Cohesion vs. Dispersion: An Exhortation
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Well, I think we will all agree that Thelemic "society" is at present rife with a more or less equal mixture of sincere students/seekers and crazed, repressed eccentrics "seeking in Magick an escape from reality." Others fall in between these two extremes. The meeting of these two polarities results in a conflict at times petty and juvenile, and at other times humorous beyond compare. Nothing represents this fact more than a public forum such as this.
Now that the smoke has cleared we find "that which remains:" those truly dedicated to the manifestation of Thelemic principles here on lovely Terra Firma. It is to you that I address my question(s) and open a new dialogue:
In what way can we positively manifest Thelemic ideals in society?
How can we work to promote the evolution of Thelema?
How can one work to bring others to the Light without conversion or coercion?
Personally, I have realized through interaction with society as a whole and through interaction with other Thelemites (both in person and through forums such as this) that what is most needful in these infant years of Thelema is an attitude of cohesion and fraternal Love, and this must be manifest in each act of Will, be this act a passing gesture or a Ritual Working. For dispersion is the knight-errant of Choronzon.
I look forward to the cohesive and fraternal discussion that is to follow.
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@Mephis said
"In what way can we positively manifest Thelemic ideals in society?"
By doing our Wills.
"How can we work to promote the evolution of Thelema?"
By prosecuting the Great Work.
"How can one work to bring others to the Light without conversion or coercion?"
Does this imply it's possible to bring others to the Light with conversion or coercion? If so, it should be done. But I don't think it's what you meant. So, without conversion or coercion... like I said, doing our Wills, being free, being joyous, giving the example, spreading the word.
"Personally, I have realized through interaction with society as a whole and through interaction with other Thelemites (both in person and through forums such as this) that what is most needful in these infant years of Thelema is an attitude of cohesion and fraternal Love, and this must be manifest in each act of Will, be this act a passing gesture or a Ritual Working."
Totally agreed & so mote it be.
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Great topic.
For those who need fraternity, they alone come to a recognition of some kind of karma yoga they are involved in, and all we can do is encourage them to that. (Reminiscent of another thread: there is no "proper way" to this karma, it is unique although bound to the structure of what brings them.)
For those who do not need fraternity, but see fraternity everywhere, all we can do is encourage them to that.
There are means and means.
As far as bringing others to the light, be the light and bring yourself forward. For me, there is nothing more I want to do. As far as growing "Thelema," like this is some sort of "thing" (an object? a club? a church? a religion? a philosophy? a system of magick? - all these questions and more), some times that alone is what is jarring people. Me? I (again reminiscent of yet other threads) try to find "whiter words." In the world at large I avoid jargon, but manage to express the same ideals. "All you need is love." No, you need also "intent" and "will" and "manifestation" and other things.
I hope I am making sense and contributing to this discussion.
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@Mephis said
"How can one work to bring others to the Light without conversion or coercion?"
I spent a good deal of time in the Christian church, where proselytizing is a way of life. And I will admit to a lifelong penchant for being "right," and proving that I am such about matters of significance to me. My grip on that compulsion broke down with some EST-type training, and subsequent identification with Thelema has further opened me to the need for an alternative approach.
Like you, Mephisto, I wonder about the practical side of extending the light, the gestational aspiration in a dawning Aeon. How best can I manifest the Kingdom, so to speak, without the strong-arming of a prior self. I must say that at this point, I haven't a very good idea of what to do in the world. That may be more an admission of my progress than anything else, but I look around at friends and family and wonder what I can offer them to share what I am discovering, and I don't really know what it is.
Frankly, it doesn't trouble me overmuch. I think there is something, at this stage in our (or maybe it's just mine) evolution, intrinsically hidden about this stuff. Embryonic even. Plus, over the years, I've learned some humility and a bit about the power of silence. Still, I agree with you that community-building is essential. But it's a community of a very certain type. It's not everybody. It's not even everybody I love. It's something different. Something that is radically volitional.
So a couple things come to mind then, in terms how how to build community around these principals. First is to make powerful invitations. Second is to have something to share. Implicitly, both require a recognition of one's Will, because without that, the sharing would be ineffective for the intended result. And that's where I end up.
My job at this point, the thing I can best do to extend the light, to grow this baby to term, is to do my own Work. And I have to tell you, when I think about that, I get excited. There really is something wonderful and absolutely magical in feeling empowered to affect change on a macrocosmic scale by applying myself diligently to the microcosm. To riff on your topic, I think the most distributive thing I can do is congeal.
