The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is really about kundalini energy, your seven in-body chakras, and the divine mind. I think this will become clear to you by the end of this post.
The wonderful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was one of my Biblical childhood favorites. I was fascinated with the prospect of someone being consumed by fire but not getting hurt by it. As the story goes, these three men were casts into a blazing furnace by Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, for refusing to fall down and worship the golden statue he had built. The heat of this fiery furnace was so intense that it even killed the king’s men who tossed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego inside. And what happened to our heroes? They walked around in the inferno unscathed. What’s more, a fourth angelic figure suddenly appears in the fire with them. Nebuchadnezzar even states that the visage of this angelic figure “…is like the son of God.”
Because of my traditional Christian upbringing, I was taught that the preincarnate Jesus appeared in the fiery furnace and protected them from harm. But that raised some questions for this naturally inquisitive kid: why did God come down to protect some—such as Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego—and yet today he lets other believers die all the time? I was told that we can’t always understand why God does things the way he does. And that was the end of it. Even though it didn’t sit right with me, I tried to accept what I was told.
Now I know better. So let’s discuss what this story is really about!
We get our first clue after Nebuchadnezzar declares his punishment for our three heroes when they refuse to bow to the king’s idol. I quote from the book of Daniel below:
“Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was wont to be heated” (Daniel 3:19).
I have placed the word seven above in bold because it is our first clue. Why does the king say to heat the furnace seven times its usual heat?
It is common knowledge among many adherents of Christianity that the number seven represents completion. However, what is not common knowledge is the reason why. It has everything to do with the Bible’s mystical origins and the completion of something that happens in man. More on this in a moment, but first…
The seven in-body chakras
There are seven main chakras inside every human body. Chakras are simply invisible access points where cosmic energy and consciousness is both received and disseminated to the body. They regulate the health of our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual makeup. They are located along the human spine (tree of life), extending from its base upwards to above the head. Valerie V. Hunt, Ed.D., has studied the chakras at the University of California (Los Angeles) and stated that their affects and even auric color are established on facts and research, not subjective conjecture. All well and good. But I am much more impressed with the fact that chakras were so well known in the ancient world across so many different religions. And yes, Judaism and Christianity are included in this list. The Bible is full of verses on the chakras; those verses are just veiled like every other spiritual truth in the Bible. In Ezekiel they are described as spinning wheels of light. In Revelations they are the seven churches and the seven seals.
So if chakras are access points for receiving and disseminating cosmic energy and consciousness, what exactly is this cosmic energy and consciousness? Throughout history it has been known by many titles: In Christianity it is the Holy Spirit; in Buddhism and Hinduism it has been called chi, prana, and kundalini. For now we’ll stick with Kundalini. Kundalini comes from the Sanskrit word kundala, which means “coiled.” Kunda is also associated with the meaning, “to burn.” Also known as liquid fire and liquid light, kundalini is nothing less than the cosmic life force of the universe. When the person is ready, kundalini energy travels up the spine, cleansing and opening each chakra it reaches. This energy culminates at the 7th chakra which leads to enlightenment and self-realization as cosmic consciousness and energy has truly touched the individual’s entire holy temple (body, heart and brain).
Kundalini is more popularly known as Serpent Energy because in its dormant state it resides coiled up at the base of the spine and perineum area, resembling a snake. When activated it “rises up” the spine to the top of the head bringing spiritual, emotional, mental, and even physical healing. Now you may understand the scripture from Exodus where Moses had to lift up the brazen serpent upon a pole, and all the Israelites who looked at it were healed.
When I say kundalini energy brings mental, emotional, and physical healing to the body I am ultimately referring to the fact that this process manifests the divine within us, for after this experience, we are led by spirit and not the emotions and intellect. Biblically speaking, being led from the emotions and intellect (EGO) leads to death, whereas being led from the Holy Spirit leads to life. By killing the ego, we lose our life as Jesus instructed, and gain eternal life in return. Eternal life is simply complete self-realization (i.e., becoming ONE with God).
So how do the chakras and cosmic consciousness connect to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Remember that King Nebuchadnezzar wanted the furnace heated seven times its usual heat (kind of silly if you think about this literally)! Also remember that there are seven main in-body chakras along the spine and above the head.
In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, each of these men represents our lower nature and ego: the physical being, our intellect, and emotions. When the king had the furnace heated seven times, this represents the liquid fire (kundalini) rising through the seven chakras of our holy temples. We have already discussed this result, but in order for you to see how it relates to our Bible story in Daniel, you need to think about the fourth angelic figure that appeared in the fire with our three heroes. This is the same figure that Nebuchadnezzar said “…is like the son of God.” That fourth figure in the fire is symbolic of the divine mind (spirit / kindalini) in control over the lower nature of man. We can also say it is the preincarnate Christ since Christ also represents the fully realized divine man that is within each one of us. Ultimately, the kundalini experience can be said to manifest the “Christ within.”
