind us that every moment is an opportunity to live more fully, more consciously, and more joyously in the eternal now.

Bhakti Tantra: The Devotional Path to Divine Union

Bhakti Tantra is a heartfelt journey of devotion, where the practices of worship, prayer, chanting, and ritual become expressions of deep love and connection with the divine. In this sacred path, every action, every word, and every thought is an offering to the deity, turning mundane aspects of daily life into profound acts of devotion. The deities worshiped are not seen merely as external entities but as manifestations of the infinite divine presence that dwells within and all around us.

This path encourages an emotional and personal relationship with the divine, fostering a nurturing bond that can transform the heart and soul of the practitioner. Through regular engagement in puja (ritual worship), kirtan (devotional singing), and japa (mantra repetition), practitioners of Bhakti Tantra cultivate a sense of surrender and trust that dissolves the ego and reveals the underlying unity of all existence. The intensity of this devotion is not just about reverence; it’s about experiencing the divine as a lover, parent, friend, or guide – making the divine accessible and intimately present in one’s life.

The ultimate aim of Bhakti Tantra is to achieve a state of pure love and joy – known as Bhava – where the devotee becomes so absorbed in the divine that all sense of individual separation melts away. This ecstatic state is not only deeply fulfilling but also immensely liberating, as it frees the individual from the shackles of self-centered concerns and worldly attachments.

Gyana (Jnana) Tantra: The Path of Wisdom and Insight

Gyana Tantra, or Jnana Tantra, is the path of knowledge and wisdom that leads to direct insight into the nature of reality. In the tradition of Advaita Vedanta, this path involves rigorous intellectual discipline as well as deep meditation and contemplation. The practitioners of Gyana Tantra use their minds as tools to cut through the veils of illusion, employing philosophical inquiry and meditative insights to understand the non-dual nature of the self and the universe.

This path is characterized by the study of sacred texts, the practice of discernment (viveka), and the cultivation of detachment (vairagya). By analyzing and contemplating teachings about the nature of reality and the self, practitioners develop a clear understanding that the individual self (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman) are one and the same. This realization, known as self-realization or enlightenment, is not merely an intellectual understanding but an experiential awakening that transforms one’s entire being.

In Gyana Tantra, meditation deepens this knowledge by providing direct experiential insight that transcends words and concepts. Through meditative practices, the mind is quieted, and the practitioner can experience the truth of non-duality directly, leading to a profound peace and freedom known as moksha (liberation).

Embracing Sacred Devotion and Wisdom

Both Bhakti and Gyana Tantra are sacred paths that lead to the divine, though they engage the heart and mind in different ways.

Bhakti Tantra melts the heart in divine love, while Gyana Tantra sharpens the intellect to penetrate the mysteries of existence. Together, they offer a holistic approach to spiritual development, allowing individuals to explore and embrace the divine through both emotional devotion and intellectual insight, culminating in a profound realization of unity and universal love.

Kundalini Tantra: Awakening the Serpent Power

Kundalini Tantra is a profound and transformative path within the broader spectrum of Tantric practices, focused on awakening the kundalini energy – a primordial and potent force believed to reside dormant at the base of the spine. This energy is often visualized as a coiled serpent, waiting to be awakened and ascended through the energy centers or chakras of the body, reaching up to the crown chakra at the top of the head. The awakening of kundalini is not just a spiritual milestone; it is a deep cleansing and harmonizing of the entire being – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

The practice of Kundalini Tantra employs a dynamic blend of techniques including meditation, pranayama (breath control), mudras (symbolic gestures), and bandhas (body locks) to safely and effectively stimulate this dormant energy. The journey of awakening begins with purification – cleansing the Nadis (energy channels) and chakras to ensure a smooth ascent of the kundalini energy.

As this energy rises, it activates each chakra, unleashing an array of spiritual experiences and insights, and bringing about profound transformations within the practitioner.

This sacred ascent leads to the expansion of consciousness, deep spiritual insights, and the blissful experience of divine ecstasy. The ultimate goal of Kundalini Tantra is spiritual liberation – achieving a state of oneness with the universal consciousness, where individual limitations dissolve and one realizes their true, boundless nature.

Sexual Tantra: Sacred Union of Souls

Sexual Tantra, though widely misunderstood and sensationalized in the West, is a deeply sacred and disciplined part of Tantric practice. In this path, sexual activity is transformed from a mere physical interaction to a sacred ritual, a profound meditation that symbolizes and facilitates the union of the individual soul with the universal consciousness. The act of sex is elevated to a divine communion, a dance of energy where each gesture, each touch, and each breath is infused with spiritual intention.

In Sexual Tantra, partners engage with each other in a state of deep reverence and mutual respect, recognizing each other as manifestations of the divine. This practice involves a series of rituals, meditations, and breath exercises that help in cultivating energy, deepening intimacy, and elevating the act to a spiritual plane. The sexual union is seen as a powerful metaphor for the mystical union that all spiritual seekers strive towards – the merging of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy), which are fundamental aspects of the universe.

This path is not pursued casually but with serious commitment and often under the guidance of a knowledgeable teacher. The purpose is not mere physical gratification but spiritual awakening and healing. Through the sacred union, practitioners experience not only profound pleasure and emotional bonding but also a transcendence of the ego, a glimpse into the unity and boundless love that underpins all of creation.

Diving Into The Energy Within And Between

Kundalini Tantra and Sexual Tantra are both paths that harness the profound energies within us for spiritual elevation. Whether it is the solitary journey of awakening the serpent power within or the shared journey of connecting deeply with another soul, these practices offer routes to transcendence and enlightenment, grounded in deep respect and sacredness.

They remind us that our energies, whether expressed alone or shared, are gateways to experiencing the divine, leading us to greater self-awareness, harmony, and ultimate liberation.

Finally – Moving Beyond The Superficial New-Age Scene

As we conclude our exploration of Tantra within the rich tapestry of Advaita Vedanta and broader Indian spiritual traditions, it becomes clear how profoundly these ancient practices contrast with the often superficial appropriations found in the New Age movement. While New Age ideologies tend to emphasize ego-centric affirmations, material prosperity, and a somewhat distorted emphasis on sexuality, traditional Tantra offers a path deeply rooted in the dissolution of ego, profound spiritual awakening, and a disciplined exploration of both the self and the universe.

Tantra is not a quick fix to life’s challenges nor is it a path that caters solely to personal gratification or surface-level desires. Instead, it demands a courageous willingness to delve into the deeper aspects of existence, to confront and transcend one’s limitations, and to genuinely seek union with the divine. This union is not only with the external cosmos but also with the deepest, most authentic parts of oneself.

The journey through the various facets of Tantra – be it through the devotional practices of Bhakti, the wisdom-seeking paths of Gyana, the energy awakening of Kundalini, or the sacred union of Sexual Tantra – reveals a spectrum of spiritual practices that are holistic, transformative, and deeply reverential.