And that's all I got. For now.
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@Patrick Ossoski said
"
@Mephis said
"In what way can we positively manifest Thelemic ideals in society?"By doing our Wills.
"How can we work to promote the evolution of Thelema?"
By prosecuting the Great Work.
"How can one work to bring others to the Light without conversion or coercion?"
Does this imply it's possible to bring others to the Light with conversion or coercion? If so, it should be done. But I don't think it's what you meant. So, without conversion or coercion... like I said, doing our Wills, being free, being joyous, giving the example, spreading the word"
Excellent reply. Those were not the answers I expected at the outright--and all the more welcome.
Leading by example is probably the best way to hasten the changes I have in mind.
My qualms about conversion stem from both the verse "argue not, convert not," and my natural disdain of such techniques in "winning converts." With that in mind, I am seeking practical, material ways to bring about cohesion and manifestation in society. For instance, one could read certain passages of the Holy Books at a poetry reading, or hold musical/artistic events with Magical overtones. Again, my concern is to avoid proselytization in any form, but still manifest the Thelemic current in a way that is harmonious and accesible.
@Takamba said
"Great topic."
Thanks. I thought it was fitting, and it's also something that's been much on my mind as of late.
"For those who need fraternity, they alone come to a recognition of some kind of karma yoga they are involved in, and all we can do is encourage them to that. (Reminiscent of another thread: there is no "proper way" to this karma, it is unique although bound to the structure of what brings them.)"
I think a great many of the issues we are facing have to do with those who are drawn to Thelema but at the same time are isolated in an environment at odds with their Will. However, one might raise the simple and proper point: leave the environment if it's so hostile! Many simply lack the courage and drive to bring about such a change, and so punish the rest of us with their neurotic demands.
"As far as bringing others to the light, be the light and bring yourself forward. For me, there is nothing more I want to do. As far as growing "Thelema," like this is some sort of "thing" (an object? a club? a church? a religion? a philosophy? a system of magick? - all these questions and more), some times that alone is what is jarring people. Me? I (again reminiscent of yet other threads) try to fine "whiter words." In the world at large I avoid jargon, but manage to express the same ideals. "All you need is love." No, you need also "intent" and "will" and "manifestation" and other things."
We are most assuredly at a "turning point" as far as Thelema is concerned. Like you say: what is it, anyway? Now, the last thing I am trying to do is to push Thelema on the "masses." Far be it from me to proselytize. However, as it stands now, I find myself acting as more and more of a public example, and I find myself asking these questions: how best to be a representative of these ideals? I have strict standards about conversion, but does what exactly does this include and preclude, exactly?
An excellent point about "all you need is love," by the way. One of the failures of the "60's movement" was a lack of
"proper force in the proper manner on the proper object." "As when a rustic tries to blow out an electric light." Hence my concern with cohesion, and my attempt to hash out better and more effective ways that we, as Thelemites, might come together and increase in Wisdom, Power, and Love."I hope I am making sense and contributing to this discussion."
Absolutely.
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@David S said
"I spent a good deal of time in the Christian church, where proselytizing is a way of life. And I will admit to a lifelong penchant for being "right," and proving that I am such about matters of significance to me. My grip on that compulsion broke down with some EST-type training, and subsequent identification with Thelema has further opened me to the need for an alternative approach. "
These are exactly the concerns I had in mind. I myself come from an evangelical Christian environment, and as a (younger) youth I suffered greatly at the hands of crazed, fundamentalist fascists. While this used to instill me with a great deal of hatred and rage, as I mature I find myself at peace with my upbringing. And this is strange, seeing as I was once a bought-and-sold enemy of the Christian church. Now I see our present Aeon more as a "changing of the guard," than a "war of the worlds," and I have rekindled relationships within my Christian family, and so forth. I have no need to play the open rebel, and while I still have a healthy antipathy towards Christian methods, this antipathy exists in Love, not unbridled hate.
"Like you, Mephisto, I wonder about the practical side of extending the light, the gestational aspiration in a dawning Aeon. How best can I manifest the Kingdom, so to speak, without the strong-arming of a prior self. I must say that at this point, I haven't a very good idea of what to do in the world. That may be more an admission of my progress than anything else, but I look around at friends and family and wonder what I can offer them to share what I am discovering, and I don't really know what it is.
