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For those who see life as a Mystical AdventureArchive for third eye
Daily Meditation Focus 12SEP2009
The Role of Silence
– “Silence is Golden”
We’ve all heard the saying: Silence is Golden (Speech is Silver) but not many think about that age old axiom. Meditation has been called the “creation in the silence” by many and references to isolation and the removal of exterior influences abound in the meditation texts for over 4,000 years. While the esoteric references to the subject of gold are too numerous to mention in this brief text, a few dovetail nicely for our needs today. We will look at some additional background information pertaining to some intriguing aspects of a few of these references as well.
The first and most widely referenced allegorical golden symbol is the sun, our provider, nourisher and catalyst for creation on Earth. Its constant energetic action is reflected in the mind’s constant awareness, even in sleep and the seemingly never ending internal chatter of thought. We’ve recently touched upon the symbol of the sun as it relates to the chakra system(See Daily Focus Meditation from 9SEP2009). Although seldom documented, the chakra system is closely tied to the endocrine system. Each chakra corresponds to a gland in the body. NOTE: If there is enough interest, I will explore these
relationships in detail at a future time. Additionally, each gland has an affinity or pairing with a specific noble metal, in this case the pineal gland has correspondence with gold as a physical analogue to the esoteric evolution and perfection of consciousness; both the Philosopher’s Stone of the Middle Ages. As you begin to understand sacred sciences and the unified teaching of Pharaonic Egypt, you will see how our differentiated sciences were once an integrated set of teachings. In short, there are relationships between mathematics, chemistry, music, physics and other disciplines which are not expressed in the modern scientific models for various reasons. Concepts such as shared resonance and harmonic proportion, in this instance there are analogous tendencies in say, the orbitals and vibrational harmonics of the gold atom which correspond to the composition, function, vibrational nature and structure of the pineal gland in a mutually beneficial way. These interactions can effect the spin or state of the gold atoms and conversely, the activity of the pineal gland, which relates to the third eye (see series on Symbol) or mind’s eye (6th chakra); a key component in the meditation act. The fact that the practice of alchemy concerns the transmutation of base elements into gold (see today’s Book Review) is another well known association to this metal that most alive today are aware of. We now have a very basic connection between gold and silence, in the context of meditation and alchemy.
It is in the silence or stillness that one is brought face to face with their own emotions and thoughts. During meditation, we access an inner realm which ceases to exist solely in either physical or non-physical manifest realities, yet shares aspects of both. The union of the above and the below; the higher and lower. I recently heard it said (see Movie Review from today), that the crucifixion scene itself, is a
pointer to the mechanics and mysteries of mediation and the Inner tradition. As the Master teacher’s hands were nailed down, or pinned (we also see a veiled astrotheological reference, as the stasis is in space and time as well; A “fixed-point” neither on earth or in the heavens) we see the pointer to stillness and reckoning with the internal. As one sits with themselves and begins to delve into their own being, their own recesses of consciousness and identity, their emotional constructs of the ego, the mediation process begins.
As we learn to slowly push away the constant inner dialog of the ego and begin to bear witness to our own thoughts as they appear and dissolve, we open the inner dialogue with the higher self and the Alchemical Great Work commences. In regards to our journey on the path and seeing the physical experience as a mystical adventure, what is the relationship of silence to consciousness and how does silence aid us in our non-meditative states?
Please feel free to post any comments or feedback regarding this topic or share your meditation experience with our community in the Comments section below.
Movie Review – Illuminated Chakras
Vodpod videos no longer available.
I purchased this DVD about a year ago. The 3D animations are really great and after viewing it a few times, I realized there was great depth of thought put into the graphics…alot of subtle teachings going on throughout the movie. This is a very good run through of the chakra system and is visually captivating, so this piece would make a wonderful teaching tool, gift or is very good vehicle for introducing someone to the concept of Chakras and their workings. Great for a relaxing evening break from traditional media as well. You’ll see new things every time you watch it.
