Ancient Psychedelia: Alien Gods & Mushroom Goddesses
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Ganesha is a deity who is popular in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist tradition. He is an elephant who removes obstacles, a patron of arts and sciences, and a beholder of intellect and wisdom. Ganesha traces back to the 2nd century AD and his popularity rose especially in the fifth century, during the Gupta period. Like most Hindu deities, he can be found under a mushroom on occasion, like the one at the Temples of Ashapuri, in Madhya Pradesh, India (19d) or other temple engravings (19e). (19d) Ganesha from Ashapuri c. 1000 AD  (19e) Ganesha |
Brahmanic Control of Hinduism As time went on, the Brahman priesthood slowly stole from the people the rich spiritual heritage that the mushroom had long imparted. It probably would have vanished altogether were it not for the songs and hymns committed to long term memory. In the Laws of Manu, which represent this new era of control, we read about some suspicious instructions to the devotees: Chapter 1 - 47. (Those trees) which bear fruit without flowers are called vanaspati (lords of the forest); but those which bear both flowers and fruit are called vriksha. Chapter 2 - 41. Let students, according to the order (of their castes), wear (as upper dresses) the skins of black antelopes, spotted deer, and he-goats, and (lower garments) made of hemp, flax or wool. Chapter 2- 177. Let him abstain from honey, meat, perfumes, garlands, substances (used for) flavouring (food), women, all substances turned acid, and from doing injury to living creatures. Chapter 2- 178. From anointing (his body), applying collyrium to his eyes, from the use of shoes and of an umbrella (or parasol), from (sensual) desire, anger, covetousness, dancing, singing, and playing (musical instruments). Chapter 2- 179. From gambling, idle disputes, backbiting, and lying, from looking at and touching women, and from hurting others. Chapter 2- 213. It is the nature of women to seduce men in this (world); for that reason, the wise are never unguarded in (the company of) females. In particular, number 178, which requires prevention of the use of “parasols.” I’m confident in saying the idea for the umbrella originated in the shape of the mushroom and the effect of keeping rain off small creatures. The umbrella resembles the mushroom and mirrors the latter’s function in nature to keep water off of frogs and other small creatures. What is the spiritual purpose of preventing the use of umbrellas? Perhaps the banning of the parasol could easily be extended to mushrooms if the priesthood so chose? It seems odd, but makes sense when “singing and dancing and playing musical instruments” is added to the list of banned activities. Notice as well, that these are included in the section which includes the application of collyrium, or medicated eyewashes. There are numerous depictions of kings being carted around with servants extending a “parasol” toward them. We will visit some of these instances in the following chapters. |
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