Frankly, it doesn't trouble me overmuch. I think there is something, at this stage in our (or maybe it's just mine) evolution, intrinsically hidden about this stuff. Embryonic even. Plus, over the years, I've learned some humility and a bit about the power of silence. Still, I agree with you that community-building is essential. But it's a community of a very certain type. It's not everybody. It's not even everybody I love. It's something different. Something that is radically volitional."
This is exactly as I could have expressed it. Like you, it doesn't worry me much. At all. In fact, I view this as a very exciting and stimulating time to be alive, and while my family and friends are by no means of the same inclination as me, they can still read the titles on my bookshelf and observe my habits of action and expression, and this garners interest from time to time. The question at the moment is: alright, I know my Will; how, then can I assist others to know theirs?
"So a couple things come to mind then, in terms how how to build community around these principals. First is to make powerful invitations. Second is to have something to share. Implicitly, both require a recognition of one's Will, because without that, the sharing would be ineffective for the intended result. And that's where I end up. "
I think that the existing Thelemic organizations, whatever internal faults they might have (no system is perfect), provide this more or less. I think that the most important work to be done is for Thelemites to work and grow together within and without these organizations. I agree wholeheartedly that first one must set one's own house in order. However, being a social being by inclination (Gemini-prominent) and being concerned with nurturing this budding glory we call "Thelema" (that's my Cancer Moon in action), I am interested in manifesting practical methods that bring about group cohesion.
"My job at this point, the thing I can best do to extend the light, to grow this baby to term, is to do my own Work. And I have to tell you, when I think about that, I get excited. There really is something wonderful and absolutely magical in feeling empowered to affect change on a macrocosmic scale by applying myself diligently to the microcosm. To riff on your topic, I think the most distributive thing I can do is congeal.
And that's all I got. For now."
I am also very excited and privileged to be a part of what I see as a very beautiful and interesting movement, and your comments are most pertinent and most appreciated.
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I wasn't raised in a religious background. In fact, from my perspective, I grew up in an environment where I had to learn to raise myself. My mother was more interested in men and bottles than me, feeling quite secure that I was intelligent enough to figure out my own concerns. So I adopted my friend's mother as my mother too. She taught me something I feel would be good to share right now, "It takes every one of us to make the world go around, each of us, in our own way."
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@Mephis said
"How can one work to bring others to the Light without conversion or coercion?"
The simple answer is to lead by example.
All the practice you put in should bear some fruit that also brings observable benefit to you. You should certainly attribute the reasons for its development correctly. That way they can see where the path leads and understand a little about how to get there. If that is something they remain interested in, this is sure to open up discussion greatly.
Outside of that, thinking about marketing the idea, I think Thelema and the many topics swirling around it could benefit from introductionary textbooks that would take some time to lay a foundation for someone who has no grounding in the occult or Crowley's works and indeed approaches it with all the misconceptions that have sprung around them. Something to bridge the gap from being uninformed (or perhaps misinformed) to a level where the reader can continue approaching the topic on his own by looking at the earlier now-existent literary material, but now with the proper preparation/grounding.
I don't think an introduction like that necessarily needs to go to apologetic levels, but common misconceptions should be strongly addressed and discussed. Crowley has a bad name in most circles and that is the kind of mystique which surrounds the entire topic. I truly don't think that Thelema is best served by continuing to cultivate that image. The criticism leveled at organized religion must remain sharp and intelligent, but it could loose all the trappings that are associated more with satanism - at least before the aspirant/reader can take it for what it is.
Of course, the risk with that kind of development is that a sterilized version Thelema develops, which has thrown the baby out with the baby-killing references, with probably money making ambitions in the picture.
Just as an example, when I first read Crowley a few things surprised me, but one above all. Wow, I thought, the man is talking about love. Who knew that it wasn't just horned devil-goats, satanic baby killing and impassioned opposition of Christianity? Sure, I was uninformed, but that's the point. I was in the likely target audience, too.
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Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
If I may take a stab... I quite liked Patrick's response, but perhaps I could offer some beneficial directions:
@Mephis said
"In what way can we positively manifest Thelemic ideals in society?"
Art. Effective art translates human experience, and art made by "Thelemites"(in this context, people who have experienced initiation in the literal and figurative senses) has the potential to translate experience of the ineffable(the divine, occult truth, whateverthefuck) in a human way. In this manner, Because and and dogs of Reason don't get involved and the point doesn't get lost in intellectualizing and semantic crossfire; it makes its way in through the mechanism of simple empathy.
