'Metamorphosis' is a documentary film by Keith Aronowitz, who traveled to Peru to try Ayahuasca for the first time at the Blue Morpho Lodge. The ceremonies proved to be profound. “It was an incredible experience and it forever changed my life, says Aronowitz.” He also happened to have brought his camcorder along and recorded some of the ceremonies and interviewed some of the people who had also journeyed to drink Ayahuasca. When he shared his footage, the response was enthusiastic, so he thought of making a documentary film !


Metamorphosis follows five Ayahuasca tourists on a nine-day retreat at the jungle lodge maintained by Blue Morpho Tours, where they participate in five ayahuasca ceremonies. The lodge is run by Hamilton Souther, who has been practicing shamanism for about seven years. “The spirits came along,” Souther says in the film, “and they said to me: You have to go into the jungle and drink ayahuasca.” Souther apprenticed under Don Alberto Torres Davila and Don Julio Gerena Pinedo, and they now all work together leading ceremonies at the lodge. The film tells Souther’s story, incorporates his explanations of the ceremonies, and portrays the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes through which he guides his guests.

The film does not flinch from depicting the sometimes overpowering physical and psychological effects of the drink. “Everybody who comes here suffers,” says Souther. Aronowitz puts this into his own context. “Fear is not the only thing that takes place,” he says. “You experience divinity. Universal knowledge through visions. Oneness. Love. Your heart opens. You feel connected to everyone and everything. I feel like I had to go to hell in order to get to heaven.”

Blue Morpho Tours specializes in what it calls all-inclusive shamanic workshops. The lodge is relatively comfortable, at least compared to the amenities available in local villages, and has hosted not only tourists but also journalists who have described their ayahuasca experiences in such widely read publications as the Houston Chronicle and National Geographic magazine.

Perhaps because of its success, Blue Morpho Tours has attracted both criticism and defense, largely concerning the commercialization of indigenous spirituality and the effect of ayahuasca tourism on local communities. “Blue Morpho is a unique place,” Aronowitz says, “because one of the shamans is a westerner. He left his life in America in order to learn this healing tradition in the middle of the Amazon. So he’s a conduit to helping other people heal through this tradition.”

As per a more recent update (As seen here), there have been some major changes at the Blue Morpho Lodge. Hamilton has kind of disavowed his title as Master Shaman and while Don Alberto still practices there occasionally with traditional medicine ceremonies, many of the retreats are now centered around 'universality' instead of the traditional shamanic lineage based medicine. The prices for ceremonies have since skyrocketed suggesting over commercialization of Ayahuasca tourism.

Someone commented on the Ayahuasca thread on Reddit, highlighting reasons behind the changes at Blue Morpho ...

" Hamilton and another master shaman wanted to push their mastery of the medicne to the limit so did 30 Ayahuasca ceremonies in 30 days..."The big 30" as they called it. Shamans drink fairly regularly but with gaps, so 30 days straight is a lot Ayahuasca.

Basically, during that experience he found another path. He discovered that the dualistic nature of traditional Amazonian shamanism (spirit world/real world) is artifice built out of tradition, but isn't necessary for healing, and is therefore an illusion so not useful. The path he discovered is about unification/universalism, where there are no divisions. He wanted to continue doing ceremonies with his 'updated' understanding of the medicine, but his new approach wasn't compatible with the traditional shamanic worldview so after a bunch of discussions with his Maestro (Don Alberto) he retired the title he had earned within the traditional apprentice/master lineage system.

So he's still doing Aya ceremonies, but they're using the "universalism" framework rather than a traditional one. Don Alberto still holds traditional ceremonies there too though, so when you book a tour you can choose which you prefer.

BM was my first aya experience years ago and it was a whopper. I've been back to peru a few times to drink but never at Blue Morpho again. Hamilton is (was?) a grade-a Shaman though, so whatever he's doing now is interesting and useful, I'm sure. If I could afford their tours now I'd be tempted to go back just to check it out. "




Here is a short excerpt from an interview with Keith Aronowitz ...

" At one point during the film, one of the shamans says, "Everybody who comes here suffers," and the film is really about facing fear, I think. To what extent is an ayahuasca ceremony about fear? Are there other aspects of an ayahuasca ceremony?

