Authored by, Master Himala Pahadi
If you ask a master of Ahpay Amah, they will tell you that human skills have waned and rusted. Skills that once made magic. The old masters of Ahpay Amah, in their stillness, found this magic. That's where the true art lies. They didn't say "meditation". The term wasn't theirs. They didn't need another word. For them, stillness was just living. Nowadays, it's as rare as the stillness itself. Times were different for the masters. A slow mind taps deep senses. It gives instinct, vision, harmony with nature. It’s magic. Children, in their daydreams, live it. Yet we're told to outgrow it. We named "meditation" because we've strayed from what's innate, lost in this fast-paced world. So when I speak of these meditative practices, remember, they once were just the way of life for those masters.
Meditation is more than just silence; it’s a deliberate slowing down, a methodical quieting of both the body and the mind to touch a profound clarity, often seeking the elusive trance state. Historically, from Buddhist monks in the East to contemplative thinkers in the West, many have regarded this practice as a journey towards deeper understanding.
For those unfamiliar with the practice, the initiation into meditation often starts with the body. Best attempted in moments of fatigue, one should seek a spot, be it under a tree like Siddhartha or in a quiet room. Settle down, either seated or lying, whichever feels more natural. With closed eyes, allow the rhythmic cadence of your breath to lull the body, ensuring it doesn’t succumb to the allure of sleep. Throughout history, monks in monasteries and spiritualists in their sanctums have employed tools like incense or chants, their melodies weaving an ambience that aids in relaxation.
The true challenge, however, lies in taming the mind—a beast more restless than the body. Methods like breath-counting, although popular, can sometimes divert one from the deeper goal of trance. Rather than distracting the mind, one ought to gently guide it. Like a patient fisherman waiting by a serene lake, let thoughts come and go, observing without judgment. The objective is not to empty the mind, but to achieve a steady, unperturbed stream of consciousness. Engage with thoughts, dissecting and understanding them at a languid pace. Abstain from rapid, fleeting contemplations and emotionally charged musings. Once a semblance of tranquility is reached, grant the mind its freedom, letting it roam and explore its vast expanse.
In this deliberate process, as one traverses the depths of introspection, meditation evolves from a mere act to an enriching experience, revealing layers of oneself hitherto undiscovered.
Meditation, when practiced consistently, has a transformative effect on those who engage in it. Not only does it refine the mind's capabilities, such as concentration, but it also grants mastery over the body's physical nuances. With time, as one delves deeper into meditation, the process becomes less arduous and more intuitive. Most, however, embark on this journey with a singular goal in mind: to touch the elusive state of trance.
So, what exactly is this trance? Historically and across various cultures, trance has been recognized as a heightened state of consciousness. The masters from Ahpay Amah knew it as the Orgasmic State. I'll detail its attainment in a later article.
Like a sharpened blade, the mind in a trance exhibits an unparalleled focus and clarity. This magnified cognitive state often results in augmented psychic abilities. Ancient shamans, for instance, relied on trance for divination, energy channeling, and to recall past lives. In this transcendent state, the veil between the conscious and the subconscious thins, granting profound insights and unlocking dormant potentials, both mental and mystical. Moreover, it's not uncommon for one's persona to shift during trance, with instances of heightened intellect or even momentary regressions.
But how does trance truly feel? Imagine the liminal moments just before slumber overtakes an exhausted individual: the mind, still tethered to reality, begins weaving dreamlike sequences while retaining a sense of the surroundings. Trance echoes this state but with a twist. The practitioner remains entirely awake, with their mind razor-sharp, yet dreams and visions flow with fluidity. Analogies fall short of encapsulating the entirety of the trance experience. Like tasting a rare wine or witnessing a unique spectacle, it's something that must be lived to be truly comprehended. It stands apart, unparalleled in its depth and richness.
In the trance state, much becomes possible. The masters knew this, and those from Ahpay Amah practiced it like an art. Trance permits the channeling of distant vistas and conversations with entities long forgotten. With the mind's eye sharpened, seeing from afar, known as remote viewing, becomes clearer. It is in this state that the energies around us, often elusive, can be molded and directed with purpose, amplifying the potency of spells and rituals.
For many, the trance serves as a bridge to past lives, a connection to iterations of the self once lived but now obscured. It is also in this heightened awareness that the energies within can be harmonized, realigned. Sometimes, this alignment is not just preferred but necessary. The trance, with its sharpened clarity and deepened subconscious link, also makes riddles less cryptic and introspection more profound. The abilities to channel, divine, and view remotely, sharpened in this state, can shed light on mysteries once insurmountable.
