Entheogens
Spiritual Yoga, or Divine Union is not an accomplishment, experience or pursuit which is confined to any particular land or time. It is something that anyone, who might imagine the potential, or be introduced to it in a serious way, may find worthwhile. It is the graded reunion of a limited individual ego or self, with the Cosmic Lord.
In the vocabulary or parlance of the INO, this Cosmic Lord or unified singularity was referred to or called Nath. Upon initiation into the Nath Order, an individual is given a “Nath” or “Devi” name which now casts and identifies them as a ray or emanation of the Cosmic Spirit or Lord.
Of course, one doesn’t have to take initiation for this to be the case. It is always the case for each and every human being. We are all manifestations of the Cosmic Spirit. In the case of the INO, it is the situation that we look at the aspect of the Yoga or reunion of the individual with the Cosmic Spirit as a primary goal.
How do we achieve this? Meditation, contemplation, relaxation. Chanting, mantras and puja. The company and influence of advanced souls. Mindful attention to our intentions in thought words and deeds. Correctly applied Think, which precipitates into values and understanding which can lead to a more harmonious life and progress.
All of the things mentioned above are positive, safe and wholesome. They can be embraced without fear, or only minimal fear of negative result.
What then of the “real” Tantrik path? The Sex, the Drugs, Mind Expansion, Do what you Willy, whoooo hu! etc… Well, what of it?
I believe we need to examine these things one at a time. The “drug” issue has come up. As stated, the INO is neutral on these things. The INO doesn’t encourage people to experiment with potentially dangerous and illegal substances. It doesn’t discourage people outside the boundaries of common sense. It seeks to promote the THINK process so that intelligent decisions can be made which are fitting to each individual and their karmas and life situation. Such decisions are best rendered by the individuals concerned. They and they alone must reap the fruits of their actions.
I would be too coy to suggest that Tantrika was not riddled with various plants and powders. At the same time, let me inform that Shri Mahendranath often ridiculed Mr. A. Crowley for his heroin habit. He also lamented the “death” of the hippy or “freak scene” as he watched it go down in hashish smoke, or worse, in broken dreams. Hard to “stay high” on these things when the money runs out. At the same time, those that use these things may find, that they often lead to the same place. Going in circles is not an ideal way of life.
About the only potential here is the intentional use of “entheogens” inside a specific sacred context. This has been about the only relative and sane approach. It remains an open path and one not without considerable dangers on mental and physical levels.
