Tantra & Animism: a Double-barrel Interview with Josh Schrei
Aug 16, 2024
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Josh Schrei, a writer and teacher deeply versed in Indian mythologies, dives into a fascinating dialogue exploring the interplay between Tantra and animism. He reveals the role of guardian deities in spiritual protection and the transformative power of mantra nyasa. Schrei also critiques how social media affects mental health among youth, advocating for a cautious approach to sensory experiences. Additionally, he shares personal encounters in rural India, highlighting authentic spiritual practices that connect individuals to the divine.
The podcast discusses the importance of guardianship in Tantra, questioning the need for protection in a non-dual interconnected universe.
It emphasizes the necessity for practitioners to negotiate with non-corporeal beings, advocating for reciprocal relationships through rituals and respect.
The conversation highlights the significance of grounding spiritual experiences in local traditions to enhance the understanding of universal energies.
Deep dives
Exploration of Non-Duality and Guardianship
The episode delves into the role of guardianship and protection within the framework of non-duality, particularly in the context of Nondhul Shaiva Tantra. It discusses how traditionally, invoking protector deities is prominent in various ritual systems, including Tantric practices, where guardians often figure at the gates of mandalas. The conversation raises an intriguing question: if everything is ultimately non-dual, what necessitates the need for protection? It suggests that while non-duality posits that all beings are interconnected, the relative world still necessitates some level of guardianship against unpredictable human behaviors and non-corporeal entities.
The Bell Curve of Conscious Experience
A significant concept introduced is the 'bell curve' of conscious experience, illustrating the range of human experiences with non-corporeal beings. The majority generally experience a common set of perceptions, while outliers on the extremes may encounter unique, atypical experiences. The discussion emphasizes that those who do not perceive non-corporeal entities likely need not worry about them, while those who do need to adopt protective measures. Protecting oneself involves understanding the reality of these beings and negotiating their presence in a space where one's energetic power might attract their attention.
Navigating Relationships with Non-Corporeal Beings
Practitioners are encouraged to be conscious of their interactions with unseen forces, as the relationship is reciprocal; if one can perceive them, they likely can perceive you as well. The tradition emphasizes negotiating with these beings, considering humans as temporary tenants of the land owned by the spirits of the land. When occupying a new space, practitioners are advised to pay attention to the energies present, questioning the disturbances they might sense. Engaging in rituals, such as making offerings, is a common practice to honor and interact with these entities, fostering reciprocity and balance in the relationship.
Possession and its Interpretations
The conversation addresses the various interpretations of possession across traditions, highlighting that it's not inherently negative but rather a complex phenomenon encompassing a range of experiences. From a Tantric perspective, possession can involve sharing one’s space with another being, influencing one’s consciousness without completely overtaking it. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural contexts, as some societies view possession positively. It notes that fear and misunderstanding of possession often stem from Western perspectives, which tend to pathologize such experiences instead of exploring their nuanced realities.
The Interplay of Local and Universal Energies
The episode explores the dynamic interplay between local and universal energies within the context of Tantric practice. It asserts that engaging with local spirit traditions is critical for a holistic spiritual experience, as these relationships ground practitioners in their spiritual journeys. The discussion highlights how local practices serve as gateways to understand and connect with the universal, thereby enriching the overall spiritual landscape. This relationship underscores a unified vision where both local peculiarities and universal truths coexist, shaping a practitioner’s journey toward understanding consciousness.
Navigating Spiritual Experiences in Modern Contexts
The hosts express concern over contemporary issues surrounding spirituality, particularly in how practices such as plant medicine ceremonies are often approached without adequate preparation or understanding. They argue that gaining a strong, supportive community and established boundaries is essential before diving into heightened states of consciousness. Recognizing that western spiritual seekers may encounter both positive and negative forces, they advocate fostering a deeper connection to the animate world before engaging in powerful rituals. This approach allows for a balanced navigation of energies, ensuring holistic and safer spiritual experiences.
This week's episode features a conversation with Josh Schrei, a writer, teacher, and lifelong student of cosmologies and mythologies, particularly those from the Indian subcontinent. Throughout his life, Josh has explored the animate spaces of the imagination through teaching, meditation, yogic practice, wilderness immersion, art, music, and public speaking. He is the founder of The Emerald podcast, which hosts interviews with award-winning authors and luminaries, exploring human experiences through the lenses of myth, story, and imagination. The podcast challenges conventional narratives on topics ranging from politics to literature. In this double-barreled conversation, Josh first interviews me about the role of guardianship and protector deities in Tantra, and the complex dynamics of spiritual protection in a non-dual interconnected universe. Then, I interview Josh about his personal journey and the experiences that have significantly shaped him.
