True Compass
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Monday, February 1, 2016
WHAT IS SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING?
In my previous post to SANE LIVING, I attempted to shed some light on the Nature of Spiritual Understanding, by describing it as a unique 'Way of Knowing' - encompassing both REAL FEELING and INTUITION. It is also a particular 'type' of knowledge; that, once gained, is never lost; that is to say, it is ALWAYS accessible.
This 'Intuitive' Knowledge CAN, to a considerable extent, be RATIONALISED. That is, Insights derived through the 'Intuitive Faculty', can be put into rational terms; into WORDS, and into LANGUAGE.
Time and again, however, INTUITION proves itself superior to REASON, in terms of producing unerring outcomes; and this, in the most diverse situations. Time and again, INTUITION passes the test of RATIONAL CRITICISM. This demonstrates to me that INTUITION is most intimately linked to TRUTH Consciousness.
This is revealed through the ATTRIBUTE; or QUALITY, of 'DIRECT KNOWING'.
It is most important to note that INTUITION itself, develops gradually; and is a direct outcome of the progressive development of what I am describing as 'REAL FEELING.' That is, there is a definite developmental sequence, which begins with the transformation of basic desires and emotions, (such as LUST, GREED, ANGER and SORROW, etc.) - through the gradual integration of what can be described as 'Lower Reason.' I am not using this term pejoratively; It simply means our 'basic human reason' - the type of 'reason' that is derived from, and hence, fundamentally allied to the physical world through external sensation, and perception.
Through the application of 'Basic Human Reason' - 'Thought' - one develops 'Emotional Intelligence.' What I am calling 'REAL FEELING' develops out of this progressive integration of 'Reason and Emotion.'
In terms of 'mental structure,' Real Feeling' belongs to the inner-most 'circle', or 'sphere' of the 'Total Mind.' What I am referring to as the 'Total Mind' is comprised of the three (3) bodies; gross, subtle, and mental - taken together as a unity. In this conceptual schema, 'Real Feeling' is the function of MIND closest to the 'Absolute Centre' of our Total Being. This CENTRE is known as the 'OM POINT.' (Another designation would be the Arche-median Point, or 'Absolute Middle Point.')
It is also known as The 'Spiritual Heart.' This inner-most Sanctum (of the 'Total Mind') is (from one point of view) contained within the second level, layer, or sphere; that of 'Pure Reason.'
Therefore, in structural terms, this 'inner-most' sphere can be considered the very 'Core' ('Coeur'; or 'Heart') of the 'Total Mind.' In the terminology of Avatar Meher Baba, this (Usually; Most Deeply Unconscious) layer, or 'strata' of TOTAL MIND is referred to as "The Sixth Plane of Consciousness." The level of Pure Feeling; and Divine Sight. This 'SEEING' is the Direct Perception' of GOD's INFINITE REALITY!
This 'Intuitive' Knowledge CAN, to a considerable extent, be RATIONALISED. That is, Insights derived through the 'Intuitive Faculty', can be put into rational terms; into WORDS, and into LANGUAGE.
Time and again, however, INTUITION proves itself superior to REASON, in terms of producing unerring outcomes; and this, in the most diverse situations. Time and again, INTUITION passes the test of RATIONAL CRITICISM. This demonstrates to me that INTUITION is most intimately linked to TRUTH Consciousness.
This is revealed through the ATTRIBUTE; or QUALITY, of 'DIRECT KNOWING'.
It is most important to note that INTUITION itself, develops gradually; and is a direct outcome of the progressive development of what I am describing as 'REAL FEELING.' That is, there is a definite developmental sequence, which begins with the transformation of basic desires and emotions, (such as LUST, GREED, ANGER and SORROW, etc.) - through the gradual integration of what can be described as 'Lower Reason.' I am not using this term pejoratively; It simply means our 'basic human reason' - the type of 'reason' that is derived from, and hence, fundamentally allied to the physical world through external sensation, and perception.
