Well, why do you think crypto was invented in the first place?
The blog to end all blogs. Reviews and comments about all and everything. This blog is NOT affiliated with YouTube, Wikipedia, Microsoft Bing, Gemini, ChatGPT or any commercial vendor! Links don´t imply endorsement. Many posts and comments are ironic. The blogger is not responsible for comments made by others. The languages used are English and Swedish. Content warning: Essentially everything.
Some comments overheard on X about the recent film "One Battle After Another" (which I haven´t seen). Needless to say, this is not the "official" take on the movie, which is rather that it´s a pro-ANTIFA piece.
Richard B Spencer:
I’ve been thinking about *One Battle After Another*, which has been taken by many, including none other than Bret Easton Ellis as a romanticization of Antifa. In my opinion, it was closer to being a parody, with flawed, drug-addled losers violently pursuing a cause they don’t understand and barely believe in anymore. Its nods to the superior *Big Lebowski* makes this clear. The title itself, “one battle after another,” implies that Antifa is hopeless. Another way of interpreting the film, on a “meta-level,” is to see it as “predictive programming”: Hollywood is preparing the public for a crackdown on those smelly leftist radicals.
Pronghorn:
This is exactly how I read it. The scene of "Jungle Pussy" vulgarly announcing the French 75th's robbing of a bank, then promptly being arrested and clowned by the cops is not glorifying the terrorists. It's making fun of them. They are robbing banks, blowing shit up, putting innocent people in danger, all for a cause they are portrayed as being too dumb to even understand. DiCaprio's character is not portrayed aspirationally either. He's a drug-addled paranoid wash-out who has no motivation, fights for no cause, and is literally cucked. The movie parodies the brown horde "revolutionaries," white race-traitor communists like Bob, as well as the white supremacist state represented by Lockjaw.
Steele´s Bootblack:
Not to mention the comically evil white supremacist secret society who worship St Nicholas. I don't know how you could read it any other way than parody.
Is *everything* in Hinduism attributed to Adi Shankara? Everything that isn´t attributed to Vyasa, that is. But then, who knows? Mysteries are by their very nature mysterious...
What is Ādi Śaṅkara’s Prapañca Sāra Tantra?
Ādi Śaṅkara’s Prapañca Sāra Tantra is a profound and somewhat esoteric text that blends Advaita Vedānta with Tantric ritual practice. Unlike Śaṅkara’s better-known philosophical works (Bhaja Govindam, Vivekachūḍāmaṇi, Upaniṣad bhāṣyas), this text addresses ritual, mantra, yantra, and the practical side of liberation, suggesting that Śaṅkara was not only a nondual philosopher but also a Tantric master.
Prapañca: The manifested universe
Sāra: The essence
➡️ “The Essence of the Manifested Cosmos”
It attempts to show how the entire cosmos arises from, and ultimately dissolves back into, Brahman, using both Vedantic insight and Tantric methods.
The text teaches that:
Brahman alone is real, but
Tantric practice (mantra, yantra, mudrā) can help purify and prepare the mind for realization.
This is a non-sectarian śāstra intertwining Śaiva, Śākta, and Vaiṣṇava elements under Advaita.
It describes the emanation of the universe through:
Śakti Tattvas (energies)
Sound (Nada → Bindu → Mantra)
Elements (pañcabhūtas)
And then its return into pure Consciousness.
Unlike Śaṅkara’s usual philosophical tone, here he gives:
Initiation procedures
Consecration of yantras
Mantra japa rules
Dhyāna (visualization) instructions
Especially of Śiva, Devī, and Ganeśa.
This shows Śaṅkara as a Tantric Ācārya, not only a dry logician.
The text insists on yogic discipline, including:
Prāṇāyāma
Kuṇḍalinī awakening
Inner worship (antaryāga)
The Prapañca Sāra Tantra speaks of serpent power (nāga-śakti / kuṇḍalinī) as the coiled energy that supports creation. It includes nāga mantras and speaks of mastering serpentine forces within the body and cosmos.
Reason | Significance |
---|---|
Philosophical | Proves Śaṅkara was not anti-Tantra |
Ritual | Early integration of mantra/yantra with Vedanta |
Historical | Link between early Śrīvidyā and Advaita |
Esoteric | Guides on subtle body, chakras, siddhis |
Some scholars think it may be by a later Śaṅkarācārya in Śaṅkara’s lineage. However, many traditional lineages accept it as authentic due to its coherence with Śrīvidyā and Advaita.
Would you like a summary of its teachings on Kundalinī, mantras, or inner ritual? Or an excerpt from a key section?
