NOVEL WEB Chapter 2: The Power System
Power System: Samsara Sutra – The Path of Eternal Cycles
This is all about the journey of growth, learning, and balance. The idea is that everyone's life is part of a bigger cycle—called Samsara—and your goal as a cultivator is to break free from it by mastering energy, spirit, and body.
Energy System: Prana and Tamasa
Prana – This is the energy that keeps everything alive. Cultivators tap into it through things like meditation, tough training, and going through personal trials. You refine your Prana to grow stronger and climb higher in the cycle of life (Samsara).Tamasa – This is the opposite of Prana. It's dark, corrupt, and tempting. It gives you instant power but at a major cost—it messes with your mind and morals. Too much Tamasa turns you into something else… a Rakshasa, a demonic being who loses their humanity.
Finding the right balance between Prana and Tamasa is what every cultivator is really after.
Chakras and Stages of Cultivation
The path is broken up into nine stages or realms, each one tied to a specific Chakra. As you unlock each one, you grow stronger and more in tune with both your body and your spirit.
Mortal Realm (Sharira)Focus: Unlocking the Root Chakra (Muladhara).
What it means: This is the foundation. You're building strength, focusing on endurance, and learning to feel the flow of Prana.
Abilities: Strengthening your body, resisting pain, and having more stamina.Adept Realm (Prana Veerya)
Focus: Unlocking the Sacral (Svadhisthana) and Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakras.
What it means: Here, you start refining your Prana and learning how to control your emotions and energy.
Abilities:Prana Burst: A sudden surge of power to give you extra strength or speed.Basic Elemental Techniques: Small bursts of fire, wind, water, or earth.Spirit Realm (Atman)
Focus: Unlocking the Heart Chakra (Anahata).
What it means: Your body and spirit start syncing up. You gain access to more spiritual techniques.
Abilities:Mastering elements on a higher level—think bigger fireballs or wind blades.Prana Shields: Create energy barriers for defense.Spiritual Sensing: Feeling out Prana flows and sensing any corruption from Tamasa.Sage Realm (Rishi)
Focus: Unlocking the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha).
What it means: This is when you really start to tap into the power of words. Mantras and gestures become your weapons.
Abilities:Mantra Shakti: Use verbal invocations for healing, defense, or attacking.Mudra Techniques: Sacred hand movements combined with Prana to create special effects.Voice Attacks: Use sound waves to shatter things or stun enemies.Mystic Realm (Mahajna)
Focus: Unlocking the Third Eye Chakra (Ajna).
What it means: You begin to see things beyond the physical world—hidden truths, weaknesses, and the flow of Prana itself.
Abilities:Mystic Eyes of Insight: Seeing the weaknesses in people, understanding the truth of things, and sensing Prana.Reality Distortion: Bending time, space, or creating illusions.Astral Projection: Send your spirit out to explore or fight.Ascendant Realm (Divya)
Focus: Unlocking the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara).
What it means: This is when you start fusing with the universe itself. You get power over nature and reality.
Abilities:Prana Manifestation: Create objects or weapons out of pure Prana.Domain Techniques: You can alter reality in small areas—change gravity, summon storms, that kind of thing.Soul Purification: Push away Tamasa and heal corrupted energy.Nirvana Realm (Jivanmukta)
What it means: This is when you break free from the limits of mortality. You can no longer age or get sick. You're semi-divine.
Abilities:Mastering Dharmic Fields (reality-altering zones).Partial control over reality—summon natural disasters, celestial fire, or other extreme forces.Semi-Divine Healing: Heal or regenerate quickly.Transcendent Realm (Moksha)
What it means: You've transcended Samsara. You're now a being of pure energy, able to break natural laws.
Abilities:Fusion with Universal Prana: You become one with the cosmos.Reality Manipulation: You can create or destroy matter, bend time, or even bring people back to life.Mahastric Powers: Techniques that can completely reshape the world.Eternal Realm (Parabrahma)
What it means: Only the most powerful reach this state. These cultivators are living gods, balancing the forces of Prana and Tamasa across all of existence.
Abilities: They're beyond comprehension. They become cosmic beings, controlling everything.
Astras: Weapons of Divinity
Astras are divine weapons created by sages. These weapons are alive with Prana and have the power to change reality itself. Only those truly worthy can wield them.
