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@enrico43869

11 ай бұрын

you are GOD? try to avoid a cold if you can..you are not the OMNIPRESENT BEING IN EVERY ATOM OF M ANIFESTATION....you are barely conscious of your body...it is GOD ,the Supreme Consciousness who is also you and all the beings in the Cosmos...the REAL SELF ...you are HIS dream...not even Real...

@ETALAL

11 ай бұрын

👹 release the bats 🦇

@intellectually_lazy

11 ай бұрын

@@enrico43869 yeah, but that thing can't have a name, because the act of naming not only identifies, but delineates the named from everything else

@enrico43869

11 ай бұрын

@@intellectually_lazy yes, no name no forms, CONSCIOUSNESS AND BLISS...

@enrico43869

11 ай бұрын

@@intellectually_lazy Supreme Conscousness , EVER NEW BLISS...

Unbeknownst to me, I have been on the LHP all of my life. I would choose what I wanted based on the opposite of what everyone else was doing. A rocky road for sure. The payoff is that whether I succeed or fail is solely up to me, and the sense of accomplishment is extremely rewarding.

@kaipueo20

9 ай бұрын

Same! Funny how something just pulls you away like a piece of driftwood from one island to the next on the endless ocean of life. Then you realize that you aren't drift wood, but a seafarer who is plucking from the fruits of truth from every moment of their voyage. At least that's how I look at myself....today lol

@jaysindefransisco1118

8 ай бұрын

Most strong willed and naturally rebellious souls are on a "LHP". Now it's just been labeled for you. But be proud you're a worthy strong soul.

@TotalDec

8 ай бұрын

Me, me, me.

@lunascarlet4819

6 ай бұрын

Same and I just found out that baphomet is connected to the moon and I've always been drawn too it's beauty

@tommydeamon7657

4 ай бұрын

Right on right on the boat is not as lonely as I first observed

This channel came to me through Religion for Breakfast, and I loved it

@Bildgesmythe

11 ай бұрын

I came from Esoterica. I love RFB, and Seekers of Unity, Modern Hermeticst. All great channels

@alexandregoulart.terapeuta

11 ай бұрын

Yes, for me too. a long time ago. And from here I got to Foolish Fish, another great channel with which Dr Puca has collab in the past. Hey, be good.

@M7_7_0

11 ай бұрын

I came here from an AMA on Reddit and now have found all those other channels like esoterica, foolish fish, religion for breakfast

@deepvalley6698

11 ай бұрын

Same here, I am so grateful!

Thank you, Angela, for the time and study put into this video. Molte grazie!

@drangelapuca

9 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

Very comprehensive yet digestible. Fantastic content as usual! 🧛

🧛🏻 i had no idea the vast amount of practices in the esoteric/ left hand path traditions. Very informative and interesting! Cheers!

🧛great video! Thank you so much for providing a list of more to explore.

A great video, thanks for all your work. 🧛‍♂ Thank you for giving people proper information about the LHP.

