Ryan Hazlett - From the Shiva Purana: "What are the different ways of acquiring magical powers?"
Laughing to herself, the goddess [Sri Parvati] asks her Lord: "What are the different ways of acquiring magical powers? Please tell me also about the correct use of drugs and austerities such as fasting. Tell me the effect of abstinence and celibacy. So many questions and their secret answers race through my thoughtful mind!"
Leaning over to caress her hair, and looking into her eyes, Lord Shiva says to his consort Parvati:
"Child, though thoughts are many, true answers are few! Though magical powers are part of Tantra, they are not an end in themselves. Known as Siddhi, magical powers have been the cause of endless disputes, jealousies, Karmas, and lifetimes. They have even caused Yogis to break their vows. For the sake of magical powers many have abandoned common sense and reason.
"Some forms of magical powers are naturally acquired at birth, from past lives, astrological influences, or parents or ancestors. Others are acquired by the practice of austerities, by skillfully withdrawing the senses from contact with the external world and transforming their mode of action.
Siddhis can also be achieved by living for prolonged periods in intensely focused meditative absorption, by the constant repetition of potent Mantras, and by the correct use of drugs. These five methods are the ways that Siddhis are obtained by mortals. A person who has control over magical powers is known as a Siddha. Many are the Siddhas who have passed beyond worldly limitations, becoming the embodiment of magical power.
"Drugs have the power to take one beyond the worldly dimension. Since ancient times many different drugs have been used in magical rites. However, drugs tend to be almost as unpredictable as people and, like sex, can either liberate or enslave.
Some say that sex is the greatest drug of all and that there is no intoxicant more powerful than the love of man for woman. Certainly it is true that drugs and sex have much in common. Both can lead to the attainment of magical powers and both have an inherent illusory nature, an ability to greatly alter one's perception of reality. In this sense, drugs and sex are both transcendental.
"There are many different kinds of drugs, with innumerable different actions. Transcendental drugs tend to exaggerate what lies just below the normal threshold of consciousness. They lift or expand consciousness, magnify awareness and can cause the Kundalini-energy to awaken and ascend. In this category are marijuana, charas, bhang, hashish, mescaline, peyote, magic mushrooms, morning glory, and other natural organic psycho-active substances.
However, if a person takes these drugs when in a negative state of mind or when emotionally unstable, the chances are that the negativity and instability will be greatly magnified. The drug experience then becomes unpleasant, even terrifying, and commonly results in feelings of paranoia.
On the other hand, if a person takes these natural drugs with a positive mental attitude and a certain amount of Yogic preparation, transcendental and ecstatic experiences result.
"There are also drugs that tend to contract or narrow the field of consciousness, block perception, and ultimately lead one to oblivion. These are not transcendental drugs and their use has never been endorsed by wise teachers. In this category are the opiates and many synthetic consciousness-altering substances. Such drugs produce a negative effect on both body and mind, regardless of one's mental state.
They tend to numb the emotions and cause disharmony within the Subtle Body. In addition, they attract negative influences and entities and create Karmic obstacles that are difficult to overcome.
"Naturally uplifting drugs have a very definite spiritual effect when correctly used as a sacrament. When taken under the guidance of a priest or Guru, they serve to initiate into the experience of transcendence by releasing the individual from self-created limitations. Transcendental drugs can provide a shortcut to Liberation by freeing both Self and ego, and at the same time introducing enhanced receptivity and mystic communion. These drugs should only be taken in the spirit of initiation and with a positive mental attitude. Those who remember to invoke the transcendental qualities of Shiva while taking such drugs need never fear.
"Drugs are entities in themselves. The spirit of marijuana, for example, is female. She is alluring, very seductive. In her presence time passes almost without one noticing. Her sweet fragrance intoxicates the senses and uplifts the mind. She is delighted by heroic men and sensual women. When a couple share marijuana, they are allowing her participation in their relationship. Accepting their invitation, the spirit of marijuana adds spontaneity and humor and also acts as a potent initiator. By bringing the couple into her dimension, the spirit of marijuana exalts and magnifies both love and sensitivity.
"Austerities alter one's perception of reality by causing the senses to withdraw from their contact with the external world. Austerities help develop the Will and are one of the most ancient ways of obtaining magical powers. However, austerities often require considerable time to bring about lasting benefits and are not an end in themselves.
Austerities such as fasting and prolonged exposure to the natural elements cause an increased awareness of the subtle relationship between the microcosm of the body and the macrocosm of the universe. A supersensual faculty emerges through the correct practice of Yogic austerities. If, however, austerities are regarded as a form of self-punishment, they are unlikely to bear any lasting fruit. Rather, they should be practiced in a mood of optimism and creativity.
"Fasting increases the inner fire and helps purify the emotions. Many have acquired magical powers by fasting and by the practice of other austerities. Just as you, Parvati, attracted my attention during your time of austerity in the high Himalayas, so humans can awaken their own godly qualities by carefully controlled fasts. Fasting tones the psychoorganism, develops the Subtle Body, and helps concentrate the mind. It helps awaken a sense of detachment and opens up an awareness of one's innermost desires.
It is part of the true Yogic tradition and is a valuable aid in the understanding of transcendence. In moderation, fasting acts as a potent virilific and aphrodisiac.
"Abstinence is a kind of sexual fasting. Abstinence from sex for up to a month at a time strengthens the body and aids the focusing of life energies and emotions. If after a prolonged time spent together an intimate relationship breaks up, a period of sexual abstinence will help heal emotional and psychological wounds.
Abstinence from sex is traditionally a part of mourning; after the death of one's sexual partner, one may abstain for three months or even a year. There is a natural tendency toward periods of abstinence as old age approaches because abstinence helps strengthen and revitalize sexuality.
"Short periods of sexual abstinence, such as for three, five, seven, or nine days at a time, can help concentrate sexual energy and increase sensitivity; it may even be recommended prior to the performance of certain sexual rites. Also, if a couple wishes to ensure conception of a strong and healthy child, a few days of abstinence before a prolonged bout of lovemaking will help them achieve their goal. However, prolonged sexual abstinence is not recommended by the Tantras since it causes unnatural sexual currents to build up within the body.
"During periods of sexual abstinence a person should practice Hatha Yoga and breathing exercises more often than normally. It is very important to eat healthy food and take sufficient exercise during times of abstinence."
Friends, this from the Shiva Purana and is thus part of the Vedic literature. I find this information interesting. I know what the recommended practices are for Vaisnavas in regards to fasting, sex and drug taking. And I am also aware of what the Yuga Dharma is.
However I like to keep my mind open and learn the perceptives of others. Especially hearing from the greatest devotee Lord Shiva is very educational.
Photo depicts Shiva Parvati. 900AD.
Sandstone sculpture
India
Image credit The Rick's Museum Amsterdam.
You need to be a member of puredevoteeseva to add comments!
Replies