Starring: Anodea Judith Director: Anodea Judith, 2004, 30 minutes.
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part II
In Part I of this series, we talked briefly about the role of symbol in regards to the initiate’s development and how symbol can be understood on multiple levels by people of different backgrounds and training. Today we’ll revisit symbol and its use in Pharaonic Egypt and see how symbol manifests in the mind to various degrees.
As one begins to study and understand hieroglyphics in Temple context, it becomes clear that hieroglyphics do not have a single or linear (one to one relationship) meaning attached to them. In some cases, hieroglyphics can be entire schools of thought collapsed into a single image or logos; for example, a bull cow. The hieroglyphic of a bull doesn’t simply represent the animal. It can represent many concepts and principles such as strength, virility, force, the Age of Taurus etc. It is in the deeper meanings and principles that initiation and symbol concerns itself.
Typically, there are three levels, or expressions of symbol at work, depending on the person perceiving them. At the first level is the common, or profane meaning, which is the standard expression of a symbol for the masses. Secondly emerges the esoteric expression which can be specific to a group or time or may be guarded information. Lastly is the sacred; the ineffable, which is dynamic and rarified in nature. Sacred symbolism exists in the mind of the initiate or student who has done their work and is ready to receive the gifts of knowledge to be imparted to them. Sacred symbolism can not be taught or explained. It must be experienced or “seen”. This leads us to the nature of understanding and comprehension of symbol.
The keys to understanding and experiencing symbol, lie within the mind. While it is possible to interpret and understand symbol using just linear (rational though) or intuitive (creative thought) methods, the resulting knowledge will be truncated, static, one dimensional and passive in nature and will not serve to impart new knowledge. It is the union of the disparate paths of thought that unite and shine light on symbol. By utilizing both hemispheres of thought, the rational and intuitive, it allows for free thought and higher consciousness to occur. This holistic or “holy” state allows for “seeing” within the mind’s eye or third eye to facilitate dynamic thought and allows for the comprehension of great knowledge. The opening of the third eye enables those on the path to integrate seemingly disparate and unrelated concepts, to understand abstract thought processes and see natural cycles, laws and dynamic principles at work. This new way of thinking and the knowledge garnered therein, creates a foundation for future work within a given Order or Path.
Once these laws and principles are seen, that is, once they are experienced in the mind actively, it is possible to apply the teachings of these laws and cycles to ones life. They are used as measuring devices or tenets of universal principles that help to guide the initiate or student to make their own decisions, choices and original thoughts based on ageless lessons. For example, in Freemasonry, the “Working Tools” of the Craft are used within “Free” thought to permit the more advanced initiate to reconcile difficult concepts and provides for a mechanism for freeing their own minds from constraints.
Tomorrow, we will take a look at how understanding symbol relates to the interpretation of texts and how this mode of thought differentiates from modern, western culture and thought. For some, this text may have raised some questions in your mind. It’s ok, that it is totally natural.
If you wish to obtain further perspective on this piece, please see the Daily Meditation Focus from yesterday.
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part I
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part III
Daily Meditation Focus 7SEP2009
The Union of Opposites
In regards to the collective esoteric schools of thought and occult laws, the concept of opposites, specifically, the union of opposites, is a key and essential element in most aspects of their teachings. Duality and conflict will give rise to union and resolution if the opposing forces or principles can be reconciled wisely.
Today’s focus for mediation deals with the intertwined relationship of seemingly opposite, or polar, concepts.
The alchemical theme of the Androgyne is regarded as a highly prized achievement or principle attainment for Adepts pursuing the alchemical Work. The androgyne signifies the integration of disparate elements into a more perfected state than either of the individual components could achieve alone. In the context of thought, specifically opposing aspects of thought such as intuition and logic, a union of opposites brings forth an entirely new reality of thought as well as expanded states of consciousness.