Types of Astras:
Agneyastra (Weapon of Fire)Unleashes intense flames that can burn anything, even souls. Requires mastery of fire Prana.Varunastra (Weapon of Water)
Summons massive tidal waves or traps enemies in water. Requires mastery over water Prana.Vayuastra (Weapon of Wind)
Creates powerful wind storms, cutting blades of air, and hurricanes. Requires deep connection to the Anahata Chakra.Brahmastra (Weapon of Creation)
The most powerful weapon—it can destroy entire cities. Only those nearing the Moksha Realm can wield it.Narayanastra (Weapon of Balance)
Summons a spiritual army made of Prana to fight. Can only be used once per battle because it's so draining.Shivanastra (Weapon of Destruction)
A forbidden weapon that uses Tamasa energy to annihilate everything in its path. Using it risks madness.
Samsara Trials
To move from one stage to the next, cultivators face the Samsara Trials. These test three key aspects of the cultivator:
Body: Can you handle the physical strain and master your Prana?Mind: Can you stay disciplined and resist illusions?Soul: Can you remain pure and resist the temptation of Tamasa?
The trials can come in many forms—sometimes you're fighting, sometimes facing visions, or maybe even revisiting your past lives. Fail, and you risk getting stuck—or worse death.
Alchemy: The Quest for Transformation and Immortality
Alchemy is more than just an old science or practice—it's a way to transcend the limits of the physical world. It blends healing, magic, and spirituality to turn ordinary materials into something extraordinary, all while seeking to unlock the deepest mysteries of life and immortality.
At its core, alchemy is about tapping into the hidden forces of nature. By combining elements like Ayurveda (the science of life) with alchemical arts, practitioners can create incredible potions, improve their physical and spiritual well-being, and maybe even achieve something as mythical as immortality.
The ultimate goal? Amrit, the legendary elixir of immortality, said to be created when the gods and demons churned the ocean. It's almost impossible to replicate fully, but alchemists still dream of it—hoping to get even a fraction of its power.
The Core of Alchemy
Ayurveda (Life Science):
Ayurveda is all about balance—keeping your body, mind, and soul in harmony. Alchemists use this knowledge to heal and create potions that align with the natural flow of life.Rasayana (Alchemy of Transformation):
This is where alchemists get creative. They take raw materials—metals, stones, even celestial elements—and transform them into more powerful forms. It's all about unlocking the hidden potential in everything around us.Rasa-Vidya (Spiritual Alchemy):
The highest goal of alchemy isn't just about creating potions. It's about purifying your spirit, achieving enlightenment, and mastering the life force within. Amrit is the ultimate dream here—a divine elixir that grants immortality and spiritual ascension.
The Myth of Amrit
Amrit is the drink that grants eternal life, made when the gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean. The story says that whoever drinks it will live forever. But here's the thing: the original Amrit can never be fully recreated. It was infused with cosmic power, so all alchemists can do is try to replicate fragments of it.
Amrit's Characteristics:
Color: A glowing, shimmering liquid—gold, silver, and blue all at once, like the stars themselves.Taste: Everyone says it tastes different—some say it's like moonlight, others say it's like sunlight. For the unworthy, though? It's pure fire.Effects: Grants eternal youth, clears the mind, and fills you with endless energy. But only those worthy enough can drink it without dying.Risks: Drink an impure version, and it'll corrupt you, drive you mad, or even destroy your soul.
Other Legendary Alchemical Creations
Somras (Elixir of Enlightenment):
A drink used by sages and gods to open their minds and see beyond ordinary perception.Effect: Lets you see the past, future, and the truth of the universe.Risk: It's too powerful for mortals—overuse can cause madness.Naga-Kantha (Serpent's Nectar):
Made from the venom of divine serpents, it boosts your strength and healing.Effect: Increases physical power and regenerates wounds at an insane rate.Risk: Overuse can twist your soul and turn you into a demon (Rakshasa).Surya-Bindu (Sun's Drop):
A potent elixir made from lotus petals bathed in sunlight.Effect: Heals injuries instantly and restores your energy.Risk: If you aren't pure in heart, it will burn your soul.Chandra-Maala (Moonlight Essence):
Collected during a full moon, this essence has mystical properties.Effect: Stops aging for a time and clears your mind.Risk: Too much can put you into a deep, irreversible sleep.
Alchemy Tools & Techniques
Alchemy isn't just about making potions—it's about the right tools and techniques to unlock the hidden power in the materials around you.