Each path in Tantra serves as a profound invitation to explore spirituality far beyond the confines of the individual ego, pushing the boundaries of our understanding and experience of consciousness.

As seekers, it is vital to approach Tantra with respect, patience, and openness, recognizing that these age-old teachings hold keys to not only personal liberation but also to the health and harmony of the broader world. The true spirit of Tantra encourages us to look beyond the allure of easy answers and to embrace the sometimes challenging yet immensely rewarding work of genuine spiritual growth.

In an era where the allure of quick spiritual fixes is tempting, it is crucial to remember that the path of Tantra is not about enhancing the ego or indulging in simple pleasures but about transcending them in favor of a deeper, more inclusive understanding of reality. Let us then step forward with both humility and eagerness, ready to embrace the profound wisdom of Tantra, to enrich our lives, and to elevate our spirits in the most sacred of journeys.

One of the ways you can engage the purest tantric practices is by diving deeply within the self and clearing the emotional debris and false projections through The Shankara Oracle.

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June 25, 2024July 1, 2024

Breaking The Chains: Freedom From Family, Spiritual Movements & Cults

Breaking The Chains Of Family, Spiritual Movements, And Cults

In the pursuit of spiritual growth, we often find ourselves at crossroads, facing choices that can either confine or liberate us. It is crucial to recognize how easily we can surrender our authentic voices – those unique emanations of our deepest selves – to the influence of others, including our families, spouses, and even the very spiritual movements we join in hopes of finding liberation.

This journey of self-realization and connection with the divine is sacred, yet fraught with the potential for losing ourselves to the ideologies and structures that promise enlightenment but often foster dependency and isolation.

“I AM, I WILL, I AM, I WILL – ACCORDING TO YOUR WILL. I WILL TO WILL YOUR WILL, EXPRESSING YOU AS ME, TO BE FREE WITH YOU FOR ALL TIME THROUGHOUT SPACETIME, IN TIME TO KNOW YOU ARE ME AND I AM YOU. I AM, I WILL, I AM, I WILL.”

~ Krishna Kalesh (Paul Wagner)

Herein lies a reminder of our inherent interconnection with the Divine, an affirmation that true spiritual practice is about the free will aligned with divine will, not about surrendering our autonomy to external authorities.

Imagine a realm where every seeker of enlightenment becomes a beacon of wisdom, not just for their own soul, but for the world at large. Spiritual journeys, often embarked upon in solitude, hold the potential to erupt into sensational movements of collective awakening when we dare to unlock the vault of personal enlightenment and share our riches with the world.

Too often, spiritual practices become walled gardens, serene yet isolated, where individuals cultivate profound insights yet shield them from the gaze of others.

This approach, while offering personal tranquility, subtly undermines the true essence of spiritual growth which is inherently explosive and communal. True spiritual enlightenment isn’t a quiet retreat into the self; it’s a vibrant, roaring fire that warms everyone in its presence.

Consider the transformative power of opening the gates of your spiritual fortress.

What if, instead of nurturing a serene yet solitary garden, you chose to ignite a wildfire of enlightenment? This isn’t about losing the sanctity of personal experiences but rather amplifying them to a symphony of shared transcendence that can revitalize weary souls and awaken dormant spirits.

This is why I share so much information for free on my websites – hundreds and hundreds of articles, prayers, rituals, and more – all for the benefit of humanity. While I sustain myself financially as an intuitive life and business coach, I LOVE sharing as much information as possible so that The Divine has doorways into every person’s heart.

Is Structure Good?

Structured spiritual practices sometimes risk turning profound wisdom into exclusive commodities, as seen in the guarded rituals of transcendental meditation (TM) or the secretive mantras of esoteric traditions.

This stands in stark contrast to the unbounded generosity of ancient teachings like the Pali Canon or Advaita Vedanta. These wisdom streams flow freely, offering their life-altering insights without demanding anything in return but the openness to receive and give further. They teach us that spiritual wisdom should not be a commercial transaction but a communal feast to which everyone is invited.

Now, picture yourself not just as a holder of spiritual knowledge, but as a catalyst for a global enlightenment epidemic. Your spiritual achievements, once private badges of honor, can transform into public instruments of connection and liberation. Embrace the role of a spiritual revolutionary, one who uses their insights as bridges rather than barriers, connecting realms of consciousness and fostering an awakening that ripples through communities, nations, and the very fabric of reality.

By sharing our spiritual discoveries, we don’t just spread knowledge, we seed revolutions of the soul – we give all Beings the opportunity to source what might free them.

Each act of sharing becomes a spark that can light up the path for countless others, multiplying the light and love within us and extending its reach to heal the world. This is the legacy of not just a spiritual leader but a spiritual liberator—one who not only finds peace within but spreads it like wildfire, inviting an entire civilization to dance in the flames of newfound freedom.

As you walk your spiritual path, remember that true liberation and fulfillment come not from hoarding sacred truths but from unleashing them into the world. Let your journey be not a silent trek through the shadows but a loud, joyous march into light.

Embrace this audacious path, and watch as your personal quest blossoms into a spectacular explosion of collective enlightenment, lighting up the universe and guiding us all toward a more awakened, interconnected existence.

Unmasking the Paradox of Paid, Secret Spiritual Wisdom

In a world where spiritual awakening is revered as the ultimate journey towards self-realization and unity with the cosmos, the practice of commodifying spiritual truths emerges as a profound contradiction. The notion that one must pay for enlightenment and then guard these purchased secrets zealously is a stark departure from the inherently liberating nature of true spiritual pursuit.

This model, exemplified by movements such as Transcendental Meditation (TM), raises crucial ethical and philosophical questions about the accessibility and freedom of spiritual wisdom.

Spiritual truths, by their very nature, are considered universal – eternal verities meant to liberate the soul and expand the consciousness of humanity. The idea of selling access to such wisdom runs counter to the foundational spiritual teachings across various traditions which emphasize detachment from materialism and ego.

The irony is palpable: engaging in commerce to attain a state that fundamentally opposes the very notion of material exchange.

Secrets Suck

The requirement to keep these teachings secret once purchased further entangles seekers in a web of exclusivity and elitism. This approach not only limits the spread of potentially transformative knowledge but also contradicts the concept of spiritual freedom.

Great spiritual leaders like Osho, Amma, Mother Meera, Anandamayi Ma, Ramana Maharshi, and Paramahansa Yogananda (not the mislead lineage of his underling who stole his book) have taught that true enlightenment is an uncontainable force – it flows freely, unbound by the fetters of secrecy and selectiveness. Osho advocated for a spirituality that was open and accessible, challenging the very hypocrisy of hoarding knowledge that could benefit all.