Through the application of 'Basic Human Reason' - 'Thought' - one develops 'Emotional Intelligence.' What I am calling 'REAL FEELING' develops out of this progressive integration of 'Reason and Emotion.'
In terms of 'mental structure,' Real Feeling' belongs to the inner-most 'circle', or 'sphere' of the 'Total Mind.' What I am referring to as the 'Total Mind' is comprised of the three (3) bodies; gross, subtle, and mental - taken together as a unity. In this conceptual schema, 'Real Feeling' is the function of MIND closest to the 'Absolute Centre' of our Total Being. This CENTRE is known as the 'OM POINT.' (Another designation would be the Arche-median Point, or 'Absolute Middle Point.')
It is also known as The 'Spiritual Heart.' This inner-most Sanctum (of the 'Total Mind') is (from one point of view) contained within the second level, layer, or sphere; that of 'Pure Reason.'
Therefore, in structural terms, this 'inner-most' sphere can be considered the very 'Core' ('Coeur'; or 'Heart') of the 'Total Mind.' In the terminology of Avatar Meher Baba, this (Usually; Most Deeply Unconscious) layer, or 'strata' of TOTAL MIND is referred to as "The Sixth Plane of Consciousness." The level of Pure Feeling; and Divine Sight. This 'SEEING' is the Direct Perception' of GOD's INFINITE REALITY!
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Sane Living In An Insane World; Is It Possible?
Sane Living in an 'Insane' world; Is it possible? I believe it is, however, one must recognise that TRUE SANITY is more an Ideal 'State of Being' - to which one aspires.
That is, a State of Being that one attempts to realise; or actualise, in one's everyday life.
It may not be easy; but what is the alternative? Being driven 'mad' by the prevailing insanity? There is no doubt in my mind that the first option is the ONLY realistic CHOICE.
And, yes, it IS a CHOICE - A CHOICE that must be continually re-affirmed, in ALL of life's circumstances; and whatever the challenges.
However, the problem that we are faced with at the very outset, is that there is at present no concise definition; or, even agreement, about the actual nature of 'TRUE SANITY!'
It is not simply a matter of 'sane' vs. mad' - or, 'normal' vs. 'ab-normal!' The concept that I have in mind, is altogether different; it does not as yet exist!
This is precisely what one would expect, given the fact that it is imperative - (due to the innate structure of the concept) - that each individual human being, work out; or construct mentally - for themselves - their OWN CONCEPTION of the IDEAL.
This does not mean that each individual human person should go off alone somewhere and construct their own unique 'delusional system'; or that one is totally 'at sea' - without any points of accurate navigation - the points and pointers are out there already. However, these 'navigation points' (and the 'maps' to which they refer) are not always so easy to see; or recognise - through the medium of some 'ready made' chart; or, in a so-called 'manual!
This is indeed ironic, given the FACT that we have an incredibly voluminous 'manual' - defining for us every conceivable (and/or imaginable) 'mental illness' and/or 'mental disorder.' This 'mega-tome' of a 'volume' is termed "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" - more commonly known as "The DSM-5."
There is practically NO HUMAN EXPERIENCE, OR ACTION, which is outside the 'diagnostic' scope of this massive attempt at pathologising ALL of our human experience, and/or action.
In other words, just about everything we are capable of experiencing; and/or doing, as human beings, is becoming more and more a matter of 'what we are allowed; or not allowed' - to experience, or do; according to a set of predetermined (and 'prescribed') diagnostic categories; worked out on the basis of, and defined by, a list of (quite arbitrary) 'test score' variables.
Rather than allowing ourselves to be distracted by the existence of such a 'manual'; we shall return at once to the more rewarding task of attempting to define the IDEAL of 'TRUE SANITY' - and consequently - SANE LIVING.
Once again, it is up to each and every human person to construct - for themselves - a 'working definition' of the CONCEPT of 'True Sanity.'
Our discussion so far, has led us, quite naturally, to the point where it is necessary to posit the IDEAL of TRUE SANITY - as a LIFE GOAL. A Goal to be realised - in LIFE.
