Non-ordinary Realms - Zarbiali's Tale

By Syed Shams Uddin A recent Facebook post by The Sacred Science casts an evocative and illuminating spotlight on the ancient, potent tradition of shamanism—particularly the sacred practice known among its initiates as “spiritual journeying” into what is termed non-ordinary reality. Rooted in indigenous wisdom that spans continents, this transformative practice transcends the physical plane, allowing practitioners to commune with benevolent spirits for healing, insight, and guidance. The post resonates deeply—especially for those familiar with the mountain cultures of Gilgit-Baltistan, where such traditions, though often cloaked in secrecy, have been whispered about for generations in twilight gatherings beside hearth fires. For the people of Gilgit, this post rekindles memories of one of the region’s most enigmatic and revered spiritual figures: the legendary shaman of Satmaski, Zarbiali of Bagrote Valley. A figure celebrated as both healer and mystic, Zarbiali looms large in the oral traditions of Bagrote. His name still echoes through its deep gorges and highland hamlets, carried on the wind that rustles through alpine meadows, as stories of his miraculous feats remain etched in the collective memory of the valley. Zarbiali was no ordinary spiritual guide. By widespread account, his shamanic journeys transported him far beyond the veil of the visible world—into realms teeming with powerful, non-human entities. Foremost among these were the pariān (fairies), believed to inhabit the hidden glaciers, sacred alpine fields, and snow-covered crests of revered peaks such as Rakaposhi and Bilchar Dobani. Villagers recount how he would vanish for days, only to reappear transfigured—his eyes reflecting timeless dimensions, his aura suffused with the power of otherworldly encounters. One especially revered episode, passed down through generations and frequently retold by Shah Hussain of Chira in Farfu Bagrote, tells of a momentous journey during which Zarbiali was taken by the Parizad daughters of Talee to the hidden sanctuaries atop Rakaposhi. There, for three uninterrupted days, he communed with radiant beings of the spirit realm. This near-mythical event has become a cornerstone of Bagrote’s cultural and spiritual identity—recounted with reverence by elders and children alike. It is more than folklore; it is a spiritual pillar of the valley’s collective soul. Zarbiali’s mystique is further deepened by the ancestral shamanic lineage from which he emerged. Shah Hussain recalls that Zarbiali descended from a renowned family of mystics—tracing his roots to Thoko Talee of Chalokote in Farfu. Though Talee left no surviving male progeny besides the Parizad daughters, their lineage remains revered. Talee is considered one of the spiritual forebears of the family of Sheikh Nasir Zamani and Shehbaz, a retired Deputy Registrar from Chalokote. Widely believed to have been a master shaman of exceptional spiritual power, Thoko Talee’s influence extended far beyond Bagrote. Local legend holds that he married a fairy, and their children—Adam Parri, Gul Adam Parri, and another sibling—were endowed with supernatural abilities inherited from their celestial ancestry. According to local lore, it was these very Parizads who escorted Zarbiali to Rakaposhi when he was returning from Sat-Gusonar and had barely reached Pacheh—the narrowest and most perilous stretch of glacier near Chira. His sudden disappearance for three days triggered panic among fellow villagers, who fanned out across the glacier in search of him. On the third day, he reappeared—his demeanor changed, his presence charged with unspoken mystery. When questioned, he spoke of his extraordinary sojourn to Rakaposhi—the land of the fairies—and the breathtaking wonders he had witnessed there. Thus, Zarbiali was not merely a mystic—he was the living embodiment of a sacred legacy, a bridge between visible and invisible worlds. His powers of healing and spiritual navigation were not simply acquired—they were inherited, cultivated, and refined through ancestral wisdom. Even today, as modernity seeps into the remotest corners of Gilgit-Baltistan, Zarbiali’s legend remains undimmed. Elders continue to speak his name in hushed reverence. Seekers of traditional knowledge look to his life for direction and meaning. In Bagrote, his stories are not mere remnants of a bygone age—they are vibrant echoes of a living spiritual tradition that endures in the hearts of many. And yet, it is important to note that even before Zarbiali, the region produced towering shamans such as Danyal Khimitoh of Gilgit region in bygone eras before the advent of Islam, whose prophetic insights are still regarded as virtually axiomatic. His words, villagers affirm, have consistently come true—reinforcing his reputation as a seer of rare stature. One is left to wonder: had the glare and reach of today’s social media existed in those days, the spiritual luminaries of Gilgit-Baltistan would undoubtedly have achieved global renown. Shah Hussain also shared that Zarbiali was the father of the late Amin Shah of Chira, who in turn had two sons—thus continuing a family line tied deeply to the spiritual fabric of the valley. All of this lends powerful credence to the idea that shamanism is not some forgotten relic of an ancient past. Rather, it is a vital, universal strand of human existence—a timeless spiritual science with the power to heal, guide, and transform. It is not superstition, but a sophisticated system of wisdom that modern people can meaningfully reclaim and integrate into their lives. Posts by The Sacred Science affirm what renowned shamanic teacher Sandra Ingerman has long emphasized: that ancient practices of the spirit world still hold profound relevance today. These teachings urge us to: Learn to communicate with compassionate spirits—benevolent, formless beings who volunteer their aid for healing and guidance. These may appear as power animals, or manifest through the natural elements—earth, wind, water, sunlight—or as guardian trees, ancestral presences, or radiant human-like teachers. Create personal ceremonies—rituals of intention and connection, performed in one’s home, to access the spiritual dimensions and realign the inner world with sacred purpose. Harness the ancient technology of shamanism—not merely for personal gain, but to restore balance, foster well-being, and illuminate the path forward with vision and clarity. In a world increasingly fragmented and estranged from its spiritual core, the enduring legacy of mystics like Zarbiali—and the sacred art of shamanic journeying—reminds us that true healing, insight, and transformation arise not from the noise of the modern age, but from the silence of the sacred.