Kundalini is a Sanskrit word meaning either “coiled up” or “coiling like a snake.” Kundalini is mainly associated with Hinduism. However, Kundalini as a spiritual experience is thought to have parallels in many of the mystical and gnostic traditions of the world’s great religions.

The early Christians might have referred to the concept as ‘pneuma’, and there are some recent parallels in contemporary Christian Charismatic ‘Holy Ghost’ phenomena. Religious studies also note parallels in Quakerism, Shakerism, Judaic Shuckling (torso-rocking prayer), the swaying zikr and whirling dervish of Islam, the quiverings of the Eastern Orthodox hesychast, the flowing movements of tai chi, the ecstatic shamanic dance and the ntum trance dance of the Bushman. 

Picture Courtesy: Ellie Crystal

One of the symbols of Zoroastrianism, The Faravahar or Frawahr

Zoroaster or Zarathushtra , also referred to as Zartosht, was an ancient Iranian prophet and religious poet. The Gathas, which are the hymns attributed to him, are at the liturgical core of Zoroastrianism.

Zoroaster as perceived by his followers

In his revelation, the prophet saw the universe as the cosmic struggle between aša which is  “truth” and druj which is “lie.” The concept of aša which is only vaguely translatable – is said to be at the foundation of all other Zoroastrian doctrine, including that of Ahura Mazda (who is aša), creation (that is aša), existence (that is aša) and Free Will. This is said to be Zoroaster’s greatest contribution to religious philosophy.

The purpose of humankind, like that of all other creation, is to sustain aša, the truth through active participation in life and the exercise of good thoughts, words and deeds.

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Religious cosmology is a way of explaining the history and evolution of the universe based on the acceptance of principles that cannot be justified by accepted scientific arguments. Some religious cosmologies are based on the teachings of particular religions or religious texts, whereas others are more general reactions to perceived difficulties in explaining the entire universe without the actions of a coordinating intelligence.

Baha'i House of Worship in Willmette,IL,USA

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Bahá’í Houses of Worship are open to people of all faiths – or of no particular faith. The name used in the Bahá’í writings for Houses of Worship is Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (Dawning-place of the Remembrance of God) and the services focus only on the worship of God.

There are no collections and no sermons in the Temple, only the Word of God is uttered along with readings from all the Holy Writings of the earth. The only instrument used in the Temple is the human voice, and the choir in any Bahá’í House of Worship sings without instrumental accompaniment. As the Bahá’í Faith has no priesthood, ordinary members of the community; men and women, adults and children read the texts.

The ‘Ouroboros’, also known as ‘the tail devouring snake’  is an ancient symbol exhibiting a serpent or dragon swallowing its own tail and forming a circle.

The ‘Ouroboros’ often represents “Self-reflexivity” or a cycle; in the sense that things or entities are constantly re-creating themselves.

It also represents the idea of primordial unity related to something existing from the beginning with such force or qualities that it cannot be extinguished.

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Reach your Higher Consciousness

Anthroposophy, a spiritual science was founded by  Rudolf Steiner and it is a philosophy (or as some claim, a religion) that sprung from the Theosophy movement.

Rudolf Steiner, was an Austrian philosopher, literary scholar, architect, playwright, educator, and social thinker, who is best known as the founder of Anthroposophy and its practical applications.

He characterized his system of Anthroposophy as follows:

”Anthroposophy is a path of knowledge, to guide the spiritual in the human being to the spiritual in the universe… Anthroposophists are those who experience, as an essential need of life, certain questions on the nature of the human being and the universe, just as one experiences hunger and thirst.”  

 The main focus of an anthroposophist is to be “more human” by becoming more conscious about one’s thoughts and deeds. One may reach higher levels of consciousness through meditation, observation and openness over a lifelong “quest”.

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The Altar of the Guaracy Spiritual Tent in Rio North Zone.

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Umbanda is the name of an Afro-Brazilian religion that mixes teachings of Alan Kardec’s spiritism , Catholicism and sects brought by the African slaves. Umbanda practices are usually directed by a man or woman called “Pai (or Mãe) de Santo” (saint’s father or mother), a medium that could incorporate died people’s spirits, called “Entidades” (Entities).
These spirits could be Caboclos (Indians), religious figures, doctors, african or brazilian negros as “Pretos Velhos”(Old Blacks). These happen in meetings called “Sessões”(Sessions), in the Tent, a big room with an altar, where members sing “Pontos” (Points, chants for an entity), dance or just hold the entity’s counsels.
Umbanda is often confused with ‘macumba’ by some Brazilians. ‘Macumba’ is another Afro-Brazilian religion, or Black Sorcery, considered by Umbanda specialists as a distortion, because it is based on evil practices, destined to harm presumed enemies, evoking undeveloped spirits, that could be equivalents to the Catholic Hell creatures.
The true Umbandists just practice White Sorcery rituals. In other words, it is done to improve a person’s life, to practice a goodness and never to harm anybody.

In my previous article, I did mention that Maizbhandar creates the space and ambience for all the World Religions to come together and unify in one gigantic melting pot. After another discussion with a Professor of mine (who has a sound knowledge on Maizbhandar) I got to get the scoop on something else that grabbed my attention; as in why do people from various Religions go to Maizbhandar? My point is that normally when people go to Shrines and places like these it’s in most cases for the purpose of conversion. As per what I got to know, Maizbhandar has a different way of thinking; it’s ideology doesn’t want people to convert, rather it’s wants to get you closer to God, The Creator, The One behind this whole Intelligent Design.

Maizbhandar Ideology believes that no matter what Religion you are, you can go and offer prayer in any other Church, Mosque, Shrine or Temple; you do not necessarily have to be of that Religion to go and offer prayer there, you can just go if you wish. And the whole logic behind this is that when you go to offer prayers in Churches or Mosques and feel the presence of God, it means that you prayers have been heard or acknowledged or approved.

People from various Religions go there but conversions don’t take place, because from the Maizbhandar point of view Religion is there to maintain order in society but it’s not the only way to reach God. Can you imagine a society without Religion, people would go bonkers! It’s a combination of a good understanding of Religion and Spirituality that one may understand the Nature of God. Since Spirituality is more universal, not matter what Religious differences, people would learn to unify and hence there would be less conflict in the name of Religion.

The Mystical Knot is one of the eight auspicious signs that symbolize the Eight Fold paths of Buddhism. The Knot is also known as the ‘Mystic Dragon’ and is a symbol of Eternity and Unity.
The Tibetans first identified the sacred geometry contained within this Knot. It is said to be a symbol of unending love, interconnectedness of all beings and good fortune. Those wearing or displaying this powerful mystic knot symbol will enjoy good fortune.

As you can see the Knot has no beginning and no ending; this is meant to symbolize the infinite wisdom of Buddha. This Endless Knot is also said to be the perfect insignia for undying and unconditional love. It is a lucky symbol ensuring that the love in the marriage or relationship will last. It symbolizes endless-togetherness. Many feel that the symbol exhibits the link or weave between Wisdom and Compassion. It is also said to signify the interplay of the opposing forces in the dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their unification and to the harmony in the universe.