It also follows, quite naturally, that the means to realising the Ideal (of TRUE SANITY) in Life - is through the PRACTICE of SANE LIVING.
It has also become necessary at this point in our discussion, to state unequivocally, what I mean by the 'Ideal' of 'True Sanity' - posited as a Life Goal.
The ONLY (Ultimately) TRUE 'SANITY' that I recognise is the Ultimate Human-Spiritual State of Conscious Union with GOD. This 'State of Consciousness' is also known as The State of 'God-Realisation' - or; True 'Self-Realisation' by Woman/Man.
The reason that I make this assertion, is because I equate the State of Conscious Union with GOD, with a corresponding experiential state - of Total Oneness; a State of Absolute, Inviolable Integrity; of WHOLENESS - a completely UN-DIVIDED SELF.
Furthermore, in order to REALISE this IDEAL of TRUE SANITY, I believe it is necessary to incorporate 'Spiritual Understanding' into ALL aspects of one's actual life - in the world.
The question before us now is; 'what is 'spiritual understanding?'
Perhaps the best approach to answering this question regarding 'spiritual understanding' would be to quote from the Discourses of AvatarMeherBaba.
I shall quote from page 24 of the on-line version (of the original 1967; 3 vol., 6th. edition); as this is now the most readily accessable; it is also an exact transcript of the original (3-vol., 1967) edition, that was published before Avatar Meher Baba 'dropped His body.'
In the Discourse entitled 'The New Humanity,' Meher Baba states '.....even when man sets himself to the limited task of securing purely material adjustment (i.e., the task of attaining Socio-Economic Equality), he can only succeed in this attempt if he has spiritual understanding.'
'.....Economic adjustment is impossible unless people realise that there can be no planned or co-operative action in economic matters until self-interest gives place to self-giving love. Otherwise, with the best of equipment and efficency in the materal spheres, humanity cannot avoid conflict and insufficiency.' (ibid.,pp.24).
This is only the first of many references to the term spiritual understanding that occurs in the actual text of the original 6th. edn. of the discoursesbymeherbaba. As well as this, every one of these individual references appears in a significantly different, though related context.
In light of this fact, I shall present here my OWN 'working definition' of the CONCEPT of spiritual understanding.
Spiritual Understanding is a unique 'Way of Knowing'; and a particular 'form', or 'type' of Knowledge, that comes about gradually; as a result of on-going Spiritual Experience.
Spiritual Experience encompasses both 'Real Feeling,' and 'Intuition.' Spiritual Experience is itself a form of 'Direct Knowing'; un-mediated by Human Reason. That is, it transcends (or 'goes beyond') Human Reason.
This is not to say that Spiritual Understanding is necessarily contradictory to; or un-approachable by Human Reason. On the contrary, the faculty of human reason is an excellent starting point in one's exploration of the possible meaning of these other, no less important, 'ways of knowing.'
Other persons can, and indeed must arrive at their OWN 'working definitions'; as the SAME ONE TRUTH manifests individually - through EACH and EVERY Human Heart - from WITHIN.
The following diagram (Figure-1)is a close representation of what I have been attempting to describe above, as it depicts in schematic form the possibility of an alternative LIFE CHOICE - that of a genuine STATE of "TRUE SANITY." In the diagram below, this ULTIMATE LIFE-GOAL is depicted as the "Omega Point." The Point of TRUE SANITY! (Excerpted from 'Psychiatry and Anti-Psychiatry', David Cooper; 1967, pp.30,31.Paladin.)
That is, a State of Being that one attempts to realise; or actualise, in one's everyday life.
It may not be easy; but what is the alternative? Being driven 'mad' by the prevailing insanity? There is no doubt in my mind that the first option is the ONLY realistic CHOICE.
And, yes, it IS a CHOICE - A CHOICE that must be continually re-affirmed, in ALL of life's circumstances; and whatever the challenges.
However, the problem that we are faced with at the very outset, is that there is at present no concise definition; or, even agreement, about the actual nature of 'TRUE SANITY!'