Aronowitz : That's a good question. Fear is definitely an element of the ceremony. It's a daunting task to drink ayahuasca in the jungle. Anybody who gets in there has to have a lot of courage. Every night I saw the people going into ceremony to face their fears. I was inspired. For most people who go to drink ayahuasca medicine, nothing else has worked, or they are looking to really challenge themselves. That's kind of what it's all about, in a way. But fear is not the only thing that takes place. You experience divinity. Universal knowledge through visions. Oneness. Love. Your heart opens. You feel connected to everyone and everything. I feel like I had to go to hell in order to get to heaven. I'm not saying that's always how it has to be for everyone else, but that's how it was for me. I had to straighten out my energy in order to see love and to feel love. It was really hard work, but that's what I was there for.

And at the end there's a lot of laughter, relief, some good flatulence. Whew, I made it. We made it! Hopefully I'll be ready for the next ceremony. And you grow and learn. "


References :

• Metamorphosis : Making of an Ayahuasca Documentary
• Singing to the Plants - Metamorphosis

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The War on Drugs has made criminals out of users while the illegal drug industry continues to flourish putting all users at potential risk as long as it remains in the hands of unscrupulous criminals and the international drug mafia. The drug problem is being addressed by the Global Commission on Drug Policy who believe its time to legally regulate the use of all substances if we have to win this forever ongoing war on drugs which has done more harm than solve the problem at hand.

Most people have little or no authentic information about drugs and their effects and there seems to be some sort of a taboo when it comes to discussing the topic. The masses need to be educated not misinformed and lied to about Drugs ... Entheogens used by mankind for who knows how long ...


Kofi Annan, Richard Branson and eight other ex-presidents who are part of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, strongly urge that drugs should be a matter for health professionals, not the police, in a new report released recently.

“Overwhelming evidence points to not just the failure of the drug control regime to attain its stated goals but also the horrific unintended consequences of punitive and prohibitionist laws and policies,” states the study, published by the Global Commission on Drug Policy (GCDP) last week.

“A new and improved global drug control regime is needed that better protects the health and safety of individuals and communities around the world,” the report says. “Harsh measures grounded in repressive ideologies must be replaced by more humane and effective policies shaped by scientific evidence, public health principles and human rights standards.”

For the first I really feel there is something sensible being done about the drug problem our world faces at large, thanks to the illegality. Can we finally see real change manifesting in our lives ... I think we have good reason to be hopeful :)

Here are some interesting points discussed in the report submitted by the Global Commission on Drug Policy ..

" A new and improved global drug control regime is needed that better protects the health and safety of individuals and communities around the world. Harsh measures grounded in repressive ideologies must be replaced by more humane and effective policies shaped by scientific evidence, public health principles and human rights standards. This is the only way to simultaneously reduce drug-related death, disease and suffering and the violence, crime, corruption and illicit markets associated with ineffective prohibitionist policies. The fiscal implications of the policies we advocate, it must be stressed, pale in comparison to the direct costs and indirect consequences generated by the current regime. "

" The Global Commission proposes five pathways to improve the global drug policy regime. After putting people ́s health and safety at the center of the picture, governments are urged to ensure access to essential medicines and pain control. The Commissioners call for an end to the criminalization and incarceration of users together with targeted prevention, harm reduction and treatment strategies for dependent users. "

" In order to reduce drug related harms and undermine the power and profits of organized crime, the Commission recommends that governments regulate drug markets and adapt their enforcement strategies to target the most violent and disruptive criminal groups rather than punish low level players. The Global Commission’s proposals are complimentary and comprehensive. They call on governments to rethink the problem, do what can and should be done immediately, and not to shy away from the transformative potential of regulation. "



One of the recommendations made by the commission states as follows ...

" Allow and encourage diverse experiments in legally regulating markets in currently illicit drugs, beginning with but not limited to cannabis, coca leaf and certain novel psychoactive substances.

Much can be learned from successes and failures in regulating alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical drugs and other products and activities that pose health and other risks to individuals and societies.

New experiments are needed in allowing legal but restricted access to drugs that are now only available illegally. This should include the expansion of heroin-assisted treatment for some long-term dependent users, which has proven so effective in Europe and Canada. Ultimately the most effective way to reduce the extensive harms of the global drug prohibition regime and advance the goals of public health and safety is to get drugs under control through responsible legal regulation. "


Marijuana in Colorado


The legalization of Marijuana in Colorado for recreational use has created over 10,000 jobs in the state and has helped boost the overall economy there apart from lowering the crime rate.



The State of Washington recently opened their first few pot shops, almost 2 years after the state legalized Cannabis. Here is a video about it ... People seem extremely over joyed with the way things have turned out in their state.

