From Suffering To Seeking

[QUOTING]

People generally protest against suffering, and the world does everything possible to neutralize and alleviate it. But for most people, suffering is the only method of making the nature-born consciousness, which is governed and colored by a wicked and undeveloped soul-state, realize that something is wrong. For the soul-state overshadows and controls the entire personality, the whole being.

Anyone who has gone through Experience -- and everyone does that in the nature-of-death -- will begin Seeking sooner or later. As soon as the Seeking life begins, the person concerned ought to begin, in the heart, to struggle against the soul-state. The moment he does so, all kinds of voices will speak to him, reactions to all the radiations and influences which until that time played a role in the heart-sanctuary and thus are on the same level as the natural soul-state. Initially, all those voices urge the candidate to try out various social, political, ethical or natural-religious experiments, with which the world is full and which are intended to make him realize the ultimate pointlessness of all efforts on the dialectical level.

And so it will come about, whether after ten years or a thousand years, or even after a sidereal year*, that a person becomes mature enough for his life to take a different direction. Then the moment dawns when gnostic reason begins to speak to him, to a certain extent. It points in the Only Direction that can lead to a solution to all problems, the direction of the soul-state, the state of the heart.

* The 25,920 years that it takes for the Sun to cycle through all twelve signs of the zodiac. Also known as the Platonic Year and/or The Great Year.

From "The Alteration of the Soul-State" The Egyptian Arch-Gnosis, Vol. 4 - Jan van Rijckenborgh

[END QUOTING]

One cannot be forced to walk the Path, even after one has become aware of its existence. No one is ready until they are ready. If there are things of this world that still hold one's attention, that one will find it difficult to let go and begin walking a path of I-demolition and self-surrender. This is why detachment is such an important part of the Path.

The Cup of Experience must be quaffed down to the last drop. One must become completely sick and tired of being sick and tired. Both the material-sphere and the reflection-sphere have to have lost their glamour and allure before a Seeker will turn away and begin to yearn for a way out. Usually, the only way for a person to reach this nadir is through a lengthy and fruitless "pursuit of happiness".

Suffering plays a key role in this. Through constant disappointment, pain and sorrow, man is persistently beaten down and made to know that "You cannot win this game, O man. The game is tightly rigged and it is rigged against you". Man sees this truth but refuses to believe that it is so. Thus, he continues to beat his head against the stone wall of earth-life, suffering, suffering, suffering; hoping all the while that "This time, things will turn out differently!".

As van Rijckenborgh states, it may take a longer or shorter period of time, but at some point, a person will weary of the shell game known as earth-life. Perhaps at that point, in desperation and surrender, the heart will cry out for Liberation from this nature-order. Then the Gnosis will come to greet him or her.

Until then, suffer.

~ g
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Seven Key Principles

The following are excerpted from The Hermetic Kybalion ~ g

I. The Principle of Mentalism

"The ALL is Mind; The Universe is Mental."

II. The Principle of Correspondence

"As above, so below; as below, so above."

III. The Principle of Vibration

"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."

IV. The Principle of Polarity

"Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; Like and Unlike are the Same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."

V. The Principle of Rhythm

"Everything flows, out and in. Everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates."

VI. The Principle of Cause and Effect

"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are many planes of Causation, but nothing escapes the Law."

VII. The Principle of Gender

"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes."

These are seven very important principles. They are explained in further detail in the above link. It would be helpful for the Seeker to understand these principles. Here is a bit from the section on the Principle of Vibration:

"This Principle explains that the differences between different manifestations of Matter, Energy, Mind, and even Spirit, result largely from varying rates of Vibration. From THE ALL, which is Pure Spirit, down to the grossest form of Matter, all is in vibration–the higher the vibration, the higher the position in the scale. The vibration of Spirit is at such an infinite rate of intensity and rapidity that it is practically at rest–just as a rapidly moving wheel seems to be motionless. And at the other end of the scale, there are gross forms of matter whose vibrations are so low as to seem at rest. Between these poles, there are millions upon millions of varying degrees of vibration."

