What is 'NewAge', and why is it bad?

[Snow Goose]

Markings - this may be of interest to you https://youtu.be/-GIsGu7pNKw

Originally Posted by Moonglow

Hello,

A question comes to mind.

In today's society is it a "new age"?

I'm not a fan of Crowley except that he did some most useful work (like Liber 777 and the book of Thoth). He received words about the coming age and predicted IIRC 2004 as the year when a New Age would be heralded. His "Book of the Law" contains references:

1:3 Every man and every woman is a star (parity and individuality).
1:40 ....Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law (you are entitled to pursue your true Will)

and these have effectively come to pass.

For as mentioned in the '60s and '70s there seem to have been a focus upon freedom and will add unity, today wonder if those values have carried over into the next generation.

I see and seen more and more opening up to different beliefs and practices, but also still see people set in their ways and being fearful of the "old ways" somehow being threatened.

This sometimes seems like a pendulum. The excesses of the 60s-80s swung back to taboo and austerity in the 90s, they prevail today but the young are once again creating their own culture around their use of social media with parents looking on in a mix of wonder and horror! Now powered by tech, the politicians and parents are out of depth trying to control it - example in the UK, porn, unavailable to most until very recently is now easily found by kids on the web. This time it's more dangerous, nefarious things going on all over the place that can snare children.

Information is more widely available, but what kind of information is being mixed and some even misinforming.

Dead on. Among the stuff I looked at while trying to learn the New Age Industry jargon, most seemed to be misinformation (have given personal thoughts and reasons elsewhere) but, as with grooming in social media, much hopes to catch the vulnerable and in some cases extort money from them.

............So, although there seems an opening up of people interested and perusing different "spiritual" practices, there is still fear and those who feel threatened to brand it as evil or wierd. Although many practices have been around for centuries.

Thus, I feel is the reason some practitioners and groups remain a bit seclusive.

There is also message,energy work, and alternative medicine , which seem to get thrown in the mix. Slowly it is being more understood and some methods are being tried out by some. So there are benefits to having available such information.

Yes, as that pendulum swings. Among other things the frauds will be exposed and the genuine prevail. It's difficult. Even me or anyone calling "fraud!!" is questionable because a determined worker can make a grimoire out of almost anything. I hear of people trying to "work" the Necronomicon or Tysons' Liber Lilith - works of fiction. If they do make a breakthrough, is it fiction after all? And what of someone who picks up some theosophist dross and it works for them in spite of everything. Is it therefore fraud? Not really. (That's why I remain "agnostic" over twin flaming!)

The Biblical New Testament - highly edited, put together by a Roman emperor. Is that fraud?

Interesting.

[Raziel]

Originally Posted by Snow Goose

I can see why that might be appealing if you are a little lost in life and not in touch with your inner self (or whatever you want to call it) but I'm pretty happy with that relationship tbh.

When it all boils down I'm just not religious person, it's just not what I'm about, I'm my eyes all religions have flaws so I'm not going to be a new age convert anytime soon.

Snap

To me, New agers are essentially saying this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dlkC_zBSPc

I appreciate self confidence & self worth but placing an invisible crown on your head doesn't make you king of everything I'm afraid.

Which in context is taken from this larger clip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccb2GsnOoBM

Everything that the home alone dad says is forever repeated by many - it becomes a manta or doctrine in itself despite them seemingly believing that they have spiritual freedom.

I have yet to find an unflawed religion - I'm flawed so I don't wish to take on theirs aswell ... thats just silly !

The word of God would surely be undeniable, unquestionable & completely true?

I read many true statements, often ones that make me contemplate previous ideas so I find it troubling that religions still contain error despite being touted as God's word.

I'm sure there will be the usual hokey baloney answers of "ah but what is truth?" or "truth is subjective" but certain statements are just true.
A cat is not a Dog <- true statement without any "subjective" argument.
.
.

