Salvation - Exiting the Matrix

How does the mandela affect apply to religion?  Is your salvation based on the experiences of someone else or based on your own mysteries within?  Can you have factual experiences that will plunge you into stronger commitment and devotion?  We discuss the possibility within all of us to expand our consciousness and have our own experiences.  Are thoughts "trapped consciousness manifestations"?  If so,  when we bring them to light, are we dissolving the legion of ego selves?  On the path of ascension, what are consciousness seeds?  Ultimately, we examine the degree of reward and difficulty on the salvation path.