Can we all learn from this and educate people around us about drugs rather than teaching the world to hate what they don't fully understand ?



With Uruguay leading the way by legalizing the regulated use of Cannabis which has effectively set an example for others to take cue from, there seems to be hope for real change manifesting in our life time. Here are some interesting videos about the Legalization of Cannabis in Uruguay ...





There are places around the world where people still use Cannabis freely for religious and spiritual practices. These are people who have come to understand the potential of these plant based substances in helping us attain mystical states of consciousness which help us heal and rejuvenate our spirit.





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The Ka'apor Indians of the Amazon have started fighting back to save the amazonian jungles by confronting illegal loggers who are incessantly destroying the rain forests of Amazon. They started a jungle expedition to search for and expel loggers from the Alto Turiacu Indian territory, near the Centro do Guilherme municipality in the northeast of Maranhao state in the Amazon basin, Brazil.


“Illegal loggers have long invaded areas of the Amazon rainforest. Tired of what they say is a lack of sufficient government assistance, the Ka’apor Indians feel it is time to take matters into their own hands.

The Ka’apor Indians are the legal inhabitants and caretakers of the territory along with four other tribes. The tribe sends out their warriors who hunt down loggers and drive them off their land.




"Nossa Terra - Our Land" is a short documentary film which takes an exclusive look inside the word of the Kaapor People of Brazil as they struggle to keep their land and their culture. The documentary includes a tour of the forest and how they hunt, find water, and use the forest for their survival.




On several occasions, Indians around Brazil have been subject to violence and attacks from illegal loggers. This time the Indians fought back.

“We got tired of waiting for the government,” Ka’apor leader Irakadju said.

The Ka’apor Indians’ way of life depends on the forest. They are not the only tribe to complain about exploiters; other warriors around the country have also set up patrols to drive away those exploiting the forest’s natural resources.

“Our forest was being taken away from us, but we woke up,” Irakadju told me one day. “Many whites feel that the standing forest is of no use. They cannot see that a living jungle is good for the entire world and helps the Earth to breathe.”



The Kaapor Indians have little choice left but to fight back in order to save their home, the Amazon forest, from being destroyed. All forests and trees on the planet sustain a very delicate ecosystem we don't quite fully understand and if we don't stop now, our future as a civilization on this planet looks bleak. We must strive to keep the planet green adopting sustainable ways of living, in harmony with the natural way. For that we must first begin to understand what is the natural way ? We must get back into the wilderness and reconnect with others aspects of ourselves we've for so long been disconnected from ... Sometimes an inner revolution is what is needed to bring about the manifestation of real change in our world and each one of us carries that eternal spark within, to light up our world. We must lighten up, now !



Images Courtesy : Lunae Parracho (Reuters Photographer)


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The Pineal Gland, a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain, produces the serotonin derivative melatonin, a hormone that affects the modulation of sleep patterns and seasonal functions. Its shape resembles a tiny pine cone (hence the name Pineal), and it is located near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two rounded thalamic bodies join.

Some interesting videos on the Pineal Gland and how one can activate it using various techniques ...






When activated the Pineal gland becomes a line of communication with higher planes. Prana, or universal energy is received through this energy center in the head and with Practice, the vibration level of the astral body is raised, allowing it to separate from the physical.

To activate the 'third eye' and perceive higher dimensions, the pineal gland and the pituitary body, must vibrate in unison, which is achieved through meditation and / or relaxation. When a correct relationship is established, between personality, operating through the pituitary body, and the soul, operating through the pineal gland, a magnetic field is created.

The negative and positive forces, interact and become strong enough, to create the 'light in the head'. With this 'light in the head' activated, astral projectors can withdraw themselves, from the body, carrying the light with them.


This pineal gland is activated by Light, and it controls various bio-rhythms of the body. It works in harmony with the hypothalamus gland which directs the body’s thirst, hunger, sexual desire and the biological clock that determines our aging process. When it awakens, one feels a pressure at the base of the brain.

While the physiological function of the pineal gland is not exactly common knowledge, mystical traditions and esoteric schools have long known this area in the middle of the brain to be the connecting link between the physical and spiritual realms. Considered the most powerful and highest source of ethereal energy available to humans, the pineal gland has always been important in initiating supernatural powers. Development of psychic talents has been closely associated with this organ of higher vision.

