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Post by I AM the Way on Apr 13, 2012 12:23:02 GMT -6
Thank you, Master Venger. In V. 2, do you want us to read the author notes too or just get straight into the book? Awake! Sure. Read the introductory notes, too.
VS
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Post by I AM the Way on Apr 14, 2012 18:01:45 GMT -6
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Post by mattsaturnaeon on Apr 15, 2012 17:16:16 GMT -6
"it is betrayed by the phrase: 'yes but...'. This in itself does not imply any harm when it is used. On the contrary, such usage is helpful and even indispensable in discussions, controversies and pleadings — where we resort to it quite frequently. However when applied to ourselves and for our own benefit, with the aim of softening a shock, or rediscovering our inner peace after we have sinned, or excusing our actions or faults, this idiom crystallizes within us over a period of time to create a true auto-tranquillizing mechanism. It is to be noted that the effects of this mechanism are not to be compared with 'sang-froid', or the ability to answer well and quickly, or those of inspirations1 from consciousness. On the contrary, it is a true mechanism of mental anaesthesia, founded on a refined and disguised lie. It sows hypocrisy in man towards himself. This auto-tranquillizer, like all other moral buffers, must be destroyed." P30-31
This is absolutely huge, central really. If your underlying selfhood is being blocked, that means it is being blocked by a persistent behavior pattern. You have to make a habit, of countering your habit, of making excuses for yourself.
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Post by oola on Apr 17, 2012 1:34:08 GMT -6
Yes i shall be starting volume two today. But on a lighter note i recommend this video to many of us that find it difficult to pronounce Ia Ia Cthulhu Fhtagn; and the finger sign... my first time of seeing it, cool. This video did more than introduce Gnosis book two it got me excited. Awake!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2012 9:15:09 GMT -6
The introduction of book 2 is really important! Many so important subjects in this introduction, worth reading very carefully.
Written in 1963 for the second edition, it tells us about the formation of an elite, of New Men spiritually strong to lead mankind at The End of this Cycle (expected before the end of 20th century BTW...). Where are they? Is there any sign of their presence or of their work?
One obtains results in the Work only if he is useful. Interesting, and logical, you have to give if you want to receive, we already saw that somewhere. What are you giving, cultists?
Mouravieff warns us about a mortal danger, the use of higher forces for an egoist purpose. Does this apply to Magic? It depends of your motivations and of your goals according to me. Within the Cult of Cthulhu for example, we are Working, struggling, studying and Magic is a tool, a subject of study and a field of experiments. Our goals are Awakening and Godhood, we serve and use the higher forces, and this is a mutually beneficial exchange. But when Magic is used without any higher purpose, I feel, too, that there is something wrong.
Chapter one is about octaves, ray of creation... I have no comments as it is hard to relate to known facts or to verify.
When the stars are right.
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Post by I AM the Way on Apr 18, 2012 10:10:42 GMT -6
"it is betrayed by the phrase: 'yes but...'. This in itself does not imply any harm when it is used. On the contrary, such usage is helpful and even indispensable in discussions, controversies and pleadings — where we resort to it quite frequently. However when applied to ourselves and for our own benefit, with the aim of softening a shock, or rediscovering our inner peace after we have sinned, or excusing our actions or faults, this idiom crystallizes within us over a period of time to create a true auto-tranquillizing mechanism. It is to be noted that the effects of this mechanism are not to be compared with 'sang-froid', or the ability to answer well and quickly, or those of inspirations1 from consciousness. On the contrary, it is a true mechanism of mental anaesthesia, founded on a refined and disguised lie. It sows hypocrisy in man towards himself. This auto-tranquillizer, like all other moral buffers, must be destroyed." P30-31 This is absolutely huge, central really. If your underlying selfhood is being blocked, that means it is being blocked by a persistent behavior pattern. You have to make a habit, of countering your habit, of making excuses for yourself. Yes, but...
Indeed, there is always opportunity to excuse our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Once we are on the path, there is no valid excuse for not progressing. Yes, it takes time and effort... there will certainly be setbacks, difficulties, trying times; nevertheless, progress can and should be made.
Buffers absorb the shocks created by uncomfortable truths. Try living without buffers, without rationalizations for a day. You might disgust yourself by nightfall, but at least you'll be living without self-told lies.As you said, the Mesoteric Cycle discusses the New Man or Super-Man of our current age, and posits that these individuals should make up a world government of sorts. I've read some Gnosis reviews on amazon that were critical of Mouravieff's thinking, that he stepped over the line on this issue. Personally, I think it sounds very reasonable.
