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Post by egodiabolus on Dec 27, 2009 22:37:39 GMT -6
Materialism, the pursuit of wealth and comfort through the acquisition of “real” goods, is often a boondoggle for any process of spiritual awareness. For myself is has been a struggle, something that I have been trying to observe and manage as I have pursued my own awakening. The conflict can be stated in this manner: we exist as prisoners of a system that uses the “need” for material wealth to re-enforce our dependency on that system but we are aware, even with our limited consciousness, that the pursuit of material needs is counter-productive toward our evolution.
In other words, you have to pay the bills, and it seems like if you could have more money or “stuff” you could purchase more time for your pursuit of the Work. I may have even stated it thus recently, that the slave may be able to purchase his freedom eventually, reducing one more process that holds him captive in the system. Even as I typed it, that statement bothered me. It didn't ring as truth. I decided that I needed more time trying to observe the process.
In my lower state of conscious, my sleeping-yet-aware-I-am-sleeping-and-trying-to-wake state, I understand that there have been two sources of influence on my behavior; those influences created as a part of the system which are mechanical and those processes which originated outside the system which are conscious. Materialism is a mechanical drive, not a conscious drive. The pursuit of materialism satisfies the machine, but further obfuscates the true-self, and thus is not profitable to our evolution. Regardless of this understanding, material pressures remain. How should we deal with those pressures?
In the Work, we become aware of a third influence, direct instruction by others, due to our pursuit of our evolution over our material needs. We who are engaged in the Work have the beginnings of a “magnetic” center that draws to others who are also developing that same “magnetic” center. We can be confident that we are on the right track because we are here, discussing the issue with others. I wish to take care regarding this particular issue to avoid losing what little of myself I have gained in its pursuit.
We cannot turn our backs on our material needs. To do so would be folly; the pressures resulting from materialism would only increase, demanding our attention almost to the denial of all else. Look at your local Wiccan community for examples of what I am talking about; so many “enlightened” and “spiritually aware” individuals who cannot afford a cup of coffee and spend much of their time bemoaning their lack in a system that requires funds. They neither have their material needs met nor have they overcome their dependence on those needs.
I mentioned Maslow's Hierarchy of Need in another post. Material needs are right at the base of Maslow's Pyramid. In my observations, I cannot find fault in Maslow's theory. Indeed, Ouspensky, who I have obviously turned to in the pursuit of this issue, states that in order to evolve we must first establish the correct functioning of our mechanical self. Materialism is therefore a legitimate pursuit in the Work. There is a point, though, were materialism ceases to be profitable to our pursuit. What is that point, and how should we manage the material aspect of our lives once we have reached it?
What I am trying to do is meet my basic material needs; food, shelter, communication, etc. By “do” I mean I am trying to accomplish this consciously; making an honest observation of what is necessary and tolerable. This does not mean living materially an extravagant or spartan life, but having enough to create a comfortable cushion where the stress of material requirements is alleviated and the pursuit of material goods is not a primary drive. What this means I recognize will be subjective to each individual, and will only at the extremes will an individual's decision regarding this issue be obviously incorrect. Living in the woods with no certainty about your next meal is just as incorrect as saying that you “need” every video-game system, 18 pairs of shoes, to eat at a restaurant in every meal... There is nothing wrong with having these things, but not at the expense of your self-awareness and evolution.
What I guess, and I am literally guessing here, is that once those minimal needs and personal cushions have been met, the material effort should be shift to simply the maintenance of those processes and attention should be turned elsewhere. Anything done beyond that should be more related to personal awareness and evolution than material gain, and this is where I struggle. Much of my creative effort has had the underlying concern of marketability, and this is a hindrance. It effects not only my artwork, but all pursuits beyond those immediate financial requirements. What I am trying to accomplish now is to consciously create without concern for marketability. It isn't as easy as it sounds.
