Sadhu mystical influence on the Rastafari Movement
The purpose of this article is to reveal that missing link which has been forgotten . The Classic Rastafari was influenced strongly by the teachings of the "Hindu" Mystics also known as Sadhus, Sadhu means "one who practices" the sadhu lives a life of celibacy and complete separation from the evils of modern society.
The Sadhu lives its life in complete devotion to the higher I, they often renounce their familes and homes to become enlightened beings.
We can observe by the many rituals practiced by the Rastafari today that InI were influenced by these dreadlocked mystic men.
Rastafari tenets influenced by sadhus include:
Smoking herb to achieve oneness with the higher I: The Sadhu smokes herb from a chillum mixed with tobacco to lessen the harshness of the hash/herbs. The sadhu does this to become one with the god shiva thru a ritual in which the baba becomes one with its true self, which is the unborn, unblemished I within I.
Ritual chanting to induce mystical rapture: the mystic sadhu chants mantras to protect the mind from external influences which can hinder spiritual growth. The Word mantra Mean literally "to protect the mind" by chanting mantra one removes blockages, create abundance, destroy etc. THe Sadhu as well as the RastafarI is aware of the power of the word sound it is said in the scrpitures that the lord created all things by the medium of the word sound.One of the most "popular" mantras used by the sadhus is the mystical "AUM" we can find the OM in the trinity Beseme AB (A) Wolde (U) Wo menfes Quiddus AHAdu Amlak (M) the world Amlak means the "source" the source of all things is the AUM. Mantras used by INI in the movment is found in the book of psalms, if the psalms are used properly with strong will and faith it can unblock chkras, destroy negative patterns basically anything that the mind concieves can be done thru the chanting of the mantra.
Mystical States of mind: The state of being in a "Higher Ites" of meditation called samahdi by the sadhu, in this state of mind one has realized the true essence of the divine self , in this state one no longer sees the I outside of the I but rather has the experience of being the "I".
The Seven Seals, CHAKRAS: The Seven Seals is one of the most prominent themes within the Rastafari movement, As the scriptures did state "Behold the lion of the tribe of judah, the root of david hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof" Revelation 5:5. The Seven Seals/ Chakras are energy centers within the body of the ascetic Rastafari/yogi , they are located in different parts of the bodies .
1. Muladhara: The Muladhara chkra is located at the base of the spine. The root is where the slumbering kundalini rests until it is summoned upwards. The Seat of physical conciousness: it regulates the sexual organs, in these organs, We find the polirazation of the male and female principles (Ovaries and Testes)
2.Svadisthana: This Chkra is located just below the navel and represents the lower vital reigions of the being. It govverns the notions of greed, envy, fear, and desires. It also influences the adrenal glands.
3.Manipura: Manipura chkra is found cosmically in the navel center. It governs the larger life passions of wo/man. hunger and power are also governed by this chakra. The manipura chakra influences the endocrine system.
4. Anahata: the Anahata chakra is located in the heart region its symbol is the six pointed star, known to the israelites as the star of david; this region governs the emotion of love, and in hebrew the name "David" means love or beloved. This chkra commands the higher emotions and psychic energy.
5.Visuddha: This is the chkra of the throat center. This is the center of self expression through the logos/word. It represents the power to deal mentally with the physical mind> It also governs the thyroid glands.
6. Ajna: This Chkra is known as the 3 eye center. it is located between the brow in the area of the pituatary gland. It represents the Inner will, the power of decision, and the ability to understand beyond what the ordinary mind can percieve. One who is concious is rasised to this level is meditative, and on their way to self realization. It is the final preparation and rest; for this reason, it may be likened to the "sixth day" of the jews, who begin their preparations for the sabbath sun down friday
7.SHASRARA: This is the crown chakra, and is the summit of completion, and bliss to such a blessed one. It is the highest conciousness center and its located above the head, acting as a connecting point between the inner and outer phenomena; a link between the individual and universal concious. It is the state of illumined mind, and opens one to the psychic,intuitive planes. It is the "Seventh day" to the Isrealites, Where they symbolically rest: it is a state of completion, and one who has realized this crown enters once and for all the silence of self, and are thus trancendant of spirit and matter. Finally this chkra is the root reason why it has been taught that god is above; initially this concept spoke of the trancendence of the mind thought but was eventually corrupted into a notion of a "sky-god" somewhere far off. For when one merges with the seven, the crown, one verily becomes one with the concept of diety.
