Group Energy Practice - The Dive - A Historical Teaching

[jonesboy]

From The Triadic Heart of Siva



Abhinavagupta refers to this concept of the spiritual family
(samtana) in the TA.



because the notions of 'self and 'other' are equally imaginary, howsoever many
become united with the teacher, he forms a single self with all of them and, as
such, is called "perfected one" (siddha) and "liberated one."



Abhinavagupta continues:

The group that is constituted by the teacher, the teacher's wife, the brothers,
and sons is not generated by a connection of blood, but rather a connection of
consciousness.



This larger consciousness-group is experienced during the group ritual.


In a revealing passage Abhinavagupta says:



Consciousness, which is composed of all things, enters into a state of contraction
due to the differences generated by separate bodies, but it returns to a state of
oneness, to a state of expansion, when all of its components are able to reflect
back on each other. The totality of our own rays of consciousness are reflected
back one on the other when, overflowing in the individual consciousness of all
present as if in so many mirrors, and without any effort whatsoever in an intense
fashion, it becomes universal.



For this reason, when a group of people gather
together during the performance of a dance or of song, etc., there will be true
enjoyment when they are concentrated and immersed in the spectacle all together
and not one by one. Consciousness which is overflowing with bliss, even when
considered individually, attains in these spectacles a state of unity and, because
of that, a state of full and perfect blissfulness. The absence of causes of contraction
such as jealousy, hate, etc., allows consciousness in such moments
fully to expand without obstacles in a fullness of bliss, but if even one of those
present is not concentrated and absorbed, then consciousness remains offended
as at the touch of a surface full of depressions and protuberances because he
stands out there as a heterogeneous element. This is the reason why during the
rites of adoration of the circle (cakra) one must remain attentive and not allow
anyone to enter whose consciousness is in a dispersed state and not concentrated
and absorbed, because he will be a source of contraction. In the practice of
the circle (cakra) one must adore all the bodies of all those present because
since they have all penetrated in the fullness of consciousness they are in reality
as if they were our own body. If through some negligence a stranger succeeds
in entering, the initiated ritual may proceed together with him provided that
he does not enter in a state of contraction. Such a one, if divine grace falls upon
him, will become concentrated and absorbed with the various rituals, but if
he is struck by a sinister and malevolent power of the Lord, he will criticize
the group.

what is the purpose of being in a group such like this practice?

[Shivani Devi]

Originally Posted by Gracey

what is the purpose of being in a group such like this practice?

Namaste.

When the consciousness of the group is focused on a single point or aspect of the Divine and they intone mantras and feel love and emotions in unison and as one - all vibrating at the same cosmic level, it will immediately bestow that same feeling or vibration on another who may have just joined the group...call it 'mass hypnotism' call it 'the Grace of Siva'...call it 'welcome to the Bliss Collective' or "Trance States R Us"....up to you.

I miss it sometimes. =(

Aum Namah Shivaya

[jonesboy]

Originally Posted by Gracey

what is the purpose of being in a group such like this practice?

Originally Posted by Shivani Devi

Namaste.

When the consciousness of the group is focused on a single point or aspect of the Divine and they intone mantras and feel love and emotions in unison and as one - all vibrating at the same cosmic level, it will immediately bestow that same feeling or vibration on another who may have just joined the group...call it 'mass hypnotism' call it 'the Grace of Siva'...call it 'welcome to the Bliss Collective' or "Trance States R Us"....up to you.

I miss it sometimes. =(

Aum Namah Shivaya

This is not about mantras or mass hypnotism.

A very important point is this one "because the notions of 'self and 'other' are equally imaginary, howsoever many
become united with the teacher, he forms a single self with all of them"

This is more where the leader of what I call a Dive knows he is not separate from others. He is able to with intent, share that presence with others or as
Abhinavagupta mentions forms a single self with all of them.

The practice has two aspects. With such sharing people will often experience energy flowing through them. Think of that energy as hitting upon obstructions. Like a river moving across rocks, shaking them to release the dirt which cleans the river.

The second aspect is silence. The silence allows for the dropping of issues without being caught up in them which can happen if one just does energy work without silence to help balance ones practice.

Because this is a sharing of oneness it is a very powerful and efficient means of progressing along the path.

Like Abhinavagupta mentions, people find the experience to be very enjoyable and beneficial.