The Pineal Gland acts as a magnet for Fluoride and it is no accident that there is Fluoride in our drinking water supply and in most of the toothpastes sold out there. A population devoid of its abilities to see through the veil of illusion, trapped within the confines of the ego is easy to control.


As human beings continue to evolve, further out of matter, on the journey from spirit to matter... back to spirit, the pineal gland will continue to rise from its state of age - long dormancy, bringing back to humanity... astral capacities and spiritual abilities.


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Bhang, the Holy Drink of Lord Shiva, is LEGALLY sold in India and its use is not restricted to the Sages and Holy Men (Sadhus) who have renounced the material world to maintain singular focus on Shiva, for everything is Shiva in the eyes of an initiated Shaivite. All bhakti (devotion) finally leads the bhakt (devotee) towards the realization of absolute oneness with the deity, whoever the deity might be. The use of Cannabis in the form of Bhang is deeply rooted in the Indian culture and has references in the Vedas as well. The Atharva Veda, estimated to have been written sometime around 2000 – 1400 BC, mentions Cannabis to be one of the five sacred plants and the guardian angel resides in its leaves.


In certain Vedic rituals, Cannabis stems were thrown into the ritual fire (yagna) to overcome enemies and evil forces. The Vedas also refer to it as a source of happiness, joy giver and liberator. One version says that, when the devas (gods) and demons churned the ocean, nectar (amrit) as well as poison (vish) emerged. No one wanted the poison, so Shiva drank it all up, which earned him the title 'Neelkanth, the Blue Throated One'. As per one version, the poison remained in his throat as Parvati held his neck tight, not allowing the posion to go any further into his body. When a drop of Amrit fell on the ground, the Cannabis plant sprouted from it. This plant is believed to bestow supernatural powers to its user.






In Tibet, this plant has been traditionally considered sacred. According to one Mahayana Buddhist tradition, the Buddha, in his last six years of ascetism before enlightenment, subsisted on one Cannabis seed a day.

In Tantric Buddhism this plant is consumed to heighten ones awareness during certain rituals. A gift from the gods, according to Indian mythology, the magical Cannabis "lowered fevers, fostered sleep, relieved dysentery, and cured other illnesses. It also stimulated appetite, prolonged life, quickened the mind, and improved judgement."


British psychiatrist G. Morris Carstairs spent 1951 in a large village in northern India and reported on the two highest castes, Rajput and Brahmin, and their traditional intoxicants of choice - alcohol and cannabis, respectively. The Rajputs were the warriors and governors; they consumed a potent distilled alcohol called 'daru'. The Brahmins were the religious leaders; they were vegetarian and drank bhang. Rajput lore, glorified sexual and military conquests. The priestly Brahmins, on the other hand, "were quite unanimous in reviling daru and all those who indulged in it. Bhang, a Brahmin told Carstairs, "gives good bhakti." He defined bhakti as "emptying the mind of all worldly distractions and thinking only of God." Whereas the Rajput in his drinking bout knows that he is taking a holiday from his sober concerns, the Brahmin thinks of his intoxication with bhang as a flight not from but toward a more profound contact with reality."

Cannabis has been used as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years, yet ironically it has also been used to decrease sexual desire. Yogis have mastery over their senses, hence they can make the creative life force (shakti) travel upwards towards the Crown Chakra, through the Ajna, instead of being released outward in a sexual act. This knowledge behind the sacramental use of Cannabis is gradually spreading among thousands and millions of Cannabis users worldwide who have begun to see beyond the recreational use of Cannabis and recognizing its true worth as medicine and as an Entheogen, awakening our inner divinity, enabling us to realize how deeply we are intertwined with all existence.



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For over 3000 years the Blue Lotus was used by priesthood of ancient Egypt for its medicinal properties and as a spiritual sacrament. The Blue Lotus generally produces mild psychoactive effects that are purported to have a "divine" essence, which brings upon the feelings of tranquility and subtle euphoria.

Nymphaea caerulea, also known as the Egyptian blue lily or sacred blue lotus, is a blue water-lily in the genus Nymphaea that grows along the Nile and other places such as the Indian Subcontinent and Thailand.


The main effect you will probably sense is a pleasant feeling of warmth around the head and upper body; a very comfortable, dreamy feeling, with a slight stimulant effect. Many people relate to an expanded state of awareness with feelings of a psychic opening of the higher chakras, especially the 6th, or the third-eye.