[Shivani Devi]

Originally Posted by Kioma

Ah but we should! That is the kind of criticism I hear often, and I can understand that. That said though, someone may get into it because they are ignorant or naïve, but with continued investigations could wind up neither. The information is now out there, just a few keyclicks away. I think it's no coincidence that the new age and the information age are coincident.

In the modern era, it's all about wanting and having things now and spiritual enlightenment is no different.

For example, we'll take Patanjali's 8 limbs of Yoga.

Before meditation (dhyan) can even begin, there are certain prerequisites, like Yamas and Niyamas which are moral observances and purification rituals. Do people really do those anymore? or do they put the cart before the horse, start with Samadhi, claim "I am God" as Knight just mentioned and work backwards from there?

Oh Shirley McLaine...how can I ever forget thee for popularising all this rubbish? honestly!

Here is the "Old Age" as compared to the "New Age":

https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/the-eight-limbs

Sure, the information is out there, but do people ever follow it?...nah...they jump right to the 4th or 5th step.

...and then we wonder why stuff like kundalini syndrome and psychosis becomes rampant among spiritual practitioners who want to 'hurry up' and raise her without proper training or precautions.

Then, we have Tantra which is all about 'spiritual sex' these days, when that is just an excuse to get one's rocks off in the name of 'spirituality'....so, it becomes "let's light some candles, listen to Ravi Shankar and f-ck slowly".

In truth, 'Tantric sex' should only be performed by advanced Tantric practitioners and it only forms a very small part of what Tantra is all about, when it's a whole science within itself, dealing with elemental forces, rituals, ayurveda, astrology, sacred geometry and architecture, and the 'blessed union' is an internal one, which occurs after many years of study and practice.

Then of course, we have the chakras, which are NOT all pretty rainbow colours and they cannot be 'blocked' or 'not working' as they are just vortices of energy corresponding to the parasympathetic nervous system and they can be either 'in balance' or 'out of balance' with the etheric sheath.

...and I totally agree with Knight...saying "I am God" doesn't automatically make you God! Even IF one has such a realisation, it is so humbling that it would never get mentioned beyond "yeah, I experienced something".

I remember years ago, in an ashram in Rishikesh, trying to talk about Kundalini there, only to get told; "shush...we do not speak of such things...if it is meant to happen, it will" and now, it's like "I have a pain in my left big toe, could that be a sign of a kundalini awakening?"

So yeah, it becomes a case of 'too much knowledge is a dangerous thing" and also, one more thing...some of the stuff I learned about all of this, you can't even find online...and trust me, I have looked.

[Moonglow]

Originally Posted by Starman

Yes, New Age is a concept often associated with a utopian society but it can also be associated with the changing times regardless of the change, or in the case of some Sanskrit teachings, we are currently in the age of Kali-Yuga, or the age of darkness associated with the demon Kali by some Hindus. An “age” in this respect is seen kind of like an “eon.”

However, new age or its’ manifestation means different things to different people; there are those who thought, and still think, that the New Age movement can change the world for the better. Although this is not shared by everyone. Regardless whether we humans make it so or not, for better or worst, things will nonetheless change and we will enter a new age regardless.

Creation is always in the process of becoming and we humans are part of this creation. We all have our standards whereby we gauge things as better or worst. I never really appreciated being born in the U.S. until I had visited, and lived in, other much poorer countries than the U.S. On the flip side of that; one person's "better" may not be good enough to be another person's "better."

Hi Starman,

You touch upon something that crossed my mind. Change happens anyways and changes seem to bring about new ages or new thoughts/ways of viewing each other and the world.

Another good point you bring up is what is "better"? If striving to "improve ourselves or free ourselves, then would think what is it that one may feel needs such? Is one wiling to put the work into it?

Yes, we are part of creation and have created some wonderful things and some not so wonderful things. In our rush to "succeed" I feel the details and purpose or reasons get over looked. Meditation, for example is a practice, not a quick fix, IMO.

As you present "new age" or what is manifesting, mean different things to different people. What has me question some of it is that in the movements and changes it is not really new. Because has happened time and time again through out human development, IMO.