Recommended.

~ g
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Re: The Concept Of A 'Trapped' Microcosm

The following comment was contributed by ~m in response to a May 22 post.

[QUOTING]

The concept of a ‘trapped’ microcosm is so simple and straightforward but the real implications of the conundrum are always just a whisker away from being understood. It is never something that can be understood by ‘I’ because the very acknowledgment negates the existence of ‘I’ and nobody's ‘ego’ will permit its own annihilation. This is not something that can be intellectually grasped, that is why the concept has been gently revealed to us in parables and prose since the dawn of mankind.

The concept of the trapped microcosm is beautifully illustrated in Richard Bach’s book ‘Illusion – The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah”

The Master answered and said, “Once there lived a village of creatures along the bottom of a great crystal river.

12. “The current of the river swept silently over them all - young and old, rich and poor, good and evil, the current going its own way, knowing only its own crystal self.

13. “Each creature in its own manner clung tightly to the twigs and rocks of the river bottom, for clinging was their way of life, and resisting the current what each had learned from birth.

14. “But one creature said at last, ‘I am tired of clinging. Though I cannot see it with my eyes, I trust that the current knows where it is going. I shall let go, and let it take me where it will. Clinging, I shall die of boredom.’

15. “The other creatures laughed and said, ‘Fool! Let go, and that current you worship will throw you tumbled and smashed across the rocks, and you will die quicker than boredom!’

16. “But the one heeded them not, and taking a breath did let go, and at once was tumbled and smashed by the current across the rocks.

17. “Yet in time, as the creature refused to cling again, the current lifted him free from the bottom, and he was bruised and hurt no more.

18. “And the creatures downstream, to whom he was a stranger, cried, ‘See a miracle! A creature like ourselves, yet he flies! See the Messiah, come to save us all!’

19. “And the one carried in the current said, ‘I am no more Messiah than you. The river delights to lift us free, if only we dare let go. Our true work is this voyage, this adventure.’

20. “But they cried the more, ‘Saviour!’ all the while clinging to the rocks, and when they looked again he was gone, and they were left alone making legends of a Saviour.”

Sometimes we just have to let go.

[END QUOTING]

Thanks, ~m.

~ g
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Like Sheep Among Wolves

“We lead a life hard and wandering. We fly from town to town like sheep among wolves. We suffer persecution like the Apostles and Martyrs, yet our life is holy and austere. These things are not difficult, for we are no longer of this world.”

-- attributed to the Cathar bons hommes and bonnes femmes  of medieval Languedoc, 13th century, Southern France

The above is no less true today than it was 800 years ago. The present-day Servers of the Divine Plan of Salvation also operate in enemy territory. The world-at-large is at the height of I-centrality, where the physical self is celebrated and the I-being is exalted. A large percentage of the planet is led by the mantra "Love Yourself" instead of The Golden Rule reiterated to mankind by the Christ, which is to "Love Thy Neighbor As You Love Yourself".

The message being brought to the world during this ending-cycle is once again battling to be heard. Like the salmon that must swim upstream to reach its spawning ground, so must today's Carriers of the Flame struggle against the populist tide of I-consciousness that has enveloped the world.

Those Who Serve take no notice of this difficulty. Deep within them lies the realization that these things must be so. With a dedication born of remembrance and with compassion for their fallen brethren who labor still in darkness, these ones will continue to clear a path through the wilderness, easing the way forward for those who follow.

For those who have located The Path of the True Way, there is no other duty more important. While still in the body, we must continue to serve humanity while remaining not of this world.

