Páginas do Oculto: Maitreya and the Serpentine Experience

This text has a video version in Portuguese

In this Year of the Snake of 2025 - which is also a prophetic Year according to different messengers and traditions - we bring you a summary of the most important experiences of Buddha Maitreya with snakes, especially during his years of apprenticeship, without limiting ourselves to the physical plane. The sequence of his spiritual evolution will be guided above all by the elevated teachings emanated by High Seers or Dakinis - also called Sibyls or Pythonesses in Classical Culture - who offer consistent assistance to the spiritual efforts of the Great Initiates, and who will be mentioned here only by their initiatory names. In the East, these Devas are known as Dakinis, which means “Dancers of Heaven”, Taras, which means “Stars” or Dolmas, which means “Mothers of Liberation”.

This report therefore summarizes an important part of Maitreya's spiritual journey, presenting the spiritual movements of a Great Initiate in his search for Initiation and later Enlightenment, resolutely climbing the "spirals of the serpent" to achieve this, sparing no effort and gathering the most advanced information that Spirituality has offered to successfully trigger the planetary transition.

The reports follow a chronological order, and naturally involve shamanism, mysticism and occultism, so typical of the integrative symbolism of the serpent. Although it is also agile in other elements, as we will see, there is a deep connection between the serpent and the Earth Element, hence the importance that these reports will have in matters of Nature, especially through the special places where Maitreya lived.

The attentive reader will have no difficulty in identifying in these narratives a traditional “Eastern” pattern of spiritual searches, such as the transformations of life stages and their connections with new environments. In this sense, Maitreya’s trajectory follows the pattern of the Vedic ashramas of the life stages of permanent education, although with their original precepts duly restored. Maitreya’s spiritual searches thus portray and restore a spiritual paradigm of perfection in terms of space-time and spiritual conduct of results.

These accounts represent a brief mystical itinerary of Maitreya’s first initiations until his enlightenment, thus serving as a safe didactic contribution for New Age aspirants. May these brief biographical fragments serve as a symbolic and inspiring itinerary for aspirants of inner evolution. “For Initiates Only.”

I. HYPNOTIC

When he was still a child, Maitreya had the opportunity to witness an unusual scene. Finding snakes and serpents was not uncommon on the farm that Maitreya's family owned in the rural area of his city. For the little boy, this place was sacred, because there he could forget his tribulations and take refuge in Nature, to obtain the experiences that his developing body and soul demanded at that time. Later, it would also have its importance in the mature stages of Maitreya's spirituality.

On that occasion, however, everything would be different. When he looked at the side of a road he was traveling along, little Maitreya saw a little bird walking directly with its own legs into the mouth of a snake! He was very surprised by that scene, and began to imagine that it was an authentic hypnotic power of the snake, which could possibly even have some other explanation.

However, the fact was known and was part of the rich Ophite “folklore”, as seen in the famous tales of “The Jungle Book”, by the writer Rudyard Kipling, set in India, and which Maitreya also knew very well because he was simply fond of jungle stories. Maitreya then understood that the universe of magic and enchantment that he was used to experiencing in the stories he was passionate about could be part of reality and vice versa, and a whole new horizon of possibilities began to open up for him.

Some say that the snake produces a fascination and that certain prey remain motionless in front of the snake in an attempt to camouflage themselves. Professionals often state that animals cannot be hypnotized or receive suggestions. However, what Maitreya saw with his own eyes went beyond all this.

The idea of hypnosis naturally leads to thoughts of things like magnetism and fascination, which leads to the very heart of the mysteries of Occultism. The aspirant’s first contact with hidden energies is through the power of the inner serpent, whether by exploring or sublimating these energies. Controversies aside, the subject leads to the central question of Polarities. The balance of opposites is the secret of energy, as demonstrated by the principles of electricity. This is the mystery of creation.

Indeed, the versatile morphology of the serpent lends itself to representing the transformations and dialectics of energies: the serpent evokes the feminine when coiled, and evokes the masculine when extended. However, it also commonly appears in both forms in its lunging position, alluding to the desired synthesis of energies.

And suddenly, looking at the image of the serpent and the bird, we even remember the feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl, which is a popular myth derived from the image of the beautiful long-tailed Quetzal bird of Mesoamerica. The Naja with its hood even symbolically corresponds to a “winged serpent”, as in the caduceus or in kundalini, hence its special cult.

Finally, from that moment on, the young Maitreya began to see serpents in a different light. There must have been something mysterious about that creature. At that time, he was already a young man who was passionate about Nature, and his first perception of that “serpentine power” naturally opened a direct and precocious channel for his mystical reflection...

