The Will considered on 2 Planes

Aum418

The Will considered on 2 Planes
(a)the theoretical/absolute and (b) the practical/relative

The Will is completely central to Thelema. Liber AL vel Legis, the central text of Thelema states:

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. (I:40)
Thou hast no right but to do thy will. Do that, and no other shall say nay. (I:42-43)
There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt. (III:60)

There are two “planes” that one must consider the Will on for it to be understood completely. The first plane will be labeled the “theoretical/absolute” and the second will be labeled “practical/relative.” As Aleister Crowley warns in many places we are not to “confuse the planes” – that is, we must keep the considerations of each plane within its own sphere and not let the judgments that pertain to one be confused as pertaining to the other.

On the theoretical/absolute plane, everyone and everything is already doing its “true” or “pure” Will.

"Know firmly, o my son, that the true Will cannot err; for this is thine appointed course in Heaven, in whose order is Perfection." — Liber Aleph, "De Somniis"

“There are much deeper considerations in which it appears that ‘Everything that is, is right’. They are set forth elsewhere; we can only summarise them here by saying that the survival of the fittest is their upshot.” — Magick in Theory and Practice, Chapter I

“The uninitiate is a "Dark Star", and the Great Work for him is to make his veils transparent by 'purifying' them. This 'purification' is really 'simplification'; it is not that the veil is dirty, but that the complexity of its folds makes it opaque. The Great Work therefore consists principally in the solution of complexes. Everything in itself is perfect, but when things are muddled, they become 'evil'.” –New Comment to AL I:8

“…Each of us stars is to move on our true orbit, as marked out by the nature of our position, the law of our growth, the impulse of our past experiences. All events are equally lawful - and every one necessary, in the long run - for all of us, in theory; but in practise, only one act is lawful for each one of us at any given moment. Therefore Duty consists in determining to experience the right event from one moment of consciousness to another.” –Intro to Liber AL, part III

This last quotation touches on the pertinent issue of this short essay: “All events are equally lawful – and every one necessary, in the long run – for all of us, in theory.” This is the Will perceived from the theoretical/absolute plane – Crowley himself uses the terminology of “in theory” to describe this aspect. In an “absolute” sense, or from an “absolute” perspective, “all events are equally lawful – and every one necessary.”

He then writes, “but in practise, only one act is lawful for each one of us at any given moment… Duty consists in determining to experience the right event from one moment of consciousness to another.” This is the Will perceived from the practical/relative plane. In a relative sense, there is discrimination needed.

The first and most common “confusion of the planes” occurs when one perceives the truth of the theoretical/absolute plane of Will. In this sense, all events are lawful and necessary and there is no “wrong” or “evil.” This means in the world that no actions are to be restricted whatsoever because all things “work out in the end,” you might say. This will literally be the death of you if one decides to adopt the theoretical/absolute perspective as a practical/relative philosophy. Although the Will is “perfect” and “necessary” on the theoretical/absolute plane, there is a “Duty” that is the practical necessity of determining the action that is “right.”

The theoretical/absolute plane of Will is virtually useless on a practical level, although knowledge of the fact that Will cannot truly ever err may give rise to a certain confidence, detachment, and carefree attitude. It is on the practical/relative plane of existence that we normally function on, therefore a practical/relative understanding of Will is needed.

In Thelema, the practical/relative application of this is stated as:

Love is the law, love under will. (I:57)

Love is the modus operandi of the Thelemite, and it must be “under will.” “Each action or motion is an act of love, the uniting with one or another part of ‘Nuit’; each such act must be 'under will,' chosen so as to fulfill and not to thwart the true nature of the being concerned.” (Intro to Liber AL, part III)

Therefore, the Will of Thelema must be considered as simultaneously operating on two planes: the theoretical/absolute and the practical/relative. On the plane of the theoretical/absolute, all events are perfect, pure, & necessary; on the plane of the practical/relative, the Thelemite operates under the formula of “love under will,” assimilating experience in accordance with their unique nature.

Uni_Verse

I would agree, in that:
Love is the law is the formula, by which one derives the theoretical Will.
Till the difference is zero.

Aum418

@Uni_Verse said

"I would agree, in that:
Love is the law is the formula, by which one derives the theoretical Will.
Till the difference is zero."

Some feel vagueness implies some profundity; to me it seems to indicate a desire to obscure the fact you dont understand or cannot communicate quite well...

I never said 'Love is the law' is the formula from which derives the theoretical Will - That statement is nonsensical (in that it isnt close to being logically valid) anyhow...

65 & 210,
IAO131

Uni_Verse

@aum418 said

"
Some feel vagueness implies some profundity; to me it seems to indicate a desire to obscure the fact you dont understand or cannot communicate quite well...
"

The reason it was "vague" was to avoid dogma. So that I am not saying it is one particular thing as opposed to another. That, in my opinion, muddles things.

At the same time, I will admit my own lack of communication skills.

@aum418 said

"
I never said 'Love is the law' is the formula from which derives the theoretical Will - That statement is nonsensical (in that it isnt close to being logically valid) anyhow...
"

Pardon me if it appeared I was quoting you, that had not been my intention.