This is my approach at least, and it's worked thus far, insofar as the intent is to open others to higher dimensions of consciousness, to Yetzirah and beyond if you want to word it that way. Show them images and sounds of the places you've been and they will see it as something real, not easily belittled. You could call it working fascinations, Sorcery, and I suppose you wouldn't be wrong.@Mephis said
"How can we work to promote the evolution of Thelema?
"Engage in civil discourse, express yourself effectively, follow your gut and ask questions, be open to(in fact hungry for) change. Honestly, see to your own evolution, as others have stated. People pick up on it.
@Mephis said
"How can one work to bring others to the Light without conversion or coercion?"
I think I've answered this in my response to the first question.
Thank you for asking good, concise questions.
Love is the Law, love under will.
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@Deus Ex Machina said
"I don't think an introduction like that necessarily needs to go to apologetic levels, but common misconceptions should be strongly addressed and discussed. Crowley has a bad name in most circles and that is the kind of mystique which surrounds the entire topic. I truly don't think that Thelema is best served by continuing to cultivate that image. The criticism leveled at organized religion must remain sharp and intelligent, but it could loose all the trappings that are associated more with satanism - at least before the aspirant/reader can take it for what it is.
"Excellent points. I am currently working an essay titled "The Crowley We Love to Hate" that examines these very issues. Ironic as it is, the public image that Crowley himself helped to cultivate is the exact image that precludes further interest in the ideas and organization he worked so hard to establish. That being so, his contributions should stand on their own merits. One of my main thesis points in the essay is the fact that, whatever his failings were as an individual, such works as the Holy Books, the Book of Thoth, and the Book of the Law stand on their own as monuments of literature.
"Art. Effective art translates human experience, and art made by "Thelemites"(in this context, people who have experienced initiation in the literal and figurative senses) has the potential to translate experience of the ineffable in a human way. In this manner, Because and and dogs of Reason don't get involved and the point doesn't gets lost in intellectualizing and semantic crossfire; it makes its way in through the mechanism of simple empathy."
Yes!
This has been the basis of my work with Musick. The other Art forms apply as well. Many current aspirants were drawn to Thelema in this way, and I see Art as being a most direct and effective means by which to "drop hints" to those who are prepared by experience and inclination to delve deeper. And like you say, this can be done in a non-arbitrary way without the taint of proselytization. I feel that this method is probably the best direct means of manifesting the Thelemic current, especially in our media-oriented world.
"Thank you for asking good, concise questions. "
Thank the lot of you for providing such good answers.
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@Mephis said
"This has been the basis of my work with Musick. The other Art forms apply as well. Many current aspirants were drawn to Thelema in this way, and I see Art as being a most direct and effective means by which to "drop hints" to those who are prepared by experience and inclination to delve deeper. And like you say, this can be done in a non-arbitrary way without the taint of proselytization. I feel that this method is probably the best direct means of manifesting the Thelemic current, especially in our media-oriented world.
"The basis of mine as well. It was Tool that brought me to Crowley, essentially took me for a RIDE. They taught me with direct experience the power Art has to open doors.
Also: a very proper place to mention your new book, Jim. Looking forward to it most definitely for the reasons discussed here.
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@Diluvium said
"The basis of mine as well. It was Tool that brought me to Crowley, essentially took me for a RIDE. They taught me with direct experience the power Art has to open doors."
Likewise. I was, of course, highly predisposed to the experience, as I'm sure you were--but yes, Tool and Led Zeppelin "turned me on" in a very direct and profound way as a teenager. I still enjoy their Musick and appreciate their contributions to this day, though otherwise my tastes have branched into other genres.
Also, being a Musician myself, I am as yet utterly fascinated with the possibilities of bringing about transcendental metamorphosis through the Aural experience. What I find most exciting is the possibilities inherent in bringing together multiple media in a single format. I've been reading about the Rites of Eleusis as of late, and I find Crowley's staging of the Rites most interesting and inspiring: an excellent template for this sort of Art. I feel that these Rites may have been a bit overt for the time, but then again Crowley himself was a bit overt for his time.
I wish we knew what Waddell's violin solos sounded like; I'm sure they were divine--especially with a head full of Anhalonium lewinii.
"Also: a very proper place to mention your new book, Jim. Looking forward to it most definitely for the reasons discussed here."
Agreed and agreed.
