Empire of Bliss is a collective of independent artists, essayists and musicians that share a common outlook on a number of topics ranging from urban life to esotericism and from DIY culture to modernity.

An “Empire of Bliss” refers not to an empire in the historical sense with its hierarchical structures, rigid bureaucracies and standing armies. Nothing but false empires, though there is something alluring, something archetypical about empires and autocrats, even for the anarchist.

Taoism f.e. rejected the whole of Confucian bureaucracy but retained the image of the Emperor-Sage. The Narodnik-Anarchists would sometimes forge a “ukase” or manifesto in the name of the Czar; in it he would proclaim the end of serfdom & call on peasants & workers to rise in His name against the government. Several times this ploy actually succeeded in sparking revolts. Why? Because the single absolute ruler acts metaphorically as a mirror for the unique and utter absoluteness of the Self.

The true empire thus is the Self. An empire that has been explored by mystics for centuries. We would love to follow in their footsteps and explore it ourselves. This blog is but a humble reflection of a small collective and their effort to gain that which we all desire, eternal bliss.

Our creed being : Every human a Pharaoh! And three paths we tread upon to reach it :

Oneiric peregrinations : Dreams being emanations of the mind, we want to thoroughly analyze and utilize them, as this is our playground. An itinerary of pilgrimages in this archetypical realm is more than useful, it trains the mind and helps to delve deeper into it.

TAZtantra : The TAZ in combination with tantric & esoteric actions is our favourite DIY activity. The TAZ (Temporary Autonomous Zone) is a term coined by the author and philosopher Hakim Bey. It is a socio-political tactic for creating temporary spaces that elude formal structures of control. By adding tantra and such, we give our own approach to the matter.

BabelInquiry : A love-hate relationship with modernity and all it now encompasses. In whatever epoch we find ourselves in, life is to be taken with passion and all its obstacles to be wrestled with. This world requires our full devotion and this is where inquiry in its most broadest sense comes into play. Plus, if we dare to get our hands dirty it is an obvious necessity to know what we’re dealing with.

myspace.com/eob33

anempireofbliss.tumblr.com

www.youtube.com/kassettekultuur