About All Ways Open is a publication aiming to tell small stories about place: stories about pigeons and mountain ranges, stories both real and imagined. It's an experiment in opening writing outwards, directing readers towards visual histories and archives. We aim to think in triplicate: to consider past / present / future, visual / written / read, self / friend /community. In this game of telephone, we always begin with an archival image, which a writer interprets, which an artist then reinterprets. Each time the meaning shifts, changes, opens.

All Ways Open is open for submissions.

▲ “Transmission of the Breath World Map,” folded poster, box 2, folder 11, Nichols Metaphysical and New Age Collection, Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville.
▲ “Transmission of the Breath World Map,” folded poster, box 2, folder 11, Nichols Metaphysical and New Age Collection, Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Transmission of the Breath

Ashetyn White
Julie Kress

श्वासप्रश्वास (Śvāsapraśvāsa) 

- SVAHS • PRAHS • VAHS 

श्वासप्रश्वास (Śvāsapraśvāsa), the oldest recorded term of what has been loosely translated to Transmission of the Breath, or TOTB. The belief that spiritual energy deemed the Breath of New Creation is divinely passed to 21 people throughout the world. Those chosen by the Breath undergo spiritual metamorphosis. Bestowing inconceivable amounts of knowledge regarding mankind, the universe and dimensions beyond our mortal plane. 

Throughout history, the Breath has been passed to some of the most influential people in existence. Many ascending to godlike states and spawning new belief systems affecting entire regional cultures. Some being worshipped as deities, sparking debates on whether or not they even existed. Others, regarded as noble teachers offering guidance toward a more enlightened life. Notable figures like Buddha, Lord Surya, Confucius and even Jesus Christ Himself. All recipients of the Breath, all synonymous with enlightenment. 

Nobody knows the first, but historians surmise there have been 20 individuals to date. Through fragmented legends and mythology, the accepted understanding of TOTB is: “Upon the 21st vessel’s passing, all existence shall be renewed.” Scholars, religious or not, unanimously agree on one interpretation. The 21st’s death, signifies the end of times. Like all apocalyptic prophecies, most people don’t care, as we’re too far removed from impending doom slated for an unknown date and time. Doom foretold by civilizations that would quickly have their brain melted by simply witnessing a smartphone. 

The problem is that the Breath has chosen it’s 21st . . . Me. Unoriginal, run-of-the-mill, me. I’m unsure what enlightened purpose is expected of me. Perhaps embodying the End is enough for an entity that literally anoints gods. However, there’s something legends neglect to convey. When you’re chosen, the Breath whispers a number. This number is how many breaths you have left. 

Exactly one month ago, my mind was inundated with everything known and unknown. Nothing I received matters, except that one number. I’ve meticulously counted ever since. Using a Fitbit while asleep, I estimated a ratio of 1:4, breaths to heartbeats. If calculations serve correctly, around 700 remain. 

Despite all this knowledge, I only have one thought . . . I hope it’s quick, for all of us.