It is not simply a matter of 'sane' vs. mad' - or, 'normal' vs. 'ab-normal!' The concept that I have in mind, is altogether different; it does not as yet exist!
This is precisely what one would expect, given the fact that it is imperative - (due to the innate structure of the concept) - that each individual human being, work out; or construct mentally - for themselves - their OWN CONCEPTION of the IDEAL.
This does not mean that each individual human person should go off alone somewhere and construct their own unique 'delusional system'; or that one is totally 'at sea' - without any points of accurate navigation - the points and pointers are out there already. However, these 'navigation points' (and the 'maps' to which they refer) are not always so easy to see; or recognise - through the medium of some 'ready made' chart; or, in a so-called 'manual!
This is indeed ironic, given the FACT that we have an incredibly voluminous 'manual' - defining for us every conceivable (and/or imaginable) 'mental illness' and/or 'mental disorder.' This 'mega-tome' of a 'volume' is termed "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" - more commonly known as "The DSM-5."
There is practically NO HUMAN EXPERIENCE, OR ACTION, which is outside the 'diagnostic' scope of this massive attempt at pathologising ALL of our human experience, and/or action.
In other words, just about everything we are capable of experiencing; and/or doing, as human beings, is becoming more and more a matter of 'what we are allowed; or not allowed' - to experience, or do; according to a set of predetermined (and 'prescribed') diagnostic categories; worked out on the basis of, and defined by, a list of (quite arbitrary) 'test score' variables.
Rather than allowing ourselves to be distracted by the existence of such a 'manual'; we shall return at once to the more rewarding task of attempting to define the IDEAL of 'TRUE SANITY' - and consequently - SANE LIVING.
Once again, it is up to each and every human person to construct - for themselves - a 'working definition' of the CONCEPT of 'True Sanity.'
Our discussion so far, has led us, quite naturally, to the point where it is necessary to posit the IDEAL of TRUE SANITY - as a LIFE GOAL. A Goal to be realised - in LIFE.
It also follows, quite naturally, that the means to realising the Ideal (of TRUE SANITY) in Life - is through the PRACTICE of SANE LIVING.
It has also become necessary at this point in our discussion, to state unequivocally, what I mean by the 'Ideal' of 'True Sanity' - posited as a Life Goal.
The ONLY (Ultimately) TRUE 'SANITY' that I recognise is the Ultimate Human-Spiritual State of Conscious Union with GOD. This 'State of Consciousness' is also known as The State of 'God-Realisation' - or; True 'Self-Realisation' by Woman/Man.
The reason that I make this assertion, is because I equate the State of Conscious Union with GOD, with a corresponding experiential state - of Total Oneness; a State of Absolute, Inviolable Integrity; of WHOLENESS - a completely UN-DIVIDED SELF.
Furthermore, in order to REALISE this IDEAL of TRUE SANITY, I believe it is necessary to incorporate 'Spiritual Understanding' into ALL aspects of one's actual life - in the world.
The question before us now is; 'what is 'spiritual understanding?'
Perhaps the best approach to answering this question regarding 'spiritual understanding' would be to quote from the Discourses of AvatarMeherBaba.
I shall quote from page 24 of the on-line version (of the original 1967; 3 vol., 6th. edition); as this is now the most readily accessable; it is also an exact transcript of the original (3-vol., 1967) edition, that was published before Avatar Meher Baba 'dropped His body.'
In the Discourse entitled 'The New Humanity,' Meher Baba states '.....even when man sets himself to the limited task of securing purely material adjustment (i.e., the task of attaining Socio-Economic Equality), he can only succeed in this attempt if he has spiritual understanding.'
'.....Economic adjustment is impossible unless people realise that there can be no planned or co-operative action in economic matters until self-interest gives place to self-giving love. Otherwise, with the best of equipment and efficency in the materal spheres, humanity cannot avoid conflict and insufficiency.' (ibid.,pp.24).