Transcendental Meditation folks say they are protecting the teachings from falling into the hands of people not qualified. Fuck that.

The roots of this issue lie deep in the intersection of spirituality and commercialism. When spiritual practices become products, they cease to be the selfless pursuit of higher truth and turn into yet another means of economic gain. This commodification not only distorts the essence of the spiritual journey but also makes it inaccessible to those who cannot afford to pay the price of enlightenment. This model fosters a spirituality of privilege, not a spirituality of equality and unity.

Ahh, The Lies

The hypocrisy of such practices cannot be overstated. There is a profound dissonance in movements that preach detachment from worldly desires and the dissolution of the ego, yet operate under principles that encourage both. Charging for secret, spiritual enlightenment, while advocating for a life beyond material attachments is inherently contradictory and undermines the credibility of such teachings. It’s okay to charge for a service, but to demand secrecy – well, that’s a whole other thing.

The path to true spiritual freedom must be paved with openness and inclusivity. Enlightenment should not be a gated community but a thriving metropolis of ideas and inspirations, accessible to all who seek it. Spiritual wisdom must transcend the transactional dynamics of the marketplace to retain its purity and transformative power.

In challenging these paradigms, we are not merely critiquing a single movement but questioning a broader cultural tendency to monopolize knowledge – spiritual or otherwise. It is a call to return to the essence of spirituality as a universal journey, free from the shackles of commerce and secrecy.

As seekers of truth, we must demand a spirituality that is free for all, not just for those who can afford it. This is not just about rejecting a flawed system but about affirming a vision of spiritual practice that celebrates freedom, unity, and unbounded sharing.

Let the rallying cry be clear: true spirituality is not for sale, and its truths should not be hoarded behind a firewall. Let us reclaim the spirit of enlightenment that flows freely, illuminating all paths with its indiscriminate brilliance.

I Miss My Friend

I deeply miss my friend who abused my trust and position in my life. His truth is veiled not just by the practices of Transcendental Meditation and the money he paid for that false privilege, but also by the shadows cast by his primary spousal relationship.

It’s heartbreaking to witness him retreat into these limiting confines, for I know the luminous spirit that resides within him – a spirit vibrant with potential and profound depth. He is so much more than the roles and rituals that have come to define his days.

Beneath his surface, there is a person of incredible insight and sensitivity, a soul capable of immense love and connection. It pains me to see such a brilliant light dimmed, as he loses himself in these externalities that do not truly reflect who he is at his core.

I hold onto the hope that one day he will step out from behind these barriers, rekindle his true essence, and allow his pure and profound nature to shine brightly once again.

May we all be unbound by the false restrictions, outdated ideologies, and external definitions we buy into so we may affirm our connection to the purest aspects in Creation. The Shankara Oracle can help to free you.

Enjoy The Shankara Oracle – The most enjoyable, intense, and illuminating tool to help you walk the path of Self-realization.

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June 25, 2024July 1, 2024

Dancing With The Divine Whispers Of Faith

In the sweet silence of the soul’s inner chambers, where the divine noise of the world fades into a hushed echo of pure love and light, faith offers its gentle whisper. It is not merely a belief but a profound knowing – a silent communication from the unseen Consciousness, echoing eternal truths within the unspoken language of the heart.

This ethereal whisper bridges the vast expanse between the tangible and the great mysteries that dance just beyond the grasp of human understanding.

Though, at times, we might see and feel the beauty emanating from all corners of The Universe throughout spacetime, it’s the silence that reminds us of how connected we are and how immersed we are in the bosom of The One Consciousness.

You are, after all, an embodiment of everything in all of Creation since the beginning of time and forever going forward.

Faith, in its most divine essence, is the invisible connector, the mystical matchmaker, that spans the chasm between the known and the unknowable. It offers a path where none seems to exist, a ray of light in the impenetrable darkness – and a whisper of warmth in the icey cold winds of uncertainty.

Through faith, the humble find strength to ascend to heights unimagined, and the mute find their voice to sing songs of liberation.

Faith On The Journey

The spiritual journey guided by faith is not a solitary trek across a barren landscape, but a dance – a dance at the still point of eternal wisdom, where the soul meets the divine in sublime union. It is here that the seeker finds the true rhythm of existence, the melody that composes the universe itself.

Rumi, the great Sufi mystic, once said, “The dance of our spirit is a sacred rhythm that longs to liberate the soul from the confines of the earthly cage.” This dance of the spirit is what faith invites each seeker to join – a dance where each step is a move closer to the divine, each turn a deeper introspection, and each leap a transcendence of the mundane.

Echoing these sentiments, the beloved spiritual leader Amma, also known as the Hugging Saint, teaches, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” This profound statement captures the essence of faith as a transformative force, one that molds the unseen into a visible testament of spiritual awakening.

Faith, my dear beloved, is not passive; it is an active, vibrant, and dynamic force that propels the seeker forward on the spiritual path.

Faith is both the journey and the destination, the question and the answer.

In the embrace of faith, the seeker does not walk but dances at the still point where divine wisdom flourishes and calls to itself the devout, the humble, and the pure.

Visualize this spiritual dance in every step you take in this world. Amid this dance, and with your heart open and vibrating to all Beings Everywhere, you will embody the purest faith and inspire others to seek the same.

Faith Enhances Our Lives & Relationships

In the quiet sanctuaries of our inner beings, where the soul whispers secrets to the heart, faith acts as a luminous bridge connecting the fragmented aspects of our existence with the wholeness of the divine. This bridge, built not of stone but of spirit, allows us to traverse the often turbulent waters of life with a sense of purpose and grace. Faith, in its most profound essence, enhances not only our personal experiences and relationships but also fortifies our sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

Enlightening Our Experiences

Each moment we live is colored by the perceptions we hold; faith transforms these perceptions, turning mundane experiences into moments of deep reflection and appreciation. It teaches us to see the divine in the ordinary, to recognize the spiritual undertones in the day-to-day. A sunrise becomes not just a symbol of another day but a daily resurrection of hope and a renewal of our spiritual vows. With faith, experiences are not merely endured – but embraced as part of a greater divine tapestry.

Deepening Our Relationships

Faith sews threads of unconditional love and understanding into the fabric of our relationships. It teaches us to view others not as separate entities but as reflections of the same divine light that illuminates our own soul. This perception fosters deep empathy and compassion, allowing us to forgive freely and love without boundaries. In the embrace of faith, relationships are strengthened because they are based not on the fleeting sands of desire but on the solid ground of spiritual unity.

Elevating Self-Worth and Self-Esteem

At the heart of many struggles with self-worth and self-esteem lies a feeling of disconnection – from ourselves, from others, and from the divine. Faith rekindles the awareness of our inherent worth as creations of the divine. It whispers to us that we are not mere accidents of nature but intentional expressions of the divine’s creativity. With this realization, self-esteem is no longer anchored in achievements or the approval of others but is rooted in the unshakable knowledge of our divine origin and nature.