The sacred flower seems to produce a subtle, high-level, expanded state of consciousness that may have been used in ceremonial meditation and magic. Energy workers have reported a heightened sense of psychic energy and the ability to better utilize these higher states in their practices. Many people also use the Sacrament to enhance meditation, utilizing the dreamy, trance-like effects to reinforce an alpha-state. Using the Sacrament before bedtime has also been reported to induce lucid dreaming.

Perhaps the most well-known role of the blue Lotus flower in Egyptology is set in it’s association with the Sun, the creation, and rebirth. The reason that that Lotus is used as a metaphor for these things is due to the way that it raises out of the water, over a small period of time, and flowers in the morning to the late afternoon, before sinking below the surface again. The repeat of this pattern makes it easy to understand why the Egyptians chose it to symbolize the Lotus with rebirth, as it followed the same pattern as the sun.


In Egypt, not a monument in the valley of the Nile, not a single papyrus scroll is without this plant in an honored place. On the capitals of the Egyptian pillars, on the thrones and even headdresses of the Divine Kings, the lotus appears everywhere.

The Blue Lotus in Buddhism is the symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, of intelligence and wisdom, of knowledge. It is generally represented as a partially opened bud, whose center is unseen, the embodiment of the “perfection of wisdom”. The Blue Lotus of the Nile was the most sacred of plants, prized above all others. The plant was associated with the sun god Ra as the bringer of light.

Even today blue lotus is used as a tonic for good health. It may be consumed as an extract in doses of 6-12 drops. 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of extract may be taken in juice or wine, 1 to 3 times daily. Fresh Nymphaea caerulea flowers are made into a tea or soaked in wine, then consumed, followed by smoking the dried plant material. The buds and flowers are the psychoactive parts of the plant.


References :

• Sacred Blue Lotus
• Blue Lotus Chai

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"Last Hippie Standing 2 : Global State of Mind", is the sequel to a fascinating documentary about the psychedelic, trance dance, hippie culture of Goa which has been evolving since the sixties ... from Rock and Roll to Trance, the transition has made the scene even more vibrant and richer with alternate styles of music being played all over Goa. The documentary is yet to be released however there are some videos from the film you might want to watch. It will perhaps give you the feeling of returning to magical Goa, even though for a short while !

Although Psychedelic Trance parties have a much larger following these days, the spirit of Rock and Roll is still alive and kicking in Goa. 'Art Escape Goa' for one, has been doing a phenomenal job at keeping the live music scene going strong with great artists and budding musicians being given a platform to exhibit their talent. The vibe in Goa is so pure and so magical that it makes people keep coming back for more ... season after season. With an ever increasing number of young psychonauts exploring their subconscious through the psychedelic, trance dance experience, there are all kinds of experiences unfolding. Sometimes confusing with an overload of information ... other times profoundly enlightening and highly uplifting.


Amidst all the chaos and madness of the scene, there are also amazing awakenings and realizations unfolding within our consciousness as we continue to explore ... finding the way back to our roots. The Goa Psychedelic Experience gives thousands of people from all over the world a chance to experience the mystical side of what we consider reality. A playground of sorts where folks lose their individual identities for a short while and experience the power of community and a sense of absolute oneness with everything. These kind of experiences may seem short lived, however have a deep, everlasting impact on our consciousness. Once the mind is opened, it is not possible to go back to a state of willful ignorance.




Tristan blasting at Shiva Valley, South Anjuna - Goa


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Ganesha, the son of Parvati is celebrated in India as one of the most generous and kind hearted, among a pantheon of Gods, Goddesses and other deities that are worshiped in India. The countless number of Gods of India perhaps signifies a time when a huge number of humans living on Earth were aware of their true divine nature, hence were considered Gods. There have also been many things that have been misinterpreted or lost in translation somewhere ... For instance the 33 crore Gods of India is actually a direct reference to the 33 different kinds of families which were considered Gods in their time. Namely, 12 Adityas + 11 Rudras + 8 Vasus + 2 Ashwini Kumar = 33 Families. The last two families of Ashwini Kumar are replaced by Indra and Prajapati sometimes. All of these ancient stories of Hindu Gods and Deities have deep inner symbolism, hidden behind the story. Ganesha's story is a very interesting one, especially when understood symbolically ...