I might add, as a general statement, that I feel a very profound and "shift" has occurred during and since last Solstice, and I feel that our current Aeon is "hitting stride," so to speak. Maybe it's just me.
At any rate, I feel blessed to be alive at this time and I look toward the future--of Thelema and the human race--with great hope and enthusiasm.
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"Tool." Yes. "Led Zeppelin." Yes. Countless others. These are the wares of Babalon I spoke of (referring again to other threads).
Isn't it interesting how (in Truth) everything actually ties together?
My summation, I love the thought of this thread - but there is nothing to fear. Cohesion vs. Dispersion? My only concerns in the real world is the "vs." part. Unfortunately, I don't see it so much as others seem to.
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@Takamba said
"My summation, I love the thought of this thread - but there is nothing to fear. Cohesion vs. Dispersion? My only concerns in the real world is the "vs." part. Unfortunately, I don't see it so much as others seem to."
The title was designed not so much to highlight division or dichotomy but is a direct reference to Choronzon, an entity of the Qliphoth that is in direct antagonism to the tenets of Thelema. I was troubled in my thoughts last night after reading some of the potent, spiteful malarky that has been popping up on the forum as of late, and recognizing this Devil for what it is, I took direct action--and banished the fvcker!
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@Mephis said
"Likewise. I was, of course, highly predisposed to the experience, as I'm sure you were"
Yes, yes... Hallucinogens had made their merry way into my life around the same time to amplify, and upon reflection my tendencies were practically screaming for it. I imagine that helps
Do you think it possible to reach those not so predisposed? All my attempts have led to existential frustration.@Mephis said
"Also, being a Musician myself, I am as yet utterly fascinated with the possibilities of bringing about transcendental metamorphosis through the Aural experience. What I find most exciting is the possibilities inherent in bringing together multiple media in a single format. I've been reading about the Rites of Eleusis as of late, and I find Crowley's staging of the Rites most interesting and inspiring. I feel that these Rites may have been a bit overt for the time, but then again Crowley himself was a bit overt for his time it appears.
"My friends and I have mused at the idea of a video game structured according to Golden Dawn initiation ceremonies; music, story, image, all rolled into one interactive experience. It has the potential!
But indeed, I can't think about Crowley's Rites of Eleusis without getting a big devilish grin slapped on my face. Does he discuss the performances in his journals anywhere(Jim?)? -
@Diluvium said
"Yes, yes... Hallucinogens had made their merry way into my life around the same time to amplify, and upon reflection my tendencies were practically screaming for it. I imagine that helps
Do you think it possible to reach those not so predisposed? All my attempts have led to existential frustration."Well, I was using the term "predisposed" to refer to my intellectual and moral development up to that point. I might just as well have used it in that fashion, however, given my "tendencies" in my formative years. You caught me!
I'd be a cad and a liar if I didn't say that the psychedelic experience opened pivotal doors (also windows, basements, shower curtains), and propelled me into a most rewarding study of mystic states during my early development. This was coupled, however, with in-depth studies of Yoga and Philosophy, so I had a firm basis to work on. There were some psychological train wrecks along the road as well, but these were also formative from the perspective of abstinence. I used to have a very "too much is enough!" attitude towards these things. As I mature, though, I find myself taking them less and less. Almost never, at the moment. Sh-t, I can't even remember to smoke herb every day anymore, and I even find myself contented after a couple beers.
Sigh I must be getting on in years.
In all seriousness, I feel that there is great--unparalleled--potential for these substances in a clinical setting. Research should be done and specific therapy regimins established for such wide-ranging applications as psycho-therapy, group communication, individual council, etc. At the moment, however, I know through painful personal experience the dangers of these substances to the unbalanced psyche. I've spoken about this at length in other posts, but my final analysis is this: learn to swim!
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@Mephis said
"recognizing this Devil for what it is, I took direct action--and banished the {â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢}!"
Hear hear!
@Diluvium said
"Art. Effective art translates human experience,"
This is powerful and strikes me as spot on. My girlfriend is working on an article right now about how street art is transforming neighborhoods in downtown LA from razor wire enclaves to open air walking pavilions, prompting store owners to remove the dark paint from their windows and let the sun and views in. I think there's a lot like that to be done. And given that the language of the sub-consciousness is of sensual images, the media of "art" is rife with possibilities, symbolic and heuristic, for transformation. Also, the artistry of little things should be remembered, the ritualization of experience in the day-to-day, when instead of paintbrush or guitar, the personality serves as instrument. "[E]ver To me! To me!"