This union allows for normally static or linear thought processes to become animated; to allow the faculties of creation, sight, reason and vision to work together in a new way. In regards to our journey on the path and seeing the physical experience as a mystical adventure, how would the union of reason and intuition assist us, to better understand natural or cosmic laws, principles and phenomena?
Please feel free to post any comments or feedback regarding this topic or share your meditation experience with our community in the Comments section below.
OUR DAILY BREAD - a blog for esoteric living 
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part III
September 9, 2009 at 10:11 PM · Filed under Esoteric Commentary and tagged: Alexander of Macedon, Alexander the Great, Egypt, esotericism, Freemasonry, harmonic proportion, harmonics, initiation, Luxor, Masonic symbol, pineal gland, sacred geometry, Schwaller, symbolist teachings, Temple of Man, third eye, Washington D.C.
In Parts I & II of this series we discussed how symbol is experienced in different ways by people at different points of advancement on the path and the nature and methods of how symbol is interpreted in my mind. We touched upon the role of symbol in Pharaonic Egypt and the unfolding of consciousness as one begins to see symbol at work in the world around them. Today we’ll see some examples of how the use and application of symbolist teachings can contribute to a richer life and give insight into sacred and esoteric texts.
Once one has a grasp of symbol and the symbolist teachings that are imparted, it becomes easier to comprehend the messages and teaching contained in symbol and over time, allows for the initiate or student to move much faster. As a simple, somewhat recreational example, a trip to Washington D.C. by any Freemason with knowledge of Masonic and esoteric symbol becomes a truly amazing and eye-opening experience. Which, I can say is not only great fun, but in some ways quite moving. A completely new world is unveiled and it is quite an amazing experience that I do not have words to properly express.
As symbolist teachings become engrained and are active in the mind, one will begin to see the fundamental relationships between not only esoteric texts, but the traditional religious texts and articles of faith left to us by pervious generations as well as previous epochs. In regards to Egypt, a trip to the standing Egyptian Temples becomes a mind-blowing experience. In this case, we find not only a massive archive of hieroglyphic knowledge condensed in the symbols that adorn the walls and pillars or the structures left from that ancient time but also that the temples are themselves the teachings to be understood by current initiates. The harmonic proportions, sacred geometries and number theory contained in the actual structures begin to speak and impart knowledge to the prepared mind. Even one temporally removed by 4,000 years can still reap the benefits of the esoteric tradition today (see intro video on Magical egypt). In the case of the Temple at Luxor, the teachings reveal the nature of the human body expressed in the temple itself. In oldest part of the structure, the Holy of Holies, we find the center of the brain and the pineal gland (third eye). As you move from the top to the bottom of the temple, you are guided through the entire human physiology ending at the bottom, or feet of a human structure. From the esoteric lunar influence of tides in relationship to respiration to the semi-incomplete interconnected carvings on the opposing faces of a granite wall representing thought traversing the mind as they create a complete picture when superimposed. The experience is unlike any other.
As we look at disparate cultures and how symbol can still be relevant, I am reminded of a story of Alexander the Great. Alexander of Macedon conquered most of the known world during his lifetime and was himself an initiate of the Egyptian Mystery Schools. As he ventured across the eastern continents, we was known to take part in the religious worship of the peoples he conquered. He saw the fundamental truths and symbolic equalities in the religious allegory and rituals and could interpret those teachings within a common framework that transcended difference and religious fervor.
A serious student of symbolist teaching will eventually be confronted with the religious texts of the modern world. At this point, the texts loose all semblance of historical and chronological validity and the initiate sees and begins to understand the greater truths exposed to them. The expression of principles and laws, universal truths and allegorical interpretation lay in full view of the initiate and a completely new text appears. As these texts are experienced in a symbolic way, a deeper respect is often found and in many ways, an entirely new history is experienced.
This concludes our brief introduction to symbol and symbolic language. If there is continued interest by the readers of this blog, I will go into further detail on this subject. I hope you enjoyed this piece and I wish you well on your adventure ahead.
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part I
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part II
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