Yes, we must become useful to the Work and to those Higher Forces which make Work possible. Do we not ask the same? If the Work was only suffering without reward, would we pursue it? Of course not.
Gurdjieff warned of the same egotism. If this teaching is solely used for the selfish gain of exterior man, then it will be lost. This idea must be reconciled with another - that Cultists are required to formulate an aim, something that they desire. An aim energizes us enough to seek the path, the importance of which should not be underestimated.
Awake!
VS
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Post by patience on Apr 20, 2012 8:55:17 GMT -6
Gurdjieff warned of the same egotism. If this teaching is solely used for the selfish gain of exterior man, then it will be lost. This idea must be reconciled with another - that Cultists are required to formulate an aim, something that they desire. An aim energizes us enough to seek the path, the importance of which should not be underestimated. - This is a good point that I have been thinking a lot about today. What is my aim in all this? I am into the second book now. I find myself excited to get back to the reading as well as frustrated to not have enough time, or as much time as I feel I need, to sit and digest it. Hoping to devote this Saturday night to reading. Don't worry. Be happy. Make efforts.
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Post by I AM the Way on Apr 22, 2012 15:31:00 GMT -6
Damn, the discussion has dried up again. That means it's time for me to shake all you fuckers Awake!
What are your final thoughts on volume I? Have you written a review for amazon.com? What do you think about volume II? Can you quote a meaningful passage? What would you like more of? What do you find confusing?
Read up to page 60 (Chapter 6). I know it's easy to put reading assignments off, to get distracted, to find any old excuse... but remember the importance of this journey.
Awake!
VS
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Post by oola on Apr 23, 2012 6:18:32 GMT -6
Damn, the discussion has dried up again. That means it's time for me to shake all you fuckers Awake!
What are your final thoughts on volume I? Have you written a review for amazon.com? What do you think about volume II? Can you quote a meaningful passage? What would you like more of? What do you find confusing?
Read up to page 60 (Chapter 6). I know it's easy to put reading assignments off, to get distracted, to find any old excuse... but remember the importance of this journey.
Awake!
VS
There is a difference between reading and understanding what one is reading. I for one is trying to make sense of what am reading and where proves difficult, i will post here. Ia Ia Ipsissimus Ia Ia Cthulhu fhtagn
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Post by oola on Apr 24, 2012 4:24:23 GMT -6
I have since reading Gnosis, concluded that indeed esotericism is inner science.
I have read up to chapter five but i cannot shake away this nagging statement made in the publisher's introduction. Page xvii second paragraph-sub heading,- esotericism is just inner science- "...in the meantime the meaning is kept alive in communities or schools symbolized by the name árk', of which Noah's ark was one" How was Noah's ark a custodian of esoteric tradition?
Awake!
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Post by I AM the Way on Apr 24, 2012 10:37:48 GMT -6
I have since reading Gnosis, concluded that indeed esotericism is inner science. I have read up to chapter five but i cannot shake away this nagging statement made in the publisher's introduction. Page xvii second paragraph-sub heading,- esotericism is just inner science- "...in the meantime the meaning is kept alive in communities or schools symbolized by the name árk', of which Noah's ark was one"How was Noah's ark a custodian of esoteric tradition? Awake! Great question.
If you're interested, I recommend purchasing Creating a Soul by Girard Haven. Incidentally, the first CoC study group revolved around that book. Haven was part of a school whose collective aim, or school aim, was to preserve esotericism... that inner wisdom which comes to us from Higher Forces. The ark protects and keeps esoteric teaching while the rest of the world drowns in the materialism of exterior man. In the biblical parable, the flood is life overtaking truth.
Does that make sense?
Awake!
VS
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Post by oola on Apr 25, 2012 8:58:10 GMT -6
I have since reading Gnosis, concluded that indeed esotericism is inner science. I have read up to chapter five but i cannot shake away this nagging statement made in the publisher's introduction. Page xvii second paragraph-sub heading,- esotericism is just inner science- "...in the meantime the meaning is kept alive in communities or schools symbolized by the name árk', of which Noah's ark was one"How was Noah's ark a custodian of esoteric tradition? Awake! Great question.