Certainly. Here is a clear summary of how the Prapañca Sāra Tantra presents Kuṇḍalinī, mantras, and inner ritual (antaryāga)—revealing the mystical side of Advaita Śaṅkara.
The Prapañca Sāra describes Kuṇḍalinī as the root power of manifestation, resting in the Mūlādhāra (base of the spine), coiled three-and-a-half times like a sleeping serpent. Key points include:
Teaching | Meaning |
---|---|
Source of Creation | Kuṇḍalinī is the śakti through which Brahman expresses the universe. |
Awakening | Through prāṇāyāma, mantra, and dhyāna, she rises through chakras, purifying mind. |
Union | Her ascent culminates in union with Śiva at Sahasrāra — symbolizing Advaitic realization. |
🗝 Unlike purely metaphysical Advaita, this text prescribes direct yogic discipline for Self-realization.
The text treats mantra not as mere ritual, but as embodied consciousness:
Concept | Insight from the Text |
---|---|
Śabda → Śakti → Brahman | Sound is the bridge from matter back to ultimate reality. |
Bīja Mantras | Seed syllables (e.g., HRĪṁ, KLĪṁ, ŚRĪṁ) are living forces, not symbols. |
Guru Initiation | Mantras are only effective when transmitted by a realized guru (śakti-pāta). |
🔍 It includes specific mantras to invoke Śiva, Devī, Gaṇeśa, and subtle powers like nāgas and yakṣas — not for worldly gain, but for inner purification.
A major theme: true worship is internal. External ritual (bahyārcana) is secondary.
Outer Ritual | Inner Ritual Equivalent |
---|---|
Offering flowers | Offering thoughts, surrender |
Lighting lamps | Awakening inner light of knowledge |
Bathing deity | Bathing the mind in stillness |
Temple murti | The self as the seat of the Divine |
🕯 The heart becomes the temple, breath the incense, awareness the flame.
The text resolves tension between Tantra and Advaita:
Advaita Goal: Realize “Aham Brahmāsmi” (I am Brahman)
Tantric Means: Use mantra, yantra, breath, inner deity visualization
Final Teaching:
“All forms, energies, mantras, deities — return to the Silence of the Self.”
“He who worships the Devi outside is still dual. He who awakens Her within becomes the Devi Himself.”
I can provide:
🔻 A simple Kuṇḍalinī meditation from Prapañca Sāra
🎼 An example of its mantras (Śiva, Devī, or Nāga-based)
🌀 Diagram/description of its subtle body system (chakras, nāḍīs)
Would you like one of these?
Natas-natas-natas-natas-Lucifeeeeeer!!! OK, I´m joking, but look what I finally tricked the AI into creating, muh-hah-hah-hah! ChatGPT has the receipts. Btw, I answered "no" to the last question, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHY I´M STILL HERE. Enough fun for a Friday evening, right?
What is the symbolism of the cobra in Hinduism? Is it "good" or "bad"?
In Hinduism, the cobra (nāga) is a deeply symbolic figure that cannot be simplified as “good” or “bad.” Instead, it represents raw cosmic power, which can be both protective and destructive depending on how it is related to. It is a symbol of divine energy, mystery, and transformation.
The coiled cobra represents Kundalinī Shakti, the dormant spiritual energy at the base of the spine.
When awakened, it rises through the chakras, leading to spiritual illumination or, if uncontrolled, mental chaos.
💬 Symbol: Hidden divine potential → both dangerous and liberating.
Nāgas are ancient guardians of treasures, temples, and sacred waters.
They are neither gods nor demons but powerful serpent beings.
Temples often depict cobras to protect the sanctity of the deity.
Cobras shed their skin → symbol of renewal, resurrection, transformation.
Connected to cyclical time and samsara (birth and death).
Deity | Cobra Symbolism |
---|---|
Śiva | Wears cobra around his neck → Mastery over death, ego, and poison. |
Viṣṇu | Rests on serpent Ananta/Śeṣa → Eternal cosmic support; infinite time. |
Subrahmaṇya (Kārttikeya) | Associated with serpents → Power & occult wisdom. |
Nāga Devatās | Worshipped for fertility, rain, land protection. |
Cobras symbolize viṣa (poison) — dangerous, yes, but also medicine in controlled form. Thus:
Adharma (evil) → Poison misused.
Dharma (righteousness) → Poison mastered.
💡 Moral: The serpent is not evil; the unmastered mind is.
Aspect | Nature of Cobra Symbol |
---|---|
Benevolent | Protector, spiritual power, divine guardian |
Malevolent | Fear, death, ego, hidden dangers |
Ultimate Truth | Neutral — Pure Shakti (energy) that becomes good or bad based on how one approaches it |
“The snake is the power of God when controlled, and the terror of the world when uncontrolled.”