The problem I see is identifying with whatever it is one might do to meet those material needs. I have often identified myself as a tattoo artist when it would be more honest to say that tattoo application and design is one of my mechanical functions. It sometimes engages my conscious self, but I was not born with a tattoo machine in my hand. Even with a more traditional form of employment, it is too easy to identify with whatever your function might be, whatever mechanical process you perform, to the point that when you do find something that encourages your evolution you might mistakenly identify with it. You go from being Mr. Gas-Station-Attendant to being Mr. Independent-Author, with each being equally incorrect and inhibitory to personal awareness. In both identities, when the external drop in sales occurs, you find yourself questioning your identity and doubting yourself.
So, for now, my pursuit of materialistic ends will be limited to meeting my needs and personal level of tolerable comfort, with all other pursuits that result in potential material gain being done with my development of self-awareness in mind and marketing only as a part of the mechanical process involved. Freedom will not lay in one's ability to purchase a way out, but in the ability to reduce the emphasis of material pressure on your mind. Thoughts?
No man may cometh unto Yog-Sothoth, but by him.
Ego Diabolus Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by nixx on Dec 28, 2009 7:17:42 GMT -6
I posting this here as well as on the CoC blog...
This was a very interesting read, Egodiabolus, & runs along the same lines of some things I have been pondering myself in relation to how we can expand the Cult’s influence to become the cultural phenomena that Master Satanis wants it to become. Like you, I’ve found materialism to be a necessary evil, but one that can only hold you if you allow it to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it doesn’t matter; when my wife & I are discussing what bills we can shuffle around so we can get our rent paid & buy food for our family of six, it becomes a big issue. My defense against it is to not personally invest in it; this doesn’t always work, but it does most of the time. I try to look at the situation clinically & detachedly viewing it as a problem that needs a solution, nothing more. My general solution is to work overtime to make up the difference even though it takes away from my other pursuits & family time. This may seem robotic, but it is done mindfully. Instead of simply accepting my fate, I try to solve the dilemmas instead of wallowing in them. Working extra is simply the most logical solution to solve the issue at hand.
I’ve heard of Maslow’s theory as discussed by Ross Heaven in his “Voudou Shaman” book. Heaven makes the statement that you can’t address your spiritual needs unless your physical needs are taken care of & this is part of his argument for so called “lesser magic” as this type of work generally addresses the more physical needs as we all know. This is part of the trap the universe has us in as humans in general never seem to be satisfied with what they have & are always looking for something more. In many ways, this is a good trait as this is the same path that leads us into Awakening & conscious control of our lives; but the universe through its agent the Media & the Media religion of consumerism has corrupted this drive into a vehicle for our self destruction. Most people, as the Fourth Way & Master Satanis have stated, see something & immediately identify with it; the media uses this to get people to consume & do they ever. We can step out of this cycle by doing what you are currently engaged in: taking stock of what is necessary vs. what is unnecessary.
How this post has related my thoughts of late is part of a strategy I’ve been formulating to begin our infection of the current regime. Many of us are writers, artists, thespians, musicians, etc. My proposal is that we begin inundating society with our creations. If we write something, we publish it; if we create a piece of art, we try to get it in the face of world at large in any medium that we can. If we write a play, we perform it; a song, we record it. This is a generalization, but you follow my thought process. Any material benefits should be considered secondary; the primary focus of these actions is a direct assault on consensus reality. While we will be resisted tooth & nail, we must continue to put our work out there. This strategy includes dark work in the ritual chamber & what I guess one could call Emerald Evangelism to those sleepers with the potential to awake. Assaulting on three fronts in this manner only builds our resources & weakens the foundation of the reality engine. While they are trying to discredit & dismiss us publicly, our sorcerous black ops are weakening their resistance & removing obstacles. Eventually, they will not be able to stop us.
Another strategy we should all be looking to employ is the weapon of success. We don’t have to all become billionaires (though that would be a slap in the face of the establishment, wouldn’t it), but we need to be able to demonstrate that our methods work. If we are approaching someone to tell them about how the Cult of Cthulhu has changed our lives, we should be able to demonstrate how our lives have improved. As you stated about the Wiccans being spiritually advanced, but not having a pot to piss in is absolutely true; we need to do better. Whatever it is we do, we need to master it. I work as a film technician in a factory & because of my skill set that I’ve developed over the last nine years, I am valuable because of my ability to literally work in any position including supervision at a moment’s notice. I’ve been pretty ambivalent about this, but of late I’ve really been considering how I can make this work for me. Your post on ‘Individual Tactics’ was very inspirational in this regard as well as the part about “fuck you money.” As a whole, no matter what any of us can do, we need to be the best we can be at it. This in & of itself will speak volumes & when we’ve inspired the envy of those around us & they ask us how we have accomplished what we’ve accomplished, we can tell them about how our work with the Cthulhu Cult has aided in our success. The current reality works from a “show me” standpoint, so that’s just what we need to do.