🧛 Couple of comments. One of the key problems in practicing any belief system is dealing with the contradictions that arise in those systems. Whenever those contradictions arise cliches often resort to specific interpretations or additions in order to deal with those contradictions. Within the concept of spiritual/mystical individualism rises the notion of self-identiy that is problematic as the ego is not entirely separate from the learning enviroment and its notion of divine are surrounded by preexisting notions, many of them have been evolving since there is writing about such things before the second millennium BCE. There are many influences of the ego's concept of the divine, but all seem to revolve around pre-existing belief. Can one be a satanist without abrahamic faith and moreso christianity. One of the first two christian texts was the gospel of John which can be contrasted to the gospel of Tomas (Secret sayings gospels). Both are trying to lead the reader down a path of self promition, one reliant on the notion of high christology and the other a christology in a Jewish framework. Both need to pull the reader along a path that conforms to some other doctrine oriented belief. This gets into my second comment, the structure of ones belief is centered around ones inspirational motivations (or magicks) which influence outcomes. If one is structured ones mysticism in an eastern syncretizing practice then one is more likely to follow a believe in a high Nuos which one joins. This strctures the mind to see the oneness of the divine perfection. Self-promotion means effectively avoiding such biases and understanding the uniqueness and failings of the self. Thus the self is free to explore its own divinity, but also at the same time reflect on the limitations of the divine self. Its not an issue of seeing too little, its primarily avoiding seeing that which derives exterior visionary magick. It is interesting that Aleister Crowley could have experiences without the magick, but then used such magick anyway, as if he was uncertain which was the best path. The problem with the left hand path is that the view of the local (familiar) divine may be enriched, it deprives the view of a universal experiential if one eliminates the desire to seek such things. I have chosen the left path because of esoteric reasons and a distrust in utopian visions of the right hand path are and idealization of the experiential. Its not that I am anti-nomian, its that piety rules are "us" and "them" by their nature. If you choose one groups rules then you are neccesarily pejorative against others rules. This conflict is unresolvable unless at some level you try to believe in all, but ultimately believe in none. This is the process of enlightenment, if you can try to undestand how beliefs evolved, in the end you will find that you appeciate all, but require none. And thus rules that govern piousness have no meaning to me. Im not against christian piety rules, I am simply indifferent to them. I can easily find the "light" but the question is this good esoteric practice and is it desirable in terms of the promotion of the self. The fact that we are discussing in these groups largely visionary experiences of the right hand path informs us of non-esotericism in their practices and also attempts to promote a unifying divine in and above the self. Divinity and will always come from the mind, its generated within the ego, but this expression has always differed depending on culture and time. Often the expression of divinity is the promotion of someone(s) elses idea that we amplify. Either expressed divinity is either a fabrication or a fictitious belief (that is the overwhelming majority of the time), even if well intentioned; and thus esotericism is a prudent practice. Thus we are left within the self the ability to concieve divine and explore it, but once we profess divine, it becomes a delusion, versus reflecting in esoteric practice in which the divine is a work in the process of understanding.

@midgard9547

Ай бұрын

The switch from POLYTHEISTIC RELIGIONS to MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS was done to DOMINATE, CONTROL AND SUBJECT HUMANITY under a so called "authority" claiming to be "good", but that is just a lie and excuse to use humanity for the bennefit of a few rulling class. It has been the most Harmfull, Selfish and Corrupt way of control and government in societies; so called "historians" would want you to believe MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS speak the "truth" but they don´t. They are basically speaking in favor of their corrupt masters who fund their research.

Yes. I’d appreciate a video about LHP misconceptions. 🙋🏻‍♂️

Yep, would sure love that video about misconceptions of the LHP

I think I will start sharing the link to this video with every person that asks me some (often stupid and short-sighted) questions about Left Hand Path 🧛‍♀️ Wonderful content ❤

🧛‍♀️ This video changed my life. Literally. Thank you ❤🤯

🧛‍♂️ Love your channel so much. Absolutely incredible content 👏

Fascinating info well covered.

🧛‍♀ thank u for academic standards in occult research Angela :)

@drangelapuca

21 күн бұрын

You're so welcome!

So very well presented. Blessings

In my life, i have walked both paths and eventually kinda a found a balance in between. It also fitted through the different life phases i have been in. In the end self love, self empowerment, seeing the connection between what is within and what is without, the no thing, but also our own shadows and demons and learn to communicate with them so that you can also find out more about yourself, yet also knowing that we are part of something bigger at the same time (that is also us ironically) and that we also help others, cause they are also a part of us, but also taking good care of yourself as well. It has been quite a journey and its still going on, cause it is never finished, yet i do not want it to finish. Even in my RL job, i am currently building up my own company and its also a balance in making good money, yet also helping others having a good life as well. We are beautiful beings, but also others around us are just as beautiful. 🧛

@lauraoshea1701

11 ай бұрын

I also think walking the line between both traditions is crucial for a complete, fulfilling life

Much gratitude & appreciation...

Thanks, ive heard so many different definitions of what 'left-hand' path is.

Thank you, Dr Puca. Concisely and clearly presented. Diminishing misconceptions and encouraging a more expansive understanding. 🧛‍♀️

Thank you for covering this topic! Great video.