The Above Information on the chakras was extracted from I Idren Baba Immanuel bhujangi ganguru I book titled Haile Selassie I and the concept of enlightment.
Dreadlocks/Jata: The first locksmen to be seen in the island of jamaica were sadhus that came with the influx of indentured slaves from india. The Ancient Rastafari being influenced by the yogic science started to grow "JATA" known to INI as locks these locks were grown to symbolize that the Rastafari/yogi has given up all worldly things. Shaving or combing of locks symbolizes "False Devotion" to the things of the world, by becoming a dread one has renounced all wordly acrivities to become one with the I within. Locks and Beards are antennas which provide a direct link with the spirits of nature, The locks represent the manifested life force (RA) if we look at the pattern of creation all occurs in a spiral motion..
I and I: I the ego I the god within: There are two "I"-s: the ego and Atman. Atman reveals itself as one's true self to the person who is capable of getting above the "I", "me", and "mine".
The Upanishads (hindu scriptures)
Avatars: In hindu philosophy there is the "belief" that God incarnates at different times within the physical body of an annointed king . Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen I are the incarnated godhead. in hindu philosphy this union symbolizes shiva and shakti, Shiva is the male principle which is known as the destroyer, Rastafari is the destroyer of all ego, he came to break down the walls of illusion and downpression thru the teachings of Iyesus Kristos the master mystic , the medicine of the world. Shakti is the female principles, shakti is the representation of the I within the I, the holy spirit is woman (read proverbs) she is known as wisdom, the crowned queen of the universe.Empress Menen I is the embodiment of the female principle of the godhead, as Rastafari is the embodiment of the male this divine union of Fire (male) and Water (female) is represent by the six pointed star which is a symbol for the heart chkra.
Krishna/Christ: The hindus believe in the Ivinity of the master medicine Iyesus Kristos in the form of Hare Krishna, the name Hare Krishna means "energy of god" Iyesus Kristos being god manifested in the flesh is the energy of the godhead, he is the manifestation of the hidden. He Was crucified between the two thieves and stood in the middle path to save mankind from the illusion of this world.
Reincarnation: This topic varies in opinion in the Rastafari movement, there are some who believe in reincarnation, some that dont . It is the general belief of Rastafari to sight Haile Selassie I as the returned christ or simply as christ in his kingly character, the above implies that HAile Selassie I has reincarnated in another form. There is the notion within the movement to see Marcus Garvey as the Reincarnation of John the Baptist. Reincarnation occurs so that InI spirit gains experience to eventually enter in to the realm of godhood (TOTAL SUSPENSION OF ACTivity)
Haile Selassie I and the practice of yoga
The book known as the Emperor reveals that Haile Selassie I devoted H.I.Mself to the science of yoga.
"The Emperor now devoted HIMself to long periods of meditation (In this the hindus once gave him instructions, ordering H.I.M to stand on one leg, forbidding H.I.M to breathe, making him close his eyes) HE would meditate in his office for hours
Page 156 THE EMPEROR
In conclusion in I studies I have found that the hindus were influenced by African mystics from ethiopia who traveled to india to bring the science of the yogini to the indians. The purity of this science has been corrupted by aryan invaders which included alot of man made ideas. Haile Selassie I being the Supreme Mystic and hierophant of the world mystery revealed to InI the faithful the path of yoga, thru the teaching of Iyesus Kristos we become familiar with how a Rastafari/yogi should live.
Yoga is a universal science it is not a religion like some would assume it to be. It is a way of life which is practiced by many people of different faiths. YOga is our way to become united with our god within, with the people around us.
Blessed Love to one and all may the Iternal peace of I Haile Selassie I be with the I AMEN RASTAFARI
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