Seems new because more and more may be becoming aware of each other and we seenm to be becoming more global with in this awareness.

Thank you

[Moonglow]

Originally Posted by Lorelyen

I'm not a fan of Crowley except that he did some most useful work (like Liber 777 and the book of Thoth). He received words about the coming age and predicted IIRC 2004 as the year when a New Age would be heralded. His "Book of the Law" contains references:

1:3 Every man and every woman is a star (parity and individuality).
1:40 ....Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law (you are entitled to pursue your true Will)

and these have effectively come to pass.


This sometimes seems like a pendulum. The excesses of the 60s-80s swung back to taboo and austerity in the 90s, they prevail today but the young are once again creating their own culture around their use of social media with parents looking on in a mix of wonder and horror! Now powered by tech, the politicians and parents are out of depth trying to control it - example in the UK, porn, unavailable to most until very recently is now easily found by kids on the web. This time it's more dangerous, nefarious things going on all over the place that can snare children.

Dead on. Among the stuff I looked at while trying to learn the New Age Industry jargon, most seemed to be misinformation (have given personal thoughts and reasons elsewhere) but, as with grooming in social media, much hopes to catch the vulnerable and in some cases extort money from them.


Yes, as that pendulum swings. Among other things the frauds will be exposed and the genuine prevail. It's difficult. Even me or anyone calling "fraud!!" is questionable because a determined worker can make a grimoire out of almost anything. I hear of people trying to "work" the Necronomicon or Tysons' Liber Lilith - works of fiction. If they do make a breakthrough, is it fiction after all? And what of someone who picks up some theosophist dross and it works for them in spite of everything. Is it therefore fraud? Not really. (That's why I remain "agnostic" over twin flaming!)

The Biblical New Testament - highly edited, put together by a Roman emperor. Is that fraud?

Interesting.

Hi Lorelyen,

I'm not a big Crowley fan neither. I have not read a lot of his stuff. It doesn't appeal to me muchdo feel he was a influence upon the bringing "occult" ideas to the public and met some people who really liked his stuff. Just not my style.

Yes, things with in society seem to swing back and forth. Meet many younger folks who are into their own thing. Been told if I ever have a problem using a computer or cell phone ask a younger person, they'll most likely know what to do. Some are quite aware and insightful. So, there seems hope that all is not doomed.lol

Suppose every generation has something new to bring to the table.

What I feel is that there is so much information out there, it can lead to the potential of someone getting him/her self in trouble. Something may sound cool or a way to feel better, but may require years of practice and study to understand and master.

Yes, many writings have been retranslated and the "true" meaning gets lost or perverted to fit into some kind of agenda, IMO.

There are reasons behind practicing and steps being laid out to peruse and/or learn an art or ritual. Feel it is not only ignorant, but irresponsible to fool others into thinking there is a quick and easy way to get what one may desire.

Not saying what is thrown under the umbrella of "new age" is all hoey, but to much information without proper understanding can lead to problems and having one think he/she is somehow not right or defected when in fact he/she is not, IMO.

I have had readings done on me and some were very insightful, while others were not. I'm sensitive to energy anyways, so have a pretty good sense of when someone is being "real" or just attempting to be.

I remember dabbling in some spell work when I was younger. Didn't fully understand the preparation needed. A friend gave me a spell to try and I did and it literally blew up in my face. Wasn't injured, just startled. Learned not to mess around with such things without proper guidance and practice.lol

Yes, the pendulum will swing back and forth and we do seem to get caught up in its sways. Changes occur anyways and this is why I may question as to whether or not it is a "new age" or just the continuing cycles of life.

Thank you

[Moonglow]

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

In the modern era, it's all about wanting and having things now and spiritual enlightenment is no different.

For example, we'll take Patanjali's 8 limbs of Yoga.

Before meditation (dhyan) can even begin, there are certain prerequisites, like Yamas and Niyamas which are moral observances and purification rituals. Do people really do those anymore? or do they put the cart before the horse, start with Samadhi, claim "I am God" as Knight just mentioned and work backwards from there?