One day Goddess Parvati was at home on Mt.Kailash preparing for a bath. As she didn’t want to be disturbed, she told Nandi, her husband Shiva’s Bull, to guard the door and let no one pass. Nandi faithfully took his post, intending to carry out Parvati’s wishes. But, when Shiva came home and naturally wanted to come inside, Nandi had to let him pass, being loyal first to Shiva. Parvati was angry at this slight, but even more than this, at the fact that she had no one as loyal to Herself as Nandi was to Shiva. So, taking the turmeric paste (for bathing) from her body and breathing life into it, she created Ganesha, declaring him to be her own loyal son.

The next time Parvati wished to bathe, she posted Ganesha on guard duty at the door. In due course, Shiva came home, only to find this strange boy telling him he couldn’t enter his own house! Furious, Shiva ordered his army to destroy the boy, but they all failed! Such power did Ganesha possess, being the son of Devi Herself!

This surprised Shiva. Seeing that this was no ordinary boy, the usually peaceful Shiva decided he would have to fight him, and in his divine fury severed Ganesha’s head, killing him instantly. When Parvati learned of this, she was so enraged and insulted that she decided to destroy the entire Creation! Lord Brahma, being the Creator, naturally had his issues with this, and pleaded that she reconsider her drastic plan. She said she would, but only if two conditions were met: one, that Ganesha be brought back to life, and two, that he be forever worshipped before all the other gods.

Shiva, having cooled down by this time, and realizing his mistake, agreed to Parvati’s conditions. He sent Brahma out with orders to bring back the head of the first creature he crosses that is laying with its head facing North. Brahma soon returned with the head of a strong and powerful elephant, which Shiva placed onto Ganesha’s body. Breathing new life into him, he declared Ganesha to be his own son as well, and gave him the status of being foremost among the gods, and leader of all the ganas (classes of beings), Ganapati.

There can be many variations to a story and many interpretations to those variations, here are some of them I resonate with as being meaningful ...

Shiva symbolizes the Soul, who seeks to meet his consort Parvati or Para-Shakti (Supreme Energy), which is symbolic of Kundalini energy which resides at the Muladhara Chakra. It is said that when we purify ourselves, ridding ourselves of the impurities that bind us, then the Lord automatically comes. This is why Shiva, the Supreme Lord, came unannounced as Parvati was bathing.

Nandi, Shiva’s bull, who Parvati first sent to guard the door represents the divine temperment. Nandi is so devoted to Shiva that his every thought is directed to Him, and he is able to easily recognize the Lord when He arrives. This shows that the attitude of the spiritual aspirant is what gains access to Devi’s (the kundalini shakti’s) abode. One must first develop this attitude of the devotee before hoping to become qualified for the highest treasure of spiritual attainment, which Devi alone grants.

After Nandi permitted Shiva to enter, Parvati took the turmeric paste from Her own body, and with it created Ganesha.. Yellow is the color associated with the Muladhara chakra, where the kundalini resides, and Ganesha is the deity who guards this chakra. Devi needed to create Ganesha, who represents the earthbound awareness, as a shield to protect the divine secret from unripe minds. It is when this awareness begins to turn away from things of the world, and toward the Divine, as Nandi had, that the great secret is revealed.

Shiva is the Lord and Supreme Teacher. Ganesha here represents the ego-bound Jiva. When the Lord comes, the Jiva, surrounded as it is with the murky cloud of ego, usually doesn’t recognize Him, and maybe even ends up arguing or fighting with Him! Therefore, it is the duty of the Lord, in the form of the Guru, to cut off the head of our ego! So powerful is this ego however, that at first the Guru’s instructions may not work, as Shiva’s armies failed to subdue Ganesha. It often requires a tougher approach, but, eventually the compassionate Guru, in His wisdom finds a way.

Devi threatened to destroy the whole Creation after learning of Ganesha’s demise. This indicates that when the ego thus dies, the liberated Jiva loses interest in its temporary physical vehicle, the body, and begins to merge into the Supreme. The physical world is here represented by Devi. This impermanent and changeable creation is a form of Devi, to which this body belongs; the unchanging Absolute is Shiva, to which belongs the Soul. When the ego dies, the external world, which depends on the ego for its existence, disappears along with it. It is said that if we want to know the secrets of this world, which is a manifestation of Devi, then we must first receive the blessings of Ganesha.

Shiva restoring life to Ganesha, and replacing his head with an elephant’s, means that before we can leave the body, the Lord first replaces our small ego with a “big”, or universal ego. This doesn’t mean that we become more egoistic. On the contrary, we no longer identify with the limited individual self, but rather with the large universal Self. In this way, our life is renewed, becoming one that can truly benefit Creation. It is however only a functional ego, like the one Krishna and Buddha kept. It is like a thin string tying the liberated Consciousness to our world, solely for our benefit.