The Dance of Faith

Just as Rumi spoke of the soul’s dance within the confines of the earthly cage, faith invites us to dance to the rhythm of divine love and wisdom. In this dance, we are never alone; faith is our partner, guiding our steps, supporting us when we falter, and celebrating with us in moments of triumph.

Through the dance of faith, we learn that our worth is not measured by worldly scales but by the depth of our spiritual journey.

More Love From Persia

Ancient Persian wisdom, particularly from the spiritual traditions such as Zoroastrianism, offers profound insights into the nature of faith.

These teachings can beautifully complement our understanding of how faith influences our lives.

The Dualistic Nature of Existence

In Zoroastrianism, the world is viewed as a battlefield between good and evil, where humans are central figures in this cosmic struggle. The concept of “asha” (truth and order) versus “druj” (falsehood and chaos) underscores the importance of choosing wisely with the guidance of faith. Faith, in this context, is not just a personal spiritual experience but a commitment to the universal battle against chaos. It inspires individuals to live righteously and maintain cosmic order.

The Role of Choice in Faith

The ancient Persian prophet Zoroaster emphasized the role of choice in spiritual matters. Faith is seen as a choice between good and evil, made evident through one’s actions and thoughts. This choice is fundamental to self-worth and self-esteem, as it empowers individuals to align themselves with the forces of good, thereby enhancing their divine essence and personal dignity.

Fire as a Symbol of Faith

Fire, a central element in Zoroastrian worship, symbolizes purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord). It represents faith burning away impurities and illuminating the path of truth and righteousness. Just as fire transforms whatever it touches, faith transforms the believer’s experiences and relationships, purifying intentions and forging a deeper connection with the divine.

Eternal Hope

Ancient Persian wisdom also teaches the importance of hope, which is closely linked to faith. In the face of life’s adversities and the oscillations of fortune, hope fortified by faith allows individuals to envision a better future and work steadfastly towards it. This perspective not only enhances personal resilience but also fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, uplifting one’s self-esteem.

These elements from ancient Persian wisdom reinforce the transformative power of faith – not only as a personal sanctuary but also as a dynamic force that encourages us to choose goodness, purify our intentions, and remain hopeful in the continuous journey of life. These teachings enrich our understanding of faith as a bridge to both personal and cosmic order.

Finally

Faith, therefore, is not a mere belief but a transformative power that molds our experiences, enriches our relationships, and reconstructs our self-perception. It is a sacred echo in the chambers of the human heart, calling each of us to rise, to love, and to realize the divine within. In the journey of faith, we find that the seeker does not just walk; they soar on wings of divine grace, viewing themselves and their lives through the lens of spiritual wisdom.

Enjoy The Shankara Oracle – the most intense, enjoyable, and illuminating tool to help you walk the path of Self-realization.

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June 25, 2024July 1, 2024

The 11 Things I Learned From A Crazy-Ass Witch

The 11 Things I Learned From A Crazy-Ass Witch

It began with an alluring innocence: healing intentions, magical thinking, sacred crystals, herbs and tinctures, farm-to-table meals, stories of the ancient mothers and healers, and chants to Mother Earth. But soon, the paint on the walls began to peel and the shimmer of the crystals began to darken. The illusion evaporated as quickly as it appeared.

I met Zoey at a crystal workshop run by a struggling Wiccan priestess who claimed to understand how rocks think. She wrote many books on colors, stones, and weeds, which were quite illuminating – for a time.

Let’s call this innovative free-thinker “Bliss Wtich.”

Amid the sparkling reflections of Bliss Witch’s giant amethysts was a selfish, narcissistic sex addict who impressed upon us that we should all be sharing everything all the time because we are all one.

Not quite as lovely a sentiment as it might appear, given the gaping black hole that was the soul of this misguided, mystical troll.

The Witch’s Workshop

The three-day workshop was held in the home of Bliss Witch and her castrated, manipulated, and brainwashed husband. The experience was harmless enough and quite magical at times – full of helpful information on how crystals can be healing and helpful along our journeys. We can even put them on our balls and in our sphincters and vaginas.

We held rocks, chanted spiritual show tunes, talked about colors, and did past-life regressions—and then we were told we should all have sex with each other because that’s what enlightened people do.

Yeah, let’s all have sex at a workshop run by a broken healer because that’s how to self-realize and be free of the pain and anguish of this life.

Gosh, tell me more!

Zoey, a vibrant and sexy 20-year-old indigo child, was quite impressionable, as was I. But, even though I was repressed and broken at the time, I was conscious enough to know that having sex with Zoey, who was in a committed relationship with Bliss Witch’s son Rufus, would have been harmful to her. So I declined the opportunity. (That doesn’t mean I wasn’t thrilled with the idea! Gosh, she was sexy.)

In the years that followed, Zoey hung onto her relationship with the witch’s spawn, Rufus – and is now divorced, broke, broken, and homeless. We’ll get back to Zoey and the wunderkind later.

I knew I had advanced spiritual clarity from an early age amid clairvoyant-styled gifts. I talked to spirits and animals in the woods when I was 5. I often knew what people were about to tell me. I always had a sixth sense and overwhelming empathy about everything and everyone. I denied these tendencies on and off throughout my life – until I hit my 50s, when shit seemed to get real.

Ooh, Tantra!

Soon into the workshop, Bliss Witch picked up on my intuitive and healing gifts – and asked me to be her tantric lover. 30 years my senior, she would train me for free. Gosh, how special did I feel?!

SUPER SPECIAL!

Somehow, and I’m not proud of it – learning tantra from a crazy, selfish rock collector felt like a good idea at the time.

Bliss Witch taught me tantra while we were hopped up on ecstasy (from the original batch) and inside the belly of a redwood tree in northern California. Luckily, the lesson was truncated before coitus – when 4 policemen arrived, fined us, and escorted us naked to our cars. Good times.

What this woman continues to sell is that boundaries are imaginary, trauma is easy to surpass, and the tree in your backyard will hug you and make your boo-boo better.

She’s fuckin’ nuts.

What this ideology did to her son was strip him of his manhood and his ability to know himself fully. What her son and his crazy mom-witch did to Zoey is indoctrinate her to the point of her losing her mind.

These things happen when new-age ideologies and spiritual technologies are used for selfish purposes. When the feminine is elevated to the point of the masculine being oppressed, denied, and ridiculed – NOTHING good can come of it.

The 11 Things I Learned From A Crazy-Ass Witch

It might not be obvious to you, but these things took me a long, long time to learn. Each aspect below was hard-won and took me many years to fully understand and forgive.

