Part 4: Starting the practice mode

How does one then start to cultivate the ”heat of life” and ”explosion of creativity”?

I would argue that the various traditions and ideas depicted within Touhou can give tools for it. Touhou may not proselytize any religion and it might hold negative views on organized religion. Nevertheless, the spiritual practices found within Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism can be put into use outside of the organized forms of these religions. Same goes for the Western Esoteric Tradition. I have personally felt the power of these approaches.

Beyond the cultivation of the ”heat of life” and ”explosion of creativity”, they can be used to cultivate so much, much more. They can be the start of a transformative journey that can possibly exceed the biological human lifespan. Even if you can't find yourself believing in things like immortality of the soul or reincarnation, one can find immense benefits in this life.

These practices can give meaning to life and cultivate a deeper understanding of it. They can give tools to deal with stress, anxiety, even grief. They can be used to sharpen your focus and make your mind less noisy. They can contribute to overall health and well-being. They can change the way you interact with other people for the better. You may find yourself becoming an overall more positive, constructive person. Someone who is seen as pleasant to be around, not from a place of appeasement or weakness, but rather a type of consideration that is rooted in healthy self-confidence and being at peace with oneself.

You might find yourself feeling more connected to the world around you, in a true sense, not the false kind of connection facilitated by things like social media. You might find yourself developing greater self-control and better understanding of why you engage in the kind of actions you engage in. You might find the capacity to give up behaviors that no longer serve you. You might find yourself finding an overall much wiser way of life.

In time (or in some individuals, very rapidly) these techniques can open doors to experience the divinity in the world. You might have ”paranormal” experiences. You might find yourself developing abilities and forms of understanding you thought previously impossible. Your intuition might sharpen to a degree that it feels, maybe even is, supernatural. You might develop tolerance for heat or cold or pain that exceeds the human norm. In time even the most astonishing things might become possible.

But for the mundane and astonishing things to happen, one must begin to put the teachings into use. Spirituality is more about doing and being than thinking or learning. So for those who are still here, it's time to start the Practice Mode.