Asura — the first influencer

The below text is a complete fiction.

In Indian mythology, a certain class of beings called “Asura” have claimed a large share of attention. Who are these Asuras, and what kind of influence do they have on the minds of us mortals?

Asuras are demi-gods in Indian and Buddhist mythology. They are beings who have performed long penances, gained merit, and accessed subtle states of consciousness following deep states of equanimity.

Characteristics displayed by Asuras in the mythology include:

• Hunger for Power
• Persistent Determination
• Oppressive gains
• Fiery anger
• Jealousy
• Revenge-seeking
• Intensity
• Insecurity

Some Asuras, like Ravana from the Treta Yuga, are still remembered today, indicating their deep ingraining in the human psyche. In astrology, Rahu and Ketu are planetary influences that belonged to an Asura entity, Swarbhanu, before he was cut into two by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshana Chakra. Rahu in astrology causes deep material attachment and unprecedented gain, whereas Ketu influences detachment and loss.

Asuri Gunas are terrible qualities, pain-inducing and wrathful feelings, and destructive tendencies of the mind. An Asura may use his energy to influence the human mind to fuel the six internal enemies: Kama (Desire), Krodha (Anger/Fury), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Delusion), Madha (Madness), and Matsarya (Forgetfulness).

An Asura’s influence might be sought by those who seek windfall gains and stratospheric growth, but often, this is followed by a catastrophic fall, a clear nosedive back to square one.

What would an Asura gain from influencing us?

I think we all have some Prana Shakti (life force). Each human develops certain talents over time, after nourishment. If I take a logical guess, the war between Devas and Asuras never ended. Both sides may still be actively recruiting, possibly in the subtle planes of consciousness.

Devas (good guys) have stricter criteria for their recruits, with several rules for applicants. It’s like a secret society you have to discover by following subtle hints. Devas value quality over quantity, seeking humans with deep, penetrative minds. They value valor, skill, and mental abilities. They may be few, but their strengths are supported by immortals. A human has to go through a fulfilling life nurtured by good qualities, leading an inspirational existence. Their legacy should stand the test of time. It’s not easy, but it’s a path toward immortality, like the Devas. Devas ultimately become the architects of human experience and ancestors. Once you make it through all the levels, you stay in that group.

Asuras, on the other hand, apply brute force. They are active recruiters who chase you on all platforms. They excel at selling their ideas and showcasing fringe benefits like no other.

However, they may seek to make a battery out of you and suck all the juice with their golden handcuffs. They aim to squash the force of thought and ideas of freedom. Their world is a beautiful film set that looks amazing in the sales pitch.

Strategically, they seek to use raw human force against the Devas. They want to challenge the Devas to fight their own offspring under their influence.

Light is knowledge; darkness is ignorance.

Asura derived from Asurya — not Sun like .

In the Jaiminya (3.35.3), one of three recensions of the SamaVeda, the term ‘Asura’ is stated to be derived from ‘rest’ (ram) in the vital airs (asu), i.e. ‘Asu’ + ‘ram’ = ‘Asuram’ (Asura); this is in reference to the mind being ‘asura[-like]’.

Mind is the closest thing of influence for Asuras. It’s not easy to influence a human body . It’s easy to influence a human mind, which is Asura-like.

Those who fall under the influence of Asuras are consumed by Tamas, enshrouded in darkness, and lose remaining self-will. They may fall prey to immediate gains, like drug addicts craving cocaine.

For Asuras, it’s nothing personal; all they care about is winning the war. It’s just the way they were made. And as humans, we are the children of Gods/Devas, their little enemies. It’s just business!

Implication on Modern times

According to a famous speaker, Mr. Rajarshi Nandi, an Asura is capable of exerting influence in Kali Yuga, the present time. He opined in a podcast that Stalin and Hitler could have been deeply influenced by an Asura, leading them to commit mass horrors and genocides. He also said something that brought me chills when I heard it:

There is no democracy in the spiritual realm. Those with merit and power rule.

That’s the main reason why Asuras and Devas undertook deep penances. They both wanted to gain merit and become powerful.

Democracy is a facade?

Democracy is a collective dream we have enacted for the last 70 years. It calls for the distribution of power, giving the ultimate power back to the masses and citizens. Concentrated power often attracts conflicts.

Power redistribution is like removing batteries and hiding them away. It was a much-needed sign of peace. It works on the premise that collectively humans are sensible. It also strives to enable the weak and lower strata of society. I still think that democracy is a beautiful yet revolutionary concept, and I love it.

It could be a temporary peace deal brokered by Devas until we are ready to handle the power. Because, in the realms of Asura or Deva energy, there is no democracy. It’s all about merit.

You lift yourself and have a chance at immortality if you side with the Devas.

That means living a virtuous life, enacting self-discipline, gaining merit, and becoming valorous. There is a need for some peace and quiet to develop these qualities.

You may become one of the cannonballs if you side with the Asuras. The wars , oppression, revenge sow the seeds for more violence. An eye for an eye.

That’s all for today. I will change this text if my ideas change.

Thanks for reading.