So far we can break this story down as such:
- The furnace is heated seven times. There are seven chakras in the body.
- Kundalini is associated with “burning,” and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are placed in a “burning” furnace.
- Kundalini “burns” (cleanses and opens) the seven chakras, effectively taking control over the intellect and emotions, and the divine mind (spirit) is now leading the individual.
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego represent the physical body, our intellect, and our emotions (collectively comprising the EGO) which are killed off, manifesting the Christ within.
I now want you to note that the entire story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego happens in Daniel chapter three. In the next chapter we have more confirmations that the entire narrative is about establishing the Christ within through the kundalini experience. Remember that Nebuchadnezzar made the golden idol to be worshiped? This represents idolatry, which is to worship anything outside of the truth within you. (Jesus said the kingdom is “within” you). So what happens to Nebuchadnezzar as a result? In the very next chapter of Daniel, I quote the scripture below:
“While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the bests of the field: they shall make thee as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, unto thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men…”
I want you to notice two things here. Nebuchadnezzar has to eat grass like an ox. The ox always represents the physical / lower nature of man’s mind in the Bible. And you probably noticed that the number seven is repeated again! Nebuchadnezzar has to eat grass like an animal for seven years! Why? Because he was operating from the lower nature of the intellect and emotions (EGO) by declaring himself (again, the EGO) as God. Remember he made a statue of himself?! How much more egotistical can you get than that? After seven years of eating grass we are to understand that his animal nature had been purged. And that is exactly what happened:
“And at the end of days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up my eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned to me, and I blessed the most High, and praised an honored him that liveth forever…and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me, and my counselors and my lords (thoughts and emotions) sought unto me (were subdued), and I was established in mine kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me” (Daniel 4:34-36).
The above verse is symbolic of the divine mind now ruling over the intellect and emotions of Nebuchadnezzar.
How does this knowledge help you?
I believe and teach that the entire Bible was written to explain your holy temple—the body and brain—which houses the mind.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (1 Cor. 6:19).
It is time to rest the Bible from the traditions of men and understand its true meaning and spiritual intent once again, just as the earliest church fathers and Gnostics did thousands of years ago. It is truly a divine roadmap for the soul, but tradition has rendered its message powerless. By understanding the spiritual message underneath the literal interpretation, we can find practical spiritual advice.
In order to stir up your kundalini energy for an awakening, you must meditate! Meditation is a way of preparing yourself. The very act of meditation alone brings physical, emotional, and mental changes to the body. Everybody is not ready; perhaps meditation does not mean much for you now. That’s okay. Begin anyway! In time, with a little perseverance, meditation will become one of your favorite things to do. I plan to write some articles on Biblical meditation soon. Until then, browse the internet if you’re not sure how to meditate. Although there are many different ways to meditate, most of them can bring some benefit. As you’ll soon see with future articles, meditation is key, and it is how to truly enter the “kingdom within.”
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Truth Heals:” I am the Lord that healeth thee” Exodus 15 :26 last line in verse
and “It is the spirit that quickeneth” John 6:63 both KJV.
Absolutely, Tom. Thanks for commenting!
Should be J. Tom Harris
thank you for another wondeful article. This story was also one of my favorites growing up. I realized something interesting regarding heating the furnace seven times hotter. assuming the normal burning rate would be close to a large bonfire about (1500 °F to 1600°F)
if you multiply 1500 by 7 you get 10,500°F
the surface temperature of the sun is (10,000°F to 11,000°F)
interesting connection especially in light of the many connections Jesus has with the sun/son
kind of nulifies the literall interpretation no furnice on earth of any material could stand that kind of heat
keep up the good work here, it is a pleasure to read
Man, your website is awesome, you are right on, I will get to reading as much as I can, great, great stuff. Thanks for putting all this together.
Richard
Richard,
Thanks for commenting. And I must say your website is awesome as well. You’ve got a ton of information that has inspired me today. I got an idea for about three more blog post after visiting there! lol. How long have you been studying the scriptures?
I have been studying ancient myths and scriptures for about 20 years or so. Just started the blog about six years ago.
Bill Donahue of HiddenMeanings has been my staple since Joseph Campbell.
You should watch all of Bills videos on youtube, he has uploaded his lifes work, over thirty years of teaching at his conference center in New Jersey, where he was on local TV, his teachings of the bible will blow your mind.
Here is his website
http://www.hiddenmeanings.com/
And his youtube videos
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=videos&search_query=bdona+4556&search_sort=video_date_uploaded
Or just go to youtube and type in BDONA 4556 then go to filter and upload date. He has interpreted the entire bible, his revelations is just awesome, for some of that just type in bdona 4556 revelations.