This is only the first of many references to the term spiritual understanding that occurs in the actual text of the original 6th. edn. of the discoursesbymeherbaba. As well as this, every one of these individual references appears in a significantly different, though related context.
In light of this fact, I shall present here my OWN 'working definition' of the CONCEPT of spiritual understanding.
Spiritual Understanding is a unique 'Way of Knowing'; and a particular 'form', or 'type' of Knowledge, that comes about gradually; as a result of on-going Spiritual Experience.
Spiritual Experience encompasses both 'Real Feeling,' and 'Intuition.' Spiritual Experience is itself a form of 'Direct Knowing'; un-mediated by Human Reason. That is, it transcends (or 'goes beyond') Human Reason.
This is not to say that Spiritual Understanding is necessarily contradictory to; or un-approachable by Human Reason. On the contrary, the faculty of human reason is an excellent starting point in one's exploration of the possible meaning of these other, no less important, 'ways of knowing.'
Other persons can, and indeed must arrive at their OWN 'working definitions'; as the SAME ONE TRUTH manifests individually - through EACH and EVERY Human Heart - from WITHIN.
The following diagram (Figure-1)is a close representation of what I have been attempting to describe above, as it depicts in schematic form the possibility of an alternative LIFE CHOICE - that of a genuine STATE of "TRUE SANITY." In the diagram below, this ULTIMATE LIFE-GOAL is depicted as the "Omega Point." The Point of TRUE SANITY! (Excerpted from 'Psychiatry and Anti-Psychiatry', David Cooper; 1967, pp.30,31.Paladin.)
 |
It is interesting to note that in the above diagram, David Cooper equates 'normality' with 'arrested development.' This arrested development is both cognitive and emotional. However, the main cause of this state of total arrest, (normality) is on account of the more primal aspect of 'emotional disturbance.'
It is a FACT that most so-called 'cognitive impairment' is for the most part caused by the prevention of emotional development, (all the way back to the inception point of birth).
However, the norm, (normality) - particularly in the so-called 'developed' (first world) societies, tends to be in the direction of a definite lack of what has been termed 'Emotional Intelligence.' (see Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence, 1997).
This would seem an appropriate time to return again to our 'key concept' of Spiritual Understanding. I shall devote a separate posting to this ALL IMPORTANT CONCEPT; as it requires considerable elaboration, and clarification. |
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
INVOLUTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS
'Involution of consciousness' is the 'psycho-spiritual' process underlying genuine spiritual self-development. It is different to C.G. Jung's concept of 'individuation' as well as A. Maslow's 'self-actualisation.' It is the opposite process to 'evolution of consciousness' as outlined in Avatar Meher Baba's book God Speaks (Dodd Mead, 1973) with particular reference to Part-8 of that work, entitled 'The cycle of evolution and involution of consciousness.'
The process that I have dubbed 'The Alchemy of The Spirit' referes to that part of the cycle designated in God Speaks as 'the involution of consciousness.' In this respect I have taken the liberty of interpreting 'spirit' as consciouisness, that is, 'consciousness itself.'
The process that I have dubbed 'The Alchemy of The Spirit' referes to that part of the cycle designated in God Speaks as 'the involution of consciousness.' In this respect I have taken the liberty of interpreting 'spirit' as consciouisness, that is, 'consciousness itself.'
Sunday, September 9, 2012
INNER CONNECTIONS
In my initial post to this particular 'site', I was keen to draw a distinction between what I consider to be two fundamentally different types of inter-human-spiritual ALCHEMY.
However, I would hasten to add that in life (in vivo?) things are rarely as neatly divided up as we would imagine them to be.
For example, it occurred to me quite naturally after re-reading my last posting, that there is really no 'hard and fast' divide between human psyches! (which is not to say that there are no inner; or internal 'inter-faces' - just as there are external ones ).
I acknowledged this only indirectly in my previous post, in saying that in soul alchemy, two (or more) human psyches can and indeed do influence each other; and I made the further distinction that this happens more often than not unconsciously.