If you're interested, I recommend purchasing Creating a Soul by Girard Haven. Incidentally, the first CoC study group revolved around that book. Haven was part of a school whose collective aim, or school aim, was to preserve esotericism... that inner wisdom which comes to us from Higher Forces. The ark protects and keeps esoteric teaching while the rest of the world drowns in the materialism of exterior man. In the biblical parable, the flood is life overtaking truth.
Does that make sense?
Awake!
VS
Honestly, it does not make sence. How does life overtake truth in the deluge? Awake!
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Post by wren on Apr 25, 2012 11:48:43 GMT -6
Hey guys. I am still reading, I'm somewhere in the middle of Ch. 3 right now, but with graduation looming in about a month, I've been a little more busy. I've been dedicating some time each day to reading Gnosis, but it keeps getting interrupted. I did want to point out this, though: "Today's planets will become suns, their satellites planets, and their asteroids will form the satellites of these new systems ." Ch 3, V. 4 I'm a bit perplexed by this, because I'm in an Astronomy class right now and we're covering how Stars are born. Of course, there's no guarantee what I'm being taught is factual, but Mouravieff's explanation doesn't agree with the explanation I've been given. Facts aside, Mouravieff places a lot of emphasis on the Ray of Creation in both volumes. Perhaps I'm wrong in how I'm thinking but the Ray of Creation doesn't seem to have much of a practical value for self-work. I might be getting a little miffed to get to "the good stuff" though. I still haven't got my Amazon review up. Don't know when I'll get time to write it, but it's on my to-do list. Awake!
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Post by I AM the Way on Apr 25, 2012 14:24:33 GMT -6
I'm glad you asked for clarification, Oola.
There are periods in human history where esotericism was alive and well... just as there are times when it was all but extinguished. The parable of Noah and the ark is about a rising tide of materialism - another way of saying vulgar, small-minded brutality. Esoteric teaching, during that period, was at a low ebb. Noah was instructed by Higher Forces to build an ark in order to house his family and two of each animal. Noah was meant to preserve that "inner science" until civilization reached a new aeon where esotericism could flourish. When the flood overtook earth, it was because man was considered irredeemable by Higher Forces.
You see, esoteric ideas, like all teachings, cannot exist in a vacuum; it must breathe, it must have the right kind of atmosphere. The Work is a living flame. Under the right conditions, it will continue to burn bright, illuminating the way. Under the wrong conditions, the fire will die out and humanity would become lost. Conscious schools, such as the Cult of Cthulhu, are charged with keeping the green flame of esotericism alive. If it was not for organizations like ours, no one could receive the Work.
Let me know if you want me to expand on anything I've covered.
Awake!
VS
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Post by oola on Apr 27, 2012 21:33:47 GMT -6
I'm glad you asked for clarification, Oola.
There are periods in human history where esotericism was alive and well... just as there are times when it was all but extinguished. The parable of Noah and the ark is about a rising tide of materialism - another way of saying vulgar, small-minded brutality. Esoteric teaching, during that period, was at a low ebb. Noah was instructed by Higher Forces to build an ark in order to house his family and two of each animal. Noah was meant to preserve that "inner science" until civilization reached a new aeon where esotericism could flourish. When the flood overtook earth, it was because man was considered irredeemable by Higher Forces.
You see, esoteric ideas, like all teachings, cannot exist in a vacuum; it must breathe, it must have the right kind of atmosphere. The Work is a living flame. Under the right conditions, it will continue to burn bright, illuminating the way. Under the wrong conditions, the fire will die out and humanity would become lost. Conscious schools, such as the Cult of Cthulhu, are charged with keeping the green flame of esotericism alive. If it was not for organizations like ours, no one could receive the Work.
Let me know if you want me to expand on anything I've covered.
Awake!