I’m sorry for hijacking this thread, but I started writing & it just continued to spew forth from the Abyss.
Remember yourself, for the Emerald Kingdom is at hand!
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Post by egodiabolus on Dec 28, 2009 9:16:15 GMT -6
I agree with your statements which suggest treating the management of materialism in a “robotic” sense. It is an aspect of our mechanical selves, thus this is how it should be handled. Through objective awareness the problems and processes should be managed until these processes run “rightly” allowing for the shift of focus to other tasks. Thank you for confirming my own observations and your supportive input.
I also agree that our creative efforts are an excellent route toward increasing awareness of the Cult of Cthulhu as well as our successes. In my mind the two go hand-in-hand. Like material wealth, though, the advancement of the Cult of Cthulhu should be a subsequent result of our own evolution. The Cult of Cthulhu will evolve as we evolve, with our success being the success of the Cult of Cthulhu. In that, our evolution and the Cult of Cthulhu are a close first and second, while material wealth should be a distant, distant, consequence.
I guess what I am saying (and I am doing that a great deal as of late) is that our creativity should be as a result of our evolutionary pursuits, not in fulfilling the advancement of the Cult of Cthulhu as its primary drive. Now, no doubt we all are inspired by our efforts within the Cult of Cthulhu, and our creative, evolutionary expressions will reflect that inspiration. I know that has been the case for me in the last two works of fiction I have written. We should be public about our efforts, and we should work in tandem just as we are within the Work. I am confident that as we evolve and develop greater magnetic centers along the lines of the Work, we will naturally attract others to our cause.
So, yes, the issue of materialism is a mechanical one and should be managed in that manner. Yes, creative effort should be a part of our evolutionary process. Yes, that creativity's public affirmation assists in our evolution, but should be a consequence of the process itself and not a goal to achieve or a measurement of our success. Yes, our public efforts will no doubt be inspired by the Cult of Cthulhu and draw greater attention to the Cult of Cthulhu, but again should not be a goal or measure of success in that process. Yes, material gain as a consequence of the above will be welcome, but not as a goal or measurement of our success. Let our evolution be the true beacon that shines to others and draws them to our Work.
Be inspired, be productive, and be Awake!
ia ia Cthulhu fhatgn!
Ego Diabolus Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by I AM the Way on Dec 28, 2009 13:23:53 GMT -6
cthulhu-cult.com/?p=149That's the link to Wizard Ego Diabolus's blog post. I commented on there, and hope all of you will read it, as well as the original post, and be able to see its value.
His ichor cleanses the sin of all mankind,
Venger As'Nas Satanis Cult of Cthulhu High Priest
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Post by A'Zodul F'eid on Jan 5, 2010 21:35:23 GMT -6
I spend a small portion of my time collecting figures for miniature games. If you're unfamiliar with these type of things look in any Borders Store and you should be able to find plenty. These miniatures aren't essential to my happiness or survival, but nonetheless I find that I spend a decent portion of my day browsing or organizing them. I don't think of them as an addiction or neuroses, more a habit or hobby. I think I've rambled a bit, what I'd like to know is at what point does a habit become a threat to "Awakening"?
ia ia Cthulhu fhatgn!
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Post by egodiabolus on Jan 6, 2010 11:32:54 GMT -6
An aspect of Awakening is doing things consciously. There is not necessarily a "right" or "wrong", but rather a scale that ranges from a "sleep" state to an "awareness" state. All activity falls on this scale, and has a tendency to drive the individual toward one direction or the other.