Extremely well covered! Thank you for sharing, all you did in such a short period of time-wow! I feel that this topic needed some clarity, and proper presentation.

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you for this video, clears up much for me.

@midgard9547

Ай бұрын

The switch from POLYTHEISTIC RELIGIONS to MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS was done to DOMINATE, CONTROL AND SUBJECT HUMANITY under a so called "authority" claiming to be "good", but that is just a lie and excuse to use humanity for the bennefit of a few rulling class. It has been the most Harmfull, Selfish and Corrupt way of control and government in societies; so called "historians" would want you to believe MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS speak the "truth" but they don´t. They are basically speaking in favor of their corrupt masters who fund their research.

🧛‍♂️ didn’t even know i had a vamp emoji

I came to left hand path because some things in Chatolic Christianity in which I was raised just didn't make sense to me and when I followed them I just felt worse than before and not enlightened. Here are the examples that I was questioning: 1. If Satan is so evil why does he punish bad people? 2. If we were given free will why are we still getting punished for not choosing the "right" thing? 3. Why are women made inferior in so many traditional religions? 4. Why does God punish so much and doesn't feel better than pagan deities that are deemed imperfect but he's still perfect and all loving? 5. Why do they make things like blood and sex dirty while they are what gives our body life or makes a new life? 6. Why should we be modest and care so much about how other people perceive us while pure self expression and wearing what's comfortable to me feels much more empowering? 7. Why should we be meek and not defend ourselves? 8. Justified homophobia/transphobia while being not straight and cis is perfectly ok things in many native traditions. 9. Why does many of the "evil" native, pagan, eastern traditions and teachings actually bring more peace to my soul and allows me better connection with the universe, nature and my own intuition? 10. Total abandonment of self and discouraging any enjoyment. These are just things I was raised with as a Chatolic Christian and why I started to doubt and detest that path and why I ended up leaving it for the left hand path which gave me either different and more acceptable explanation or changed my views on this things. But most importantly it provided me the kind of healing that neither traditional religion nor psychological services could provide. Needles to say that at least 60% of my trauma came from my Chatolic upbringing. And that's exactly why I am planning to make a left hand path oriented channel myself.

@jennyjen7000

5 ай бұрын

Satan doesn't punish anyone. That's something you see in Hollywood movies. Not biblical. He's not the ruler of hell. He will be punished there too.

@jennyjen7000

5 ай бұрын

Also if you are given free will like let's say in a (supposed) free country like the US, you are still punished if you commit a crime. You have the choice to do what you want but there are consequences for your actions whether it be from your parents, the government, or God.

@jennyjen7000

5 ай бұрын

Women are not inferior. Not in Christianity anyway. They are subservient to their husbands and their husbands are supposed to care for them also. It's just the natural order of things even without religion.

@jennyjen7000

5 ай бұрын

Blood and sex are not dirty. Blood gives you life and sex brings new life. It's when people pervert or use those things in gross ways that make it "dirty".

@jennyjen7000

5 ай бұрын

The rest of those are just basic rules for happiness and a long life. It's our rebellion that makes us want to dress however or be in a homosexual relationship. I know the modern world disagrees with those things but the modern world is a complete mess and full of evil. Just because something feels right doesn't make it so. Anyway, hopefully that makes sense if you're honestly asking these questions because you're curious and not just criticizing Christianity.

This was a great introductory video on the history, traditions and practices of the Left Hand Path. I look forward to more. There is one correction I would like to make. As a Priest of Set, the worship (and even belief) in Set is not central to Setian philosophy or a requirement. Each member is encouraged to seek their own personal understanding of Set, if and when it becomes relevant to their personal pursuit of Xeper. Again, really great video. Thank you.

Yes, to the video on misconceptions of the left-hand path. Yes, to more information on the left-hand path. Yes, to the left-hand path!

Her Lady Dr Angela Puca! You Continue to Impress me, and to me your exceedingly acsessible / articulate your work in a manner which permits those of us with Special Needs to seek, search, learn and grow as Individuals and as we are Isolated in part / whole it is a Breath of Fresh Air - to have You and Your Resource - Your Brilliant namestw.