Ganesha is given dominion over the Ganas, which is a general term denoting all classes of beings, ranging from insects, animals and humans to the subtle and celestial beings. These various beings all contribute to the government of the Creation; everything from natural forces like storms and earthquakes, to the elemental qualities like fire and water, to functioning of the body’s organs and processes. If we don’t honor the Ganas, then our every action is a form of thievery, as it is unsanctioned. Therefore, instead of propitiating each Gana in order to receive their blessings, we bow to their Lord, Sri Ganesha. By receiving His grace, we receive the grace of all. He removes any potential obstacles and enables our endeavors to succeed.





Something interesting about the 33 Crore Gods in Hinduism ... A small part of the conversation between Śākalya and Sage Yājñavalkya, documented in 'Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - Chapter 3'.

Śākalya : "How many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya : "Three hundred and three." Then he says, "Three thousand and three."

Śākalya : "Is this the answer that you give me to my question, how many gods are there? Three thousand and three; three hundred and three! Have you no other answer to this question?"
Yājñavalkya : There are thirty-three gods.

Śākalya : "All right!" (not satisfied with answer) ...Tell me again properly; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya : "Six are there."

Śākalya : "How many gods are there. Tell me again. Think properly."
Yājñavalkya : "Only three gods are there."

Śākalya : "How many gods are there? Tell again.
Yājñavalkya : "Two gods are there."

Śākalya : "Tell again; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya : "One and a half gods"

(Then he was very upset)

Śākalya : "What is this you say, one and a half gods. Tell again properly; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya : "One god is there,"

Śākalya : "All these numbers that you have mentioned – three thousand and three, three hundred and three – what are these gods? Give the names of these gods, the deities."

Yājñavalkya : "All these three thousand and all that I mentioned – they are not really gods. They are only manifestations of the thirty-three. The thirty-three are the principal manifestations, and others are only their glories, radiances, manifestations, magnificences or forces, energies, powers."

Śākalya : "But what are these thirty-three?"
Yājñavalkya : "The thirty-three gods are eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Ādityas, then Indra and Prajāpati – these make thirty-three gods."

Śākalya : "What are these Vasus which are eight in number?"
Yājñavalkya : "Fire is one deity; earth is one deity; air is another; the atmosphere is one deity; the sun is one deity; the heaven is one deity; moon is one deity; the stars are one deity. These constitute eight groups"

Śākalya : "Why do you call them Vasus?"
Yājñavalkya : "Everything is deposited as it were in these constituent principles. Therefore, they are called Vasus."

Śākalya : "Who are the Rudras?"
Yājñavalkya : "The ten senses and the mind make eleven. These are the Rudras."

Śākalya : "What are the twelve Ādityas, the suns?"
Yājñavalkya : "They are twelve forces of the sun, takes away the vitality of people."

Śākalya : "Who is Indra? Who is Prajāpati?"
Yājñavalkya : "The rain cloud can be called Indra. Sacrifice can be called Prajāpati."

Śākalya : "What do you mean by rain cloud?"
Yājñavalkya : "By rain cloud I do not actually mean the cloud, but the lightning which is the embodiment of energy."


References :

• AmritaPuri - The Home Page of Amma, The Hugging Saint
• Revival of True India : 33 Million Indian Gods

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• Alchemy : The Science of Enlightenment
• Chakras : Gateways to Consciousness

In India, there has been a long recorded history of the sacramental use of the Cannabis plant popularly known as "Ganja". Even today there are many religious / spiritual sects in India who use Ganja to attain altered states of consciousness which brings them closer to their inner divinity, allowing wisdom and intuition to rise within their consciousness. A million and more Naga Babas, the Nihangs of Punjab, the Pandas of Orissa all use Cannabis in one form or another and have been doing so for many many years. So how did this amazing plant get to be ostracized by modern society ? Someone obviously doesn't want us all to wake up from the slave driven reality we help co-create.

The illegality of Cannabis in India doesn't stop millions of people living here, who choose to use the herb on a regular basis regardless of the so called law. How is it that we still accept a law which makes a plant illegal ? Doesn't matter which part of the world you live in, there has got to be some sense and coherence in the way we choose to live our lives, freely, without having to accept inane laws that are made to diminish our frequency and keep us enslaved in our self created prisons. The fact is that most people who use Cannabis regularly know the true worth of the sacred herb. The history of the plant and its long recorded use by sages and ascetics is evidence of the magical potential it holds as a plant teacher, a friend.