You describe the activity as a "habit or hobby". These are two very different things. A "habit" is something done without thought, with the absence of awareness. A "hobby" is something you do with thought, with presence of awareness. If this is a "hobby" that engages your higher facilities and encourages your to be personally aware, then I would say that it is productive in the Work. If it is a "habit" that occurs without thought or seemingly by an "I" which places a priority in the activity above more rational needs, then it is unproductive in the Work.
Another thing that must be considered is identification. We tend to stop remembering the self when we identify with what it is we are doing. We cease to "be" and instead become the task at hand. For example, right now I am struggling to continue to observe myself while typing this and remain "me" instead of just becoming the function of typing and the message I am trying to get across. It is a difficult state to maintain and while typing, I have to remind myself that I am here. At this stage in my own development, it is a function of my intellectual center which has the effect of limiting any emotional "pleasure" I might gain from the effort. Hopefully, this means that I am typing this message more purely to address the issue at hand and not to derive some sense of self-satisfaction from it.
The saying "being lost in the task" is an accurate and appropriate one, and something which we must strive to avoid. If you find that you are "lost" while managing your collection, this does not mean that you should stop collecting miniatures! Instead it is an opportunity for you to struggle and remember yourself, a training exercise for furthering your awareness. At some point in the Work, you will develop a kind of "magnetic" center that will either draw you toward more conscious activity, which may or may not include your miniatures hobby or change your behavior when engaged in that hobby.
The hobby in and of itself is not the threat, it is how you understand and manage the activity that is your true concern.
Awake!
Ego Diabolus
Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by Sarak G'hash on Jan 6, 2010 11:46:19 GMT -6
An aspect of Awakening is doing things consciously. There is not necessarily a "right" or "wrong", but rather a scale that ranges from a "sleep" state to an "awareness" state. All activity falls on this scale, and has a tendency to drive the individual toward one direction or the other. You describe the activity as a "habit or hobby". These are two very different things. A "habit" is something done without thought, with the absence of awareness. A "hobby" is something you do with thought, with presence of awareness. If this is a "hobby" that engages your higher facilities and encourages your to be personally aware, then I would say that it is productive in the Work. If it is a "habit" that occurs without thought or seemingly by an "I" which places a priority in the activity above more rational needs, then it is unproductive in the Work. Another thing that must be considered is identification. We tend to stop remembering the self when we identify with what it is we are doing. We cease to "be" and instead become the task at hand. For example, right now I am struggling to continue to observe myself while typing this and remain "me" instead of just becoming the function of typing and the message I am trying to get across. It is a difficult state to maintain and while typing, I have to remind myself that I am here. At this stage in my own development, it is a function of my intellectual center which has the effect of limiting any emotional "pleasure" I might gain from the effort. Hopefully, this means that I am typing this message more purely to address the issue at hand and not to derive some sense of self-satisfaction from it. The saying "being lost in the task" is an accurate and appropriate one, and something which we must strive to avoid. If you find that you are "lost" while managing your collection, this does not mean that you should stop collecting miniatures! Instead it is an opportunity for you to struggle and remember yourself, a training exercise for furthering your awareness. At some point in the Work, you will develop a kind of "magnetic" center that will either draw you toward more conscious activity, which may or may not include your miniatures hobby or change your behavior when engaged in that hobby. The hobby in and of itself is not the threat, it is how you understand and manage the activity that is your true concern. Awake! Ego Diabolus Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Cult of Cthulhu ahhh, once again by studying the posts here I once again gain better understanding! Thank you so so much!!! When the stars are right!
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Post by I AM the Way on Jan 6, 2010 13:51:08 GMT -6
That is curious to me... Not sure why you'd want to limit or close off your emotional center unless you're trying to examine each center more closely and/or test the boundaries.
On second thought, your observation of potential, real, or imagined self-satisfaction is a conscious use of your emotional center. So by artificially limiting it, you're probably using it more but in a more controlled environment.
One may become more internally and externally aware of oneself physically, emotionally, intellectually... using one center at a time or multiple centers simultaneously. For example, if I'm typing something out, I try to be mindful of the intellectual content just as I try to be mindful of my hands moving about the keyboard, as well as, the emotional content or how I'm feeling about the task.
