old3bob

those 7 lower chakras mentioned earlier are sign-posts to watch out for in ourselves and or in others, and thus guard against and nip in the bud before they cascade...although I'd say anger if not slipping into rage and destruction is a normal emotion and can be used rightly. (Like if someone is angry with you but up-front and honest about it to resolve whatever the issue is which is far better better than sulking or back-stabbing) Btw. it helps to have others feedback or view but for a lot of this we don't need a monk, mystic or master when it comes to us feeling, seeing and acting on things for ourselves.

ok...as for some protection and before finding a qualified teacher (or in them choosing you) there are a few universal mantras and prayers that are said to be safe for anyone to use, an obvious one being Om by itself. The Eastern religions have many of these. I like the Quan Yin prayers and also some of the Christian prayers from when I was younger even if that is mixing apples and oranges being that many of us from the west have such a past background. (and being that Jesus is a very good and powerful golden soul who can help) And then there are all the basic do's and don'ts to be careful about, many of which most of our parents taught us and are common across most religions. (meant to keep us wholesome but which I did not follow in my younger years and thus had lots of "extra difficulties". Then there are all the herbs, crystals, special symbols, etc.. that could help if properly used which again begs for a qualified teacher because if improperly used they could backfire badly. I take it you already know a lot of this stuff and so like most of us it is a matter of practicing or "walking the talk". Btw we do not need to read gobs of enlightened or esoteric texts and get overloaded or overextended. Better if we go step by step and if that means only getting one or two things done instead of reading and conceptualizing about ten or twenty - which do you think will bring better results?

In Vedic systems the Muladhara is known as the root chakra (and when working correctly is related to reason), while the Manipura is the 3rd chakra above the navel. There is some correlation among different systems/schools but most say it's better to concentrate on one to begin with...and to be under the guidance of a qualified teacher thus not poking around here and there which can bring extra difficulties. (since "normal" difficulties are usually more than enough in themselves)

from Hinduism: "The Fourteen Cosmic Levels The Ātma, whose origin is Satyaloka (the level of the reality of God), wanders on its long journey through space and time on different cosmic levels until it again reaches its original home. In Indian cosmology there are fourteen cosmic levels named - seven higher and seven lower Lokas. The earth is situated at the beginning of the higher worlds; six levels are located above it and seven below . These worlds are not places in a physical sense, but are spheres of consciousness. They all exist on the earth as well as within us. (names of the 7 lower or "dark side" chakras with a little more description added below this quote) The seven lower levels are called Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Rasātala, Talātala, Mahātala and Pātāla. They accommodate those whose natures are inclined towards sensuality and compulsiveness and are of a lower level of consciousness. The upper levels, however, illustrate the spiritual evolution of humans. Each level has a Chakra assigned to it. Our point of departure is the Earth (Bhūrloka) in the Mūlādhāra Chakra. The astral sphere (Bhuvarloka) is located in the Svādhishthāna Chakra. Next we experience “heaven” (Svarloka) in the Manipūra Chakra, and in the Anāhata Chakra we are admitted to the level of the Saints (Maharloka). In the Vishuddhi Chakra we pass through the cosmic sphere of the beings of light (Janarloka). Through discipline and purification we acquire clarity of knowledge and wisdom in the Āgyā Chakra (Taparloka). In the Sahasrāra Chakra we finally enter the level of absolute truth and reality (Satyaloka)." ( 7 Lower chakras going to the hell realms which many new age experts on the matter don't often mention and where we really do not want to land) "Atala This chakra is located in the hips, it governs fear and lust. Vitala Located in the thighs, it governs anger and resentment. Sutala Located in the knees, it governs jealousy. Talatala Translated as 'under the bottom level', it is located in the calves, and it is a state of prolonged confusion and instinctive wilfulness. Rasatala Located in the ankles, it is the centre of selfishness and pure animal nature. Mahatala Located in the feet, this is the dark realm 'without conscience', and inner blindness. Patala Located in the soles of the feet, this is the realm of malice, murder, torture and hatred, and in Hindu mythology it borders on the realm of Naraka, or Hell." All the teachings say to find a teacher...

with all the different strains out there can one find out if say 10mg of such and such equals about 20mg of another one and so on? it will probably be another 15 years before our backward authorities legalize weed.

although one mis-step off a razor's edge can land one way down there...not something to be humorous or indifferent about at any point. Aka "the higher you go the further you can fall".

I'm kind of with you...although I'd say we can expect a certain amount of confusing responses per "the law of seven" and such...

absolutely not... but one can not serve two masters thus Spirit is the rightful dharmic master and the world or mind is the rightful servant to that.