II. THE WARNING

From the dawn of his adulthood, Maitreya began to live in Ashrams, which are spiritual colonies where different yogas are practiced. After completing basic training and preparing his body for the disciplines, he initially went to an Ashram on the outskirts of his city, where he arrived under the ideal conditions of a renunciate and a Brahmacharya, the chaste student who represents the first ashrama or stage of life of the dwijas or “twice-born” who characterize the upper castes of the traditional social system of India.

In this place, Maitreya subjected himself to strong disciplines and performed great austerities, in addition to practicing rites and various tasks, quickly assimilating the instructions he received and always wanting more...

Dissatisfied with the pace of the teachings, and like a true sorcerer's apprentice, at a certain point he began to carry out, at his own risk, certain ancient experiments in inner alchemy that he had access to in old books. Now, this was already the purest Occultism, that is: the direct management of energies, in an effort to make them flow and move through the subtle channels. Apparently, his energies were really being moved through this. Whether by temperament or aspiration, the young aspirant felt the need for dynamic meditation practices.

However, one night he had a warning dream that would make him change his mind. It is no news to anyone that the subject of Kundalini is usually accompanied by serious warnings. The serpent is after all associated with death due to its fatal venom.

Here is the dream he received. In the first scene there was a sturdy white house on top of a serpent lying peacefully asleep; but in the second scene the serpent wakes up and, feeling uncomfortable with the weight of the house, tries to free itself from it, transforming it into a poor stilt house that falls to the ground...

Having quickly understood the message of the dream, Maitreya decided to abandon the technique. He did not know the exact reason for the dream, but he soon realized that he was not yet ready to awaken such energy. He did not realize at the time that it was also not advisable to mess with certain energies that humanity had already developed in other races.

He should therefore be more patient and wait for the correct information to arrive. That was not yet the time for greater heights, but rather for developing prudence and integral health: important foundations were also being laid for future spiritual developments. From that moment on, he focused more on the “Presence” meditations that Vedanta taught, seeking to enjoy the peace of silence and the timelessness that reigned in that sacred environment. This was certainly a form of energy refinement. And later he would discover that he was even beginning to spontaneously use good creative mental meditation techniques during Hatha Yoga without knowing it.

In this environment of powerful egregore, he also took the opportunity to investigate the great Teachings handed down by a famous clairvoyant known to the Initiates as Upasika or “Disciple”, considered one of the great sibyls of our times, bringing important messages directly from the High Spiritual Hierarchies.

III. THE GUARDIAN

After a couple of years spent in this training, Maitreya decided that this Ashram had already provided him with what he had to learn there. He thus left the place to become a pilgrim on the long roads of India. During his travels, he heard about a famous Ashram located in a remote region of the country, and frequented by travelers and pilgrims. He soon felt that this was exactly what he needed at that moment - adventure and Nature.

He then headed to the place, and as he approached the region he began to “explore” the local caves in search of temporary housing. Until he discovered a small grotto from which a stream flowed. He decided to go in there to see what possibilities it offered. He then sat down on a rock and began to meditate. After a while, when he opened his eyes again to gaze at the water that was making gurgling sounds, he noticed that there was a large snake coiled up next to the spring. He found it all very beautiful and symbolic.

In Hindu mythology, snakes are in fact related to water - and Maitreya would soon discover one of the reasons for this. However, he decided not to violate that sacred space of Nature any further - a true “Shiva’s Grotto” - and limited himself to making occasional visits to the place.

Reflecting later on the symbolism, he understood that the cave is related to the heart, but also to the basic chakra where the coiled kundalini resides. In fact, Maitreya would be concluding his spiritual novitiate during this period, after years of intense discipline and dedication. Symbolically, he reflected, the serpent was there to inform him that things were ripe for his initiation. Furthermore, all of this was an important symbol of the feminine, of Shakty, because although he was not yet very aware of it, in those years of self-cultivation Maitreya had become a much better man.

The serpent in the cave was a guardian of the spring, someone who watched over the purity of the springs. Maitreya was also someone who had learned to observe himself, controlling everything that emanated from his mind and heart. For the mystic, everything has a message, nothing is random and the Universe is in constant dialogue with him. Therefore, it is not surprising that Astrology “works”, just as any other so-called “Divinatory Arts” can work.

In short, for Maitreya, that scene was a symbolic welcome to the region and everything else that would come to mean to him in the course of his existence, in terms of spiritual discoveries and deep communion with Nature, as well as later spiritual work and missions.

IV. THE COMPANION

After a brief period in this place, Maitreya continues his journey, entering increasingly wild regions, infested with wild animals and inhospitable natives. However, Maitreya did not fear them because he had a good heart and felt protected, and nothing attacked him either. This was one of the tests that selected many who sought the secret Sanctuary of the region.

When he finally arrived at the Ashram he was looking for, Maitreya was then well received for having overcome the challenges of the path, being housed in one of the small straw houses that the local residents used, surrounded by many palm trees and exuberant nature.