If we could reach the higher areas of all three centers, then our machines would function at a conscious level, a level that is several orders of magnitude superior to our current functionality. As we are now, there is a lot of "going through the motions", acting automatically, out of habit, etc.
Does this make sense? If anyone has a question, comment, or suggestion about this area of the Work, please post it.
By His loathsome tentacles,
Venger As'Nas Satanis Cult of Cthulhu High Priest
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Post by egodiabolus on Jan 6, 2010 16:11:19 GMT -6
High Priest Venger Satanis,
I am not intentionally limiting or closing of my emotional center. It is still functioning during this process. As you know, of the four centers, the intellectual is typically the center that most people have the most direct control of. When we begin to develop our observational-self, it is through the intellectual center that this process tends to occur. Emotions often run wild without the observational self. I guess it is akin to the old idea of counting to ten before reacting emotionally, instead of allowing yourself to react to whatever spike a rogue "I" from your emotional center might experience. You force yourself to deal with the situation through the intellectual center, the center that the observer "I" that the individual is trying to establish is often connected to. The emotional center still functions, but now under the watching "I" of the observer self.
We all tend to behave better when the boss is in the room.
I agree with the idea of emotionally operating in a controlled environment through the intellectual center. The emotions are still there, but the observer asks if the feeling experienced is conducive to the task, or if awareness is served by the emotion... or at least that is how I see it. Ideally, I would observe as you do, watching three or all four centers at once, and remembering the self from as many angles as possible. As is, I am able to maintain a sense of intellectual and emotional centers, with only occasional but frequent flashes of my motion center. Still a long way to go, but I find it ever easier to "be here" and observe, even in stressful situations.
I wonder how the observer will operate while having sex?
Awake!
Ego Diabolus Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by I AM the Way on Jan 7, 2010 11:26:43 GMT -6
Thanks for the clarification, Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Ego Diabolus.
I assume that you started as a Man #3, that is of course, someone whose intellectual center is naturally dominant. Then that probably is the best way for you to start. I began as a Man #2. My emotional center was strongest and that is how I originally came to the Work. Therefore, my initial approach will probably be different from yours.
However, while your 'I's are connected to various centers, each should be recognized as distinct, especially those in your magnetic center. Remember that one of your intellectual 'I's (the 'I' gauging the content of your writing, for instance) is no more you than one of your physical 'I's (the 'I' who possibly craves a meat lover's pizza). For all intents and purposes, there is no you. You, as most people understand the term, do not exist. Whatever you think you are is merely a fabrication, a revolving door of fragmentary selves cut off from the essence.
To give everyone some idea of the journey's length, I myself, after a decade of being in the Work, have not reached a singularity. My consciousness sleeps very often and the machine who calls himself High Priest Venger Satanis is daily inundated with wasteful, irrational, and counter-productive 'I's.
By the 4th center, are you referring to the instinctive center?
Did you know that there is a Work-documented sexual center?
Remember yourself, for the Emerald Kingdom is at hand!
Venger As'Nas Satanis Cult of Cthulhu High Priest
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Post by egodiabolus on Jan 7, 2010 12:57:53 GMT -6
High Priest Venger Satanis,
Man #3 is also where I would guess my starting point to be, although I am as prone to bursts of Man#2 as anyone. When I approach the work at this stage, I do so through what to me is the intellectual center and as close to an observer-awareness as an "I" can muster.
I appreciate the reminder that this "I" is still not me, and that the goal remains to discover and increase my essence. How does one distinguish between consciousness and the delusions of the "I"s that assume the role of observer while consciousness is being discovered? I believe I am coming to a greater understanding about how to recognize a conscious man; his movement is efficient and purposeful, he speaks only as required and is precise in his speech, he does not express negative emotions or transfer blame to another. I strive to imitate these behaviors in myself, but recognize that at this point it is just imitation and not the development of my essence. If I am understanding correctly, consciousness once achieved will not be constant, just more frequent than what we experience now. Is this correct as well?
By fourth center, I am referring to the instinctive center.