While most people in the world use Cannabis, the flowering tops (buds) of the female plant, there are some who make use of the resin collected from the buds of a mature plant. Charas, the holy resin from the Cannabis plant is considered a gift from Shiva and is said to aid all Shaivites (People who follow Shiva) in their Sadhana. In the Hindu Kush mountain ranges of India, its Cannabis Indica which thrives and is known to be quite different from Cannabis Sativa strain in its effects.


Cannabis Sativa has a higher level of THC compared to CBD, while Cannabis Indica has a higher level of CBD compared to THC. Cannabis strains with relatively high CBD:THC ratios are less likely to induce anxiety. This may be due to CBD's antagonistic effects at the cannabinoid receptors, compared to THC's partial agonist effect.

CBD is also a 5-HT1A receptor (serotonin) agonist, which may also contribute to an anxiolytic-content effect. This means that the high concentrations of CBD found in Cannabis indica mitigate the anxiogenic effect of THC significantly. The effects of sativa are well known for its cerebral high, while indica is well known for its sedative effects which some prefer for night time use.

Both types are used as medical cannabis. Indica plants are normally shorter and stockier than sativas. They have wide, deeply serrated leaves and a compact and dense flower cluster. The effects of indicas are predominantly physical and sedative.


An interesting documentary called Goonj, about the scene in Himachal, particularly around the Malana village where most villagers have been growing Cannabis as their main cash crop. The documentary features one of India's well known film actors, Naseeruddin Shah who has always been pro cannabis and doesn't shy away from accepting the fact that he loves the herb too and sees the illegality of the plant absolutely illogical.



A Clip from Strain Hunters : India Expedition
Charas from the Himalayas goes all around the world and due to its high quality and popular demand it's value also increases manifold as it crosses borders and makes its way into Europe. In Amsterdam for instance, the coffee shops sell different varieties of Cannabis, Charas and Hashish openly to their customers. Good Charas from India could be anywhere between €10 and €20, maybe more if its really top notch quality !

In India, because of its huge supply and demand, the prices have been sky rocketing. As the Charas leaves the villages of Himachal and makes its way to other Indian cities, the price for a tola (10 gms) could range anywhere between 1k - 3k. The purity of the stash can be questionable though, with all kinds of other stuff added to it as it exchanges hands. Parvati Cream from Himachal is considered the best variety of Charas one can smoke while in India. Its also sometimes referred to as "Junglee Maal" and is really really potent stuff !



The Smoking Babas : Holy Men of India
Although most people prefer rolling a joint which has a mixture of tobacco and charas, in larger groups of regular smokers Chillums are passed around more often with an opening salutation to Shiva ...




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For long, humans have been closely associated with Felines. In Ancient Egypt, Cats have played an important role in shaping their history as we know it, also evident in the depiction of their gods and goddesses in the half human and half feline form. Some of the Egyptian gods also have the Canine form, such as Anubis. It is no coincidence that the Sphinx faces the star Sirius, also known as the "Dog Star". Sirius is in the constellation 'Canis Major' or the 'Big Dog', hence the word 'Canine'.



The Canines and Felines (Felidae and the Canidae) as we know them are both from Sirius A and exist as fully evolved, crystalline light beings, non physical from our perspective. The household versions of these beings we see on Earth are in fact physical formats, genetically engineered by the Sirians to assist humanity in ways we are just beginning to understand as a species.

The Cat's purr falls well within the 20-50 hertz anabolic range, and extends up to 140 hertz and is known to assist in bone growth/fracture healing, muscle and tendon repair, pain relief, swelling reduction, dyspnoea (shortness of breath) and to improve mobility of joints.


There is also an old veterinary saying which states, " If you put a cat and a bunch of broken bones in the same room, the bones will heal."





Cat's purring is often compared to the Dhikr, the rhythmic chanting of the Sufis , which is used in many Islamic hospitals as a healing process.


Being around a cat when one is not feeling too well definitely helps as it hastens the healing process. Lying down next to a purring cat when one has a migraine helps one feel better as the healing frequencies alleviate the symptoms and this has been noted in many families which keep cats as pets. If only we had the sensitivity to understand animals and other lifeforms around us, perhaps we would have been a less aggressive species, more in tune with the natural way of life, living in harmony with other members of the Earth Tribe.

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior."

- Hippolyte Taine


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