I also think that the intention to effect this transformation in the world will be met with support and enforcement on many levels, so that keeping the intention in mind and invoking guidance and strength from those who have gone before--Butler's Lords of Light, in a manner of speaking--is itself worthwhile.
I'm afraid, however, contrary to the youthful epiphany of my early experiences with, let's say, opened doors, that we can't spike the drinking fountains!
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@Mephis said
"Well, I think we will all agree that Thelemic "society" is at present rife with a more or less equal mixture of sincere students/seekers and crazed, repressed eccentrics "seeking in Magick an escape from reality." Others fall in between these two extremes. The meeting of these two polarities results in a conflict at times petty and juvenile, and at other times humorous beyond compare. Nothing represents this fact more than a public forum such as this. "
I appreciate the exhortation.
And how could I more accurately describe myself than someone who unexpectedly unleashed his "crazed, repressed eccentric" and yet is journeying to become more and more a "sincere student/seeker"?
I thought I would kill off "Bereshith," but what good would it do me? Shall I cut myself off from the minds to which I've become most accustomed journeying? Cut myself off from those who most understand? -who indeed know my history? -who indeed have experienced my failings and successes? Forgive the digression, but hiding my thoughts from the criticism of your minds does this poor scribe no service in his journey - nor you any service in your own.
So, I raise my glass for cohesion and its messy yet gratifying fruit!
"There is no bond that can unite the divided but love: all else is a curse."
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@Bereshith said
"And how could I more accurately describe myself than someone who unexpectedly unleashed his "crazed, repressed eccentric" and yet is journeying to become more and more a "sincere student/seeker"? "
You aren't the only one. Looking back on the past few years I sometimes cringe at the arrogant, ignorant tomfoolery with which I at times approached the world--and still do at times and to some extent. At the same time, being "put in my place," especially by those I deeply respect and admire, had a most positive and beneficial effect on my evolution--albeit a humbling effect.
"I thought I would kill off "Bereshith," but what good would it do me?"
Exactly: no good 'tall.
" Shall I cut myself off from the minds to which I've become most accustomed journeying? Cut myself off from those whom most understand? -whom indeed know my history? -whom indeed have experienced my failings and successes? Forgive the digression, but hiding my thoughts from the criticism of your minds does this poor scribe no service in his journey - nor you any service in your own. "
Nothing to forgive: you are quite right; whatever humiliations and lessons we've experienced on the path are simply minor upheavals in the grand scheme of things. Growing past this we are given a chance to adopt a different perspective: that of the "big picture." And once we realize that we are a cog in a larger wheel, so to speak, it enables us to move beyond what at times is a painfully self-conscious criticism of our lesser self, and we are empowered to embrace our Macrocosmic Self.
Approaching a forum like this from the perspective of mutual admonishment and growth is a powerful and effective way of transformation.
"So, I raise my glass for cohesion and its messy yet gratifying fruit!
"There is no bond that can unite the divided but love: all else is a curse.""
Cheers.
"My girlfriend is working on an article right now about how street art is transforming neighborhoods in downtown LA from razor wire enclaves to open air walking pavilions, prompting store owners to remove the dark paint from their windows and let the sun and views in"
A noble endeavor! I grew up in the LA area--and hated every minute of it. The whole thing is an aesthetic nightmare. I remember standing at the Getty Center one day, and looking out over the smog-ridden chaos, and wondering, "When, O Lord, shalt thou send the brimstone as thou didst Sodom?"
That being said, I've made my peace with that realm. Now that I don't live there I am able to visit family and such, accomplish what needs to be done, and return to my hut in the woods no worse for the wear. Some of my childhood friends, however, have never travelled beyond the Valley to this day.
More's the pity.There's a cool Warren Zevon song:
"They say this place is evil,
That ain't why I stay,
'Cause I found somethin'
And it sure ain't nothin'
And I found it in LA.""I'm afraid, however, contrary to the youthful epiphany of my early experiences with, let's say, opened doors, that we can't spike the drinking fountains!"
No, we cannot spike the drinking fountains. I've really moved beyond the whole preoccupation with substance use/abuse. As I ascend the rungs of "higher" education, I am taking a more mature approach to these things. I support individual liberty in the fullest, but I think that the best way to approach these things is by reopening clinical trials and letting the data speak for itself. The only thing I use with anything close to regularity is cannabis, and even that is decreasing exponentially.
