Spiritual awakening is a goal that everyone seems to be looking for. Ever since the prehistoric period, people have been on the quest for a divine union and enlightenment. There are different ancient rituals performed by different groups of people worldwide. Indigenous cultures that still exist now, show us a glimpse of ancient people’s quest to have a deeper understanding of the earth and the spirits.
Unfortunately, rituals are often considered to be of the old-world and not accepted in our current times. It is brushed off as an irrational, superstitious and primitive act. Organized religion has totally rejected these rituals, quoting them as pagan acts. Through these rituals, people get to understand and journey towards spiritual awakening.
In the ancient times there were mystery schools dedicated to discovering and exploring the mysteries of life and therefore, touching some aspects of spirituality. These schools flourished in Egypt, Tibet and Persia.
Ancient Egyptians performed rituals at sacred locations using special chants and sounds. These chants and sounds were believed to stimulate a part of the brain that would then open up the mind to be a gateway for universal energy and electrical stimulation. This was thought to unleash or release psychic gifts and abilities. Once this gateway was opened, more psychic and spiritual gifts would be experienced by the person. Gifts would include intuition, creativity, clairvoyant abilities, and empathic abilities.
Aside from these enlightening rituals, ancient Egyptians also recognized the end of the year as the time of reckoning, reflection and engendering towards spiritual enlightenment. During the end of the year, Usher Rekhat or Mother Worship would perform meditation rituals which would strengthen the understanding and devotion of the followers. Meditation would also draw wisdom and health to those who shared in the ritual.
Homa is an Indian ancient fire ritual which is done with the intention of helping you to have good relationships, find a partner, have children and even remove bad karma or negative aspects in a horoscope.
In Buddhist and Hindu traditions, tantra is used to express and advance spirituality. Tantra is not really a tradition, but a ritual that maintains the spiritual core. Tantra, the word itself, means web and enlightenment. This has been used in ancient India to attain spiritual enlightenment and advancement. Today, Tantra has evolved into a sexual/spiritual phenomenon.
Ancient Iran also has a unique way of looking at spiritual awakening and enlightenment. To achieve awakening, it is important to attain spiritual perfection and later on immortality of the soul. Spiritual strength is also important in realizing higher powers.
In Tibet, interestingly, the making of the thangkas paintings is supposed to lead to developing attitudes like peacefulness, patience, perseverance, concentration, self-development and spiritual enlightenment. Thangkas paintings are similar to the art of pata chitra, which has been documented in India as early as the 1st century. These ancient practices are still being used until today.
Whether these rituals are credible and applicable, many people are still practicing and believing them today. Spiritual awakening is not only achievable by undergoing different rituals among different regions, this inner and self-communication should start from the person looking for spiritual awakening.