Would you like examples of Nāga worship rituals or cobra symbolism in Tantra and Śrīvidyā? This symbolism deepens even further in esoteric traditions.
Certainly. In esoteric Hindu traditions—especially Tantra and Śrīvidyā—the serpent (nāga) gains an even deeper and more mystical meaning. Here, the cobra is not simply a creature of devotion or fear, but the very embodiment of cosmic power, hidden wisdom, and the gateway to transcendence.
In Tantra, the serpent is Kuṇḍalinī, the coiled energy asleep at the base of the spine. It is depicted as a three-and-a-half coiled serpent, representing:
Three guṇas: sattva, rajas, tamas
Half coil: transcendence beyond nature
When awakened, it rises through the chakras like a serpent climbing, unlocking divine consciousness.
🔱 The cobra here is not an animal — it is your own hidden divinity.
In Śrīvidyā, especially in the worship of Lalitā Tripurasundarī, the serpent symbolizes:
Aspect | Serpentine Meaning in Śrīvidyā |
---|---|
Icchā Śakti (Will) | Desire to manifest creation |
Jñāna Śakti (Wisdom) | Hidden, occult knowledge |
Kriyā Śakti (Action) | Power of manifestation |
The serpent is often seen at the base of Śrīcakra, coiled beneath the bindu, symbolizing that all creation rests upon latent power.
In secret Śākta Tantras, nāgas appear as Nāga Kanyās, mystical serpent maidens who offer occult siddhis. They represent:
Hidden doorways to knowledge
Tests of restraint (desire vs wisdom)
Union of earth (body) and mystery (spirit)
While most Hindu worship avoids direct serpent contact, Tantrics sometimes perform rituals to Nāga Devatās seeking:
Protection from obstacles
Acquisition of hidden knowledge
Mastery of sexual and psychic forces
🔍 Especially during Ādi Śaṅkara’s Prapañca Sāra Tantra, nāga worship is linked to controlling the lower nature to ascend spiritually.
Yes — in deepest Śrīvidyā, the serpent is desire itself (Kāmakalā), which must be not repressed but transmuted into devotion and realization.
“That desire which binds the world is the same desire that, when mastered, liberates the yogin.”
— Śrī Lalitā Sahasranāma Commentary
Level | Cobra Represents |
---|---|
Psychological | Instinct, fear, sexuality |
Energetic | Kuṇḍalinī, occult power |
Mystical | Divine Shakti, gateway to Mokṣa |
Would you like a symbolic meditation or Tantric visualization involving the serpent—like how to internally work with Kuṇḍalinī as Nāga Śakti?
Baby breaks free! Oh no! OK, enough fun for this Friday evening...
Muslim street preacher explains why Hinduism is "demonic". Oookay. He also says that the Hindu gods are "powerless", presumably in comparison with Allah.
So how come India is more developed than Pakistan? I don´t really "take sides" in arguments like this (I mean, wtf), but I couldn´t help asking ChatGPT about this. Of course, I don´t think Rama is behind India´s rapid economic growth, anymore than Allah is responsible for low Pakistani literacy rates, but shouldn´t this be a problem for somebody who believes God is literally in charge of everything?
OK, enough fun for this Friday evening...
India is generally more developed than Pakistan by most major economic and development indicators, and its economy is growing at a significantly faster pace.
Let’s break it down by key criteria:
Indicator | India | Pakistan |
---|---|---|
GDP (Nominal, 2024) | ~$3.7 trillion (5th largest in world) | ~$370 billion |
GDP (PPP) | ~$12 trillion | ~$1.5 trillion |
India’s economy is almost 10 times larger than Pakistan’s.
India: Fast-growing economy, averaging 6–7% annual growth, one of the fastest among major nations.
Pakistan: Growth is volatile, often 1–3%, recently facing economic crises, IMF bailouts, inflation, and currency devaluation.
Indicator | India | Pakistan |
---|---|---|
HDI Rank | 134 | 164 |
Life expectancy | ~70 years | ~66 years |
Literacy rate | ~77% | ~58% |
India ranks higher in education, life expectancy, and standard of living.
India is a major center for IT, pharmaceuticals, space research (ISRO), manufacturing, and services.
Pakistan has a smaller, agrarian-based economy with limited industrial capacity.
Factor | India | Pakistan |
---|---|---|
Foreign investment | Much higher | Lower |
Global influence | G20 member, BRICS, major diplomatic role | Limited geopolitical influence |
Poverty inequality: Some reports suggest Pakistan may have slightly less inequality than India.
But overall standards of health, education, and infrastructure are still lower than India.
India is more economically developed, globally influential, and rapidly growing.
Pakistan faces more economic instability, debt, and developmental challenges.