In this place Maitreya was able to develop his artistic skills and use his yogic experiences for the benefit of the group, as well as to commune deeply with the Nature of the region and its inhabitants.

For some unknown reason, a large boa constrictor lived right in front of Maitreya's hut. He would often see it there, with its slow movements and beautiful and stunning appearance. The boa constrictor is considered the only snake that looks like a poisonous snake, but it is not; its scientific name boa constrictor suggests its specific way of hunting its prey through contrition, although it is not the only one.

Naturally there were many other wild animals in the region. But for Maitreya, that boa constrictor was the ultimate symbol of a place that was both wild and hospitable. All the powerful snake required of him was a little attention.

In this place he also found the knowledge that would allow him to solidify his discipleship, in the form of a New Gospel of Light brought by another important Seer and Instructor, the wise Uruswati, whose name means “Star of Dawn”, and who was also another exalted Dakini of the Hierarchies. Behold, her Teaching of Agni Yoga, also known as Surya Vidya or “Solar Science”, included the basic indications of how to develop Kundalini safely. Other Teachings would complete the information. And as we suggested in a previous item, Maitreya had already intuitively begun his practices of Supreme Yoga years before in his first Ashram, although without it being the central focus that it would now become.

In Freemasonry, the second degree is called “Companion”. In any case, that boa constrictor was also a precious symbol of the expected shakty, prowling around and protecting its humble wild home...

V. THE DIVER

After a while Maitreya also left this place to return to wandering aimlessly and discovering new places, perhaps in search of other training. He visited several famous temples scattered throughout the country, and finally rejoined the same group in a new place, in different but also remote regions, where he would then have his next “interesting experience” with snakes.

The incident was simple but still surprised him, demonstrating all the versatility of this animal. It was not uncommon to see snakes here and there in those vast wildernesses, of all possible colors and sizes. As a precaution, he would usually scare them away when they were harmless, since the poisonous ones simply do not get scared, and so one had to be more careful. On one occasion when Maitreya went to take a bath in the Ashram river, he seems to have accidentally scared a snake which immediately threw itself into the water and began to swim at a dizzying speed.

Maitreya did not know then that snakes had such intimacy with water and such great swimming abilities. On land they are usually agile and fast when needed, but it is in the water that they truly show their power, which is therefore their true element. As a rule, snakes are considered reptiles. However, there are amphibious species such as the blind snake, and also semi-aquatic species such as the great anaconda that spends most of its time in the water. Snakes stand out, along with felines, for their great resourcefulness in all elements, which explains much of their symbolism of power and the range of energies.

What lesson can Maitreya learn from this “experience”?! The dexterity of snakes in the water symbolizes freedom, security and power. He can thus consider it a mastery in the psychic sphere, or a liberation from his miasmas.

At this point, Maitreya's solar yoga was already quite advanced. By working with perseverance and creativity, certain effects began to emerge in terms of raising his vibratory frequency. He felt light and highly energized. A sound similar to the hissing of a serpent - which he also defined as "the Sound of Light" - began to accompany him from then on. He had certainly "dived" into a new ocean of energies, from which he enjoyed great power and freedom in the world. This would be one of the reasons why true Initiates are often referred to as "serpents", like the Nagas of India, and perhaps the Sibyls and Pythonesses of Greece. Terms such as Naga, Jnana and Ajna are mystical anagrams, related to the universe of tertiary solar initiation, involving knowledge and the awakening of clairvoyance - the Egyptian symbol of the Uraeus seems to summarize all these issues. Not by chance, it was in this same context that Maitreya began to have direct access to the energies of the Elementals and - which is fundamental in magical work - to know their sounds or vibrations, directly within Nature itself.

Until this moment, he never imagined that he was paving the way for true enlightenment. His goals were merely to practice meditations that would free him from anguish and eventually from desire, through the elevation and refinement of his energies - as is in fact the purpose of meditation. The only difference between the solar technique he practiced and others was its effectiveness, capable of leading to a definitive liberation, so to speak, with resources capable of delivering results more quickly and efficiently. Later, Maitreya would discover the classic oriental name for the initiation he had thus gained access to: Hamsa, the Swan, as the one that floats on the waters of illusions. The symbol has great importance in Hindu mythology, as the vehicle of Brahma, the Creator, signaling the power that such initiation confers over the material world.

And this would be the last Ashram in which Maitreya would live as an apprentice and Brahmacharya. It was in fact a phase in which he was already beginning to distance himself from the small spiritual communities, at least for the purpose of seeking personal experience, as his soul had matured and aspired to broader horizons. His cup was full and now he aspired to overflow into the world...

VI. THE INCANDESCENT

At the invitation of his family, Maitreya then returned to his region of origin, after all he could still count on the refuge of his homestead, which would be important for the events that would follow. Important experiences still awaited him, after all he had laid solid spiritual foundations throughout all these years that he had been away.

