Key Concepts
Cognitive frames of reference informing the design and purpose of this web site:
- - taboo-breaking as a means to wisdom, e.g., the “transgression” of , , the “left hand” or “short path” of and Vamamarga.
- - the underlying assumption of indigenous shamanism is that everything is alive and capable of communication: rocks, streams, machines, people, clouds, insects, stars…
- Crazy Wisdom – absurd and arbitrary teachings which bring enlightenment by causing cognitive dissonance, e.g., , Gurdjieff, etc.
- Entheogens – extraterrestrial, intelligent fungi discussed by
- – magical spell embedded in a text or work of art which open portals to other worlds, allowing heterogeneous realms or realities to collide, intersect and infect each other, e.g, .
- – the war of the future; see also Burrough’s use of the , , and
- - energy serpent which sleeps at the base of the spine (cf. Tantrik Yoga)
- - the pursuit of spiritual knowledge (so-called) eswhen assisted by an angel known as the “Light Bringer” or “Morning Star”.
- - the All is one – Nirvana is Samsara – heaven, earth and hell are all just different flavors of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry in the same scoop of Neopolitan ice-cream. See also:
- - there are many, perhaps infinite universes. This theory is usually invoked by physicists to explain the improbable existence of our own universe.
- - the Universe exists within God’s body. Popular with process theologians, also found in Islamic mysticism (i.e., ).
- - the science of imaginary solutions. Originated with Alfred Jarry but also related to the ideas of
- - mankind’s most ancient religious form, shamanism involves the ritual use of drumming to achieve altered states and so work with disincarnate entities in nonordinary reality to effect healings and/or curses (e.g., )
- Simulation - cultural theory promoted by disappointed Neo-platonist . Also referenced (albeit in somewhat different terms) in the works of Oxford Mathematician Nick Bostrom.
- - symbiotic systems within symbiotic systems
- -mythological figures who acts as cultural solvents and catalysts, clearing away stagnant conventions so that vital new forms can emerge, e.g. Anasazi, Coyote, Jesus, Lucifer, , Loki, Bugs Bunny, etc.