Although I do agree with separation of Will as per 'planes', at the same time, in my mind, came the absolution of the two in one another.

If is of my opinion that the absolute or theoretical Will is the same as the practical Will. As it is the Will of the All, that All returns home ; rather from whence it came (to avoid being 'poetic'- if that is even possible (for me)). The practical application being the formula through which one reaches this state of knowing the theoretical.

In other words : By continually uniting one Self with other 'things', one becomes more and more 'in tune' with the theoretical Will. Until they are consciously recognized as being the same.

I am sure you will not hesitate to point out where I have been unclear.

Have at it!

Aum418

@Uni_Verse said

"
If is of my opinion that the absolute or theoretical Will is the same as the practical Will. As it is the Will of the All, that All returns home ; rather from whence it came (to avoid being 'poetic'- if that is even possible (for me)). The practical application being the formula through which one reaches this state of knowing the theoretical. "

Exactly. There aren't two Wills - theoretical & practical - they are simply two viewpoints from which to view the same Will. One is more theoretically sound one is more practically effective, yet both have their place.

"In other words : By continually uniting one Self with other 'things', one becomes more and more 'in tune' with the theoretical Will. Until they are consciously recognized as being the same.
"

This is quite true - especially by uniting one Self with other things like knowledge about free will, determinism, and Samadhi where one identifies fate & free will, god & self & universe.

IAO131

kuniggety

This is a late reply to this thread, but I'm sure you won't mind, Aum418.

You attack a certain approach to "confusion of the planes", but more often than not, I think confusion of the planes stems from x versus y, or rather horizontal versus vertical movement.

Also, I know you're quoting Crowley and essentially just agreeing with him, but why is a relative approach inherently more practical (versus theoretical) than an absolute view? I don't agree with all events being lawful. All events are lawful when someone has achieved K&C with one's HGA and not before. At this point there is absolute truth as duty is already involved in following the path of one's star. I reread this paragraph over and I hope I'm getting my thoughts across.

Aum418

@kuniggety said

"This is a late reply to this thread, but I'm sure you won't mind, Aum418.

You attack a certain approach to "confusion of the planes", but more often than not, I think confusion of the planes stems from x versus y, or rather horizontal versus vertical movement.

Also, I know you're quoting Crowley and essentially just agreeing with him, but why is a relative approach inherently more practical (versus theoretical) than an absolute view? "

These aren't 'pick the best plane you like,' these are two planes that are always there, somewhat dependent but best kept separate. These aren't objective planes like walking on a hill, these are different 'planes' of talking about things... they are ways of approaching things. The point is to show that Crowley supports both 'planes' but also not to confuse where one idea pertains to one plane (theoretical: all things are perfect) but not to another (most of us dont have that direct apprehension of this Perfection, so we have the 'Great Work', etc.)

"I don't agree with all events being lawful."

Take that up with Nature, Thelema & Crowley, then.

"All events are lawful when someone has achieved K&C with one's HGA and not before."

I disagree. This may make you realize it all is lawful, though. "The prophet cried against the mountain; come thou hither, that I may speak with thee! The mountain stirred not. Therefore went the prophet unto the mountain, and spake unto it. But the feet of the proÿhet were weary, and the mountain heard not his voice. But I have called unto Thee, and I have journeyed unto Thee, and it availed me not. I waited patiently, and Thou wast with me from the beginning." (LXV II:57-60)

Here is a good example of the theoretical vs. practical planes. Theoretically, I think you are wrong. Practically, I think it makes sense to tell people this for a whole host of reasons.

"At this point there is absolute truth as duty is already involved in following the path of one's star. I reread this paragraph over and I hope I'm getting my thoughts across."

Unfortunately you lost me with this last sentence about absolute truth as duty. Where did you get that idea? What do you even mean?

IAO131

deathbanana

Aum418,

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

@aum418 said

"
@Uni_Verse said
"
If is of my opinion that the absolute or theoretical Will is the same as the practical Will. As it is the Will of the All, that All returns home ; rather from whence it came (to avoid being 'poetic'- if that is even possible (for me)). The practical application being the formula through which one reaches this state of knowing the theoretical. "

Exactly. There aren't two Wills - theoretical & practical - they are simply two viewpoints from which to view the same Will. One is more theoretically sound one is more practically effective, yet both have their place.

"In other words : By continually uniting one Self with other 'things', one becomes more and more 'in tune' with the theoretical Will. Until they are consciously recognized as being the same.
"

This is quite true - especially by uniting one Self with other things like knowledge about free will, determinism, and Samadhi where one identifies fate & free will, god & self & universe.

IAO131"

You sound like quite the expert, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!

Love is the law, love under will.

L

kuniggety

@aum418 said

"
These aren't 'pick the best plane you like,' these are two planes that are always there, somewhat dependent but best kept separate. These aren't objective planes like walking on a hill, these are different 'planes' of talking about things... they are ways of approaching things. The point is to show that Crowley supports both 'planes' but also not to confuse where one idea pertains to one plane (theoretical: all things are perfect) but not to another (most of us dont have that direct apprehension of this Perfection, so we have the 'Great Work', etc.)"

