ASCENSION FROM RELIGION

ASCENSION FROM RELIGION

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a small green plant sprouts from a branch

ASCENSION FROM RELIGION

Ascension, or spiritual enlightenment is generally described as a state of spiritual awakening, a deep understanding of reality, or reaching a profound inner peace. It can come by way of many paths, but essentially it is a transformative process that happens in the individual upon self-realisations to a wider reality that includes their own self in context within their newly found deeper understanding.

Shared Concepts

Ascension is enlightenment, which means to be illuminated from within. As mentioned before, religion can be one of these pathways to achieving enlightenment or to be ascended. Many people of a religious belief system will have come across the concepts of ultimate intelligence, good vs evil, dark and light, the soul and unconditional love, so will be receptive to experiences and ideas that they can understand from their religious beliefs perspective.

Buddhism:

Enlightenment (known as Bodhi or Nirvana) is central to the faith. It is the liberation from suffering (dukkha) and the cycle of rebirth (samsara), achieved by following the Eightfold Path and cultivating wisdom, compassion, and inner peace. Buddhism does not believe in a one supreme god, much rather it sees the divine intelligence in all things. As a result, you can become a Bodhisattva.

Hinduism:

Enlightenment (known as Moksha) is described as liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and union with Brahman, the ultimate reality or supreme universal soul. The path involves various practices like yoga, meditation, devotion, study of scripture, and service to others. Yes, and it is encouraged that you find the path to Moksha and become free. Also, another shared concept but different name is the knowledge and belief in reincarnation, which in the Christian faith is called the resurrection.

Christianity:

The term “enlightenment” is not as commonly used as in Eastern traditions, but related concepts exist, such as salvation, union with God, or “Christ consciousness”. Early Christian mystics like St. Teresa of Ávila described a deep, personal experience of the divine presence and an inner transformation achieved through prayer and contemplation. It is also about finding the Christed light within.

Islam:

In Sufi mysticism, a path to spiritual enlightenment (Tawheed or “Oneness”) is sought through practices like dhikr (remembrance of God) and meditation, aiming for an experiential closeness to Allah.

Sikhism:

Enlightenment (Mukti) is seen as the union of the individual soul with the ultimate reality (God), attained by following the teachings of the Gurus, selfless service, and meditation. 

Atheism:

The belief that there is no supreme being or god is ultimately just another religion too, excellent it is the belief that there is no “god” and that life is just a process of creation.

Diverse Perspectives 

Many religions offer various paths toward a deeper spiritual understanding, though interpretations of the relationship between religion and enlightenment do vary: 

Complementary Views:

Many believers see their faith as a valid and complete path to enlightenment or a similar ultimate spiritual goal, arguing that core spiritual truths are universal across traditions.

Hierarchical Views:

Some perspectives within specific religions (e.g., traditional Buddhism) may hold that other faiths can serve as “stepping stones” but may not provide the complete understanding necessary for full, final liberation from the cycle of existence. Which ironically is judgement.

Secular Views:

The historical Age of Enlightenment in Europe emphasized reason and scientific inquiry, often in opposition to religious dogma and ecclesiastical authority, leading some modern thinkers to view religion and enlightenment as fundamentally separate, or even contradictory.

See the Gnostics as an example.

Personal Journey:

Ultimately, each person’s journey is a unique and personal one, involving self-discovery and a willingness to transcend the ego and remove those unwanted worldly attachments, regardless of the specific framework that is used to do it. Releasing old ways to bring in new ways.

As a divine intelligence is there, then it will be expressed and received and understood in our own subjective unique different ways, by many people at their many different levels of understanding and consciousness.

Each of those understandings will be unique to the individual and their journey. It is not up to others to determine whether that person’s experience of the divine, and thus becoming enlightened, is any less valid than anyone else’s own personal experiences of the divine. We are each on our own paths of discovery.

💖🙏🌟

ASCENSION FROM OBSERVATION

ASCENSION FROM OBSERVATION

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a small green plant sprouts from a branch

ASCENSION FROM OBSERVATION

Observing nature offers a path to ascension, enlightenment, or a spiritual awakening by growing a deep sense of interconnectedness, humility, mindfulness, and wonder.

This practice of focussed observation in general allows you to gain profound insights into the deeper truths of nature, deeper truths about yourself and the universe as Source, by connecting with a reality that is more expanded and is much larger than our own individual concerns. 