Oh Shirley McLaine...how can I ever forget thee for popularising all this rubbish? honestly!

Here is the "Old Age" as compared to the "New Age":

https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/the-eight-limbs

Sure, the information is out there, but do people ever follow it?...nah...they jump right to the 4th or 5th step.

...and then we wonder why stuff like kundalini syndrome and psychosis becomes rampant among spiritual practitioners who want to 'hurry up' and raise her without proper training or precautions.

Then, we have Tantra which is all about 'spiritual sex' these days, when that is just an excuse to get one's rocks off in the name of 'spirituality'....so, it becomes "let's light some candles, listen to Ravi Shankar and f-ck slowly".

In truth, 'Tantric sex' should only be performed by advanced Tantric practitioners and it only forms a very small part of what Tantra is all about, when it's a whole science within itself, dealing with elemental forces, rituals, ayurveda, astrology, sacred geometry and architecture, and the 'blessed union' is an internal one, which occurs after many years of study and practice.

Then of course, we have the chakras, which are NOT all pretty rainbow colours and they cannot be 'blocked' or 'not working' as they are just vortices of energy corresponding to the parasympathetic nervous system and they can be either 'in balance' or 'out of balance' with the etheric sheath.

...and I totally agree with Knight...saying "I am God" doesn't automatically make you God! Even IF one has such a realisation, it is so humbling that it would never get mentioned beyond "yeah, I experienced something".

I remember years ago, in an ashram in Rishikesh, trying to talk about Kundalini there, only to get told; "shush...we do not speak of such things...if it is meant to happen, it will" and now, it's like "I have a pain in my left big toe, could that be a sign of a kundalini awakening?"

So yeah, it becomes a case of 'too much knowledge is a dangerous thing" and also, one more thing...some of the stuff I learned about all of this, you can't even find online...and trust me, I have looked.

Hi Necromancer,

I feel what you present is a very important point.

Some things one has to practice and learn. Which can not be found with in a book, but with in oneself.

Also, how information can be twisted and some may even stray away from the original purpose or intent.

Thank you

[Shivani Devi]

Also, just reading through this thread, there's a very common misunderstanding, even among some Hindus that I would like to clarify at this point.

It relates to 'kali yuga'.

In Sanskrit, the goddess Kali is pronounced as 'Kaali' and she is the female form of Kala (pronounced Kaala) which relates to the deity of time itself and not to the present yuga.

In terms of this yuga, kali is pronounced as 'kalli' with a much shorter 'a' sound and emphasis on the 'l' consonant.

In regards, kali (as per the yuga) translates to disquiet or discord...quarrelsome or troublesome.

In essence of translation, the goddess Kali has nothing whatsoever to do with kali yuga.

Just putting that out there and thank you.

First off, thank you to everyone for your input. I feel I am indeed finding out just what is so 'bad' about New Age.

Necromancer, thank you for your wonderful post. You have best articulated what I feel are valid criticisms of the New Age, rather than just resort to ridicule and dismissal. I very much appreciate your actually moving the discussion forward.

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

In the modern era, it's all about wanting and having things now and spiritual enlightenment is no different.

That is true - but I wonder, when was it any different? Perhaps before the industrial revolution, when change occurred VERY slowly, and people often spent their entire lives doing the same thing in one tiny village. Perhaps that was better? Honestly, if anything, I think the pace of modern evolution isn't such a bad thing - painful at times, often confusing, but in general, worse than the alternative?

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

Before meditation (dhyan) can even begin, there are certain prerequisites, like Yamas and Niyamas which are moral observances and purification rituals. Do people really do those anymore? or do they put the cart before the horse, start with Samadhi, claim "I am God" as Knight just mentioned and work backwards from there?

Anyone who sticks with it will discover why those are part of the process.

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

Oh Shirley McLaine...how can I ever forget thee for popularising all this rubbish? honestly!