~ g
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To Be A Cathar

"The training to become an Ancient or Parfait was long and arduous and made more difficult by persecution. First there was a two-year period during which they were taught to gather herbs and learn their application to different illnesses, how to store them and to make decoctions of their essential oils. They were taught to observe the stars and the ways of animals and insects: in short, to observe Nature with a trained eye. They learned practical skills: how to weave, how to sow and reap crops, how to build simple houses. They did not eat meat, milk products or eggs but could eat fish. They were celibate once they had embarked on the training for priesthood but before this they married and had children.

After the two-year apprenticeship, they had to survive a forty day fast on bread and water before being accepted into the second state of preparation during which they were taught the secret lore of plants, metals and stones as well as the sciences of mathematics, astronomy and music – all this in addition to a thorough knowledge of the sacred texts of their church. These are known to have included a text called The Secret Book of John as well as the Gospel of John and another text called “The Book of Love” which was said to have been written by Jesus or Mary Magdalene and given to John and whose existence was revealed to the Inquisitors when they tortured the unfortunate people who fell into their hands.

There was also said to have been another equally treasured book called The Secret Supper or Interrogatio Iohannis (The Questions of John). During this initial period of training they wore black or dark blue robes. As the final part of their training, they were prepared as priests and taught how to administer the supreme rite of the Cathar Church that was called the Consolamentum. They administered the rite of Baptism to adults, not to infants, following the ritual they claimed to have been established by Christ’s Apostles. For these ceremonies, they wore white robes.

They travelled round the countryside in pairs, helping people in whatever way they seemed to need it: assisting the peasant with his harvest, the weaver with his cloth, the children with their education, the sick and dying with healing and comfort. They healed by the method of laying on hands. Known as “bonshommes” and “bonnes femmes” they were welcomed by peasant and lord alike because they were gentle and trustworthy and because their presence brought relief from suffering, whether physical or mental. Their aim was to put each man in touch with his own soul, to help him to trust the inner guidance of the Spirit rather than the outer authority of the Catholic Church, but they also taught people to develop new practical skills such as weaving, to read the scriptures and to improve the physical conditions of their lives.

They believed in reincarnation and in the soul’s progressive enlightenment after death. They discouraged but did not forbid the procreation of children, believing the world as it was, was a prison for the soul. They rejected the feudal system where authority rested with the Church and the feudal overlord. They rejected war and killing. They rejected the patriarchal system which debased and devalued women and could even raise the question of whether they had a soul. Not surprisingly, they were a powerful threat to the institution of the Papacy. Yet, even Bernard of Clairvaux, founder of the Cistercian Order, when he was sent by the Pope to preach against the heresy, could find no fault with their way of life."

From Esclarmonde de Foix - Her Story

~ g
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The Great Universal Mystery - Same Yesterday As Today

[QUOTING]

It is said that Krishna, like Jesus the Lord, was born of a virgin. He was born in a cave or a stable, and his birth, just like that of Jesus, was announced by a star. Krishna's birth was also followed by a slaughter of infants, intended to remove him from the face of the earth, and he too accomplished miraculous healings.

He shed his blood for mankind, and, like Jesus, is depicted hanging on a cross. He also descended into hell, rose again from the dead, and ascended into heaven. Both names -- Krishna and Christ -- have the same meaning. Christ was called the Good Shepherd, Krishna, the Shepherd. Krishna was also tempted by Satan and, like Jesus, he experienced transfiguration. He, too, preached a Sermon on the Mount and played an important role in miraculous catches of fish. Just as Jesus received the homage of Mary Magdalene, a harlot, so we read of a similar case in regard to Krishna.

In fact, so may comparisons can be drawn between the two that any suggestions that the similarity is purely coincidental can be dismissed as absurd. The superficial view that the gospels were borrowed from ancient writings must also be rejected definitely by anyone who has the slightest idea of esoteric matters.

Only one conclusion is actually possible: that throughout the ages just one unchanging message has been transmitted to mankind. This one unchangeable Message of Light can only change in color and form, in concept and vibration, when dialectical man, though in good faith, is unable to penetrate to the correct understanding of it and nevertheless wants to take up this Message of Light and pass it on to others.