Yogic Furnaces:
These are special furnaces powered by the alchemist's life energy. It's not just about heat; it's about focus and control.Rasa-Kalas (Alchemy Stones):
Magical stones that help channel cosmic energy into whatever the alchemist is working on, making their creations more powerful.Mantra-Infused Mortars:
Mortars engraved with sacred mantras. As you grind ingredients, the mantras help infuse the materials with spiritual energy.
Alchemy's Path: The Stages of Mastery
Alchemy isn't something you just learn overnight. It's a lifelong journey, and each step brings you closer to mastering the hidden forces of the world.
Stage 1: Jadi-Booti Saadhak (Herb Gatherer)The basics—gathering herbs and learning how to create simple potions to heal and restore vitality.Stage 2: Aushadh Vaidya (Potion Brewer)
At this point, alchemists begin combining herbs, minerals, and water to make more complex potions for healing, strength, or energy.Stage 3: Rasa-Siddha (Essence Refiner)
Refining life essence from materials—this is where alchemists learn to purify and transmute raw materials into their more powerful forms.Stage 4: Rasa-Vaigyanik (Spiritual Alchemist)
Alchemists here start infusing Prana (life energy) into their creations, making them spiritually charged and more potent.Stage 5: Maha-Rasa Saadhak (Master Refiner)
At this stage, alchemists create divine elixirs and weapons, using powerful celestial materials.Stage 6: Rasa-Maharishi (Grandmaster Alchemist)
Grandmasters craft legendary substances and work with cosmic energy to create even more powerful creations.Stage 7: Amrit-Saadhak (Seeker of Immortality)
These alchemists attempt to recreate Amrit itself. They have access to celestial elements, and their creations are almost god-like.
Legendary Alchemical Creations
Surya-Bindu (Sun Drop): Restores health and energy like nothing else.Rakshasa Bane Elixir: Destroys demonic energy and purifies corrupted souls.Vajra Shard Pill: Gives the body temporary invulnerability.Astral Soul Essence: Increases magical power dramatically.Maha-Amrit: A less-than-perfect version of Amrit that grants 500 years of life but at a heavy cost.
Prana and Tamasa: The Two Core Energies
The universe runs on two main forces: Prana and Tamasa. Think of them as the yin and yang of existence. Prana is the life force, all about growth, light, and vitality. Tamasa is the opposite—dark, still, and about transformation, like how something has to break down before it can grow again. They're two sides of the same coin, balancing everything in the world.
Prana (The Life Force)What is it?Prana is the energy that keeps everything alive. It's like the breath of life itself—radiant, warm, and driving growth. It's what keeps living things connected to the natural order of the universe. Everything—humans, animals, plants, the stars—needs Prana to exist and grow.Where does it come from?
It starts with the Sun (Surya), and it's carried by Brahma's breath (the cosmic creator). It flows from the heavens to the earth, and it's the energy behind life itself.Forms of Prana:
Prana has different flavors, depending on which element it's tied to. The five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space—each bring out a different aspect of Prana.Grounded, stable energy that gives you strength and endurance.Abilities: Control the earth, create defenses, fortify your body.Example: Vajra Sthambha—Summon an unbreakable earth pillar to protect you.Fluid, healing energy that boosts flexibility and balance.Abilities: Control water, heal, and purify.Example: Varuna Aavrita—A shield made of water that protects and heals at the same time.Fiery, passionate energy that brings power and transformation.Abilities: Harness fire, burn away impurities, fuel your inner strength.Example: Agni Hasta—Light your hands on fire and deliver powerful blows.Light, fast energy that gives you speed and sharp reflexes.Abilities: Control the wind, move super fast, sharpen your senses.Example: Vayu Sparsha—Harness the wind and zoom across the battlefield at lightning speed.Subtle, expansive energy that connects to higher consciousness and creativity.Abilities: Manipulate space, create voids, tap into cosmic energy.Example: Aakasha Chakra—Create a swirling vortex that traps your enemies.Earth (Prithvi):Water (Jal):Fire (Agni):Air (Vayu):Space (Aakasha):How Do You Connect with Prana?
Everyone has an element they're naturally drawn to. It takes years of practice to master one, but the true masters—those who can blend multiple elements—are seen as almost divine.Tamasa (The Dark Energy)What is it?
Tamasa is the energy of darkness, stillness, and transformation. It's often misunderstood, but it's not evil. It's just as necessary as Prana—it's the force of decay and destruction that clears the way for new life to emerge. Without Tamasa, nothing would ever change.Where does it come from?