But are all trances the same? No. The depth of the trance varies. Some are mere ripples on the water's surface, altering the consciousness just slightly. Others are deep, immersive experiences, so profound that to the outside observer, the practitioner might seem in slumber. But in this depth lies power. However, there's a cautionary note to be heeded: while seeking this depth, one might inadvertently drift into sleep, mistaking it for the trance's profundity. It's a delicate balance to maintain.
Meditation and trance are not invariably linked, though they often dance hand in hand. While meditation serves as a gateway for many to reach the trance state, it isn't the sole path. Those well-versed in the intricacies of trance often find their way without the need for meditation, particularly if they've honed their craft over time. Certain spells or rituals, pulsating with energy, can propel one into trance, given the sheer force they muster.
When one speaks of spellwork and ritual in conjunction with trance, it's akin to pouring fuel on a fire. The trance, subtle or deep, amplifies the potency of any ritual or spell. It's recommended, almost an unwritten rule, that during these arcane workings, one should touch the trance state, if only fleetingly. For spells of formidable might, requiring vast energy reserves, the trance becomes not just an asset, but a necessity.
As for psionic magick, its relationship with trance mirrors that of spellwork. Naturally gifted individuals can manifest simple psionic feats with minimal effort, without the aid of trance. But when the stakes are raised, and grander feats beckon, trance becomes an ally of unparalleled value. In the embrace of the trance, the practitioner’s success rate and power surge, lending weight to their endeavors.
When preparing for meditation, the primary consideration is comfort. Whether seated or reclined, one should feel a sense of ease, much like the moments before drifting into sleep. It's vital that the position chosen doesn't strain the body or distract the mind.
As for attire, the essence of meditation is internal, not the clothes on one's back. The old masters of Ahpay Amah preferred to be unclad thus allowing for no separation between them and the Earth’s vibrations. But, particularly for the novice, comfort can't be stressed enough. Imagine dressing for a night of restful sleep. The skin should breathe, free from tight constraints or scratchy fabrics. Overly warm or cold clothing can pull the mind from its center, though draping a blanket is acceptable if chill sets in. However, while meditation aims to shed the external, one must be cautious when considering magically charged items. Unless they are the focal point of your meditation, they might serve as distractions rather than aids.
Yogic positions, like the esteemed lotus pose, aren't merely for show. They have ancient roots, designed to optimize the flow of energy through the body. When adeptly executed, these positions can enhance meditation, deepening one's connection and experiences. However, they're not shortcuts. If the posture causes discomfort or pain, it becomes a hindrance, not a help. Only when one has advanced in their yoga practice, reaching a stage where these poses are as natural as breathing, should they be integrated into meditation. It's the balance of mind and body, undistracted by physical discomfort, that propels a meditator into the depths of consciousness.
When meditating, drowsiness can serve as a double-edged sword. On one hand, a tired mind drifts easily toward relaxation, providing an ideal setting to delve deep. Yet, the fine line between meditation and sleep can blur, with the latter taking over, and the initial purpose being lost.
Energy, like the currents of a river, shapes the meditation. An abundance of energy can accelerate the journey to trance, making its depths more profound. However, the nature of that energy, its origin and essence, can influence the course. It's like navigating a river: the water's flow aids the journey, but its quality can change the experience.
When pondering a question during meditation, envision it as a lantern guiding you through darkness. Hold onto it, illuminating your thoughts. In trance, the lantern's glow intensifies, revealing insights and perhaps even beckoning knowledgeable entities to share their wisdom. The question serves as both anchor and compass.
In contrast, meditating on an object is akin to anchoring oneself to a tangible point. Whether clasped in hand, worn, or placed nearby, the object becomes the center of attention. It's a grounding presence, pulling the consciousness towards it. Dive into its essence, and let it guide you, much like a question would. The principles are parallel, yet the focus shifts from the abstract to the tangible.
In conclusion, the journey of meditation and trance, deeply revered by masters like those of Ahpay Amah, has transcended epochs and cultures. It stands as a testament to our ceaseless quest for understanding — both of the self and the world beyond our immediate senses. In an era where distractions abound and stillness is a rarity, the timeless art of meditation and the profound state of trance beckon us, promising clarity, insight, and a deeper connection to the universe. To some, they might appear as vestiges of ancient practices, but to those who walk this path, they are bridges to realms both within and beyond, connecting the material to the mystical. So, whether you seek solace, understanding, or magic, remember the words of the masters. It’s not about adding more to our lives, but rediscovering what's already innate, a harmony once inherent in our existence. Let's not merely strive to meditate but to live in meditation, embracing the stillness and the magic it holds.
Illustration provided by leonardo.ai
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