Purification as Spiritual Practice
In the western mystical traditions, candidates for initiation must first receive the sacrament of purification before being admitted into an esoteric order for study and practice. In the Egyptian Rosicrucian initiatory schools, purification practices included fasting, ritual bathing and secluded meditation. Mediaeval alchemists and healers focused on cleansing and purifying the internal organs to raise their energetic awareness. Most modern occult rituals also call for the immediate ceremonial purification of new members as they are brought into the temple to take their vows.
In the yoga traditions of the east, purification practices also play a valuable role in preparing oneself to devote body-mind and soul to seek the higher life. These methods include the internal cleansing of all bodily openings where energy flows into and out of the being. Fasting, special herbs and dietary restrictions are used to aid the attainment of more subtle states of consciousness. (more…)