VS
No need for further clarification. I understand your explanation perfectly. Thank you Ipsissimus
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Post by wren on Apr 30, 2012 11:20:21 GMT -6
(Note to self: Buy the books ASAP, as pdfs leave much to be desired...like making sense) I found chapter 5 to be very interesting, especially here: "Why did Jesus not remain permanently in Samaria? Why did He not abandon Zion and the vaulting of Solomon's temple to broadcast his message at Mount Garizim in the sanctuary built by the Samaritans?.....We must constate that Jesus, abandoning the line of least resistance, deliberately chose to confront the esoteric incomprehension of the Jewish elite even though he knew how difficult this would be, the very minimal chance of success and the great risk to which that choice exposed him." Something in this struck me as extremly important. It's a reminder to me of super-efforts, even if Jesus 'failed' in the end. The more I delve into Gnosis, the more interesting Christian mythology seems. (Though I still doubt I'll be picking up the bible or heading over to their churches any time soon. ) It's interesting how the Jews were considered the 'chosen people' but I hadn't really understood why until now. Reading this part reminded me of To Will the Work: "So, if a single road must be chosen, then you must make the choice. What road will you choose to travel? The road which requires the least amount of effort? I sincerely hope not. What a waste of life that would be." Awake!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2012 13:46:10 GMT -6
I did want to point out this, though: "Today's planets will become suns, their satellites planets, and their asteroids will form the satellites of these new systems ." Ch 3, V. 4 I'm a bit perplexed by this, because I'm in an Astronomy class right now and we're covering how Stars are born. Of course, there's no guarantee what I'm being taught is factual, but Mouravieff's explanation doesn't agree with the explanation I've been given. Facts aside, Mouravieff places a lot of emphasis on the Ray of Creation in both volumes. Perhaps I'm wrong in how I'm thinking but the Ray of Creation doesn't seem to have much of a practical value for self-work. I might be getting a little miffed to get to "the good stuff" though. I am perplexed, too... I think we should apologize our wise ancestors who wrote the result of their Work for a error or two. They were probably wrong to extrapolate the verifiable results of their Work on the humans to a subject (astronomy) they had no means to observe properly. Extrapolation is a dangerous tool.
Honestly I don't see very interesting or useful things in the chapters 2, 3, 4, 5. The first volume was very good, as the introduction of the second volume ; I read further, I hope it will be good again.
Awake!
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Post by I AM the Way on May 1, 2012 10:49:35 GMT -6
I, too, enjoyed that passage about Jesus and his taking the message to a more difficult audience. Uphill battles, challenging yourself, super-efforts - it's all related. Glad you were able to make the association with "To Will the Work". Exalt!
As for satellites becoming planets and such... well, I don't know. Some of it might just be symbolic, not to be taken literally. On the other hand, maybe it's all true, just on a higher level or scale which we have difficulty comprehending. Gurdjieff and Ouspensky claimed the same thing. I know the early 20th century didn't have the "scientific proof" that we have now, but there were still astronomers. So, if all these 4th Way Masters knew better (ordinary or exterior knowledge), then why make such claims? It's a bit of a mystery.
I agree, Yrreiht. So far, Mesoteric Cycle seems less captivating than Exoteric Cycle. Ah well. There are still a few diamonds in the rough. Hopefully, it will improve towards the middle and end.
Read up to Chapter 10 (page 110) by Friday night, 5/4/12.
Awake!
VS
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Post by lokidreaming on May 2, 2012 22:16:07 GMT -6
Brief Update,
My group project is over and I have passed my Human Resources subject and I need to catch up with a book report for another group (only four chapters to catch up on).
Then I will be re-reading the first book over again and then moving on to the second book, hopefully I start this tomorrow or on Sunday as Saturday is J DAY here in NZ and I will be participating.
I hope to the get the first book report in before the end of next week and am hoping to catch up with the second book by the time you guys finish the second book.
Belief IS Reality Loki Dreaming
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Post by oola on May 3, 2012 6:14:03 GMT -6
Brief Update, My group project is over and I have passed my Human Resources subject and I need to catch up with a book report for another group (only four chapters to catch up on). Then I will be re-reading the first book over again and then moving on to the second book, hopefully I start this tomorrow or on Sunday as Saturday is J DAY here in NZ and I will be participating. I hope to the get the first book report in before the end of next week and am hoping to catch up with the second book by the time you guys finish the second book. Belief IS Reality Loki Dreaming Welldone. But take it easy brother, so that the message in each of this projects will not be lost to you.
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Post by lokidreaming on May 9, 2012 19:42:20 GMT -6
Befuddled,
That is how I am feeling mentally at the moment as I am stugglingly heavily on my path at the moment and due to mixed reading material I have been juggling eg, The Book Of The Adversary by Micaheal W Ford, KAOS (about Babalon, the whore and the beast) & etc.
After reading these books, I found myself saying to myself, well I wanted to go to Bible College when I was a Christian and in a way I am getting my wish right now.
