Introduction to Spiritual Awakening/Ascension?

Lesson Outline:

• Lesson Aim: The aim of this lesson is to learn about some basic concepts and questions before we get started with the practices.
• Instructions: Read through this information or watch the video (video is to come but I will add in time). No practices yet. We will cover these in lessons to come.

What is a Spiritual Awakening/Ascension?

A Spiritual Awakening is somewhat loosely defined and can vary a lot in peoples use but generally speaking a Spiritual Awakening could be defined as a new or growing recognition of a spiritual side to reality. A Spiritual Awakening is a spectrum of experiences (some say ascension to refer to the possible spectrum) that ultimately culminates in what The Vedics would term ‘Moksha’ or a level of spiritual understanding where the person in question has learned all the lessons of re-incarnating on Earth. In their next life will likely not be born in human form again.

The Ancient Greeks used to refer to humanity, in its Theogonies, as ‘being stuck in an endless cycle of birth and rebirth’. In these Theogonies (stories of the Gods and the hierarchies of realities) Humans are actually a God like (having some of the divine attributes of the Gods but also some of the lower less conscious entities ie animals) entity in a material form who are here to learn lessons in order to ascend to higher levels of reality and form. Zeus, in his pity for our condition of suffering in material form, gave us certain tools and knowledge to escape this endless cycle. Those were psychedelics as used in Shamanic Ceremonies that they termed ‘Mysteries’ but also plants in general as they can be used as a great healing mechanism.

NB: We are not actually separate from plants in any great way. We both produce DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine – the psychoactive agent in many psychedlic, natural compounds found in both plants and humans) after all.

An example of Humans on a scale from ‘animal’ to ‘god’:

Here I’d like to take a moment to give you a modern day example of how Humans are somewhere in the middle of a scale of consciousness. If we consider animals as being lower than us on this scale and not having as much ability with consciousness and deities as being higher than us no this scale then we can see that a Human is stage on consciousness.

We have the reptilian brain of an animal that more often than not (there are exceptions I’m aware eg Dolphins and higher order animals) reacts to stimulus like danger, hunger etc. For this reason we can be considered quite animalistic and ‘basic’. We also have a frontal cortex that allows us to make very calculated decisions, plan for societies and write poetry. As an example of someone caught in the middle of animal and god I would like to give you the lyrics from a song from my youth. These lyrics are by Brad from the band Sublime from Southern California in the 90’s an in it we can see the perfect, in my opinion, example of someone stuck between these two states – part lower consciousness animal and part higher consciousness deity.

Early in the morning, risin’ to the street
Light me up that cigarette, and I’ll strap shoes on my feet
Got to find the reason, reason things went wrong
Got to find a reason why my money’s all gone
I got a Dalmatian and I can still get high
I can play the guitar like a motherfuckin’ riot

Well, life is too short, so love the one you got
‘Cause you might get run over, or you might get shot
Never start no static, I just get it off my chest
Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest
Take a small example, take a tip from me
Take all of your money, give it all to charity

Love is what I got, it’s within my reach
And the Sublime style’s still straight from Long Beach
It all comes back to you, you’re bound to get what you deserve
Try and test that, you’re bound to get served
Loves what I got, don’t start a riot
You’ll feel it when the dance gets hot

Lovin’ is what I got
I said, remember that
Lovin’ is what I got
And remember that
Lovin’ is what I got
I said, remember that
Lovin’ is what I got…

src – ‘What I got” by Sublime

I’ve highlighted in bold some of the lyrics which stand out to me as displaying this intermediary position on the scale of consciousness.