With my reading, I am beginning to consider if singularity is even possible. Are we not creating another "I", but an "I" self-defined and conditioned for the function of being the "I" above all others, the "I" we most often struggle to be? Would you consider the creation and use of such an "I" as possibly a step toward the discovery of consciousness?
I have a feeling that the pressure in my skull when I consider these things suggests that I am at least on the right track.
This might be taking this thread way off topic. If you would like to move this to another thread, just let me know.
ia ia Cthulhu fhatgn!
Ego Diabolus Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by I AM the Way on Jan 8, 2010 15:03:30 GMT -6
That is a great question! Actually, everything you brought up is excellent food for discussion.
How does one differentiate between false consciousness and the real thing? In the beginning, always assume that you are asleep until a new, specifically directed effort has been made to stop. Stopping all thought, all feeling, all physical activity. Once you've stopped, then observe internally and externally. This is self-remembering or how we tell when we are closer to being conscious.
When not actively self-remembering each moment, even those who have been in the Work for awhile must be wary.
Imitation or modeling is the first step and I believe you are developing your essence simply by emulating those who have reached higher states of consciousness.
Think of it this way, you want to get into shape but don't know all the ins and outs of weight lifting, cardio, diet, supplements, and so forth. Because your understanding is limited, you model whatever the in-shape guys in the muscle or fitness magazines do. By doing what they do, you eventually get more or less "in shape". This might not be as effective as becoming a personal trainer yourself; however, that kind of imitation is much better than doing nothing at all. In other words, it's a start... and a very good one.
We are looking for higher states of consciousness to be stronger, deeper, and longer lasting. It may start with self-remembering once a day for a few seconds, then increased to three times a day for several minutes each while being mindful of how we are always being negative and identifying with the illusory world. Finally, at the very end of one's journey, an Awakened Cultist will be more conscious than asleep... seeing things how they really are and being able to, in effect, look beyond the matrix.
Once a magnetic center has been gathered, there will be one 'I' who must lead. 'I's are fairly nebulous and ephemeral things, but this 'I' I'm talking about, this Master I (henceforth abbreviated to M:I), will eventually rise out of the noisy, chaotic din of the self in order to put one's house in order. This M:I must have total control. The more authority this 'I' has, the better it can lead. As with all power structures, many will not want to follow M:I at first. This 'I's authority must be earned by the rest in the magnetic center and then they must try convincing the other 'I's. Rebellion, of course, will make its job tougher than it otherwise would be. Nevertheless, M:I must do what is necessary to bring order out of chaos. M:I keeps everything running smooth and towards consciousness.
Eventually, you... the real you, will rise from the ashes of your old selves. I was just about to suggest we identify with M:I, but this too is potentially dangerous. Pretty soon, we may stop examining our inner life, our society of 'I's. Assuming that we're always acting from M:I's instructions because we identify with M:I could lead us back to sleep. Our machine always wants to default to what is easiest, the path of least resistance. Machines do not want to Work. That is the sad fact of the matter and is what makes our struggle necessary.
So don't identify, but do adhere to M:I. This is our best self, our only self. Listen to the 'I' who leads.
Indeed, I feel it too.
Remember yourself, for the Emerald Kingdom is at hand!
Venger As'Nas Satanis Cult of Cthulhu High Priest
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Post by beastx on Jan 8, 2010 17:05:10 GMT -6
That is a great question! Actually, everything you brought up is excellent food for discussion.
How does one differentiate between false consciousness and the real thing? In the beginning, always assume that you are asleep until a new, specifically directed effort has been made to stop. Stopping all thought, all feeling, all physical activity. Once you've stopped, then observe internally and externally. This is self-remembering or how we tell when we are closer to being conscious.
When not actively self-remembering each moment, even those who have been in the Work for awhile must be wary.
Imitation or modeling is the first step and I believe you are developing your essence simply by emulating those who have reached higher states of consciousness.