I love learning new things about myself and my witchcraft. Great video!

I can't believe that you packed so much into just 23 minutes! Amazing work, as always. 🧛‍♂️

excellent piece of work. very descriptive, comprehensive ...and easy to pay attention to.

🧛Informative as always.

@drangelapuca

10 ай бұрын

Glad you think so!

I actually astral projected to the source and it isn't what people say it is, it's not some Mass Consciousness it's a location that is illuminated by the presence of several countless individual consciousnesses(souls) that pass through it. We are not merely some insignificant piece of some larger thing, we are our own masters we are complete beings, We are gods in the making.

Thankyou ,, Reminder For Thyself

Thank you, this all resonates with me and it’s very informative. Always felt I didn’t fit in with my religious upbringing. 🧛

Excelent video. Thanks a Lot.

Very good breakdown!

As a Theistic Satanist, I think this was a good overview of the Left Hand Path principles and traditions. My practice mostly revolves around personal empowerment through meditation and spiritual alchemy.

@krzychoos6633

11 ай бұрын

What is the spiritual alchemy and meditation in left hand path, satanic, ego driven pleasure seeking path of separation?

@korpimuisto

11 ай бұрын

@@krzychoos6633 thats a question i think you will never find out with that attitude.

@krzychoos6633

11 ай бұрын

@@korpimuisto what wrong with attitude? check out quantum physics and quantum entanglement theory and compare to this 15000 BC left hand path individualism. Even your Michael Jordan aka Alister Crowley last words before death was " i hate myself " so i wonder why u guys follow this path, honestly im curious.

@korpimuisto

11 ай бұрын

@@krzychoos6633 aleister didnt say those words. Who heard them when he died alone?

@josephperkins4857

11 ай бұрын

@@krzychoos6633 Michael Jordan is an American Baskett ball player

🧛 I love your videos sooo much!!!!❤

That necklace is really cool..

Thank you Dr. Angela for such intersting video on the Left hand path perspectiveabout spirituality 🧛‍♀

Vampire Emoji [ : ;) kindalike. Awesome Research 😊

I was hoping that you could answer a question and yet I know your such a busy Dr. But how do you feel about gnostic scriptures and have you done a video on one as well ?

🧛Very informative!

Sto appena iniziando a leggere più italiano. che linguaggio. Sono innamorato della vibrazione stregonesca che fornisci con i tuoi video. Vi ringrazio ancora.

@julians9070

11 ай бұрын

Questo e vero. Rispettiamo la Stregoneria.

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

grazie mille

I have been aware of the Left Hand Path for a while, but never with a profound understanding of what it meant and why. I have long been very close to satanism. But the biggest revelation I have had recently is that my proximity to all things Queer is incredibly Left Hand-adjacent. Kinking and queering are all about personal freedom and the rejection of conformity. I queer my life in many ways. I queer my language, my philosphy, my identity, and my actions. And I now have an additional name for it thanks to educators like you. Left Hand Path. This also connect my queer beliefs with my transhumanist ones. I am very happy to find such a traditional concept whose doors are open to everything I embody now. 🧛‍♂️

This has great detail with carefully planned information that you have delivered with precision. Thank you!

Thank you so much for this video! Love your eyeshadow so much in this

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

As an academic, I absolutely love this lecture. Antinomianism has been my lifelong journey. 🧛‍♂ [edit[ - I was directed to this channel by Dr. Justin Sledge, ESOTERICA.

@TotalDec

8 ай бұрын

There's nothing like what I learned from a real witch, on that channel. Just saying.

Have you gone over the pale church of the white stone? If not, I implore you to look into it. I like your content btw.

Could you explain the relationship of the LHP to service to self concept?

Always glad for your scholarly approach to the LHP, I personally hope that exposing more people to credible information on the subject will prevent future Satanic panics or if possible encourage people to adopt similar concepts into their own lives. Keep up the great work 🤘

@johnfox6025

11 ай бұрын

Awesome 💚

Yep. I've been on the left hand path for 10 years. And i'd been looking for it 25 years before that.

