Shien-Sien

The term Shien-sien originates from Chinese, likely a transliteration of terms related to immortality or transcendent beings. The character Xian (仙) often denotes an immortal or celestial being, while Sien might refer to a state of being or essence. Its roots are deeply embedded in ancient Taoist cosmology and the pursuit of longevity and spiritual ascension.

A state of bliss and soul-freedom, during wliieh a man e.ni travel in spirit where he likes. Shiites (I'^rs.). A .sect of Musselmen who place the prophet All ]iigh«r tlian Mohammed, rejecting Sunnah or tradition.

The concept of Shien-sien, as described by Blavatsky, resonates with the profound aspirations found across various mystical traditions, though its specific articulation is distinctly Taoist. It speaks to a state of being where the limitations of the material world dissolve, and the spirit, unburdened, can journey through what Mircea Eliade might call the sacred geography of existence. This is not a mere dream state or hallucination, but a cultivated consciousness, a discipline of the mind and body aimed at achieving a higher octave of reality.

The pursuit of such transcendence is a recurring motif in human spiritual endeavors. In Taoism, this is often achieved through practices that cultivate vital energy (qi) and harmonize the individual with the cosmic flow of the Tao. Alchemical practices, both internal and external, were often geared towards transforming the practitioner's essence, purifying the body and spirit to attain this liberated state. The imagery is not of a ghost wandering aimlessly, but of a perfected being, a Xian, who has achieved a form of immortality, not necessarily in a physical sense, but as a liberated consciousness. This echoes the Gnostic idea of gnosis as a liberation from the material prison, or the Sufi concept of fana, annihilation of the self in the Divine, leading to a form of spiritual freedom. The modern non-dual perspective might interpret Shien-sien as the realization of the illusory nature of the separate self, leading to a boundless awareness that is not confined by physical form. It is a state of profound freedom, a testament to the mind's capacity to transcend its perceived boundaries.

The journey towards Shien-sien, like all true esoteric paths, requires dedication and a deep understanding of the inner workings of consciousness, suggesting that freedom is not a gift bestowed, but a state earned through diligent practice and profound inner transformation.