Core Principles and Practices 

Mindfulness and Presence:

Engaging all five senses to observe the natural world (sights, sounds, smells, textures) helps anchor the mind in the present moment, away from daily distractions and anxieties. This is a key component of many meditative practices and helps in cultivating inner peace. Observing a simple thing like an ant, a flower, a bee, the ripples on water, reeds swaying, watching a cloud’s shadow drift across a hillside or field.

Interconnectedness:

Observing ecosystems and natural cycles demonstrates that all living beings are part of a vast, intricate web of existence. Recognizing this inherent relationship can lead to a sense of belonging, a reduction in self-centeredness, and a deepened sense of responsibility toward environmental stewardship. The appreciation of the temporary, yet eternal, nature of life and the wealth and abundance of awareness you behold from seeing unfold into being.

Humility and Awe:

The vastness of mountains, the power of natural forces, and the complexity of a single insect wing can evoke feelings of awe and humility, reminding us of our small place within the cosmos. This perspective helps in letting go of the need for control and accepting things as they are. The universe is in divine unfolding flow of energy before you, it is also the unfolding of your awareness of it and its abundance.

Nature as Teacher:

Many of the spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and indigenous cultures, view nature as a primary source of wisdom and a guide for living harmoniously. The changing seasons and life cycles serve as reminders of the universal principles of change and regeneration. The secret geometry that eternally repeats its light-codes, and the perpetual cycles we are within and are also a part of.

Clarity and Insight:

Spending time in nature, away from urban settings, can lead to moments of clarity, inspiration, and creativity. This mental space allows for introspection and reflection on one’s purpose and values, leading to a deeper understanding of one’s spiritual path. Being within the natural elements and frequencies can bring you universal source knowledge without man-made constructs or polluted airwaves, allowing the mind to interpret within nature’s own filters.  Walking in a forest or in nature allows you to see sights you wouldn’t in a car at speed. Taking time to be in nature also recharges and regenerates the spirit, mind & body.

Practical Methods 

Mindful Walking:

Paying intentional attention to each step, the feeling of the ground, and the surrounding environment. Thinking about your ideas and issues and being within your mind as you walk and observe your environment around you. Visiting new places and seeing new patterns of light.

“Sitting-Spot” Practice:

Sitting in a single natural spot for an extended period, observing the subtle changes and details over time, which can become a grounding and calming practice. Like meditating by a river, or on a tree stump that has a pleasant view or finding a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. Perhaps establishing a place that you can go to get peace and that you can visit regularly. Or a favourite space in your garden or park.

Sensory Immersion:

Actively using sight, sound, touch, and smell to experience natural elements, such as listening to birds or feeling the texture of a leaf, without judgment or immediate analysis. Just finding things in nature along your walks, beach combing for sea glass, picking up acorns or berries, seeds, interesting sticks or stones etc.

Journaling/Drawing:

Writing down observations and reflections after time spent outdoors to solidify the experiences and promote ongoing appreciation. Or doing some art like sketching and illustrating or painting outside in nature of the things you see. Compositions, light and shade, colours, contrasts and all the wonderful variety of form.

Seeing the Invisible

Not only does observation help you to see what is unfolding and presented to your senses, but in that too, is what is observed as being missing or absent. And by that awareness of something now being observable or present, can deduce more from your observation that is seeing what is not seen. Which again informs us.

Through these lovely practices, observing nature can lead you to a transformative awakening, attaining a deeper connection not only with the world and wider universe, but also with one’s authentic and higher self and Source.

 💖🙏🌟

ASCENSION FROM SPIRITUALITY

ASCENSION FROM SPIRITUALITY

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a small green plant sprouts from a branch

ASCENSION FROM ASCENSION

Ascension, or enlightenment, or spiritual awakening, is a transformative process leading to a profound understanding of one’s true nature and the interconnectedness of reality. It is the self-realisation at an already present state, rather than you achieving a new one.

Spiritual practices are the primary tools for creating the necessary conditions for this self-realisation, although these practices are only preparatory and not the direct cause of enlightenment itself. They can prepare the way, but you will have to make the connection to Source yourself.

Main Spiritual Practices 

Spiritual practices serve to quieten the mind, reduce your ego attachments, and open one to a much deeper and expanded awareness. 

Meditation & Mindfulness

By focusing on the breath, or a mantra, or simply just being present with your awareness to quiet your mental noise. To become the attractor of Source frequencies.