I have realized after reading these books and the gnosis books that I am not well informed enough and need to do more digging and research via the Aleister Crowley and successor stiff, Germertia, Jesish Mysticism and more research into the early Christian years.
I am tempted not to start re-reading the gnosis 1st book until I have researched enough (to my satisfaction); I realize in wanting to do it this way I am being too hard on myself and once again setting my standards too high and I need to be a bit more easy on myself as all I am lacking in is some basic general knowledge that a occult practitioner should know due to haphazardly rushing along.
So, I am going to the best I can and struggle along with the books and post of musings even though I am not confident I have got my musings totally correct or as close to the actual truth I would like.
My goal is to have book 1 report finished by the end of the month as I need time to process, digest and write by book report.
Belief IS Reality Loki Dreaming
ps:- Apologise in advance for the huge data dump when I do post my musings
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2012 15:18:42 GMT -6
The next chapters were again very much focused on the discussion of the bible, yet I found this gem :
A quote of the end of chapter 9 : Yet according to legend, the Absolute ni is simply carrying out an assigned mission in which he takes the role of the Devil, and he feels sad when a Knight of Christ, entering the path, does not offer enough resistance to emerge victorious from this invisible Combat, n the Gospel, Jesus gives the name of the Prince of this world to the Absolute III. This is the common name for this entity, and embraces all his functions, beneficial and harmful. It is specifically in carrying out the latter that he bears the name of Satan, that is, the enemy or adversary of man. Some people also believe that Satan is God's adversary, a rival entity independent of God. This is an error, a sacrilege that amounts to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. For nothing exists outside the Holy Trinity, which comprehends everything within itself, including Satan, with all the means allowed him for the accomplishment of his mission. Being engendered, he is a serving spirit. When the task of the Absolute ni has been achieved, his mission will end. It was from these traditional notions that Origen taught the redemption of the Devil. Satan will then re-emerge in his primitive aspect as Sathanael.
So Satan is doing his job, accordingly with God's plan and by his order.
Interesting view of Satan.
Now is the moment of Awakening!
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Post by I AM the Way on May 13, 2012 7:33:21 GMT -6
No apologizes needed, Loki Dreaming.
Yes, this is an interesting take on the Devil. I've encountered it before Gnosis. On the one hand, it makes sense... evil, suffering, and injustice is accounted for; the ledger balanced. However, on the other hand, the concept is arbitrary, bureaucratic, and apologist in nature. This description of the Christian trinity reminds me of a battered wife who excuses her husband for his unwarranted abuse. "Of course he hit me. I made him angry." I suppose that means if human beings turn the channel away from God's sunday football game, overcook his steak, or ask him why he was out all night, then we somehow deserve punishment.
Incidentally, this is how Mouravieff sweeps any authentic gnosticism theory under the rug. If one hand knows what the other is doing, as well as, having full control, then why is there evil in the world? Why does life suffer as it does? Making Satan God's lawyer does not due Satan justice, nor does it say much for God's omni-benevolence. Why should the Devil do God's dirty work? Begging the question, why must there be dirty work at all?
Anyways, I finally reached Chapter 12, and about damn time! If anyone wants to skim those middle chapters, then I don't have a problem with that. All the Octave notes, periodic table elements, and Cosmoses have little practical esoteric value, in my opinion. It neither gives this Tradition additional credence, nor does it elucidate the finer points of work on oneself.
Read through page 152, up to Chapter 14 by Wednesday night. Be ready to discuss Chapters 12 and 13. There will be a quiz of sorts, too.
Awake!
VS
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2012 11:53:49 GMT -6
Incidentally, this is how Mouravieff sweeps any authentic gnosticism theory under the rug. If one hand knows what the other is doing, as well as, having full control, then why is there evil in the world? Why does life suffer as it does? Making Satan God's lawyer does not due Satan justice, nor does it say much for God's omni-benevolence. Why should the Devil do God's dirty work? Begging the question, why must there be dirty work at all? I am convinced that to be worthy any man, angel or demon must be able to overcome suffering and to be stronger than all kinds of bad things. Else, what does it looks like, how would you call it, a doll, a pet ?
Of course that must not be his only quality but a handsome man is handsome only if he is strong ; and the only way to prove it is the struggle.
If we admit that an almighty god wants valuable entities around him then they have to pass the test or to disappear.