Here we go:

1 – It’s neither okay nor healing to have sex with everyone – or to act on every selfish impulse.

2 – Sex is not spiritual, it’s just taking a dump in a nicer room.

3 – Real intimacy happens without a word or touch, often with loyalty and commitment.

4 – Boundaries provide safety, clarity, and helpful roles and definitions.

5 – Every soul is the embodiment of feminine and masculine aspects.

6 – Every soul has been male, female, and other in prior lives.

7 – When our birth families groom us for political correctness, religiosity, silence, vulnerability, emotional suppression, and self-denial, they fear the truth of themselves and their reality – while also damaging us in ways that are not always obvious.

8 – New age ideologies are often built on pretty colors, ego, fear, and oppression, not wisdom, forgiveness, or the path to liberation.

9 – Many people leading today’s misguided Earth, Spirit, and Woowoo sects are not Native Americans or trained healers, they’re just narcissists misappropriating cultures who have nice logos.

10 – Learning from self-realized masters and being devotional to The Divine is the only surefire way to heal deeply, release all illusions, express all suppressed emotions, and reach liberation.

11 – A healthy quest for self-discovery begins with a commitment to authenticity, gratitude, and self-inquiry – while allowing and releasing emotions toward the birth of wisdom and freedom.

My Own Shit

It’s sad how much men and women project onto each other based on gender – and how it becomes such a pendulum of power – and a cyclical circus of oppression and abuse.

My mother and cherished sister converted to the man-hating, new-age religion when I was a teenager. They did this a few years after abandoning me, leaving me with my raging, bipolar father, who emotionally abused me to the point of a nervous breakdown. This all followed my oldest sister, a professional prostitute, often molesting me in the darkness of night when I was a little boy.

~ “Your anger is inappropriate,” they said.

~ “Given all we have been through, how could you possibly be angry with us – or anything?”

~ “After all, anger is a negative emotion not permitted in our catholic and new-age religions.”

Given their propensity to scapegoat me for their own limitations, brokenness, judgmentalism, and delusion, and their desire to groom me for vulnerability, I knew there was no way to heal fully – while also continuing to engage my birth family. Letting them go, albeit very late in life, was the most mature, healing, and illuminating thing I have done in this life.

Strangely, Bliss Witch eventually apologized for exploiting me and sexualizing our relationship. She didn’t apologize for being selfish and narcissistic, she apologized because she eventually came to realize how poorly and abusively my family had treated me. I appreciated that she could articulate this for me, especially since, at the time, I couldn’t see it.

She felt so embarrassed and was so paranoid, she had a friend of hers call me to say that she had died. She didn’t. As of this writing, the crazy cunt is still witching around, spreading the same bullshit, enrolling the same vulnerable souls for her benefit.

They Indoctinated And Then Broke Zoey

After healing myself through releasing suppressed emotions, projections, judgments, and identities over many years, I am now abundantly clear about who I am and what I experienced in my birth family. I am also highly perceptive (beyond my intuition) when it comes to others who have experienced similar things – many of whom I have the pleasure of coaching and teaching.

The witch, who claimed Zoey as her loving daughter, and Rufus, the ball-less “artist” son whom his spooky mother manipulated and sexualized through the years, eventually denied Zoey and left her penniless and living in a tent. Of course, they did this while running a campaign to raise money for her, appearing to be temporarily conscious. Clearly, it would be too much for them to articulate the abuse they rendered, apologize for it, and commit to her well-being.

Let’s face it – narcissists don’t do things like that – especially the ones hiding beyond pretty religions. Instead, they abandon and blame those who do not fall in line. They cannot permit the expressing and expunging of darkness, because every conversation and room must be filled with healing colors, warm thoughts, and feminine spirits. (Btw, this is the perfect recipe for NEVER healing ANYTHING.)

New-age lunatics can never take responsibility for their actions, exploitations, and judgments. Their sole mission is to suppress anger, elevate their misguided identities and religions, and profess to the world that God is a large, bleeding vagina.

Thank heavens that I exited the witch’s cult the day after our tantric sex incident. It would have been too much for me to have endured both a sick birth family and any sort of relationship with broken Zoey, dickless Rufus, and his twisted mom.

Here’s the thing:

Nobody is coming to save you.

Your anger and sadness are permissible – and should be owned, professed, allowed, and released accordingly – all to your soul’s full expression and healing throughout spacetime.

It’s not an aversion to truth when you relieve yourself of those who seek to oppress, deny, and harm you. In fact, it’s the most wonderful and healing thing you can do in this life.

Own your power, speak your truth, and move on when it suits you.

In the meantime, don’t fuck an old crazy witch. It’s nasty.

Get The Shankara Oracle and dramatically improve your perspective, relationships, authentic Self, and life.

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June 25, 2024January 8, 2024

How to Apply Oracle & Tarot Cards To Your Everyday Life

At first, many people start using tarot cards and oracle cards out of curiosity rather than pure utility. It can take time to learn how each deck works and if it fits your personality and life themes well. If you’re interested in diving deeper into your card reading practices, you might be wondering how you can take your readings to the next level by applying them to your daily life.

Oracle cards and tarot cards work differently for everyone, and each person has unique needs and desires for their outcomes when doing readings. It’s important to fully understand what each deck offers as a resource as well as its limitations.

Let’s talk about the difference between the two and how to apply your readings!

What’s the Difference Between Oracle Cards and Tarot Cards?

Not many people inexperienced with divination realize that oracle card decks and tarot card decks are two very different things. While tarot cards have been around for centuries — some say originating in the 1500s — oracle cards were a more recent invention that came about when tarot cards started to lose popularity. Now, both have found their revival in the Hippie and New Age Movements of the 1900s and are often used side-by-side in divination practice.

Tarot cards are much more structured and follow specific standard rules. They derive from the playing cards used as early as the 1300s that we still recognize today — the 52-card deck made of 4 suits and numbered cards that we play and gamble with. Tarot cards now have kept their structure but look different than playing cards. They have their own imagery originating in mythology and religious icons, and while they are still numbered and suited, the suits and numbers are quite different.

Oracle cards, on the other hand, are much more free-spirited. There are no real standards to the number of cards in the deck, suits, or imagery used. There are also no set rules across the board for how to interpret the cards. While any tarot card deck can be picked up and read effectively by anyone, each oracle card deck comes with its own guidebook that teaches you how to read it.

Choosing Tarot Cards, Oracle Cards, or Both

Some people involved in divination prefer one kind of deck over the other. Some choose to use both. Tarot cards have a very specific structure and standard rules, so they often help with much more detailed readings that users feel comfortable entrusting their goals with. Oracle cards can be much more interpretive, as users can soul search for the correct deck that fits their personalities and needs, and provide more big ideas and bird’s-eye-view readings than tarot cards.

