Hierophant Knowledge :: Esotericism. Barry Seaborne
DIVINITY AND DEPRESSION
The abyss comes from the Greek word abismos which means something that has no end. In practically all the mythologies there exists a primordial abyss where all undifferentiated things appear, but in a chaotic manner. All cosmologies have then the aim of infusing logos, i.e order into this primordial state of things.
This confused, primordial state very quickly was perceived as a negative manifestation in many cultures. For instance, for the ancient arkadiens, the vengeful mother Tiamat had to be beaten by her sons Marduk that put some order in the universe with his triumph. In psychoanalysis the abyss is also seen and a state of regression where the alienated may disappear into psychosis.
Yet, in the same way that the abyss can be seen as a bottomless pit, it can also be reversed. The up-ward abyss of the skies can also point towards the great mystery of the divine. Master Eckhart speaks of the “ungrund”, the abyss inside each of our hearts where dwells the divine.
Paulo Coelho
THE SECRET OF LIFE
by Barry Seabourne
The Secret of Life revolves around Cosmic Energy and Prana. These forces are related to the concepts of Akasha, Pranayama and the creation and nature of the Universe. Cosmic Energy is the vital force in the Universe creating all manifestations of form, matter and 'spirit'. This energy manifests as radiant, outgoing motion and the drawing back as gravity and magnetism. We reflect this Universal principle every time we breathe in and out. Our solar system, our galaxy and the Universe will eventually do the same but over vast time scales.
The smallest thought down to the densest matter is a manifestation of this Energy or Prana. When this Energy returns to its source the Cosmic Web or Cosmic Matrix is still there. It is also called the Aether, Universal Soul or Akasha. At the end of a cycle the energies that would be present in the Universe become passive and dormant. When a new cycle starts the Cosmic Energy begins again to create a new Creation.
The esotericist recognises that behind all happenings in the world of phenomena are dimensions of energies that can control and condition our responses at whatever level of development we have achieved. For those on the Esoteric Path awareness of Cosmic Energy must be conscious. For most of humanity the process continues without knowledge and consciousness. One aim of esoteric schools and Yogic philosophy is to bring consciousness of this Energy or Prana into realisation and with it understanding, control and utilisation. This process is called Pranayama.
Our whole world and Universe is made up of energy in one form or another. We are essentially a form of energy that needs different forms of energy to survive and grow. The right kind energy in the right form can transform us and keep us alive. The wrong type of energy can destroy us. Energy systems feed from each other and are in a continuous process of being created, living and dying.
Scientists and theoretical physicists attempted to define the nature of energy both empirically and theoretically. It was thought that the basic unit of energy and of the Universe was the atom. When the atom was split and its deeper quantum structure began to be understood the energy it contained was seen to be potentially infinite. Later, scientists then attempted to balance the theories of general relativity with quantum mechanics. The world's top astrophysicists continue to look for an all encompassing theory that explains how energy moves and transforms through the Universe or multiple universes. More recent explanations include string theory and super-string theory. These in turn may be superseded by M-Theory! There is still no agreement and all current theories are virtually impossible to confirm at this time through normal empirical research.
In current mainstream physics scientists are trying to find a theory of 'everything' which would unify the fundamental laws of nature. These forces are usually considered as: gravity, the strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force and the electromagnetic force. The problem of finding the ultimate Theory of Everything is that the various theories start with different models of the Universe. The theories of nuclear fission, the difference between gravity, magnetic energy and radiating energy, the actual structure and nature of the energy and how it is transmitted are some of the complex problems that need to be resolved.
In us energy works unconsciously and consciously as it relates to us as individuals. At times we make a conscious effort to shape, receive or communicate energy. How we interpret energy fields, forces and its myriad expressions is effected by the nature of our soul, our culture, mind and individual type. It is an active, radiating presence balanced by a more passive and magnetic cosmic element that creates the whole cosmos of which we may be the highest material expression.
We are continually giving off vibrations of energy in various forms and at different levels from the physical to the spiritual part of ourselves. We live our lives sometimes with others and sometimes alone. When we are with others we can be in resonance and interact with different energies from the two entities. Energy moves between us affecting our being and energy level in a variety of ways.
This interchange of energy occurs with all we come into a relationship with any living or inanimate form, organic or inorganic, visual impressions or sound, spiritual or sensorial. This energy force could be positive, negative, or a neutral state in between. For most people this happens in an unconscious way and the response can also be unconscious. As we move towards higher levels of awareness the energy interchange becomes more conscious. As individuals progress spiritually in their lives and become increasingly more aware the reality of finer forms of energy being passed or transmitted between individuals begins to become a reality. Our guide must be how we interpret the effect the energy source has on us. Is it the right kind of positive energy and does it enhance our journey to be who we really are and fulfill our higher destiny.
In some esoteric schools and systems that follow the Fourth Way of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky there is the belief that we can, in this life, begin to 'crystallize' our spiritual energies into a subtle body through special practices, lifestyle, exercises, love, discipline and ritual. The belief is that this spiritual way or pathway may lead to the rebirth of the inner or higher soul that is inside us. In this recreated state it is then possible to transcend the level of our physical manifestation and achieve immortality at a higher level of energy or vibration. This true 'soul' could then exist in higher dimensions in the Cosmic Matrix or other parallel or spiritual universes which only a few individuals are aware of during our physical sojourn on this planet. This is why in some systems there is a vital emphasis given to the experience of breaking through into a higher cosmic level or world - through the higher gateway or the 'veil of illusion'.
Barry Seaborne
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