Tamasa flows from deep, primal darkness. It's tied to Shiva's cosmic dance, the Tandava, which symbolizes both destruction and rebirth. It exists in the spaces between things—the quiet, the unknown.Different Forms of Tamasa:
Tamasa doesn't work through the elements the way Prana does. Instead, it has different types depending on its intensity:Mala-Tamasa: Chaotic and corrupting, this is the wild side of Tamasa.Shuddha-Tamasa: Pure and transformative energy that clears away the old for the new.Nidra-Tamasa: Dormant, often unlocked through deep meditation.Mrityu-Tamasa: The energy of death, feared by many but also revered as a way to bring renewal.How Do You Use Tamasa?
To harness Tamasa, you need mental toughness. It's about enduring the chaos and decay without being consumed by it. Practitioners often meditate in dark, quiet places, like caves, ruins, or ancient burial grounds, to learn how to control this energy.
The Kosha System: Your Energy Layers
We all have Koshah, or "energy layers," which determine how we connect with Prana and Tamasa. These layers are like the filters through which you experience and manipulate energy. There are five Koshas, and each one connects to a different aspect of your being.
The Five Koshas:Annamaya Kosha: Your physical body, linked to Earth Prana.Pranamaya Kosha: Vital energy, connecting you to Fire and Water Prana for strength and healing.Manomaya Kosha: The mind, allowing access to Tamasa and Air Prana.Vijnanamaya Kosha: The wisdom layer, which connects you to Space Prana and higher knowledge.Anandamaya Kosha: The blissful state where Prana and Tamasa meet, allowing access to transcendent abilities.
How Do You Cultivate Your Energy?
Awakening Prana:
To wake up your Prana, you practice yoga (Asanas) and breathing exercises (Pranayama). By meditating on your element—maybe sitting by a fire to connect with Agni or climbing a mountain to tap into Vayu—you can unlock its power.Harnessing Tamasa:
Working with Tamasa is more intense. You spend time in dark, quiet spaces, meditating and facing chaos head-on. Practicing Shiva's Tandava dance can help you control this destructive force.Integrating the Koshas:
The deeper you go in your practice, the more layers of Prana and Tamasa you unlock. Integrating these forces into your being is what lets you wield true power, balancing life and death, creation and destruction.
Amrit: The Nectar of Immortality
What is it?Amrit is the ultimate prize—the perfect balance of Prana and Tamasa. It grants immortality and boundless energy.Where does it come from?
Amrit was created during the Churning of the Ocean, when gods and demons fought for control of the universe. It's one of the rarest things in existence.How Rare is it?
There are only fragments of Amrit left, hidden in the world and guarded by celestial beings or in forgotten realms.
Techniques and Examples
Prana Techniques:Prithvi Prana: Vajra Sthambha (Unbreakable Earth Pillar)Jal Prana: Varuna Aavrita (Healing Water Veil)Agni Prana: Agni Hasta (Flame Palm)Vayu Prana: Vayu Sparsha (Wind Touch)Aakasha Prana: Aakasha Chakra (Space Spiral)Tamasa Techniques:Shunya Vajra (Void Spear): A spear made from pure destruction.Mrityu Sparsha (Death's Touch): Drain life energy from someone for a short time.Dual Techniques (Prana-Tamasa Balance):Pralaya Hasta (Palm of Creation and Destruction): A cosmic strike blending both energies.Ananta Vortex (Eternal Spiral): A spiraling storm made from both Prana and Tamasa, creating pure chaos and power.
Divine Spheres (Deva Mandalas)The Divine Spheres are hidden realms that exist beyond the usual boundaries of our world. They're not just regular places—reality itself bends here. Time and space shift in ways that can be hard to even imagine. Each sphere represents a different part of the universe, and those who manage to enter them find themselves gaining incredible powers, wisdom, and a chance to evolve in ways they never thought possible.
The Different Divine Spheres
Prithvi Mandala (Earth Realm)What's it like?Think of vast, untamed landscapes—mountains that stretch to the sky, deep forests, and wide plains. The energy here is thick and strong, and everything around you, from the rocks to the trees to the creatures, is connected to the Earth's primal force.Power: Earth energy (Prithvi Prana).Perks: You can control the earth, gain super strength, and unlock powerful techniques like Vajra Sthambha, which lets you create unbreakable defenses.Challenges: Surviving in this realm isn't easy. You'll face stone beasts, climb treacherous mountains, and push your body to its limits.Legend: The great Vishvakarman, a divine architect, is said to have hidden his most powerful weapons somewhere in this realm.Jal Mandala (Water Realm)What's it like?