• Light me up that cigarette, and I’ll strap shoes on my feet: Addiction. Your reptilian brain gets addicted to things. Your cortex tells you its bad but your lower functions just need the hit. It’s not conscious it’s sub-conscious. That’s a very animalistic trait to have additions that you want to change but can’t. You don’t know how to change them at a lower level do you? That’s why we Journal with a view to uncovering these unconscious habits. Journaling is one of the things I’ll teach you in this course and I can tell you it’s highly effective and very easy and accessible to all.
• Got to find the reason, reason things went wrong, Got to find a reason why my money’s all gone: More reference to the unconscious decision his reptilian brain is making. He is a reptile with a guitar acting unconsciously. He doesn’t know why things went wrong he is just reacting as his environment throws crisis after crisis at him. He can’t control his spending he just spends unconsciously on cigarettes and drugs as an escape. Drugs, as we will see, can be an effective tool for Spiritual Development but they need to be used consciously not to ‘numb the pain’ of existence. This leads to a plateau on our way to awakening. I’ll teach you in the coming lessons how to use ‘drugs’ effectively but for now let’s carry on with this Sublime analysis (see what I did here :P).
• Take all of your money, give it all to charity: but he know’s material existence doesn’t hold anything for him. He is transitioning to a higher realm. He knows money will not satisfy you. Money is for the dead materialist. You are on the path to awakening and you know money won’t wake you up in fact it will derail the entire project!
• Love is what I got, it’s within my reach: But he is not all ‘animal and reptilian brain. He can feel Love and somehow he knows it’s a counter to the addiction and unconscious behavior of the animal or lower forms of consciousness. The ability to understand and feel love is a higher order attribute that great beings and humans all gravitate toward. He somehow can tell that Love is a counter to the unconscious suffering of the world
• It all comes back to you, you’re bound to get what you deserve: He also has some idea of Karma. How we act in the world shapes the world. This an example of higher order knowledge for sure.
• Loves what I got, don’t start a riot, You’ll feel it when the dance gets hot: This is the best example so far in my opinion. Love and riot used in the same sentence. Love we know is an attribute of a higher order being but a riot is the unconscious behavior of a crowd of people reacting to the others in the crowd. Something we might expect from a pack of animals or a feeding frenzy. This would not be a higher order function to be overwhelmed by our reptilian urges.
• Lovin’ is what I got: He comes back to Love. He knows Love cures all addiction and anxiety and is in some way a counter to those things. When those who are awakening experience love they often can overcome great suffering. It could be the love of a pet, a romantic partner, a child etc. In some ways, Love is all we’ve got.

Many people do not consciously understand the scales and spectrum of consciousness and instead default to a ‘dead materialist’ view of the world. There is certainly plenty of evidence for them to draw from and use to back their claim however, there is also evidence of great humility and love. We are a species in the middle capable of great debauchery and animalistic tendencies and also some of us great humility and care for others. A contradiction perhaps some would say?

There is no contradiction. There is only a lack of understanding of where on the Spiritual Spectrum we are. The contradiction they see is exactly what you would expect of a species straddling the middle ground of consciousness. Capable of both extremes. In my opinion it is the people who cannot solve this contradiction who either have not started their Spiritual Awakening yet or perhaps are in the early stages of it. That’s OK. We were all there at one point**. It is a progression and they will come to this understanding eventually. In this life or the next.

** I hope that doesn’t sound condescending. I mean it more objectively as a statement of observation not as a judgment. In truth these people, if they are inclined to practice with commitment, are not far away from coming to these conclusions. It’s a matter of practice – which we will get to in due course in the coming lessons.

What do you do after a spiritually awakening?

If you have come to realise the Spiritual nature of the universe as a higher representation of the material plane then you can cultivate this knowledge further by deliberate practice of specific spiritual skills which I will teach later in this course. If you find yourself interested progress your task once you have started to awaken is to study spiritual information and learn spiritual practices that raise your spiritual understanding or ‘vibration’. These learnings help you to receive greater insight, fix physical and psychological issues and increase psychic ability and connection to deity which propel you further into your learnings. The more success you have at these the more you are inclined to study even more.

These learnings could be from any number of spiritual traditions and any number of practices but this course has been designed such that you can very effectively and easily undertake this process as you see fit with methods which are available to all no matter where you are or what tradition you study under.

Spiritual progression is in truth not the realm of organized religious traditions so much as it is your birth right. You need not gate keepers of knowledge as modern religions practice have become. You need only an open mind and a desire or calling. The aim of this course is not to be your Guru but instead to momentarily be your teacher of certain spiritual skills with which you can use to undertake your own spiritual development along your own path.

Can a spiritual awakening be sudden?

Yes Spiritual Awakenings can sometimes be sudden. The new revelation of a reality being more than simple materialistic and random can be jarring if too sudden. In some cases this is ‘just the way it is’ in this life. If you are feeling like its going a little fast then you may want to take a break for some time and do something else. If you are meant to come back to it you will be drawn to it out of your own natural desire.

It is also possible that you used psychedelics or Kundalini type practices too much or too fast and you are now somewhat regretful of their use. If this is the case then stop practicing these for a time and seek a grounded and simple life in nature with natural foods and slowly you will start to feel better. This is only touching the surface of how to take care of this aspect so if this is you feel free to contact us in one of our community channels for detailed guidance/help.