Think of it this way, you want to get into shape but don't know all the ins and outs of weight lifting, cardio, diet, supplements, and so forth. Because your understanding is limited, you model whatever the in-shape guys in the muscle or fitness magazines do. By doing what they do, you eventually get more or less "in shape". This might not be as effective as becoming a personal trainer yourself; however, that kind of imitation is much better than doing nothing at all. In other words, it's a start... and a very good one.We are looking for higher states of consciousness to be stronger, deeper, and longer lasting. It may start with self-remembering once a day for a few seconds, then increased to three times a day for several minutes each while being mindful of how we are always being negative and identifying with the illusory world. Finally, at the very end of one's journey, an Awakened Cultist will be more conscious than asleep... seeing things how they really are and being able to, in effect, look beyond the matrix.Once a magnetic center has been gathered, there will be one 'I' who must lead. 'I's are fairly nebulous and ephemeral things, but this 'I' I'm talking about, this Master I (henceforth abbreviated to M:I), will eventually rise out of the noisy, chaotic din of the self in order to put one's house in order. This M:I must have total control. The more authority this 'I' has, the better it can lead. As with all power structures, many will not want to follow M:I at first. This 'I's authority must be earned by the rest in the magnetic center and then they must try convincing the other 'I's. Rebellion, of course, will make its job tougher than it otherwise would be. Nevertheless, M:I must do what is necessary to bring order out of chaos. M:I keeps everything running smooth and towards consciousness.
Eventually, you... the real you, will rise from the ashes of your old selves. I was just about to suggest we identify with M:I, but this too is potentially dangerous. Pretty soon, we may stop examining our inner life, our society of 'I's. Assuming that we're always acting from M:I's instructions because we identify with M:I could lead us back to sleep. Our machine always wants to default to what is easiest, the path of least resistance. Machines do not want to Work. That is the sad fact of the matter and is what makes our struggle necessary.
So don't identify, but do adhere to M:I. This is our best self, our only self. Listen to the 'I' who leads. Indeed, I feel it too.
Remember yourself, for the Emerald Kingdom is at hand!
Venger As'Nas Satanis Cult of Cthulhu High Priest
An analytical approach can be employed to recognize the "I"s by simply weighing whether there is a mechanical use of apperception or not. Once you recognize the mechanism and it's functionality it's function can be suspended. Bandler and Grinder offer that once those "I"s have been suspended, you'll be in a childlike state. During this time you can place a model (which I have used a form of Kantian Model that I've enhanced with heavy emphasis on prolonged concentration) which upon resuming the "I"s would default to a system much like Lord Satanis describes with the M:I being the lead. The nature of our Essence is a curious thing, I imagine that perhaps it is that curiosity driven inner child. As the years pass, I've noticed a distance forming between fun-loving, curious, and adventurous inner child and a harden, calculated, and cynical external man. Yet I still dare to dream.
Interesting to me that upon reading Wizard of Terrible Darkness Ego Diabolus' description of the pressure in his head I immediately thought of the buzzing he previously describe in "The Emergence".
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Post by egodiabolus on Jan 9, 2010 8:37:53 GMT -6
I am reading more about essences now, and I am wondering about the development of the essence via the personality. The idea seems to be that essence is what you are born with; your physical self and your natural tendencies, while personality is what you pick up artificially in reacting to the world around you. Our essences are greatly under-developed; child-like and immature. Our personalities act as armor for our essences, but we are all like over-sheltered children because of our personalities.
However, personality is also the route to developing the essence, with the essence taking aspects of the personality and making them permanent. I am still reading and researching this, but I wonder if personality can effect essence permanently before awareness is developed, and if so can it result in a negative impact?
I am certain my research will lead to the answers (and more questions).
ia ia Cthulhu Fhatgn!
Ego Diabolus Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by I AM the Way on Jan 9, 2010 16:07:27 GMT -6
Most definitely.
There are millions of adults walking around with a personality that is so over-developed their essence has virtually no chance of growing. Basically, it's as if their personality has become so morbidly obese that it crushed whatever hope they had of Awakening. Why? Because consciousness cannot flow from personality, our protective outer shell; it must flow from essence.
Sad, but hey... that's the fucked up world we live in.
Remember yourself, for the Emerald Kingdom is at hand!