Bill is a great friend of mine, and his lessons are stellar, he has uploaded almost 700 videos, and has about 500 more to go, he used to charge for these, but now since Jan. 2012, he has been putting everything up for free.
You will see in his lessons what you already know and then some.
Also Santos Bonacci is the new kid on the block
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2BMPGe9mAw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k1Zevg6gWA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsLDNNeEkmY
Best Richard
Richard,
As I read your comment I remembered the name HiddenMeanings from somewhere. A while back, when I left the church out of frustration, I found s website by that name online while studying. I do remember now being blown away by some of his stuff. I compared some of his teachings to Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and ancient Egyptian history. He is truly a man ahead of his time, especially since you say he has been at it 30 years. Wow! Thanks for all those links. I have never looked at his videos, going to check them out this weekend.
I’ll look into Santos Bonacci as well.
Again, and I’m glad we got the chance to connect!
Thanks for the link! I’m going through Revelations…it’s AWESOME!
Joshua
I am adding a link to your page from my home page.
Best Richard
Thanks, my friend. I’ll place you in my blogroll as well!
Do you have GA Gaskells dictionary of scripture and myth?
It’s a fantastic book, if you don’t already have it.
http://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Scripture-Myth-G-Gaskell/dp/0880292695
I bought this book about 10 years ago and it is one of the few books that I still refer to. Even this morning, after I meditated, I was prompted to open up the bible and read something and I used this book to interpret what symbolism was used in that passage. Truly this book is gold.
Google free version
http://books.google.com/books?id=chSke9UtbhgC&pg=PA7&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=4#v=onepage&q&f=false
Best
Richard
I don’t have that one yet. But something like that is truly valuable. Thank you. I have a few things I have been wondering about that that book might be able to answer. Thanks again, Richard.
Hi Josh,
I want to add that although any meditation will have SOME kind of benefit, different meditations have varying levels of effectiveness when it comes to actually connecting with one’s higher self / divine self and activating one’s kundalini. I’ve done different kinds of meditations and some of them bored me but the ones I found most effective for connecting within involved the “sacred space,” one that connects the heart (one’s current life) with the soul (one’s infinite life). In fact being brought up in the Catholic tradition I’ve seen a lot of illustrations of Jesus with his “sacred heart.” I believe illustrations often signal something important: in this case, the importance of that space for achieving Christ consciousness. (That’s the area on my body where I found a “heating up”–like a furnace–before I received guidance from the higher realm…).
For those who are interested, here is a post I’ve written about effective meditations for reconnecting with divine guidance: http://www.christinehoeflich.com/?p=52. I talk about this “heating up” and give details about the meditation and what I experienced.
P.S. I’ve listened to Santos Bonacci, too. I’ve only learned about his stuff in the last year or less. His interpretations are very interesting.
Kundalini Energy?? seven cakras?? I hear enough of this kind of hog wash in my country… Christianity clearly warns us about unusual interpretations in the name of “open mindedness”
Believing and following a religion is purely an act of faith. So lets believe every word in the Bible exactly as it is.
I think your interpretation is an application of your mind and intellect rather than your sprit.. I wish you refrain from such BS. If you really love such weird philosophy you must surely convert to Hinduism and address its followers. They will surely accept you with open arms!!!
Jeremiah,
I understand your reservations, since I also once came from the position of a traditional Christian. But your comment speaks volumes about how and why you assess the information as you do. You stated:
“Christianity clearly warns us…”
Are you following your spirit, or Christianity? Christianity is jsut a religion of the mind and intellect of those that invented it. Is it possible that you are a prisoner of the very accusation you make. Please don’t take offense. I am only stating the obvious. I wish you the best and hope you never give up the search for the truth that is already within you. Blessings.
In that case you too shouldn’t be referring to the Bible to spread your philosophy. When I said “Christianity clearly warns..” I was not referring to Pastors and Bishops but to several Apostles “in the Bible” who warn against fruitless and blasphemous interpretations.
So you are technically wrong in using the Bible to further your philosophy when the Bible itself says such new teachings and philosophy’s are wrong..
Jeremiah,
If you feel this strongly about it than I will certainly not try to convince you otherwise. It’s best that you believe what you believe for now. Perhaps in the future when you come to difficult passages that cannot be reconciled or made sense of through traditional interpretations, maybe you’ll take another look at the esoteric viewpoint. Whatever the case, I respect your decisions.
Blessings.
Awsome!
Hi, Joshua!
