TAOC Chiang Mai Cohort - a reflection
It’s been one week since we completed our intensive 70-hour training with our Chiang Mai cohort. What initially began as a 30-hour, 10-day program expanded into 70 hours of deep practice over 16 days—a journey of dedication, growth, and transformation.
Module 1 concluded on a day of powerful planetary alignment, with six planets lined up perfectly for manifestation. We marked the occasion with an hour-long meditation, connecting to Fudomyo and the Kabbalistic letter G, channeling abundance and prosperity into our paths.
Module 2 wrapped up on the final day of the Dragon Year, a symbolic day to complete our training and step into the Year of the Wooden Snake. We closed with another manifestation meditation, guided by Ashmunadai, aligning ourselves with abundance and purpose as we continue forward on our Path of Service.
My major takeaway from this training? The Universe always brings the right people together when the time is right. Our students came from diverse walks of life, yet shared many common interests. Their personalities and energies perfectly complemented one another, representing each of the four elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. This balance made training together not only effective but incredibly fun and dynamic.
Although they arrived with different priorities, they were all seeking the same thing: to discover their Path of Service.
“What am I meant to be doing in this lifetime?” is a loaded question, but it’s one we guide students through.
In our training, the journey to higher wisdom and life purpose begins with knowing yourself. This means understanding your Black and White Mirrors—your strengths, weaknesses, and how they relate to your elemental makeup.
We focus on building a strong foundation in:
Vital Lifeforce and the Four Elements
Emotional and Mental Release
Psychic Protection
These are essential before delving into higher energy work and cultivating the Insight Mind—the inner knowing and trust in yourself that you are the master of your own path. To truly know yourself is to recognize your blockages and resistance and learn how to release them effectively.
As we concluded the training, we were all physically and mentally exhausted—but it was the kind of exhaustion that leaves you deeply fulfilled, knowing that the work you’ve done matters. Our students left with a renewed sense of confidence, direction, and assurance as they continue their individual journeys.
For us, it’s now time to rest, reflect, and prepare. This April, we’ll welcome a new cohort of students for our Ecopark Hanoi training, and registration is now open. If you’re ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and spiritual cultivation, we’d love to have you with us.
Are you ready to begin your journey?
PS: One of our Chiang Mai students, Andreas, created a video sharing his experience from TAOC Module 1 and 2. If you’re unsure whether this training is for you, watch his video—it may help guide you. And remember: the answers are already within you.
A note on Death
In my neighborhood in Chiang Mai, there were three funerals in the past three days. Over the last ten days, I’ve seen four dead butterflies — something that has never happened in my life. I spent much of December and January immersed in learning about death. I attended a course on Thanatology, spending eight hours a day for five days just talking about death, pretending to be dying, and contemplating the deaths of my loved ones. I finished reading The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. At one point, I almost convinced my teacher to connect me with the Lord of Death, but thankfully, he changed his mind and said, “Maybe next year.”
Many people have asked me about my experience learning Thanatology. It took me some time to reflect on it. The course was gentle — much like the concept of ‘gentle dying.’ We covered all aspects of death in the living realm: organ donation, miscarriage, children’s deaths, preparing for funerals, the importance of having a body when dead, supporting the loved ones who remain, and the art of listening without judgment. These were practical preparations for death. I was deeply curious about the spiritual transition at death, but that wasn’t part of the course. As our teacher said, “I’ve never died, and no one dead comes back alive to talk about their experience. Anything beyond death is stories, beliefs, and concepts; they can’t be proven.”
Something felt missing for me after the course. While it opened and expanded my perspective, I craved more.
Since the spiritual aspect of death fascinates me most, I dove into The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. There, I found exactly what I was seeking — or did I? The book explored the spiritual dimensions of death: transitioning each element at death, what happens after death, how to achieve a good reincarnation, how to ascend, how to follow the light of deities, the milestones after each seven-day interval of death, and the associated practices. It even explained how reincarnation works. I devoured the book in a week. But then I asked myself, “How much of this is truth?”
I don’t know. You don’t know. No one knows. In the end, my teacher was right: “These are just myths that can’t be proven.” So, what was I searching for?
There are, however, a few things I know for certain:
You deal with death by accepting it.
You need strong mental power to navigate the realm between death and reincarnation (lucid dreaming is excellent practice for this!).
Your life, death, and rebirth are governed by karma. There is no escaping it, so live a conscious life.
