Q. I’m curious to know if there are any gamers in here as well? I know that LHP is a dedicated lifestyle that’s to be taken seriously however, what about downtime when someone wants to chill and go to ‘another world’ for fun and/or relaxation?
For me, it was always Silent Hill with the themes of occultism, humanoid monsters that represented the protagonists as well as minor characters’ personal pains, hopes, dreams, etc. Also, the music that’s composed is atmospheric, moody and at times distorted giving the player a view into the lives of the characters to see their distorted world through their eyes.
The game series also showcases the divination of tarot and even occult objects such as Metatron. It’s a cool concept that sadly ended because of the company’s direction. I know Resident Evil may be the king of horror games but, I think other games such as, I Have No Mouth Must Scream, and Clocktower are unique as well.
A. Great question -and yes, there are gamers here, more than you might think.
From the perspective of an adept, gaming (like any other form of art or entertainment) isn’t inherently opposed to a disciplined or intentional lifestyle. The key distinction is how and why it’s used.
For many of us, downtime isn’t about escapism in the sense of avoidance, but rather controlled immersion -stepping into a symbolic space that allows reflection, emotional processing, or simply mental decompression after sustained focus. In that sense, certain games can function much like films, books, or even guided visualizations.
Your example of Silent Hill is actually an excellent one. It’s not just a horror franchise; it’s deeply psychological and symbolic. The monsters as externalizations of guilt, trauma, repression, and desire align very closely with Jungian shadow work. The distorted environments, fog, decay, and looping spaces mirror altered states of consciousness and fractured inner worlds. Add to that Yamaoka’s sound design -dissonant, industrial, mournful- and you get something that works almost like an initiatory landscape rather than a simple game.
The inclusion of occult symbols (tarot, Metatron, ritual objects) isn’t just aesthetic either. Even if presented imperfectly or through a pop-cultural lens, they invite curiosity and contemplation. For someone already versed in esoteric frameworks, these elements can act as symbolic prompts rather than distractions.
That said, intentionality matters. There’s a difference between:
- Engaging with a game as a work of symbolic art.
- Consuming games compulsively for dopamine, avoidance, or dissociation.
An adept should be able to tell the difference in themselves.
Games like I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream are another strong example—existential horror, questions of consciousness, cruelty, godhood, and suffering. It’s practically a playable philosophical nightmare. Clock Tower too, with its vulnerability, lack of empowerment, and constant tension, stands apart from power-fantasy driven titles.
You’re right that Resident Evil is often crowned king, but it operates more on survival-action and bio-horror. Valuable in its own way, but generally less introspective than the titles you mentioned.
In short:
Yes, gaming can coexist with a serious, disciplined lifestyle -if it’s curated. Choose experiences that:
- Respect your intelligence.
- Offer symbolic or emotional depth.
- Don’t hijack your attention or time disproportionately.
Used consciously, games can be mirrors, not escapes -temporary worlds that reflect something real back at you before you return sharper, not dulled.
So no contradiction here. Just another tool, another medium, handled with awareness.
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