However, if it happens anyway, then there must be the possiblity (at least in theory) of becoming conscious of what is occuring .
However, I would hasten to add that in life (in vivo?) things are rarely as neatly divided up as we would imagine them to be.
For example, it occurred to me quite naturally after re-reading my last posting, that there is really no 'hard and fast' divide between human psyches! (which is not to say that there are no inner; or internal 'inter-faces' - just as there are external ones ).
I acknowledged this only indirectly in my previous post, in saying that in soul alchemy, two (or more) human psyches can and indeed do influence each other; and I made the further distinction that this happens more often than not unconsciously.
However, if it happens anyway, then there must be the possiblity (at least in theory) of becoming conscious of what is occuring .
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
TWO KINDS OF ALCHEMY
I would like to begin this post by making fundamental distinction between what I consider to be two principal forms of 'ALCHEMY' in the inter-subjetive human world.
The first type is what might be called 'soul alchemy.' This particular 'alchemy' comes into play whenever two or more individual human psyches enter the arena of engagement which prevails during any usually on-going interrelationship.
This situation could (and usually does) exist between two (or more) 'marriage' partners; it could (and usually does) exist between a 'doctor' and 'patient' and very definitely between a psycho-therapist (or 'counsellor') and her/his 'client.'
What distinquishes this form of 'soul alchemy' from the 'Alchemy of The Spirit' is that it occurs willy nilly, whether one wants it or not. It occurs spontaneously. Both (or all) participants in this 'exchange' are affected, for better or for worse. To put it another way, it happens 'unconsciously.' It is an unconscious process. You may not know that you have been affected in such and such a way until afterwards. It is in fact a natural aspect of human relating.
'The Alchemy of the Spirit' on the other hand is a conscious, intentional process. It requires effort, at least in the initial stages. It does not necessarily occur spontaneously. It co-incides in every way with what is also known as 'spiritual advancement' or 'treading the spiritual path.'
In this respect, it differs from 'soul alchemy' in that the process doesn't necessarily require the presence of other persons, at least in terms of 'physical' proximity, as generally understood. In actual fact much of this process of 'consciousness transformation' occurs in solitude. However, it is in no way a so-called 'flight from reality' or an avoidance of other persons and the world. On the contrary, the times spent 'alone' have no sense of 'aloneness' or 'lonliness' about them. This is because in these moments one is alone with one's True Beloved -GOD. These moments spent 'in solitude' can be amongst the most positively transforming.
There is, however, another aspect of this process which can be equally liberating, and these are the times spent in close collaboration with another individual who is in some way and to a certain measure, 'spiritually advanced.' I realise that there is a lot of confusion and indeed uncertainty in identifying another human being who may be in some sense 'spiritually advanced.' And this invites the whole thorny question of 'spiritual intermediaries.' That is, other person's who are in some way positioning themselves between GOD on the one hand and other persons, as guides, mentores, or 'priests' etc.
To give a classic example, we only have to think of the historical role of the Catholic Church, and more specifically the role of priests up until the time of the 'reformation.' The claim here was that one needed the priesthood, and the Church Hierarchy, as ones Earthly 'access point' to The Almighty.
Thank God, this delusion has more or less been superseded. I would hazard a quess and say that it may not much matter to the majority of people on the Planet today, (although, there are no doubt notable exceptions) whether they are threatened by 'excommunication', at least in the religous sense.
For my own part, I believe that I have been fortunate enough ot have not only encounted, but actually spent a considerable amount of time with at least two 'spiritually advanced souls.'
during different phases of this, my present re-incarnation.
Not all 'spiritually advanced souls' are of the same type. They can be entirely different in terms of their outward appearance and behaviour. For a comprehensive description and classification of the various types, I would direct the reader to Dr Willliam Donkin's masterpiece, 'The Wayfarers' which chronicles the work of Avatar Meher Baba with the 'mad' and 'masts' (literally 'God-intoxicated') souls of India.