Would you like a comparison of military power, population trends, or future growth projections between the two countries?
Sure — here’s a clear comparison of future growth projections for India vs. Pakistan, including economy, military, and demographics. This helps understand where both nations are heading, not just where they are today.
Aspect | India – Future | Pakistan – Future |
---|---|---|
GDP Growth (Proj. 2025–2030) | 6–7% per year (strong) | 2–4% per year (unstable) |
Global Role | 3rd largest economy by 2030 (overtaking Japan & Germany) | Risk of stagnation, IMF dependency |
Economic Drivers | Technology, manufacturing (Make in India), services | Agriculture, remittances, limited industry |
Risk Factors | Inequality, infrastructure, bureaucracy | Debt crisis, political instability, inflation |
🔍 Conclusion: India is projected to become a major global economic power, while Pakistan may struggle to maintain consistent growth without reforms.
Aspect | India | Pakistan |
---|---|---|
Defense Budget 2030 (Est.) | $100+ billion | ~$15 billion |
Nuclear Capability | Advanced triad, ICBMs, space assets | Nuclear deterrent, tactical focus |
Alliances | BRICS, QUAD, relations with US/Russia | Ties with China, Gulf funding |
Global Reach | Expanding Navy, Blue-water capability | Primarily regional defense |
⚔️ Conclusion:
Pakistan will remain a strong regional military (mainly aimed at India), but India is evolving into a global military power with space and naval capabilities.
Demographic Trend | India | Pakistan |
---|---|---|
Population Peak | ~2060, then decline | Continuously rising past 2100 |
2024 Population | ~1.43 billion | ~240 million |
Fertility Rate | ~2.0 (near replacement) | ~3.5+ (high growth) |
Demographic Dividend | Productive workforce until 2050 | Youth bulge but weak job creation |
👥 Key Insight:
India’s population will stabilize, aiding development.
Pakistan’s rapid growth without jobs may cause economic pressure and instability.
Factor (2030 Outlook) | India | Pakistan |
---|---|---|
Literacy | 85–90% | 60–65% |
Urbanization | Rapid (Smart cities) | Moderate |
Digital Economy | Huge IT + AI growth | Limited digital infrastructure |
Risk | Religious tension, inequality | Political volatility, extremism |
Category | India | Pakistan |
---|---|---|
Economic Superpower? | ✅ Yes, Top 3 globally | ❌ Unlikely |
Military Global Power? | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Regional only |
Human Development Improvement? | ✅ Yes (gradual) | ⚠️ Slow, uncertain |
Global Influence? | ✅ Major role (G20, UN reform) | ⚠️ Limited to Islamic bloc & China |
India: Rising global giant — economy, military, diplomacy.
Pakistan: Will remain important regionally but faces serious development challenges unless major reforms occur.
Would you like a similar comparison for Bangladesh vs. Pakistan, or India vs. China? That is often equally revealing.
About a month ago, I asked ChatGPT to interpret the fake "Theosophical" symbol I use (just for fun) as the emblem of this blog. Here´s my own interpretation (also just for fun).
The emblem is "Tantric" in the sense that it inverts the usual symbolism associated with Hinduism and Western esotericism.
Instead of a white swan, there is a black swan. The black color (obviously) stands for the night, since the night is the best allegory for the Divine. Darkness is what remains when light goes away. In the same way, God is ever-present above and beyond all phenomena. Since the black swan was unknown to the Hindus (and everyone else except the Australian Aboriginals) before the discovery of Australia, it´s a good symbol for the unknown. And the Divine is The Unknown awaiting discovery. On one point, ChatGPT gave me an additional idea: the black swan could be a reference to a "black swan event", i.e. something completely unexpected. Like sudden spiritual enlightenment, perhaps?
The lotus is usually pink, but here it´s blue. I read or heard somewhere that a blue lotus is an attribute of the Tantric Mahavidya Matangi (Chandali). It´s actually a symbol for dangerous poison. The snake is a coral snake and doesn´t eat its own tail. Instead, the snake is self-conscious, lethal and ready to strike. It´s emphatically *not* a rope...
In Hinduism, the two triangles are Shiva-Shakti, but in other systems a hexagram stands for Saturn. It could therefore be the hidden cosmic order behind the chaotic material world (and the equally chaotic world of "spirituality"). I suppose an inverted pentagram would be more in keeping with the "Tantric" flavor of the emblem, but I wanted to balance the Left Hand elements with something more Right Hand Path. But sure, if you instead interpret the hexagram as the union of Shiva/Brahman and Shakti/Maya, you´ll have all the chaos and creative destruction you want!
I´m sure all kinds of other associations could be made. OK, enough fun for this Friday.