Often it is preferable in my experience to go slow with your practices of spiritual development and avoid this kind of scenario. This is why tools such as

• meditation,
• mantra,
• Yin Yoga,
• journaling,
• service to others,
• and Christ Oil Cycles

are preferred as they are more slow and gradual allowing a slower but more controlled ascension. These are the kinds of tools I teach in this course.

NB: I have experience in and teach how to use psychedelics also but these are not necessary for Spiritual Awakening unless you are particularly drawn to them for some reason. They can be particularly effective for treating addiction and severe trauma which may be stopping you from attaining the kind of spiritual lifestyle you may desire.

Does spiritual awakening happen in stages?

The below is presented in a linear fashion however, in reality a Spiritual Awakening is not really a linear process. You could be going through all of these stages at once for example or experience them in part over many years or indeed lifetimes. It does serve to sort of position you more or less within a spectrum but don’t get too hung up on exactly where you are.

The Awakening or Catalyst

Often begins with a significant life event or moment of realization that shakes one’s current understanding of life. This could be a personal crisis, an existential question, or an experience that feels mystical or deeply insightful.

The Shift

This stage involves a shift in perception where the individual starts to question their beliefs, values, and the nature of reality. There’s often a sense of disillusionment with previous life goals or societal norms.

The Dark Night of the Soul

A challenging phase where one might experience deep emotional turmoil, loss of identity, or depression. This stage is about letting go of the ego and old patterns of thinking, which can feel like a “dark night” as one navigates through inner conflicts and fears.

The Search

Here, individuals actively seek answers, often turning to spirituality, religion, philosophy, or other wisdom traditions. This might involve reading, meditation, joining spiritual communities, or exploring different practices to find what resonates with them.

The Insight or Satori

Moments of profound clarity or enlightenment where one experiences a deep connection with the universe or the divine. These moments might be fleeting but are often described as transformative insights into the nature of existence.

The Integration

After profound insights, this stage involves integrating these new understandings into daily life. It’s about living according to one’s new spiritual perspective, which includes changes in behavior, relationships, career, or lifestyle.

The Service or Contribution

With a new understanding and sense of purpose, many feel compelled to give back or share their insights. This might manifest as teaching, healing, activism, or any form of service that aligns with their awakening.

Continuous Awakening

Spiritual awakening isn’t necessarily a linear or finite process. Many describe it as ongoing, where there are cycles of awakening, learning, and deeper integration. Life becomes a continuous journey of growth and understanding.

How does a Spiritual Awakening feel?

The symptoms of a Spiritual Awakening can be many and multitude but here are some examples:

• Profound Peace and Contentment: An overwhelming sense of peace, as if all conflicts have dissolved, leaving contentment with the world.
• Heightened Sensitivity: Becoming more sensitive to surroundings, feeling emotions more deeply, and having heightened awareness of energy.
• Connection to All Life: A feeling of unity with everything, recognizing we are part of one universal consciousness.
• A Shift in Perception: Changes in how one perceives reality, with colors, sounds, and everyday beauty becoming more vivid.
• Questioning Life’s Fundamentals: Reevaluation of beliefs about life, purpose, and existence, leading to changes in values and lifestyle.
• Loss of Fear of Death: An understanding or acceptance of mortality, reducing or eliminating the fear of death.
• Synchronicities and Signs: Noticing meaningful coincidences that feel like guidance from the universe.
• Spontaneous Emotional Release: Unexplained crying, laughing, or feelings of deep joy or sadness as suppressed emotions surface.
• Desire for Solitude or Nature: A pull towards solitude or nature for reflection, meditation, or connection with oneself.
• A New Sense of Purpose: Feeling an urge to live out one’s life purpose, leading to a more authentic and mindful existence.

Kundalini Awakening vs Spiritual Awakening

There are differences between a Kundalini awakening and what is generally referred to as a spiritual awakening, though they can overlap or lead into one another. Here’s an exploration of both:

Kundalini Awakening:

• Definition: The awakening of dormant energy (Kundalini Shakti) at the base of the spine, rising through the chakras to the crown, leading to enlightenment.
• Symptoms: Physical sensations like tingling or heat, spontaneous movements, intense emotional experiences, visions, or heightened awareness.
• Focus: Centered on the physical body and energy pathways, facilitated by practices like meditation, pranayama, and specific yoga asanas.
• Risks: Can lead to “Kundalini syndrome” with psychological or physical disturbances if not managed properly.
• Cultural Context: Rooted in Eastern spiritual practices, especially Tantra and Yoga.