Great Job Angela!! I wish the algorithm would bring me back here more often. Always a wealth of knowledge

🧛 I'm beginning to conclude that many find themselves on the Path well before they're aware of it. Happened in my case anyway, I wasn't looking for it in any way. I was walking away from Religion and I suppose that's the moment I began walking it. Very difficult sometimes but worth it in retrospect.

Exactly human behaviour back to the laws of nature there’s nothing to be scared of we have actually been living with the devil. And when ur on this path ur own journey no one is thinking about revenge or harming anyone. No one knows ur heart and their opinions of u mean nothing. U know the connection of ur consciousness and desires for change within and for humanity I wish u all divine peace and confidence on ur journey to truth and divine wisdom. The kingdom is within us all and on the palm and hearts of every stranger. Speak ur truth

You organized this information so well. Thank you! 🧛‍♂️

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I'm so glad Angela that you clarified the common misconceptions regarding the left hand path as a means to attain self-realization. Each LHP tradition has its particular framework, but it's up to ourselves to fully connect to our divine self in the shadowy aspects. 🧛

Excelent your clearist and most strate forward post yet

Loved hearing about the origins of the Left-hand Path. It's interesting to hear it and compare it to my own personally evolving spirituality. Thank you for your work. 🧛‍♂️

Deep stuff Dr Puca, made me think a lot as always, thanks. 🧛‍♂

Can you PLEASE do a video on left hand path misconceptions!!!?!? I'm intrigued by it!!! Is there some sort of connection to misconceptions about the left hand and right hand paths through the gauze of Christianity? I recently found out that a darkworker is a thing. I watched a few videos on it and it immediately made me think of High magick vs Low magick and the left and right hand paths....for the lightworker/darkworker concept it did feel like that was possibly influenced by Christianity. I'm definitely going to subscribe to your newsletter. I'm not even sure if this could be turned into a video or if I can articulate it properly but I have been thinking for a few months on this. We know that Christians label a lot of things as "Satanic" do to there lack of knowledge...when many of those things weren't origianlly linked to the Christian/Abrahamic Satan. Is there a way to show/"prove" those things aren't Satanic?

@DennisRoberts-sv4hi

10 ай бұрын

Jesus said Satan is the prince of the world. All economic systems are his, and all are corrupt, pushing greed and economic slavery's. All religious systems are Satan's, including christiany, both protestants and Catholics. There is a God, and Jesus Christ is real. I have cast demons out of people, raised one from the dead, and blocked a attempted gray alien abduction using the name of Jesus Christ. If he wasn't real none of these things would have happened. Satan is real, and he runs earth with corruption. Be blessed. ❤

Thanks!

Nice Vídeo, Thanks!

Amazing ❤

🧛🏻‍♂️ excellent video 𖤐 these things get talked about often on lhp channels, but your professional, ethical, and academic perspective really puts it together better than we can explain ourselves 😅 Again, great video

I ' d love your opinion on Eliphas Levi AND the occult french revival

🧛‍♀️ very interesting video

As a LHP practitioner, thank you for this! 🧛

Thank you

Thank you.

🧛‍♀️ I enjoy your work and will help support when I can!

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

Much appreciated!

Good stuff

I follow the middle-hand path: I challenge conventional norms/don't follow dogma nor do I practice how most do; I practice individually mostly bc I don't have community near me who shares my beliefs, but if I did, I'd do it in community; I believe in self-directed knowledge, but I wouldn't say I self-deify. I hope paganism gets less black and white/binary in how we perceive it within my lifetime. The binaries are imposed on us by the current status quo and it is so difficult for most people to deconstruct them, especially in religion. I mean, look at the whole "sacred feminine" and "sacred masculine" thing. I'm non-binary, so deconstructing the binaries once I realized I was an enby became so easy. But I can see how hard it is for people who aren't enby to deconstruct from them. Hopefully I can figure out how to teach that to people. Rly useful video and info!

@joebotz1243

7 ай бұрын

I'm straight however I walk the middle as well

Let me say that it doesn't matter if you climb the mountain on the known right side path, or the largely unknown left-hand. What matters is that you are traveling the mountain. There is no such thing as "goodness". There is only "Do what thou wilt" or rather Divine purpose.