Self-Awareness & Reflection

Engaging in introspection, journaling, or self-inquiry to understand one’s thoughts, emotions, and underlying beliefs. To be able to see the weather or climate of thoughts passing through and evaluate their importance or not. To see things like, if thoughts are past tense or future tense, the strength of feelings for things, looking at your triggers and what causes strong responses. All to be viewed as the more expanded observer of self.

Cultivating Compassion

Practicing empathy, love, forgiveness, and acts of kindness towards oneself and others. To realise that holding anger or bitterness for others or self is also self-destructive. To realise that you hold the power to forgive others and they hold no powers to forgive you, so you don’t wait for their choices and instead realise it’s you holding the power to release unwanted thoughts, feelings and emotions. You have the power to forgive them and let them go, they then no longer have hold over you. To be compassionate about yourself in the process of change as well as for others.

Physical/Sacred Practices

Practices like yoga postures (hatha yoga), chanting, prayer, or specific rituals, forest bathing, swimming in live water, finding your joy, sound baths, tantra, tai chi, chi gong and many more practices can help bring on a spiritual epiphany.

Letting Go

Consciously releasing the ego (the “false self”), material attachments, judgments, and opinions. Learning to detach from what no longer serves you, forgiveness, cleansing ceremonies, tears, sounding out, using flame or waters to release old energies. Removing the false personality construct masks to reveal the authentic self.

The Role of Guidance and Integration 

Spiritual Teachers:

Finding a mentor or guide can offer you invaluable insights, help navigate challenges (like the “dark night of the soul”), and provide support, though the inner work that must be, and can only be done, by the individual.

Integration:

True spiritual growth involves applying these insights into everyday life, embodying principles such as mindfulness, gratitude, and presence in all activities. Integrating both your light and dark and folding them into the neutral to gain the 3rd power.

Different Perspectives 

Process vs. Event:

Many traditions view enlightenment as a gradual, lifelong journey of growth. Others describe it as a sudden, total realization that happens all at once, which the mind/body then adjusts to over time. The answer as you will find in spirituality is not one or the other but invariably tends to be both at the same time. You can become enlightened or ascended as a gradual process, or you can suddenly have an awakening into enlightenment and ascend rapidly. Both are possible.

Effort vs. Grace:

While most will agree on the necessity of disciplined practice (sadhana), some enlightened individuals will explain that their practices were preparatory, and the final awakening happened spontaneously or through “grace”.

To be just doing spiritual practice is not enough, because it is the application of the mind that make the connection to source, not the practice alone but the application of one’s consciousness actively engaged in the practices that makes the final connection/self-realisation.

Ultimately, the spiritual path is deeply personal, and for seekers of enlightenment or ascension, I encourage you to explore different methods to find what works best for you. The ways and tools to achieve an ascended state of enlightenment are well known, it is no longer a hidden mystery.

💖🙏🌟

ASCENSION FROM SEX

ASCENSION FROM SEX

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a small green plant sprouts from a branch

ASCENSION FROM SEX

Some spiritual and esoteric traditions suggest that sex can lead to a state of “ascension” by acting as a powerful form of meditation that can lead to spiritual and mental transcendence.

This is typically achieved by shifting focus from purely physical pleasure to a deeper connection, which can result in altered states of consciousness, a sense of awe, deep bliss, and a feeling of unity. Proponents of these practices believe that by viewing the body as a temple and consciously channelling sexual energy, individuals can merge with the divine or achieve a higher state of consciousness. 

Practices and beliefs 

“Sacred Sexuality”

This practice emphasizes the body as a sacred vessel for connecting with the divine, not just for self-gratification.

Mindfulness and presence:

Focusing on the present moment and the act of making love can help move beyond physical sensations to a spiritual connection. Helps to bring the consciousness and one’s awareness to within the body, through the senses.

Energy channeling:

Some traditions believe that sexual energy can be intentionally directed throughout the body to achieve heightened states of ecstasy and awareness. The Chi life-force vitality, or Chakra flow of universal energies, the Prana are names for energy.

Releasing shame:

Releasing negative beliefs and shame surrounding the body and sexuality is seen as a crucial step to experience sex as a sacred and empowering act. As sex is heavily manipulated and used as a form of control over others, especially traditionally to control women.