Spiritual Awakening:

• Definition: A broad shift in consciousness where perception of reality, self, and purpose changes, not tied to a specific tradition or method.
• Symptoms: Unity with the universe, change in values, peace, increased intuition, questioning of beliefs, without necessarily the physical symptoms of Kundalini.
• Focus: On transformation of consciousness, identity, and one’s world relationship, through introspection, mindfulness, or life events.
• Risks: General risks like disconnection from reality, mental health challenges, or spiritual bypassing.
• Cultural Context: Can occur universally across different spiritual, religious, or secular contexts, often seen as personal growth or enlightenment.

Overlap and Differences:

In terms of overlap, both can lead to expanded consciousness, connection to higher reality, or profound peace. Kundalini can be a type of spiritual awakening.

Differences:

• Specificity: Kundalini is specific to energy movement through chakras; spiritual awakening is broader.
• Methodology: Kundalini involves targeted practices; spiritual awakening can be spontaneous or through varied experiences.
• Physical vs. Psychological: Kundalini has a strong physical component, which might not be central in other spiritual awakenings.

Kundalini awakening is a specialized form with distinct practices and potential risks, spiritual awakening is a more general term for consciousness expansion, not necessarily involving the specific energy system of Kundalini.

Can a spiritual awakening be dangerous?

In some cases a Spiritual Awakening can be considered dangerous or to a lesser degree disruptive to one’s life. Here are some ways in which it may be dangerous or disruptive from a normative perspective**. From a spiritual perspective a lot of these are quite “normal” parts of the process.

I don’t mean to sound flippant when I say that. We Humans are still susceptible to our human frailties and when we have difficulties it is the case that we should reach out to community and look to seek aides to help us. The pain that we experience is both necessary as a catalyst for spiritual growth but at the same time can stop us from pursuing if it is too great. It is often the case that we stop spiritual practice for a time and take it up again when we feel we are ready. Rushing is not the goal.

• Disconnection from [materialist] reality:
  • Risk: Detachment from practical life aspects, neglecting responsibilities.
  • Example: Losing interest in work or daily life, focusing on spiritual practices.
• Mental Health Challenges:
  • Risk: Exacerbation or mimicry of mental health issues like psychosis or anxiety.
  • Example: Experiencing paranoia or believing in special messages without grounding.
• Spiritual Bypassing:
  • Risk: Avoiding personal issues or responsibilities under the guise of spirituality.
  • Example: Using spiritual beliefs to avoid confronting personal trauma or accountability.
• Isolation:
  • Risk: Withdrawal from social connections, leading to loneliness.
  • Example: Cutting off social contacts in pursuit of a solitary spiritual path.
• Vulnerability to Exploitation:
  • Risk: Susceptibility to manipulative spiritual leaders or groups.
  • Example: Joining a group that exploits its followers under the banner of enlightenment.
• Loss of Identity:
  • Risk: Identity crisis due to ego dissolution or drastic identity shift.
  • Example: Feeling lost or disconnected from one’s personal history after spiritual insights.
• Physical Neglect:
  • Risk: Neglecting physical health or medical care in favor of spiritual pursuits.
  • Example: Extreme fasting or ignoring health issues believing in spiritual healing alone.
• Overwhelm and Burnout:
  • Risk: Burnout from trying to manage new spiritual energies or responsibilities.
  • Example: Feeling compelled to help everyone, leading to exhaustion.
• Crisis in Faith or Belief:
  • Risk: Conflict with previous beliefs, leading to a crisis of faith.
  • Example: Alienation from community due to new spiritual insights conflicting with established religious views.
• Misinterpretation of Experiences:
  • Risk: Misinterpreting spiritual experiences leading to inappropriate actions.
  • Example: Believing a spiritual insight justifies unethical behavior towards others.

** Remember that ‘danger’ should be considered relative to the normal or sub-spiritual material world perspective. For example, ‘disconnection from reality’ would be a disconnection from ‘dead materialist’ view which is not a danger but a part of the process as this is only half of reality so to go beyond it is not actually a disconnection but a melding of two perspectives into a greater more encompassing and explanatory perspective. Only from the dead materialist view is it a disconnect.

I don’t mean to downplay the ‘dangers’ presented above. They can feel very real when you are going through them. When in doubt or feeling overwhelmed or unsure whether something is a step too far then feel free to take a break from the process. If its really for you in this life you will be drawn back to it. There is a saying in the spiritual circles, ‘leave what is irrelevant to you and take what is relevant’. This stops us from taking steps which are too much for us to handle or that we are not ready for at this particular time. Often you find that as time goes by you revisit a text or practice after having passed over it perviously only to find it now has relevance because you have raised your vibration to a level where you are now ready to use it.