One of the first tasks of any pupil of a bona fide Spiritual School is to free himself completely from every racial, national or cultural religious affiliation. The pupil may not be specifically Eastern- or Western-oriented; his foundation must rest upon the Universal, the Divine Word itself. To such a pupil it will be granted to discover and understand every great World Teacher as being "the same yesterday and today". He will then never be lacking in respect and gratitude to such a Teacher, whoever that Teacher may be.

If you experience your Christianity in this way, you will always be a universalist and never a sectarian. You will then be open to the great influx of Divine Grace which surrounds this fallen world in loving concern. This Divine Grace offers you the possibility to understand something of the mysteries of Krishna, so that you may then experience these mysteries inwardly, just as you experience the mysteries of Christ. We fervently hope that you will understand these words in every fiber of your being.

The Great Universal Mystery is based on the fact that there is a possibility for every human-being to lift himself out of the mire of nature and sin, and return to the Immovable, Imperishable Kingdom. That is the One Fundamental Mystery: the primary nucleus around which everything else revolves. Of what use would all the Divine sublimity and glory be to fallen man if there were no possibility, no opportunity to elevate himself to this Mystery?

It is therefore our intention to speak to you about this Universal Mystery, so that we may discover it together and see it clearly before us. If we succeed in this, the Way of Salvation will be open to you and we shall have accomplished our Task, for then you will be linked with the most Imperishable Treasure that can be offered to you here.

From "The Mysteries of Krishna" The Great Revolution - Jan van Rijckenborgh and Catharose De Petri

[END QUOTING]

The Message is always the same, differing only in how it is presented to mankind. Depending on the stage of human development, the Gnosis is brought to humanity in a manner that can be understood by the mankind of that era.

You may not realize it now but some day, or in some future life, you will grasp the truth, which is that we are here on earth in order to accomplish a Single Purpose: Liberation from Matter. For as long as it takes, the Sons of the Fire will continue to incarnate here, teaching and shedding their blood for mankind, until all who are fallen have been raised up.

~ g
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Links In The Chain

The Gnosis is with us always. Even in the darkest periods of mankind's many epochs, this Divine Flame is kept alive on the earth-plane by those whose job it is to maintain this Link with the Divine Kingdom.

Every major earth-cycle follows the same pattern. It begins with a purified astral atmosphere, which humanity can take advantage of to begin walking the transfiguristic path. It is during these early stages that Divine Helpers are sent to earth to assist mankind in walking the Path. All ancient cultures have "myths" that tell of a time when "the gods walked amongst men".

As a cycle progresses to its nadir, humanity becomes less and less spiritual. Mankind, through wrong-thinking, begins to create aeons which gradually grow in power and influence. These aeons eventually begin to rule the minds of men. The Divine Helpers withdraw, partially because the astral atmosphere of the earth is no longer hospitable to beings of an incredibly high vibration and partly because of the realization that it is now time for man to learn from another Teacher: the Effects that will result from his erroneous Causes.

The descent continues. Man stumbles blindly in the dark. The Path of Return is forgotten and the Gnosis becomes an anathema in this nature-order. Perversion and error dominate the hearts and minds of men. Anything that attempts to alert man to the doctrine of the two nature-orders or to the possibility of permanent escape from the earth-planes (Liberation) is hunted down and summarily destroyed, with prejudice.

It is during these times that the caretakers of the Gnosis go underground. The mystery schools and gnostic brotherhoods pull up the drawbridge, shutting their doors to the profane, like the petals of a flower closing at twilight.

This is not an act of abandonment. Those few who continue to seek The Way will always be found and will always be helped. This is simply about preservation of the earthly outposts of the Gnosis so that seeking mankind will have a place to turn, even when times have reached a point of Godlessnes.