The experience of transcendence 

Altered states of consciousness:

This can include experiences like feeling a deep sense of peace, cosmic awareness, out-of-body experiences, or profound realizations. Trauma and memories can be released; healings can take place through transcendental experiences.

Beyond the physical:

The experience is described as feeling a sense of bliss or awe that goes beyond the physical realm, leading to feelings of unity and deep relaxation. A sense of oneness and divine Union.

Spiritual awakening:

Some individuals report that these experiences lead to a greater sense of self-knowledge and a deeper spiritual connection. By releasing their limitations, pushing past their comfort zones and boundaries, learning and releasing inhibitions that were their old self-limiting mental programming scripts about themselves, to finding pleasure and connection.

Tantra

Some people believe it is possible to achieve spiritual ascension by consciously channelling and directing sexual energy. This idea is rooted in ancient traditions like Tantra and Taoism, which view sexual energy as a powerful, creative life force that, when harnessed, can be used for spiritual transformation rather than solely for physical pleasure or procreation. 

The specific practices used to achieve spiritual states through sex include: 

Sexual transmutation:

This is the practice of converting sexual energy into a higher spiritual fuel. Instead of releasing this energy through physical acts alone, practitioners channel it inward to promote greater mental clarity, emotional stability, and vitality. Your sexual energy can be exchanged with others or can be brought back into the bodies energy circulation if not exchanged or released.

Awakening kundalini:

Sexual energy is linked with kundalini, a coiled energy that lays dormant at the base of the spine. In this way, sexual practices can be used to awaken and move this life-force energy up through the chakras, or energy centres, to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Mindful and intentional sex:

For this practice, sex is not a quick or goal-oriented act but a slow, deliberate form of meditation. This involves focusing on the present moment, deep breathing, and the energetic connection between partners to create states of expanded consciousness.

Unifying yin and yang:

Taoist sexual practices focus on balancing the feminine (yin) and masculine (yang) energies to cultivate and preserve life force energy (chi).

These practices are seen as vital for health, longevity, and spiritual development and expansion.

Connecting with the divine:

Sacred sexuality involves seeing the body and sex as holy tools to connect with a divine or higher source. In a partnered practice, this can be experienced as a sacred union, creating profound intimacy and a sense of oneness with the universe.

Twin flame connection:

Some people believe that sex with a “twin flame,” a person representing their own soul in another body, is a sacred experience that merges the two people’s energies. This is believed to help both partners each ascend to higher states of consciousness. 

Ascension through sexual energy is not based on ordinary, unmindful sexual activity. Instead, it is a spiritual practice that requires conscious intention, self-awareness, and often guidance from a teacher can help introduce these various sexual exercises and their various concepts.

Sexual Energy

Sexual energy is the same energy as creation energy, the two are the same. Creation energy is sexual energy, the energy of creating new life, of creation itself, creating babies and intimacy and love, bonding and deeper connection. Sexual energy is the energy of life, it is your life-force energy, and that energy has created all that you see around you.

Your sexual energy is sacred; you are a divine being of love that has a unique energy signature. When we use our sexual energy that connects with another’s, we exchange our energies, so it is important to understand this is a sacred exchange. You should be mindful of the energies of others that you exchange and their motivations.

It is important to look after your body and mind so that you can experience healthy sexual energy exchanges that improve and sustain your health and life force vitality, which in turn provides a longer more fulfilling life.

💖🙏🌟

ASCENSION FROM DRUGS

ASCENSION FROM DRUGS

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a small green plant sprouts from a branch

ASCENSION FROM DRUGS

It is not for me to tell people which route is best for becoming enlightened or ascended. More often than not, life takes its own course and not necessarily in the desired direction we want. Many people use drugs, ancient native practices, use plant medicine like psychoactive mushrooms, toads, flowers etc and some turn to the synthetic drugs like LSD, or DMT or others. Trauma can also push people into taking drugs as a coping mechanism from the trauma.

With our ancestry and still with some native tribes, plant medicine and psychoactive “drugs” are an essential part of their culture and daily practices. With no harm to the individual but the opposite, a deeper understanding of the nature of reality on many metaphysical levels.

People may report experiencing states similar to “enlightenment” after taking certain drugs, particularly psychedelics, due to profound shifts in perception and consciousness, but most spiritual and some clinical perspectives emphasize that this experience is temporary and not equivalent to genuine, lasting enlightenment. 