Interesting thoughts to say the least. I understand where Jeremiah is coming from. Perhaps his reference to “Christian” might have been more accurately phrased “Biblical.” Tying in mysticism with Biblical accounts is to be expected with men. I can imagine the Everlasting God seeing and hearing man’s reasoning with a smile and thinking, “Oh, that’s cute” (anyone with little children understands this well). It is my belief and the belief of a minority in this world that the Bible is the only infallible and authoritative written word of God. The term Christian from some should not be associated with the religion of Christianity — rather it be Orthodox, Catholicism, non-denominational mega-churches, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Lutherans, etc. — but rather to truly mean “Christ-like.” Christ is not just a new testament icon. Christ is the thin red line from Genesis to Revelation. The beginning and the end. The light of this world in every way. At the command of the Father, He cast his light upon the earth and then gave light to the sun. He will shed light on all matters in the end. I don’t understand the need for anyone to tie Hinduism, Buddhism, Yoga, Karma, etc. in with Biblical events and accounts ordained by the God on high. It would be interesting to know some day if even Nebuchadnezzar himself would disagree with you. Believing the Holy scriptures is a discipline and a commitment. A commitment to obey and submit to what the Word states. The fact that anyone feels the need to add to, enhance or supplement the Bible actually should not be surprising but rather expected. I believe that any man’s philosophy lies futile before the courts of the Lord. Satan (much wiser and more cunning than any human) is the best example. “I know better, and I disagree.” He and the angels who rebelled with him were cast down from Heaven and have a strong yet limited authority on this earth. This is why a spirit of anti-Christ dwells all over and is/will be greater than the few who remain faithful to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Now, as things like these are debated, I think it is important to realize that God has given us free will to think, speak and act as we desire. Even in the Bible, as Satan is allowed to come into the courts of the Lord to petition over men and things, it is important to realize that the Lord tolerated/tolerates it (until the end when His judgment comes). I was raised in a full gospel church, and I have witnessed more intolerance than tolerance, along with hypocrisy and denial of sins and how they treat others. Enough to prompt me to “bail” and stop attending church, reading the Bible and begin living in a worldly philosophy. Yet I have also seen plenty of this garbage in the secular world. The bottom line is we are all human and limited in our wisdom and abilities. I believe the Deceiver has the majority fooled, and I understand if you think, “Right! You’re the one who’s fooled!”. However, I don’t think I am part of any majority and it is clear in the Bible that the path to Truth and the Kingdom is narrow while the path to destruction is broad. I will always be leary of the popular opinions of mankind. Humbling ourselves before the Lord and holding to the faith that the way to the Father is Jesus alone allows for true peace. Your account and interpretation of what really happened with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in my mind limits the credit of the power of God and what He can or will do. The 3 amigos didn’t save themselves, but the Lord had mercy on them because of their faithfulness to the commands and ways of God. Educated and raised in the Chaldean ways of mysticism and spiritualism, they still would not compromise their obedience to and their faith in the one and only living God of Abraham, Isaac & Israel. True Christian faith is leaning not on your own understanding and realizing that His ways are not man’s ways. What you propose in your philosophy only makes things more complicated. God is easy. His yoke is light. He is the true source of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Long-suffering and self-control. The humility to accept what the Lord gave us in the Bible is and always will be difficult for many. I know it’s kind of silly, but I think of Indiana Jones when the old knight says, “You have chosen… poorly,” and “You have chosen… wisely.”
Both sides of this debate may say, “We’ll see in the end.” Yes, we will.
I spend time reading scripture and praying daily. This is my meditation, and the Lord has been doing wonders in my life — in my mind, heart, spirit and relationships. This is good enough for me and I am grateful.
Thank you for this blog. Hopefully, spawning and having healthy debate will not be for the sake of pride or hate, but yet for the sake that as many as possible find the ultimate Truth. 1 John 4:18 Hope you have a blessed day, Josh!
Scott,
Thanks for the long and heartfelt comment. I do understand what you are saying. Debates can be healthy, but I believe when you learn to interpret the scriptures according to the mystics a the most hidden layers reveal the greatest meaning as it has to do with the inner worlds.
Blessings!
Hi Josh I have a question. Based on this article and a few of your other articles, it seems like in your philosophy that you don’t believe in a True God or biblical Jesus Christ. Is that true?
Avery, sorry for the delay in the reply. I definitely believe in a true God, just not in the traditional sense as it has come down to us through literal interpretations of the Bible. As Paul said, Christ “in you” is the hope of Glory. It’s not something we seek “outside.”
WOW! I am learning so much and it is truly fascinating to see the actual TRUTH! Keep up the good work for those of us who are ready and willing to know the TRUTH!
Thanks, Christy. It was a pleasure writing.
My friend, a real ‘teacher’, would come by and say ‘you are right but it does not work that way’.
And he would continue his walk.