Excellent video, Angela! Thanks! 😉👍✨🦇

Great work as always!! I had a dream last night that I encountered a giant white spider which means creativity and spirituality! It also means that things are going well for me!!

🧛🏾‍♀️Thank you! Very helpful and informative.

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

Thank you for another amazing and well explained video

Scared by the thumbnail, looked down at the creator, clicked over to see what the chick in the profile pic looks like; stayed for the accent. Good info. Well put together. Saucily presented.

What if we imagined that together, as a cooperating collective, we all are? Would it be easier to understand how all is always becoming and we are merely maturing?

Today witches don't pack wands. They pack laptops.

🧛🏻‍♀️ fantastic 🎉 as always!

Are traditional witchcraft and chaos Magick included? Sometimes included or just completely outside of this framework? As a Luciferian I see a lot of symbolism and stuff with the chaos magick sigils on them. Traditional witchcraft also is typically seen juxtaposed to Wicca

Thanks for the excellent analysis! 🧛‍♂️

Heard of this channel from Esoterica.

Absolutely awesome video!

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

I would add use of psychoactive substances, especially psychedelics, to the list of left-hand path practices aimed at understanding and manipulating ones own consciousness.

Hello Angela ! I would love a video about the misconceptions about the Left-Hand path if possible. Thank you for sharing your work ! 🧛‍♀

Another great video Angela you are the best!

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

🧛‍♀️ I found this information very helpful. Thank you.

@drangelapuca

11 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

The left hand path is about seeing the world as it really is, instead of basing our beliefs on existing myths or wishful thinking. And some people have a hard time facing some harsh truths about the nature of humans, and the values we've been raised with from birth. We are stuck in the trap of collectivism, as if the indifferent universe cared. Focusing on the self allows us to understand ourselves and help people better as a result, because we faced our own shadow. How can you really help others if you can't even help yourself?

@BhaalSakh

6 ай бұрын

@@SIN_DIRE Our human physical nature is tribal because it is related to our survival. Spiritually speaking we are not bound by any rules, it is vast and infinite. Some people will prefer to stay stuck here because of the oneness doctrine used to manipulate them into thinking they have a higher purpose and must come back on earth, others will seek to break free from any barriers and discover the world. In the end we are free to believe what we want, we all have a different purpose. I seek to destroy everything that doesn't sit well in my mind.

@BhaalSakh

6 ай бұрын

@@SIN_DIRE I am a Hellenist Luciferian/Demonolator. Honestly I think the left hand path is the introvert way. I am a natural introvert, so the RHP is totally alien to my mind. I don't think there are any rules in the afterlife or even an objective truth, so there are many ways to reach your own potential. Some will enjoy collectivism, others individualism. None are good or evil, it's a matter of personal taste. :)

La stregoneria italiana è così molto interessante. Sono un fan del tuo canale. Penso che il latino e l'italiano siano lingue così potenti.

Instant subscribe first Time. I am LHP practioner, have Been for almost 20 years

According ot Arthur Avalon, with respect to the Tantra(s).. "The Autumnal Durgapuja and other Vratas are performed according to the Puranas. But initiation, Upasana of Brahman with Sakti and various practices of Yoga are done according to the ritual of the Agama Sastra. This latter is of three kinds according to the prevalence of the Gunas - namely Tantra, Yamala and Damara. There are in all 192 Agamas current, namely 64 each in Avakranta, Rathadranta, and VIshnukranta." So to paraphrase (from his "Hymn to Kali" commentary), the Tantras (like Kularnava, Nila, Nirvana, Niruttara, Mahanirvana, vamakeswara etc.) are Sattvik Agamas (Tantras). The Yamalas (like Rudra Yamalam, Vishnu Yamalam, Brahma Yamalam, Uma Yamalam, Bhairava Yamalam etc) are Rajasic Agamas, whereas the Damaras (like Bhuta Damara - worship of ghosts/demons, etc ) are the Tamasic Agamas. So sattvik - mode of purity; rajasic - mode of passion; tamasic - mode of darkness. Thus the teachings of the agamas, commonly referred to as the "Tantras", although formally this distinction refers specifically to the sattvik-tantra of the Vaisnavas... are divided and give different practices and recommendations according to the prevailing gunas (modalities) of the sadhakas, practicioners. SO to call the rituals of the Damara Agamas "tantric practice" is mistaken and misleading. However Western speculation regarding the socalled "left hand path" of the Hindus mistakenly ascribes willful and deviant methods and goals to what is actually a formal branch of Vedic knowledge, simply because its adherents appear to be performing practices that are unusual from the (apparently) prevailing cultural norms. Of all Western late 19th and early 20th Century philosophers of "occult knowledge", Mr. Avalon was among the most academically rigorous - although he did not come fully under authorized guidance and therefore only grasped a subject area beyond his ken (Sanskrit Scriptures) in rather broad strokes...