A never-ending ocean. The land is mostly submerged, and the waters are home to all kinds of magical creatures and ancient underwater cities. Time flows differently here, which means you can fast-track your mental and spiritual growth.Power: Water energy (Jal Prana).Perks: You'll be able to control water, heal faster, and master techniques like Varuna Aavrita, which uses water for both defense and recovery.Challenges: You'll need to deal with shifting tides, sea monsters, and dark, twisting underwater caves. It's a realm that really tests your adaptability and emotional resilience.Legend: Varuna, the god of water, is said to guard the Amrit—the nectar of immortality—deep in the heart of this realm.Agni Mandala (Fire Realm)What's it like?
Picture a world of constant flames—lava rivers, fiery volcanoes, and an intense, scorching atmosphere. The air here is full of fire energy, and to survive, you have to go through a kind of purification by fire.Power: Fire energy (Agni Prana).Perks: You gain the ability to control fire, unlock explosive techniques, and even learn Agni Hasta (Flame Palm), which lets you unleash devastating power.Challenges: This realm pushes you to survive in extreme heat, face fire creatures, and learn to balance destruction and creation through flame.Legend: Agni, the god of fire, is said to live here. Some believe that the first flames that lit the universe are hidden somewhere in this realm.Vayu Mandala (Air Realm)What's it like?
A sky full of floating islands and endless winds. The air here is lighter, freer, but also much more unpredictable. To thrive, you need agility, speed, and a clear mind.Power: Air energy (Vayu Prana).Perks: You'll be able to control the winds, move faster than the eye can follow, and unlock techniques like Vayu Sparsha (Wind Touch), which lets you move at insane speeds.Challenges: You'll need to handle fierce windstorms, avoid dangerous aerial creatures, and stay focused in an environment where everything is constantly moving.Legend: The god of wind, Vayu, is believed to have created these floating islands as a challenge for those who seek to master speed and control.Aakasha Mandala (Space Realm)What's it like?
A vast emptiness, a void where space itself can bend and twist. Time feels warped here—moments stretch for centuries or fly by in an instant.Power: Space energy (Aakasha Prana).Perks: You'll have the power to manipulate space, create vacuums, and even travel between dimensions. You can unlock techniques like Aakasha Chakra (Space Spiral) to warp space around you.Challenges: The main challenge is navigating your own fears and doubts. This realm is constantly shifting, and only those with immense mental strength can survive here.Legend: Brahma, the god who created everything, is said to have built this realm as a place of spiritual enlightenment for the worthy.Tamasa Mandala (Darkness Realm)What's it like?
A realm of absolute darkness. It's a place where the chaos of the universe holds untold power, but also where transformation happens—if you can survive.Power: Dark energy (Tamasa).Perks: You gain control over death, decay, and destruction, along with techniques like Mrityu Sparsha (Death's Touch) that drain life force and accelerate decay.Challenges: You'll need to face your deepest fears, survive the endless darkness, and harness the chaotic energy of the realm. It's about growth through sacrifice.Legend: Shiva, the god of destruction and rebirth, is said to reside in this realm, waiting for those brave enough to prove their strength.
How Do You Get Into a Divine Sphere?
It's not something just anyone can do. To enter these realms, you need to be spiritually aligned with the right kind of energy—whether that's Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space, or Darkness.
Pilgrimages: Most of the time, you have to go on a journey, both physical and spiritual, to find the entrance to these realms. They're hidden, and you have to prove yourself worthy before you can step inside.Sacred Artifacts: Some realms require specific items—like a Shiva Dagger for the Tamasa Mandala or a Vishnu Conch Shell for the Vayu Mandala.Elemental Affinity: You can only enter the Divine Sphere that matches your elemental affinity. So, if you're connected to Earth, you can enter the Prithvi Mandala, but not the Water Realm, for example.
Why is Entering a Divine Sphere Such a Big Deal?
Because it's a game-changer. Not only do you get incredible powers, but you unlock ancient knowledge and techniques that are unavailable in the mortal world. These realms help you push past the limits of your body and mind, and who knows? They might even help you challenge immortals or change the course of history itself.
But don't be fooled—each realm is a serious test. Only those with the most perseverance, intelligence, and determination will come out stronger. If you're one of the lucky few who succeed, you'll walk away with powers and wisdom beyond anything you ever dreamed of.