It seems that I have digressed somewhat from my initial purpose here which is simply to make a necessary distinction between what can be considered as two kinds of 'inter-personal' and 'intra-psychic-spiritual' Alchemy, or 'consciousness transformation.' One which happens all the time, whether desired or not; and one which is for the most part conscious; and definitely desired - and I would hasten to add most desirable!
However, I am going to have to return to this topic in my next post. I trust that there is sufficient 'content' here already to spark the interest of my readers.
Jai Baba!
MeherStar
The first type is what might be called 'soul alchemy.' This particular 'alchemy' comes into play whenever two or more individual human psyches enter the arena of engagement which prevails during any usually on-going interrelationship.
This situation could (and usually does) exist between two (or more) 'marriage' partners; it could (and usually does) exist between a 'doctor' and 'patient' and very definitely between a psycho-therapist (or 'counsellor') and her/his 'client.'
What distinquishes this form of 'soul alchemy' from the 'Alchemy of The Spirit' is that it occurs willy nilly, whether one wants it or not. It occurs spontaneously. Both (or all) participants in this 'exchange' are affected, for better or for worse. To put it another way, it happens 'unconsciously.' It is an unconscious process. You may not know that you have been affected in such and such a way until afterwards. It is in fact a natural aspect of human relating.
'The Alchemy of the Spirit' on the other hand is a conscious, intentional process. It requires effort, at least in the initial stages. It does not necessarily occur spontaneously. It co-incides in every way with what is also known as 'spiritual advancement' or 'treading the spiritual path.'
In this respect, it differs from 'soul alchemy' in that the process doesn't necessarily require the presence of other persons, at least in terms of 'physical' proximity, as generally understood. In actual fact much of this process of 'consciousness transformation' occurs in solitude. However, it is in no way a so-called 'flight from reality' or an avoidance of other persons and the world. On the contrary, the times spent 'alone' have no sense of 'aloneness' or 'lonliness' about them. This is because in these moments one is alone with one's True Beloved -GOD. These moments spent 'in solitude' can be amongst the most positively transforming.
There is, however, another aspect of this process which can be equally liberating, and these are the times spent in close collaboration with another individual who is in some way and to a certain measure, 'spiritually advanced.' I realise that there is a lot of confusion and indeed uncertainty in identifying another human being who may be in some sense 'spiritually advanced.' And this invites the whole thorny question of 'spiritual intermediaries.' That is, other person's who are in some way positioning themselves between GOD on the one hand and other persons, as guides, mentores, or 'priests' etc.
To give a classic example, we only have to think of the historical role of the Catholic Church, and more specifically the role of priests up until the time of the 'reformation.' The claim here was that one needed the priesthood, and the Church Hierarchy, as ones Earthly 'access point' to The Almighty.
Thank God, this delusion has more or less been superseded. I would hazard a quess and say that it may not much matter to the majority of people on the Planet today, (although, there are no doubt notable exceptions) whether they are threatened by 'excommunication', at least in the religous sense.
For my own part, I believe that I have been fortunate enough ot have not only encounted, but actually spent a considerable amount of time with at least two 'spiritually advanced souls.'
during different phases of this, my present re-incarnation.
Not all 'spiritually advanced souls' are of the same type. They can be entirely different in terms of their outward appearance and behaviour. For a comprehensive description and classification of the various types, I would direct the reader to Dr Willliam Donkin's masterpiece, 'The Wayfarers' which chronicles the work of Avatar Meher Baba with the 'mad' and 'masts' (literally 'God-intoxicated') souls of India.
It seems that I have digressed somewhat from my initial purpose here which is simply to make a necessary distinction between what can be considered as two kinds of 'inter-personal' and 'intra-psychic-spiritual' Alchemy, or 'consciousness transformation.' One which happens all the time, whether desired or not; and one which is for the most part conscious; and definitely desired - and I would hasten to add most desirable!
However, I am going to have to return to this topic in my next post. I trust that there is sufficient 'content' here already to spark the interest of my readers.
Jai Baba!
MeherStar
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