For example, someone looking to have a very positive, good vibe experience with readings might choose an oracle deck that guides the user through more optimistic readings. On the other hand, someone looking for a straight-shooter-truth-type reading with detailed outlooks might choose a tarot card deck, which will not spare anyone from its strict interpretations.

The third alternative is to use oracle cards and tarot cards together! Many people involved in divination enjoy using oracle cards to start off reading because the cards chosen can set the tone and point out big ideas. Then, they’ll move on to the tarot cards to get more details.

At the end of the day, using oracle cards and tarot cards is a personal journey, so you should experiment with different decks and combinations to see what works best for you.

Everyday Use of Tarot Cards and Oracle Cards

Both for the sake of practicing reading the decks and of establishing a consistent, helpful practice, you should commit to using your decks every day. Try using your oracle cards, tarot cards, or a combination of the two during your daily ritual, whether that’s along with your meditations, prayers, yoga, or any other spiritual practices you have. It’s best to at least start off the day this way so that you can get in touch with yourself and cleanse your energy to take on the day ahead. You can also close out each day at night with a follow-up practice.

Set Your Intentions

Before you do anything, you’ll want to set your intentions. There are many different reasons why someone might feel they need to establish a daily routine of ritual and prayer, and these reasons can change over the course of one’s life. It’s possible that you are seeking healing, whether that’s emotional, psychological, or spiritual. Or maybe you have a very pressing, difficult situation in which years have been lost to frustration, stress, confusion, and even guilt. Maybe you have huge goals, whether that’s with our career, your faith, or your self-development.

No matter what your reasons are, you’ll need to make them known to your divination tools. Knock on your deck before each session to connect your energy with the cards. Keep your mental focus on your intentions as you shuffle the cards.

Decide On a Way to Read the Cards

Oracle cards have no set ways of reading, so it’s fully up to you how you use them. The guidebook that came with the deck might offer suggestions. The most popular way to read both oracle and tarot cards is to set them up into past, present, and future categories. If you are using oracle cards to set the tone for a tarot card reading, this is certainly helpful as the past, present, and future oracle cards can give you a large view of the categories while the tarot readings can give you more details into each.

Become Familiar With the Cards to Intuit Meaning

Readings are not simple. Building a relationship and connection with your decks is extremely important to interpreting what each card means as it comes up during your sessions. At first, it can be overwhelming to see all the imagery, symbols, and numbers. Over time, you’ll begin to understand each card on a deep level and more quickly understand what the deck is communicating.

At first, using the guidebook for oracle card decks can really help to get your footing, but it’s important to remember that these guides are from the author’s perspective. Ultimately, the cards will build a relationship with you and create their own meanings that specifically apply to your spiritual connection with them. That’s when you know it’s time to stop using the author’s guide as a crutch.

Applying Your Card’s Message to Your Day

If you are practicing full readings every day, then you will gain a wealth of knowledge and insight into yourself and your journey. Tarot cards and oracle cards can help you readjust the way you are handling a situation, work through emotions you’ve been struggling with, or even point out things that you hadn’t been paying attention to before.

For example, my unique card deck – The Personality Cards – comes with a guidebook that helps interpret different facets of the human personality. Each personality trait has its own card, and the user can pull cards and use the coinciding meditation in the guidebook to dive deep into themselves and evaluate how they have journeyed through life, how they can improve, and the possibilities for their future.

Some people even use oracle cards as affirmations for their day. They might pick a single card and use it as the main message to focus on, apply to themselves, and facilitate growth.

REMEMBER!

Tarot cards and oracle cards do not provide “answers” in the way we might believe or want them to. Instead, they are tools for meditation and guidance. Each card can help us see ourselves with clearer eyes, cleanse ourselves of pain we’ve been gripping onto for far too long, and help us heal and move on to bigger and better things.

Ultimately, using these divination tools can help us break out of our limited view of reality and see things for what they truly are and how expansive the Universe truly is. The cards do not make us better people — we make ourselves better people through the use of these incredible tools!

Meet Paul Wagner

Paul Wagner (Shri Krishna Kalesh) is an intuitive mystic, clairvoyant reader, and a loving life & business coach. He created “THE PERSONALITY CARDS,” a powerful Oracle-Tarot deck that’s helpful in life, love, and relationships.

He created The Shankara Oracle, a profound divination tool that includes 18 gemstones, a lavishly designed divination board, and over 300 penetrative oracle cards – all to help you heal to your core and illuminate your Being.

Paul studied with Lakota elders in the Pecos Wilderness, who nurtured his empathic abilities and taught him the sacred rituals. He has lived at ashrams with enlightened masters, including Amma, the Hugging Saint, for whom he’s delivered keynotes at Her worldwide events.

Paul tours the world lecturing on spiritual liberation. He lovingly offers intuitive readings, inspirational coaching, and illuminating courses to help others with self-discovery, decision-making, healing, and forgiveness. Book a session with Paul: HERE

About The Author:

June 4, 2024January 8, 2024

Mind vs Soul – What Are The Truly Spiritual Modalities?

Mind vs Soul – What Are The Truly Spiritual Modalities?

Trauma and pain can happen on so many levels. At the most basic, superficial level, our physical bodies can experience pain and trauma that requires physical healing from medical doctors and holistic practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine. When you dive a bit deeper, you might experience pain and trauma mentally and emotionally. You might go to see a therapist or psychologist to work through the pain or try natural calming remedies like breathing techniques and essential oils as you recover. Truly spiritual modalities, however, can heal on the levels that build the foundation for the rest of our wellbeing: our energy and soul.

There is much debate about which modalities are truly effective for spiritual healing. There is no standard or set schools for shamans and healers – instead, they follow their own paths and hone their own unique skills. When it comes down to it, only you can determine which techniques work best for you on your healing journey. I’m only here to guide you by offering spiritual modalities that can support full healing.

What is a Mind Modality?

The phrase “mind over matter” is truly more than just a phrase – it’s reality. The powers of the mind are still way beyond what scientists have yet discovered, and we may never be able to put into words or prove through academic research just how much it can do. Bill Mckenna, the founder of the Cognomovement, is a shaman who regularly talks about how the mind is so powerful that it can literally manifest anything we want into reality.

He explains that our chakras and mind are interconnected, and by practicing our skills of releasing attachments, we can better gain control of our energy flows. Further, by controlling our energy better, we can manifest physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. His techniques mainly rely on detaching ourselves from negative thoughts through tactile and visualization practices.

Mckenna focuses mainly on helping his clients discover what their fears are so that they can release them. By letting go of fear, we can clear our energy fields and make way for true health.

Overall, mind modalities focus on using the mind for overall healing by mentally gaining control of our energy flows.