Once his energies had matured, Maitreya could finally exercise them freely also in marriage. In Hinduism the second ashrama or stage of life is that of the Grihastha, when the “twice-born” try to combine their acquired spirituality with marriage, under the auspices of a Master. The sacred marriage truly crowned the achievements of his discipleship and the maturation of his soul.

And so Maitreya was able to exercise the domestic priesthood and practice the magic of love. And with this, it did not take long for him to discover the highest dimensions of Paradise, understanding the highest potentials of love and the hidden meaning of marriage.

From then on, Maitreya began to develop his studies around a third great revealed teaching that he had learned in the last Ashram he had been to, given through the great Sibyl called Hamsini, a name that means “She who rides the Swan”, which is one of the names of Saraswati (the White Tara of Tibetan Buddhism), the wife of Brahma, and who would henceforth have such importance in Maitreya’s hidden life, allowing him to consolidate his knowledge of Solar Initiation thanks to the abundance of technical resources thus offered.

With all this, his spirituality could also advance even further, achieving moksha or liberation from the astral miasmas. He was now a consummate initiate, a teacher before the world, thus reaching the third ashrama or stage of Vedic existence of Vanaprastha, the spiritual teacher.

Maitreya's potential for action was now great, for experience, freedom and authority emanated from his being. With this an important option presented itself before him, similar to when the Devil appeared to Jesus offering to place the whole world at his feet, which Christ nevertheless refused. Maitreya also knew of the immense human and mystical potentials that he had accumulated at that time, but his vocation was solid and his aspiration to advance unshakable, so he decided to follow his steep spiritual path, thus solemnly rectifying his sacred Vows. And with this Maitreya also opens the way to realize his fourth and final ashrama or stage of life in the form of Sannyasin or perfect renunciate.

With this, he also demonstrated that he was prepared to take the next serious step on his Path, which would be to explore the deepest reaches of hell, in order to definitively test his humanity and thus awaken his latent divinity. And here we have the image of the Serpent hidden from the Devil himself, strategically hidden in Paradise.

In what would be his great initiation crisis, he needed to seek new energies in order to survive, so serious were his trials. So, after intense investigation and experimentation, Maitreya finally managed to activate the correct spiritual Keys, with clear help from the Mentors who were helping him in his spiritual efforts and in understanding the abstruse hermetic information that he would have to try to decode in order to achieve all his purposes.

The ascension of Kundalini - also called the fourth initiation - then occurred exactly as in the stories: two fiery serpents ascending the spine, intersecting twice and meeting in the heart the third time to generate a great ecstatic splendor of inner illumination... His energy changed forever with this; in practice it was the harvest of almost ten years of intense efforts on the paths of spirituality since his great Awakening, configuring the minimum standard of spiritual evolution, characteristic of Avatars. Maitreya was 29 years old at this time, the year of the revolution of Shani, Saturn, when he lived under the symbol of the spiritual cross. This powerful energy then brought all the answers he needed for the moment, in terms of healing, peace, love and hope. With this, he fully incorporated the serpentine energy and its symbolism. And by managing to survive the high trials of this degree, Maitreya would also manage to awaken new centers of perception, related to direct access to the energies of the Akasha that provides superior clairvoyance. The paths to his Mastery were thus definitively open.

VII. Conclusions

The six serpents that Maitreya encountered in the most striking way, whether in dreams, during initiation or in “real life”, are like the chakras that the kundalini serpent runs through during its ascension. The three main Ashrams in which Maitreya lived are associated with the triune alignment of Body-Soul-Spirit, which is the Trikaya or the “Three Vehicles” of the Buddhas, where he would cultivate at each stage: a. unshakable health, b. perfect wisdom and c. impeccable knowledge. And they are related to the three Dakinis who instructed him on his path, the three turns that Kundalini makes during his ascension, the three ashrams or stages of life and the first three initiations.

With its morphological versatility, the serpent represents a great symbol of transformation, and by periodically shedding its shell it also enables its growth. Herein lies the spirit of the intrepid traveler and the bold renunciant, who does not cling to what has already been conquered but invests his gains in new ventures.

The serpent has always been a symbol of the Initiate, or even of the enlightened one, of the one who embodies within himself the active or consummate force of the serpentine energy.

The serpent is an animal that fascinates and inspires fear. It is surprising when the same symbol is capable of representing both good and evil, light and darkness, even within a single culture such as ancient Egypt. For this reason, Maitreya has a word for each type of seeker:

To those who love the serpent he says: go calmly.

To those who fear the serpent he says: encourage yourself.

And to those who hate the serpent he says: pass straight ahead.

To learn more (in English)

Maitreya's Enlightenment

2025 and the Prophecies

The Legend of the Kalki Avatar