Venger As'Nas Satanis Cult of Cthulhu High Priest
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Post by Xor'Nefthrahm on Jan 10, 2010 9:54:07 GMT -6
Just work in retail with the general public for as long as I have, and you can witness this sad truth. There are many people that just wander around, NOT thinking, but merely reacting to stimuli. They really are no more developed than the most basic single celled organism.
They react emotionaly, often without thinking about things. They are so GONE that they often cant even notice bright orange WETFLOOR signs and end up slipping, and trying to sue us.. they loose of course, because our ass is covered. The scary thing is that people are driving like this as well.
They only think about WHAT they want, nothing more. It is easy to sneak up and startle these people as a result hehe.
They have an over inflated Ego and Self-Worth, as sense of entitlement, when they are nothing more than insects. I laugh at them often when they get angry.
I think in order to discover your essance, you must undergo a death of the ego.. what you believe to be true about yourself.. often the process of nearly PHYSICALLY dying can assist with this and be a wakeup call, as can some other system-shocking experiance. Often Shaman would go through a symbolic death to achieve this. I'm not saying everyone should go put themselves in physical danger, but just citing this as one example. In Doing so all notions of what YOU ARE become transparent, and you can see the truth. That truth is what you want to change, and what you want to work on.
To many of the people at work, they think I have an extreme hyper-awareness, but really I stay awake as much as possible, therefor noticing everything. It's nothing special, one just has to stay concious, but so many people are mindless. The TRUE essance sees all and knows all. But it has the intelect of a child as well.
Often when I am walking at work, not only am I absorbing everything I see, taste, smell, touch and hear, but I also try to visualize everything that I walked past at well behind me in my minds eye. I also will try to see from another perspective and look down an up comming aisle before I get there, just for kicks, and see how accurate I am when I pass it. Doing this keeps you aware of what you are doing, keeping your awareness in the now.
I've notice sometimes I can almost sense life, and SEE when there is someone around the corner before I physically notice it. Seeing from your essance's POV is possible, I think, and may be the key to many 6th sense abilities.
I read somewhere that the brain doesnt know the difference between actually experiancing something, and you VISUALIZING something happening.. just a side note.
Anyways, some stuff to think about.
His ichor cleanses the sin of all mankind. Esbara'Kesh
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Post by Sarak G'hash on Jan 11, 2010 11:31:18 GMT -6
Just work in retail with the general public for as long as I have, and you can witness this sad truth. There are many people that just wander around, NOT thinking, but merely reacting to stimuli. They really are no more developed than the most basic single celled organism.
They react emotionaly, often without thinking about things. They are so GONE that they often cant even notice bright orange WETFLOOR signs and end up slipping, and trying to sue us.. they loose of course, because our ass is covered. The scary thing is that people are driving like this as well.
Believe me, I have worked in retail for years myself and I completely agree with you. What amuses me is the people who come into Wal-Mart and then act all high and mighty. Like they are better than everyone else shopping in there!
I also agree with what you said about the drivers that just think THEY are the only ones on the roads. Geez! get a grip people.
When the stars are right!
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Post by ph33ric on Feb 11, 2010 14:28:12 GMT -6
a true shaman will know to live off the land (think about that long and hard). in our wold constructed thru words, you just have to know the right words to say in order to hack it. understanding the nature of the univarse, and how important the thigs you think you know are to the world around you, you can hack into the fabric of what is, and live without having to bare as a slave for food and shelter. I've notice sometimes I can almost sense life, and SEE when there is someone around the corner before I physically notice it. Seeing from your essance's POV is possible, I think, and may be the key to many 6th sense abilities. ok, this may have to do with your misconception of time (you see it as linear becasue yesterday came befor today and tomrow comes after today)..... time dosent actuly move, we move thru time... it can best be described like this. Immagine a computer screen with a program that makes a movie, and you see all the difrent clips one after another of all the frames of the movie. and above and below that are an almost mirror of the timespace but when an action is made, all posible reactions to that action are also shown.... as ann example, if i were to roll a dice, there would b a main serios of frams on what happend, and then 5 sub serries on what could have happend. so based on this theory on the flow of time. its very posible to forsea events thoghts and actions befor we experience them in our linear perception of the world.
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