Ha! One would think you take all this very personally Necro.

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

Sure, the information is out there, but do people ever follow it?...nah...they jump right to the 4th or 5th step.

You have to start somewhere, even if you have to restart properly later.

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

...and then we wonder why stuff like kundalini syndrome and psychosis becomes rampant among spiritual practitioners who want to 'hurry up' and raise her without proper training or precautions.

Yes, you see that often on this very board. They come seeking advice, and they get it! It's true it takes some discernment to get the right advice, but again intention and perseverance make all the difference.

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

Then, we have Tantra which is all about 'spiritual sex' these days, when that is just an excuse to get one's rocks off in the name of 'spirituality'....so, it becomes "let's light some candles, listen to Ravi Shankar and f-ck slowly".

Yes, there is that - but I see it as yet another 'hook' the divine uses to open people's minds. What's so bad about that?

And what difference does it make to anybody what lovers do in their own bedroom? Maybe you should write a 'Book of rules' for lovers - No Ravi Shankar, no cultural appropriation, no metaphysical intention!

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

In truth, 'Tantric sex' should only be performed by advanced Tantric practitioners and it only forms a very small part of what Tantra is all about, when it's a whole science within itself, dealing with elemental forces, rituals, ayurveda, astrology, sacred geometry and architecture, and the 'blessed union' is an internal one, which occurs after many years of study and practice.

Actually, this reminds me of a book I read some time ago. It totally blew my mind. It was 'Televisionary Oracle' by Rob Brezsny. Made me wish I was a younger man, fer sure.

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

Then of course, we have the chakras, which are NOT all pretty rainbow colours and they cannot be 'blocked' or 'not working' as they are just vortices of energy corresponding to the parasympathetic nervous system and they can be either 'in balance' or 'out of balance' with the etheric sheath.

That is a very subjective issue. I could cite dozens of YouTube videos, each saying a different thing, so no surprise you have your own take. What is surprising is that you feel your perception of chakras is THE perception of chakras. Maybe you could talk a little more about that?

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

...and I totally agree with Knight...saying "I am God" doesn't automatically make you God! Even IF one has such a realisation, it is so humbling that it would never get mentioned beyond "yeah, I experienced something".

I think to the total novice saying anything outside of their usual mindset is the first step on an unending path. That could just be my closed-mindedness though.

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

I remember years ago, in an ashram in Rishikesh, trying to talk about Kundalini there, only to get told; "shush...we do not speak of such things...if it is meant to happen, it will" and now, it's like "I have a pain in my left big toe, could that be a sign of a kundalini awakening?"

I know, right?

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

So yeah, it becomes a case of 'too much knowledge is a dangerous thing" and also, one more thing...some of the stuff I learned about all of this, you can't even find online...and trust me, I have looked.

I have no doubt.

Let me just put one of my favorite quotes...

“The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom...You never know what is enough until you know what is more than enough.”
― William Blake, Proverbs of Hell


.

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

I will reply in more detail later, but for now:

This is mainly because I do. lol

Let's just say "Necro is on a mission".

I'm pretty much traditional Hindu 'old school' and I mean really, really 'old school' in that, I have suckled at the bosom of all the original teachings and philosophies from which all the 'New Age' ideas all sprung from in the first place...and they are nothing like they were described in the Agamas...in the Vedas...in the original Tantras.

Before anybody says that 'times have changed and we must change with them', all of those teachings were designed to be perennial...to be applied to anybody at any stage/age in the future of mankind's whole evolution, not chopped and changed to suit secular minorities in the name of 'progress' because nothing has really progressed according to the nature of atman (soul)...to the nature of Brahman (God)...to the nature of the universal, unchangeable reality!

So yep, I pretty much take it personally because all of the ancestral spirits are kinda turning in their graves right now.

So, now you may understand why.

I have no doubt your answers are right for you Necro.

What makes you think your answers are right for everyone else?

That seems to be a common theme in this thread - and would certainly explain why some find themselves aligned so against New Age.