Death is not the end; it’s the beginning of transformation.
As things stand now, I hope to have many more conversations with people about death. There is still a calling for me to become a death doula. I don’t know how it will happen, but we’ll see what the universe has planned for me.
As for the dead butterflies… a wave of sadness washes over me when I think about them. Are they an omen, a sign of something? I don’t know. I just know that something is changing in the environment. The butterflies, the birds, the trees, the flowers — the collective nature is going through a significant shift. Hug a tree today if you can.
Alex
Abhiṣeka: The Ancient Art of Direct Transmission
Abhiṣeka: The Ancient Art of Direct Transmission
In Sanskrit, Abhiṣeka loosely translates to “pouring from the peak” or “pouring from the source.” Traditionally, this ritual involved a master pouring a sacred liquid onto a holy object or the crown of the disciple's head, symbolizing divine blessing and purification.
But in esoteric circles, Abhiṣeka takes on a deeper, more transformative meaning: the direct transmission of sacred teachings from master to student. Through this process, a student is granted access to keys of wisdom that can bypass decades of personal trials and errors. This practice, once reserved for the most inner temple sanctums, served as a gateway to profound understanding, held in secret by the keepers of ancient wisdom.
Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World
In the past, these teachings were cloaked in secrecy, protected from persecution and distortion by religious dogma. But today, the mystical arts are no longer suppressed. Enlightened masters have opened the doorway to these sacred teachings, making them accessible to everyday seekers who are ready to embrace the truth.
At Wisdom Tree Institute, we carry forward this ancient tradition, offering a framework of inner sanctum teachings designed for modern seekers. We teach spiritual science as a methodical and accessible path for those who seek to unlock their highest potential and discover universal truths.
Experience the Transmission for Yourself
Are you ready to step into the path of sacred wisdom and spiritual science? At Wisdom Tree Institute, we bring the essence of Abhiṣeka to the modern world—guiding you through teachings that have the power to transform your journey and align you with your truest self.
Start your journey today. Explore our in-person and online programs to receive teachings rooted in ancient wisdom, reimagined for the present moment.
The Logical Path to Spiritual Development: Demystifying Energy and Internal Alchemy
In today’s world, spiritual practice is often shrouded in mysticism, woo-woo jargon, and blind faith. But true spiritual development isn’t about believing in abstract ideas or following charismatic leaders without question. It’s about a logical, experience-based approach that leads to real, measurable progress.
The Essence of Internal Alchemy
Spiritual cultivation, particularly in energy work and internal alchemy, follows a clear chain of causation. It’s not based on vague theories or faith—it’s grounded in the principle that when you combine specific practices (A + B), you achieve predictable results (C). This approach ensures clarity in your development and prevents the pitfalls of foggy thinking that often accompany faith-based spiritual practices.
Energy: Real and Tangible
In many modern spiritual circles, energy is spoken about as if it’s hypothetical or symbolic. But true energy work is anything but. When you cultivate energy and truly feel it, there’s no room for doubt. It’s an undeniable experience—like being hit with a brick. Either it’s there, or it’s not. You see it, feel it, and know it through direct experience.
The Logical Sequence of Spiritual Progress
Spiritual growth follows a logical sequence, and it requires a structured approach to progress. Adopting a clear path ensures steady growth without getting lost in vague ideas or misguided teachings. While I’ll explore this topic in greater depth in future videos, I also offer in-person and online training to help guide seekers on this path.
Advice for Spiritual Seekers
Adopt a Scientific Approach:
Treat your spiritual journey with the same rigor as scientific inquiry. Be skeptical but remain open to new experiences. Keep your heart and mind open while grounding your exploration in practice and results.Beware of False Prophets and Gurus:
Avoid anyone who positions themselves as superior or attempts to control your growth. Watch out for cult-like organizations or online movements that mislead seekers by promoting dependency and conformity. True spiritual growth aligns with universal principles, not hierarchical systems.Prioritize Practice Over Theory:
Reading spiritual books can build cognitive understanding, but real progress comes through practice. Spend only 5% of your time forming mental structures and 95% on direct experience and disciplined practice. This balance will yield the best results.
Start Your Journey Today
True spiritual development is clear, logical, and attainable when approached with the right mindset and tools. At Wisdom Tree, we guide seekers with practical, experience-based training in energy work and internal alchemy. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your practice, we’re here to help you unlock your potential.
Ready to take the first step? Explore our in-person and online training programs today and begin your transformation.