How Drug Experiences Relate to “Enlightenment” 

Altered States of Consciousness: Psychedelic drugs (such as psilocybin or LSD) can induce non-ordinary states of consciousness that users might interpret as spiritual or enlightened. These experiences often involve a sense of ego dissolution (a loss of the normal sense of self) and a feeling of interconnectedness with nature, other people, or the cosmos.

Mystical Experiences:

Many individuals report a “mystical experience” characterized by a sense of unity, transcendence, and profound personal transformation. These experiences share similarities with those reported by experienced meditators, suggesting a potential common pathway in the brain.

Enhanced Introspection:

Drugs can facilitate deep introspection, allowing individuals to confront personal issues and traumas, and reassess pre-existing beliefs, which can be a catalyst for personal growth or a “spiritual awakening”. 

The Distinction Between Drug-Induced States and True Enlightenment 

Most spiritual traditions and teachers draw a sharp distinction between a drug-induced state and true, lasting enlightenment: 

Temporality vs. Permanence:

The effects of drugs are temporary, wearing off as the substance leaves the system. True enlightenment is generally described as a permanent state of heightened awareness, clarity, and inner stability that does not depend on any external substance.

Dependence vs. Inner Freedom:

The spiritual path emphasizes freedom from all dependencies, including drugs. Relying on a drug to achieve a certain mind state is seen by many programmed minds as contrary to the goal of self-realization, which is achieved through consistent practice like meditation and mindfulness. Yet these minds who state that it is counterproductive have not yet achieved a state of enlightenment themselves. This is a form of spiritual ignorance or brainwashing. Many of these so-called experts are fuelled on caffeine or have addictions to other things that may not be considered as drugs by their culture, but are an equivalent. So, I would say that native tribes may depend on drugs but it may not be from addiction. These are the most thoughtful and peaceful tribes on the planet, who know better than to listen to tinpot psychotherapists and modern psychology clap trap. By modern day criteria needing to drink water could be considered an addiction too. Selective bias. It is not for one to say over another what is and isn’t reality as reality is subjective.

Illusion vs. Reality:

Some perspectives argue that drug-induced visions are merely projections from the subconscious mind, not a direct perception of a higher reality. They can create an illusion of supreme knowledge but lack the fundamental transformation of one’s being. Just because someone is not seen as “transforming their being” it does not mean that there aren’t profound changes happening within them.

The outward appearance of someone is not necessarily a determiner of someone’s changes within. Yes, many people take drugs and do not become enlightened, as they are not seeking answers, instead seeking escape and fun. These types of people are more likely to become addicted to drugs for the feeling they produce and not the deeper truths to reality. It really depends on the nature of the individual and their motivations.

Those that treat drugs as a sacred practice with a view to opening up their gates of perception and seeking answers from the higher realms are the ones most likely to have a more longer lasting and perhaps permanent shift into a higher state of consciousness.

Integration is Key:

While a psychedelic experience might provide a glimpse of what’s possible, its value is lessened without actively integrating those insights into daily life and behaviour. 

In a therapeutic setting, psychedelics, when used with professional guidance and integrated afterward, are being explored for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD because they can induce powerful, positive shifts in perspective and well-being.

Also new research has shown that cannabis can grow new neural pathways and have other therapeutic qualities like relieving epilepsy. So, if these drugs were so bad then why do they have a beneficial effect for the individual? Nature provides compounds that are able to be consumed to help people.

However, recreational use without context or integration is often viewed as a “spiritual cul-de-sac” that can lead to addiction and other mental health problems. Often people do not know when to stop or be moderate, this can lead to addiction and suffering, not taking responsibility for one’s actions. As with anything in life, everything in moderation is key and too much of one thing can also lead to suffering or ignorance.

I’ve seen far too many friends and family take drugs, alcohol is a socially accepted drug, that cause immense suffering and their personal health being damaged. Drugs are able to alter the mind into different states of consciousness, but I would suggest you ask yourself why you are taking them. Is it for self-indulgence as recreational? If so, then you will not be on a spiritual quest and will not garner much other than escapism. If, however, you are of the other persuasion and are motivated to take drugs for the pursuit of deeper self-understanding and that of nature, then if respected and in moderation, drugs may provide a route for you to ascension as they will open up the higher states of consciousness for you.

I do not promote anyone taking drugs and think that it is down to the personal choice of the individual as to whether they take them or not. There are alternative ways to ascend without drugs, and many pathways to reach enlightenment and Ascension.

💖🙏🌟