Great stuff as usual 🧛‍♂️

Thank you. Finally, the "left-hand path" (kulācāra) is situated properly in terms of its origins and history. Within the history of Tantric philosophy and practice, it was / is meant to overcome the purity standards that have been dominating Hindu orthodoxy from very early on. Eating i.e. what is orthodoxically prohibited is not meant for the pleasure of eating it, but for transcending the dualistic notions of pure-impure. Socially, one could add that this was of course also a reaction to the religious and social power that higher castes have/had and executed by defining their purity norms in contrast to lower castes (a Brahmin is not allowed to eat together with lower caste members or has to make sure they do not step on his shadow etc. which would make him "impure"). And as you rightly mentioned, in classical Tantric scripture from about 500 AD onwards, the "left-hand path" is not something in contrast to tantrācāra, but rather a different mode (prakriya) which focusses on quickly achieving its desired results by resorting to the mentioned transgressive practices. I advise anyone interested in the Tantric origins of this mode of practice to read Abhinavagupta's Tantrāloka and its commentary by Jayaratha. It is kind of a masterful, well systematized 11th century exegesis of the many different Tantric schools such as Siddhānta, Krama, Trika and other Shaiva Tantric schools that were existing during Abhinavagupta's time in the Kashmir valley. Abhinavagupta had indeed been a brillant mind and you will find references to kulācāra practices throughout, condensed in his famous 29th chapter on the so-called adiyaga, the primal sacrifice which is of course related to sexual union.

@Ramananda_das

11 ай бұрын

Does Abhinavagupta discuss the term vamāchara anywhere?

@raphaelwalterlin1681

11 ай бұрын

@@Ramananda_das As far as I understand it, kulācāra and vāmācāra can be and are being used synonymously. As you know, kulācāra refers to Kulaprakriya, i.e. the Kaula modality of Tantric practice which are rooted in the Āgamas of the Bhairavapitha and which aims at jīvanmukti and hence proposes corresponding practices that do focus on and include what is commonly called "left-hand". See for example the Krama school and how there emphasis is laid on direct realisation through direct transmission (sankramana) or word of mouth by the teacher (katha). The renowned scholar-practicioner Mark Dyczwkoski, with whom I had the fortune to study for the last ten years, describes the two modalities in his introduction to the Manthanabhairavatantram as follows: "The Tantric paradigm presents itself in the Sanskrit sources in two modalities that came to be called Tantric (tantrācāra and tantraprakriyā) and Kaula (kulācāra and kulaprakriyā). Broadly speaking, the former in relationship to the latter is milder. The deities tend to assume a gentle form. The offerings made to them are generally vegetarian. [...] The main deities are mostly male as are their attendants. The Kaula, on the contrary, is ‚fierce‘ and energetic. The main deities generally have fierce or ‚erotic‘ forms. [...] Animal sacrifice and the offering of bodily substances are the norm. [...] The Kaula modality is more similar in many respects to ‚folk religion‘ than is the Tantric.“ (Dyzckowski 2009:254). He has also started releasing translations of the Tantrāloka in English by the way, which he has been studying close to 50 years. All 37 chapters will be / are covered including the viveka by Jayaratha.The first six volumes are available at Amazon.

Angela ❤

Ice cream emoji for the dracula