Shamanism for the Age of Science: Awakening the Energy Body - Kenneth Smith 2018

The Toltec Paradigm
A World of Energy

This background demonstrates that an energy-based perspective of reality doesn’t exist on the fringes of speculation; rather, aspects of the energy body already have a place within established fields. At the same time, it must be underscored that while these contemporary fields duly investigate aspects of energy, it is from centuries of efforts of metaphysical investigators from cultures around the world that provide the framework for a modern scientific examination of the energy body. By its very nature, the energy body offers a model that accounts for all states of consciousness, including those of healing, personal transformation, and cosmology. In this manner, the Toltec view consists of a coherent system of concepts and rules along with a set of propositions derived from observation that may be used to explain and predict.²⁵

Components of the Toltec paradigm have been successfully implemented, verified, and refined for centuries by its practitioners. This perspective embraces philosophy as a means to acquire knowledge. It is also psychological, as it deals first and foremost with perception. It details a structure of the energy body with the elements that transform sensation into perception and then meaning. And it is now entering the domain of science vis-à-vis bioenergetics.

In great measure, Carlos Castaneda’s work set the tone for subsequent Toltec literature as his books presented the essential framework of this metaphysical system.²⁶ In so doing, he also standardized much of the terminology in a manner similar to any other academic, scientific, or trade discipline. Mathematicians, biologists, or electricians, for instance, rely on common terms in order for practitioners within the respective fields to effectively communicate even though they are scattered throughout the world. And even though their lexicons may be arduous and tedious, their list of terms provides for more efficient communication and enhanced understanding.

The authors of contemporary Toltec books have similarly adopted much of the same terminology in their books, even though their individual relationships to the Toltec Way vary. I use some of this terminology in describing the energy body, while modifying some terms to provide a more descriptive or practical viewpoint. Most of the current Toltec literature retains the flavor and terminology of days long past. In many ways, this is well and good, but this practice of knowledge has much to offer—not just for its adherents—and deserves to be recast into more modern perspectives, a task very much in keeping with its teachings. Relating parts of the Toltec lexicon to those of contemporary fields shows the viability and value of this shamanic knowledge to one and all.