Mind-Body Modalities

Many healing modalities that focus on the mind do so to heal the body. Even in Western medicine, many previously spiritual modalities are recommended in an effort to help heal the physical body. Practices like yoga, tai chi, and meditation are now used in less spiritual ways, washed of their true purposes as founded in Eastern practices. These superficial practices still, of course, help to calm the mind and do great things for the body – using stretching, breathing, and guided movements is certainly healthy and great for daily wellbeing. Regardless, when used in this way, these modalities are not truly spiritual because they do not penetrate deeper into our energy and soul.

What Are Soul Modalities?

Soul healing can be much more difficult to grasp than mind modalities because the concept of the soul is under dispute. Across schools of thought, the term “soul” can mean so many different things. For the sake of our topic, the soul is both within us and one with the Divine. By getting in touch with our souls, we get in touch with the Universe and with all living beings within it. Our souls hold our destinies. Trauma and barriers that exist on the level of the soul can be the most damaging and the most difficult to address.

Most people find it extremely difficult to remove all the other layers of their existence – their minds, bodies, emotions, etc. – in order to reach their souls. It can take years, even lifetimes, of a spiritual journey to fully get in touch with the soul. When we align every part of ourselves and our lives with our souls, we will experience true peace and raise our vibrations.

Because healing the soul is happening on the deepest levels of ourselves, the modalities can be much more challenging. They can take similar forms to other kinds of modalities, but they address the soul-level traumas and disturbances we are struggling with.

Energy is the Basis of All Truly Spiritual Modalities

Everything in the Universe is energy. Even physical objects are built at the smallest units on the energy and vibrations that stabilize our Universe. The atoms and molecules that create everything we see depend on energy. It’s no surprise, then, that our healing modalities must operate with this energy, working with it and opening up its flow so that any blockages and disturbances can melt away and we can realign ourselves with perfect existence.

A perfect example of this is Feng Shui, which is the ancient Chinese art of aligning the energy in ourselves with the energy of the Universe. Instead of placing ourselves and our objects in the environment in any way that we desire, we listen to the natural energy of nature of our Universe and arrange ourselves to fit into this natural flow.

To know if a method you are using for self-healing is a truly spiritual modality, assess whether it is helping you to ensure your energy is becoming realigned with the energy of the Universe on even the deepest levels so that you can access your higher self and enter full recovery.

Truly Spiritual Modalities to Try for Self-Healing

If you are interested in fully healing yourself from the inside out, you’ll need to commit to reaching deep into yourself to access your true self, the Divine, your soul. Many mind and body modalities can help bring you into the right place – you might have too many other traumas, pain, and disturbances affecting your body, mind, and emotions to start truly getting in touch with your soul.

Maybe you’ll need to relax your mind and body through your yoga practice before you can settle into a deep meditation, for example. Or maybe you’ve got a blocked energy flow that a practicioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Reiki can assist you in unblocking. Ultimately, though, you’ll need to end up using methods that align your soul’s energy with the Universe.

Truly spiritual modalities include things like deep prayer, sutras, and mantras. Prayers, such as the deeply beautiful Hindu prayers in the language of Sanskrit, literally bring you onto the wavelengths of the vibrations of the Universe. There are many mantras you can add to your practice that will help your soul heal, and you can pull already-existing ones or create your own for a fully personalized experience. Reading sutras can also guide us on our journey by helping us get in touch with ourselves and helping to make changes in our ways.

REMEMBER!

You are a beautiful Living Being filled with light and love, born from stardust. You are unlimited potential in every direction. With a focus on discipline, virtue, and your own goodness, you can become as expanded and liberated as you desire.

Pray for others and the Universe prays for us.

LOTS OF BLESSINGS TO YOU!

There is no “Other.” There is only you experiencing yourself.

Meet Paul Wagner

About The Author:

May 8, 2024January 8, 2024

The Difference Between Oracle Cards and Tarot Cards

Image of tarot cards in circle - Paul Wagner

Photo from Shutterstock: tarot cards and oracle cards

The Difference Between Oracle Cards and Tarot Cards

Divination, or the use of tools in the occult arts to connect with otherworldly knowledge, is most popularly identified in the use of oracle cards and tarot cards. If you were to glance over at a table where someone is offering a reading to another with the use of a card deck, it might be very difficult for you to tell the difference between oracle and tarot cards.

While it’s true that both types of cards are used very similarly on the surface, there are actually fundamental differences to each that play a huge role in how they can affect a reading and whether your situation would call for their use.

If you are seeking guidance from a psychic that uses divination, you’ll want to know exactly what the difference is between oracle cards and tarot cards before you make a decision about your reading. Let’s dive in!

The History of Using Cards for Divination

The use of card decks to glean insights beyond the immediate reach of knowledge is not a new practice at all. In fact, it is one of the oldest forms of divination that we know about in the history of psychic practices. Tarot cards, in fact, are so old that they originate from playing cards used as early as the 1300s.

In their earliest forms, they even still kept much of the structure and imagery that we identify today as playing cards, such as with the 4 sections (clubs, spades, diamonds, and hearts).

Oh and if you love deep, healing, and predictive, you’ll LOVE The Shankara Oracle.

But how did the use of these cards transition from gambling and play to fortune-telling? Humans have this incredible talent for recognizing patterns and getting in touch with our “gut” feelings. Attaching luck and superstition to the order and times in which certain cards turned up during play was not such a huge leap! Suddenly, people were pulling purpose and meaning from each card in the deck, and the original tarot card deck was born.

Over time, people began mixing the original playing cards with mythological and religious imagery, such as from the Catholic Church and Roman legends. In the 1900s, tarot cards became popularized again by the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, setting the stage and much of the standardized imagery and meanings that are still used today across the board in tarot cards. While the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is the standard, it didn’t stop various movements throughout the 90s, especially the Hippie movement and the New Age movement, from putting new spins on the tarot deck with different imagery and interpretations.

It wasn’t until after the tarot card deck had been the standard for hundreds of years that oracle cards came about. While oracle cards are a much younger form of divination, that doesn’t make them less powerful or helpful – just different!

The Structure of Tarot Cards vs. Oracle Cards

One of the biggest differences between tarot cards and oracle cards is that tarot cards have a set structure, or are at least much more standardized than oracle cards. Most decks consist of 78 cards. There are also decks you can get, though less popular, that have less. The 78 cards are broken down into 22 Major and 56 Minor Acana cards. Much like their origin – the playing card deck – tarot decks break down their Minor Acana cards into four suits and even keeps them numbered: Swords, Wands, Pentacles, and Cups. The meanings and imagery of each card also has stayed largely unchanged and standard across decks, meaning that someone practiced in reading tarot card decks can typically pick up any deck and read it well.

Even the use of tarot cards has a standard structure. Most often, tarot card readers will use the Celtic Cross practice, which is the set way one turns over and sets down the cards they draw in the sign of a cross on the table. This means that the reader does not only rely on the specific card they pull for meaning, but also on where the card is placed within the cross.