It will have to wait for an eternal moment since only the absolute can reach the absolute

I'd say that what is relative and of time and space is not an illusion, with "illusion" and such terms being a favorite dismissal and cop-out about the workings of the universe and all beings. As for the Absolute I'll let it be.

there is one multidimensional multiverse which has countless physical and subtle areas with millions+ galaxies in just the physical alone, thus there are lots of possible realms for and of lots of possible beings!

some parts of the river spin water into whirlpools or byways of one sort or another which is their accepted and taught goal. (or realm)

sounds like you misunderstand what I was trying to get at...for one can not simultaneously embrace and fully follow multiple schools at once although one can simultaneously tolerate, recognize and appreciate that more than their own school exists. "New Age" is a new term for an age old idea of lumping everything together which more or less dilutes everything. Btw. as far as I know one does not see Buddhist Lama's in Hindu temples prostrating before Hindu guru's or Hindu's guru's taking up residence in Buddhist schools and renouncing teachings on Brahman and soul. And for the Muslim's to do something of that nature would instantly make them an outcast and enemy of Islam. (which per the bulk of history has proven to be one of the least tolerant creed/religion per their scripture and actions)

there are several major variations of the "Hindu perspective" per the major and many sub-branch's of Hinduism. Thus there are some major differences on certain teachings or matters among the schools of Hinduism, even or especially along the lines of Brahman and soul, which in looking at generally one would think that there would be universal agreement. (although the teachings do speak of universal respect for other schools, schools which may draw upon many of the same major texts yet still come up with different interpretations)

neither was I, thus not of symbolism, cults or on the material plane but on the soul plane in various realms of light with those realms and souls not all being on the same page, thus Christians, pure land Buddhists, Tibetan Buddhists, (etc.) native or Shamans, a great many Hindu schools, Taoist schools, Muslims, Shinto, Egyptians, Mystery schools, etc., etc. with a universe big enough to hold them all.

I'd say that the concept of oneness of all paths is a "new age" gloss-over that only works with the common ground needs of human beings, (which are mostly under one roof) Anyway there are the obvious exoteric and esoteric facts that all paths are not one and do not lead to the same goal or destination. For instance the end goal of Christianity leads to a Christian heaven with Jesus and God the Father. (thus in a universe, of subtle or gross realities, that accommodates such differences)

To do so study the main Upanishads... btw there are many Buddhists and some scriptures that beat around the bush of there being a Self, AKA "true nature", etc.. And lets not forget: "There is an unborn, unoriginated, unproduced, unformed. Were there not this unborn, unoriginated, unproduced, unformed, there would be no escape from the world of the born, originated, produced, formed. Since there is an unborn, unoriginated, unproduced, unformed, therefore is there an escape from the born, originated, produced, formed" which I'd say the meaning of can't really be remembered by thought, thus only pointed at. (the same being for Brahman)

well there are lots of particulars, exclusives and vested interests in various "esoteric" schools also...so it looks like about the best we can do on earth "is live and let live". (thus hold to not tripping each other up and just going our own way, ....along with "new ager" types not trying to assign everybody to some kind of spiritual smorgasbord, since such a philosophy really only applies to the common ground and needs that all human beings share, namely water, food, shelter, clothing, utilities, families, decent livelihoods and sustainable environments that would hopefully include respectful recognition of our differences and not infringe on each others personal beliefs or practices) ,

Escher:

I'd say genetically driven unfolding is automatic to a point, after that evolution (or devolution) is not automatic for a soul/matrix but a possibility either way. While the Self it-Self does not evolve, devolve or fold or unfold. (thus does not change)

a sprout is not a tree, thus it takes work in a sense for the sprout to mature even though it already has everything needed as a seed to be a tree.

Everyone is smoking pot, the Beatles, "I'am the Walrus" reversed". a classic that was over analyzed, lol

Hey Michael, Note, I did not say anything about "esoteric core teachings" or mention that context thus it sounds like you have misinterpreted my point? I said scriptural teachings (meaning text) several times and certain of those (at that level) can never be bridged and or made equal in their context or content. Btw. I've studied a lot of "esoteric" stuff so I think I know what you are trying to say but again such was not the context of my post that you are bringing up. Also I'd say we need to recognize that millions upon millions or billions of people will never except certain esoteric correlations that go against their "only way".

Jesus could not bridge the reality gap with those who murdered him, and in most cases (except for a few) it was futile for him to try and do so thus he chose to remain silent for most of his sham trial . (and sank beneath our wisdom like a stone)

hmm, including the whole multi-verse and all beings, but almost no one is ready for that or wants it.