Predictably, man's persistent error eventually pollutes the astral atmosphere so much that the chances for microcosms to locate and walk the Path of Return greatly diminishes. It is then that a cosmic revolution takes place, a cyclic cleansing of this nature-order that returns the subtle spheres of the earth-plane to a pristine state. At some point during the cleansing, a harvest is gathered of all those who have followed the Good Law. These ones represent the Remnant who are always moved to a protected location prior to any cataclyms. The refection-sphere is purified and a new cycle begins. The Divine Teachers are able to return once more and assist the Remnant in their development towards godhood.

Age after age, the pattern never changes

During man's recent history, the past 12,500 years or so, the following groups or divine personalities have made their appearance on the world stage and devoted their efforts to maintaining the earthly link to the Chain of Universal Brotherhoods. Some of the names:

Krishna
Lao Tzu
Akhenaton
The Druids
The Buddha
The Essenes
Jesus, The Christ
The Manicheans
The Bogomils
The Waldenses
The Cathars
The Templars
The Classical Rosicrucians

There were many, many more. Be they Persian, Hindu, Chinese, Mayan, Aztec or Native American, these brotherhoods existed in all countries, at all times. God does not forsake the work of His hands.

~ g
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Window of Opportunity

 

The key to the ending of this major world-cycle is that a window of opportunity has been opened for those who want to catch a ride on the express train back to the Divine Kingdom. It is recognized that billions of years of development lie ahead for all fallen human life-waves. However, there comes a period in every cycle of time, both major and minor, where the Logos decrees that a vibrational "bridge" be lowered from the 6^th Cosmic Domain to the 7^th Cosmic Domain, the physical universe. This bridge constitutes a stepped-down Divine vibration that will allow those personalities who are cognizant of the Opportunity to take advantage of the Grace of an Age. By voluntarily going the Path of Return during this special period of time many seeking entities will be able to more easily “cross-over” into the New Life Field, the Divine Kingdom.

 

Of course, the physical human-being cannot make this transition. That is why the process of transfiguration exists, in order to help the seeker build a New Soul body that will be able to vibrate at the frequency required to thrive in the 6th.  

 

Earthly scientists, with their speculations and their formulas, approach this revelation when they discuss “wormholes” and “parallel universes”. Because they rely, full of pride. on their own mental ratiocinations with no regard for the revelations provided by the Gnosis, their conclusions leave them dumbfounded and confused. They know that, in theory, these things must be but cannot fully explain how or why. This is why Science, when separated from Religion will always be only half-right (and vice-versa). In the New Earth that is now being born, that division will be eliminated. Science and Religion will reunite as equal partners, to the benefit of all mankind.

The reason most of us are incarnate at this time is because we have not taken advantage of past windows. Well, the Ark has returned once again, and it is now boarding.

Try not to miss the boat this time.

~ g

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Divine Fission

We all have an idea of how nuclear fission works. Man splits the atom and there is a great release of energy. Every atom in the All-Manifestation encloses within a tremendous power. It is said that there are nine levels or aspects of this power within physical atoms. The phenomenon of the nuclear explosion is the manifestation of only one of these aspects.

From the foregoing, one can get an idea of how much latent energy is stored within the physical atom. If man were ever to discover how to release the bonds of the other eight aspects...one shudders to think of the consequences.

As Below, So Above.

The Divine Spark located in the center of the microcosm of every spirit-spark human-being also carries within it a tremendous, unreleased Power. If this Power can be released in a systematic and controlled way, the end result of this unfolding will be the reestablishment or rebirth of the Divine Personality. Our microcosm lost the ability to manifest this Divine Personality when it fell from its high estate.

It is the aim of the Path of Return to awaken this Power properly, in order to not adversely affect the candidate. If this Path is followed to its completion in faith, humility and self-surrender, the result will be what was referred to by the Cathars as the "the Good End". The transfiguration of the soul will become a reality.

~ g
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