I'm making, correct my word, a "translation" between the esoteric christian paradigm of Mouravieff and our emerald one :
God (the father) => The Source Satan and the demons => The lesser gods of the earth Jesus and the archangels => Cthulhu and the A:O The angels => the demons
Awake.
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Post by lokidreaming on May 13, 2012 19:47:21 GMT -6
Requesting help in which BIBLE VERSION to get to help with understanding the TRUE TRUTHS that was originally put in the bible to help with further research into GNOSIS and other stuff like BABALON/BEAST/WHORE etc.
Also, after reading most of Kenneth Grant's Magical Revival, I am not so befuddled as I can align the different pieces of information together a bit more better.
Cheers Loki Dreaming
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Post by wren on May 14, 2012 11:03:51 GMT -6
Anyways, I finally reached Chapter 12, and about damn time! If anyone wants to skim those middle chapters, then I don't have a problem with that. All the Octave notes, periodic table elements, and Cosmoses have little practical esoteric value, in my opinion. It neither gives this Tradition additional credence, nor does it elucidate the finer points of work on oneself.
Read through page 152, up to Chapter 14 by Wednesday night. Be ready to discuss Chapters 12 and 13. There will be a quiz of sorts, too. VSI won't lie, I'm pretty much skipping to ch 12 to keep up. just means I'll have a lot of rereading to do over the summer. I'm getting started right after this post. Awake!
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Post by I AM the Way on May 15, 2012 6:15:57 GMT -6
Incidentally, this is how Mouravieff sweeps any authentic gnosticism theory under the rug. If one hand knows what the other is doing, as well as, having full control, then why is there evil in the world? Why does life suffer as it does? Making Satan God's lawyer does not due Satan justice, nor does it say much for God's omni-benevolence. Why should the Devil do God's dirty work? Begging the question, why must there be dirty work at all? I am convinced that to be worthy any man, angel or demon must be able to overcome suffering and to be stronger than all kinds of bad things. Else, what does it looks like, how would you call it, a doll, a pet ?
Of course that must not be his only quality but a handsome man is handsome only if he is strong ; and the only way to prove it is the struggle.
If we admit that an almighty god wants valuable entities around him then they have to pass the test or to disappear.
I'm making, correct my word, a "translation" between the esoteric christian paradigm of Mouravieff and our emerald one :
God (the father) => The Source Satan and the demons => The lesser gods of the earth Jesus and the archangels => Cthulhu and the A:O The angels => the demons
Awake. I believe that overcoming suffering, by conquering oneself, is necessary precisely because humanity is in bad shape, as well as, a difficult spot. If things were otherwise - the Great Old Ones being in power - then our lives would both be easier and more meaningful. However, would having this latter state of affairs from the beginning make us weak? Would we take it for granted? Perhaps that had something to do with Their banishment? I don't know. A conundrum to ponder... Incidentally, that topic could make for a phenomenal 2013 Ascension essay.
Your translation, using the CoC paradigm, corrects Mouravieff's imbalance. He would have us believe that the Source who begat the lesser gods of the earth and the A:O is the very same Christian trinity that holds sway over humanity's development, or lack thereof. If this was true, then I don't see how mankind could be rooted in fruitless suffering unless part of that trinity was either evil ( working against man), incapable, or simply negligent.
Awake!
VS
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Post by I AM the Way on May 21, 2012 7:01:20 GMT -6
Better late than never. That should probably be the motto for the last few chapters of the Mesoteric Cycle, right? We've been slacking a bit, haven't we? I know I have! Anyways, here's your pop quiz...
1. In your own words, define the glorification of God, mentioned in Gnosis book II, and describe one specific way of using it in your own life.
2. Explain how repentance, as explained in Gnosis book II, fits into your understanding of the Work.
3. There is an interesting passage on page 167. Assuming you took on a student, explain it to him.
It is by keeping the image of this divine state constantly present in mind, while at the same time constating his actual state in its naked truth, that he will be able to create within himself a 'difference of potential' capable of producing a high tension current of energy sufficiently strong to allow him to pursue his esoteric work with some chance of success.
You can post your answers on this thread so that we can all benefit from reading them. Don't be discouraged if you have trouble or aren't totally satisfied with your answers. Just by participating, you're struggling in the right way.
Read up to page 193, Chapter 18 by Friday night. Quote your favorite passage from these new pages and tell us why you enjoy it so much.