Hm, perhaps poor wording on my end. I was referring to your choice of words, "crossing the planes". From what I've read, which might be less than what you've read, the terminology is typically used when people mix things dealing with horizontal movement ie mundane tasks associated/part of Malkuth with things dealing with vertical movement ie spiritual tasks associated/part of the ascent of the Tree, or vice versa. This is what I think of when dealing with "crossing the planes".

"Take that up with Nature, Thelema & Crowley, then."

Nature - Who says nature says that?

Thelema- Who says Thelema is about that? My personal take on Thelema that it is about discovering your True Will, what YOUR laws are and not that every action is lawful. As for Liber AL specifically, these are instructions given to Crowley by his HGA. See my comments below on Crowley for my attitude towards this.

Crowley- Crowley writes on his universe which can be used as a map for personal discovery but at the same time I think should be taken with a grain of salt because it is his universe that he writes about, not everyone elses.

"I disagree. This may make you realize it all is lawful, though. "The prophet cried against the mountain; come thou hither, that I may speak with thee! The mountain stirred not. Therefore went the prophet unto the mountain, and spake unto it. But the feet of the proÿhet were weary, and the mountain heard not his voice. But I have called unto Thee, and I have journeyed unto Thee, and it availed me not. I waited patiently, and Thou wast with me from the beginning." (LXV II:57-60)"

I do see some meaning in what you quoted but I don't see the relevance to every action being lawful. Can you explain?

"Here is a good example of the theoretical vs. practical planes. Theoretically, I think you are wrong. Practically, I think it makes sense to tell people this for a whole host of reasons."

I know the definitions of the words theoretical and practical.

"Unfortunately you lost me with this last sentence about absolute truth as duty. Where did you get that idea? What do you even mean?"

When an individual achieves K&C with their HGA and realize their universe, they realize their duty. Above the Abyss, when true K&C happens, is when relativity is looked through and absolute truth is realized.

@luceo156 said

"You sound like quite the expert, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!"

Aum418 does seem like a pretty knowledgable guy. I like his posts over at lashtal.com too... well, before he was booted

Aum418

@kuniggety said

"
@aum418 said
"
These aren't 'pick the best plane you like,' these are two planes that are always there, somewhat dependent but best kept separate. These aren't objective planes like walking on a hill, these are different 'planes' of talking about things... they are ways of approaching things. The point is to show that Crowley supports both 'planes' but also not to confuse where one idea pertains to one plane (theoretical: all things are perfect) but not to another (most of us dont have that direct apprehension of this Perfection, so we have the 'Great Work', etc.)"

Hm, perhaps poor wording on my end. I was referring to your choice of words, "crossing the planes". From what I've read, which might be less than what you've read, the terminology is typically used when people mix things dealing with horizontal movement ie mundane tasks associated/part of Malkuth with things dealing with vertical movement ie spiritual tasks associated/part of the ascent of the Tree, or vice versa. This is what I think of when dealing with "crossing the planes"."

I never said 'crossing the planes' I said 'confusing the planes.'

"
Nature - Who says nature says that?"

Nature doesnt say a thing about 'duty' and 'lawfulness.' That's the point.

"Thelema- Who says Thelema is about that? My personal take on Thelema that it is about discovering your True Will, what YOUR laws are and not that every action is lawful."

Things that are not your will can be said to be unlawful but your Will can, in theory, be anything. Nuit's the (un)limit.

"
Crowley- Crowley writes on his universe which can be used as a map for personal discovery but at the same time I think should be taken with a grain of salt because it is his universe that he writes about, not everyone elses."

Why are you here? Why do you study Crowley? Why do you study any mystic? It is because their troubles are our troubles, their insights are our insights, etc. Of course his universe isnt IDENTICAL to ours, but he had a human body with a human psyche as do we.

"
I do see some meaning in what you quoted but I don't see the relevance to every action being lawful. Can you explain?"

It was about the fact that Perfection or 'Adonai' was always there, but you only realize once you 'get there.' It may seem unlawful now, etc. yet at that point it fits together and even one's 'missteps' seem like perfectly ordered and necessary parts of the whole.

"
I know the definitions of the words theoretical and practical."

Those were'nt definitions of the words, but examples of their use. Do you know the difference or are you just being cute?

"
When an individual achieves K&C with their HGA and realize their universe, they realize their duty."

Have you had K&C? How do you know this? Where is this business about 'finding your duty' in the Thelemic holy books at all? Hmmm?

"Above the Abyss, when true K&C happens, is when relativity is looked through and absolute truth is realized."

Yea... what? Absolute truth? I thought you just said above that his universe isn't yours yet youre talking about 'absolute truth'?

"
Aum418 does seem like a pretty knowledgable guy. I like his posts over at lashtal.com too... well, before he was booted "

Hahah I might come back eventually... Ive been working on the Journal a lot (ThelemicStudies.com)

IAO131