On the other hand, oracle cards have almost no structure, standard, set meaning, or even widely-accepted use. They also typically come in smaller decks and cover a wide range of themes. Anyone anywhere can create their own oracle cards, and it is often more of a personal spiritual journey to create or find oracle cards that speak to your own needs than picking up a tarot deck. While you can find a range of styles and themes for both, tarot cards will keep the same meanings for each set card, and oracle cards will have meanings and structures unique to that set.

For example, oracle cards can come in decks of any number with any structure. They may or may not use sections, suits, and numbers. More often, they’re a deck of cards with unique imagery on each card where the creator has decided how that specific deck should be interpreted. There is also no set way to pull the cards from the deck and read them!

The loose standards for the creation and use of these cards derive from their more recent origins in the free-flowing, individual-centric feelings of the modern ages. In fact, they came into play as tarot cards went out of style for a while before the 1900s and were made popular by a French fortune-teller, “Lenormand.” Like tarot cards, oracle cards can thank the Hippie and New Age movements for increasing popularity and continued use by diviners everywhere.

The Difference in Meanings Between Tarot and Oracle Cards

There is no easy way to explain for sure how oracle cards and tarot cards differ in meaning other than the fact that tarot card readers study a very specific set of interpretations and methods while oracle card users are not stuck in a system. Even if the themes of the tarot card decks you pick up are different — such as if you own a deck themed with nature and a deck themed with pop culture characters — you’ll ultimately be following the same structure and interpretation guidelines. If you choose to use oracle cards, you’ll follow the theme of the deck you’ve chosen and not any other exterior set of rules. You’ll typically receive a guidebook that helps you interpret that specific deck or oracle cards.

When it comes to interpretation, tarot cards can also be much more serious. They address all aspects of life as well as past, present, and future, and they will reveal all kinds of things whether they are negative, neutral, or positive. Oracle cards, on the other hand, tend to lean more toward positive and uplifting interpretations.

Oracle cards will also focus much more on “big picture” concepts than tarot cards. Tarot cards are much more intensive, with more cards and set interpretations, meaning that they can be used to get very specific and detailed readings. Oracle cards, on the other hand, are much more about capturing themes, feelings, and larger ideas that can guide the user towards a more general interpretation.

Should I Use Oracle Cards or Tarot Cards?

Which type of card deck — tarot or oracle — you choose will entirely depend on your goals. If you are looking for loose guidance that helps with self-growth and stays more positive, you might enjoy oracle cards much more. They’ll also take much less practice, time, and brain-power to learn and interpret. They’re great for beginners! Tarot cards will take time to learn and practice, and you’re much better off going to someone who understands them well for a reading. You’ll also want to make sure you’re open to hearing a much more in-depth and well-rounded reading from the cards.

There’s also no shame in using both! Many people choose to use oracle cards to open a session before diving into a more detailed reading with tarot cards. Oracle cards can help set the stage and provide a loose understanding of what the reading will be about, and then tarot cards can help further interpret.

What you choose to use for guidance on your journey is entirely up to you. I’ve even created my own deck, called The Personality Cards, which you can check out here!

REMEMBER!

Pray for others and the Universe prays for us.

LOTS OF BLESSINGS TO YOU!

There is no “Other.” There is only you experiencing yourself.

Meet Paul Wagner

About The Author:

December 25, 2023March 26, 2024

The Connect And Let Go Process

The Connect & Let Go Process

By Shri Krishna Kalesh

Overview

I developed this process by first creating The Personality Cards, my first oracle deck. The idea here is to focus on the challenging imagery that often reemerges so that the emotions arise just enough to be released. Connect with the imagery and emotions, then let them go.

Additionally, focusing on personality attributes that have caused you trouble in the past can help you connect with the emotions that may have inspired them, so you can also release those as well. Connect with the attributes and related emotions, then let them go.

Overall Process

In all things, we must welcome our feelings and emotions. Never judging them, we fully embrace them, and we lovingly nudge them to rise up. Then we can either lovingly dissolve, coddle, release, or watch them gently exit our systems.

We do the same with others who are exhibiting feelings and emotions. We do not judge them for how these things emerge for them.

We do not blame the person who is upset for being too angry, sad, depressed, brash, or anything other exaggerated emotion.

We do not judge cursing or harsh language.

While we, of course, should not allow physical violence and protect ourselves at all costs, we encourage and seek only the person’s acknowledgment of their pain, their healing, their path to letting go, and the journey toward forgiveness.

To Start

Begin the process by first acknowledging if any image comes to mind that you can welcome into your sphere. In doing so, can you feel the motions related to it?

Can you focus so intently on it that it inspires an emotion to rise to the surface?

Can you process this emotion by either crying or feeling the intensity of it for some time?

Self-Inquiry Process

For all of these questions, you can either sit with your Self and process these within your mind and heart, or you can add journaling to help you connect and let go.

Be vulnerable with your Self in this moment.

Open your heart to awaken your own healing.

The Divine

Ask God or Deity or Guru to be with you.

Open your heart to The Divine.

Allow your Self to be a child, truly open and pure.

Tell The Divine your problems as if She is your best friend.

Describe what bothers you most.

Describe what brings you pain.

Ask God to be with you, love you, hold you, and bless you.

Express Your Emotions

How does this make you feel?

Now that you are open and feeling loved, explore the images that come to mind.

Can you find the tears?

If not, can you breathe for a while to see what emerges?

Can you tell your Self: I love you, I am with you, God loves you, you are doing a wonderful job.

Forgiveness

Is there someone you can forgive?

Is it you or someone else?

Can you empathize with the other person?

Can you empathize with your Self and who you used to be?

Can you feel the other person’s pain?

Can you feel the pain of the former You?

Can you forgive them now?

Appreciation

Can you love and appreciate yourself for working on your Self?

What do you need to appreciate at this time?

Can you let your tears flow?

Can you let forgiveness flow?

Can you allow the troubling imagery to exist and then dissolve?

Can you let your grudges, grievances, and projections go?

Can you let it all go?

Can you forgive everything?

Learning

What did you let go of today?

Describe what shifted

Describe how you feel now

Describe what is different

How will you go forward?

Healing After Letting Go

Om 3 times into your hands.

Rub your whole body 3 times with your holy hands.

If you’d like, imagine your deity’s or guru’s face in the palm of your hands as you do this.

Pray for everyone involved.

Chant your mantra for some time.

Tell The Divine how much you love her.

Tell your Self how much you love her.

Recite something like: I am loving, peaceful, and happy, ready for a new day!

If you find this process helpful, you might also check out The Shankara Oracle. You might also love The Sedona Method, created by Lester Levensen. It can be quite healing and helpful.