Awake!
VS
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Post by I AM the Way on May 29, 2012 12:30:38 GMT -6
Better late than never. That should probably be the motto for the last few chapters of the Mesoteric Cycle, right? We've been slacking a bit, haven't we? I know I have! Anyways, here's your pop quiz...
1. In your own words, define the glorification of God, mentioned in Gnosis book II, and describe one specific way of using it in your own life.
2. Explain how repentance, as explained in Gnosis book II, fits into your understanding of the Work.
3. There is an interesting passage on page 167. Assuming you took on a student, explain it to him.
It is by keeping the image of this divine state constantly present in mind, while at the same time constating his actual state in its naked truth, that he will be able to create within himself a 'difference of potential' capable of producing a high tension current of energy sufficiently strong to allow him to pursue his esoteric work with some chance of success.
You can post your answers on this thread so that we can all benefit from reading them. Don't be discouraged if you have trouble or aren't totally satisfied with your answers. Just by participating, you're struggling in the right way.
Read up to page 193, Chapter 18 by Friday night. Quote your favorite passage from these new pages and tell us why you enjoy it so much.
Awake!
VS
Let's see some new posts on this thread.
Awake!
VS
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Post by patience on May 29, 2012 22:46:12 GMT -6
I just finished this book tonight, and had to take a big break from reading it as I was busy with other parts of my life. I am going to have to go back and reread parts of this again because I am a fairly slow at picking up material like this on a first time read. I don't have a lot of deep extensive knowledge to share here that will be incredibly thought provoking. I am just not there yet to offer more than this.
1. In your own words, define the glorification of God, mentioned in Gnosis book II, and describe one specific way of using it in your own life.
- I don't know where they mention this specifically, I was skimming through the book and did not find the phrase. I also went to scribd.com and used the find function and could not find the exact phrase. Any way, as of right now, what I think it means in relation to this book and my life; 'to glorify God', is to to work towards completed Individuality as it shows in Fig 41 on page 240. For me it would mean to keep working on myself and to stay energized and optimistic that I can do this, and I will get there. A lot of times I feel really bummed out by the people around me. The meanness and treatment over all. I know that by getting caught up with focusing on that I am loosing sight of my own behavior. It becomes a giant road block, figuring out why people treat me or others a certain way. The disgust or what not swells up in me and soon I am wrapped up in it, I forget and often enough act out from that...and behave similarly. To me this is not glorifying the divine, this is forgetting and taking an opportunity for granted. I will think more about this as I reread sections of this book.
2. Explain how repentance, as explained in Gnosis book II, fits into your understanding of the Work.
- I don't know where exactly he discusses 'repentance' but I did feel as if pages 217-218 touched on it with the destruction of partial fusion and starting over again. I will have to think about it more as I reread, but if you can't admit you were/are wrong, and go back to start over... your just wasting energy on a foundation you already know is faulty. I figure you must know it is faulty if your unsatisfied with the results and you are not deeply satisfied with your life. For my own life I would have to say that the struggle revolves around my emotions of fear and attachment of/to others. Usually through words and actions that I have to face long after the original emotion sprouted. Many times my words and actions have been used to hurt me latter on...intentionally by others or maybe just karmically. I know that I have done that to others too. For me, one small way to 'repent' would involve getting over the thrill and rush of feeling and sharing that emotion right away. lol
3. There is an interesting passage on page 167. Assuming you took on a student, explain it to him.
It is by keeping the image of this divine state constantly present in mind, while at the same time constating his actual state in its naked truth, that he will be able to create within himself a 'difference of potential' capable of producing a high tension current of energy sufficiently strong to allow him to pursue his esoteric work with some chance of success.
- Focus on what you could become, what potential you have and then see yourself as you are now. Compare and note where you fall short. Work on it everyday.
A lot of times people say that I am being negative when I am frank in sharing what my inner struggles are. I think the book said that negative emotions can be useful in destruction. So maybe instead of sharing my struggles with others and hoping that the venting will relieve tension and change my life...the energy should be used to maintain the observation and the dialog within myself that notes the 'naked truth'. Instead of sharing with others, work on targeting a weak point in myself that leads me to be less than what I believe I could. Also sometimes I just need to let things go and forgive myself because I keep breathing new energy into things that are long over, and I know they are lifeless if I let them be.
Don't worry. Be happy. Make efforts.
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