Hello to all my Scottish Rite brethren, family and friends,
At last month's meeting during my education moment I mentioned that I am not enlightened, and that one should be suspicious of anyone that says they are. Yet the words that come out of my mouth and my typing fingers sure sound like those of an enlightened person. What I meant by this is Michael, the one with a name and a job and likes and dislikes, is merely a collection of learned responses to the environment. That entity can never be enlightened. It is narcissistically attached to these learned responses. It believes that is who he is. My poor silly ego.
But the words coming out of my mouth (and my typing fingers) are nonetheless Truth. That which you are is speaking. They originate from the Great Creator's constant eternal presence. One can never honestly make the statement that "I am enlightened" because that would immediately indicate ignorance (I mean that as a technical spiritual term), as there is no "I" to have this thing called "enlightenment". The real "I", the unchanging aspect in our constant awareness is merely, elegantly simply, irreducibly, God's eternal presence in constant expression.
You can't think your way out of a thinking box. The ego can never be enlightened. It actually doesn't even exist as a thing; every bit of it is changeably fluid. There is nothing there to be enlightened. It can't recognize that it is a movement, an expression, a posterior attribute of a conjugate pair.
To put it another way, if we were to accept for a moment what everyone through the ages was telling us, that there really is only "one thing going on" and we're making a mistake, deluding ourselves to believe we are unique individuals and that the unique individual thing is actually an illusion, and not what's real, if we were to, just for the sake of exercise, accept that there is 'only one thing going on', how then could there be an 'I' to have this other thing called enlightenment?
Well anyway, keep working on it. Make the internal query constant, as much as you can remember to do so. "Who am I?" A thing is irritating; get excited and ask yourself "to whom did that occur?"Can you identify the process of seeing the irritating thing and the resultant movement of energy in the body which felt like irritation? Who observed the irritating thing? Who labeled the experience? Next time you see that irritating thing can you choose to be compassionate about the poor thing's condition instead having irritation? So then who are you? The irritated one? The compassionate one? Who chose which to be? Are you now the chooser of your behavior? Before, the movement of energy in the body was labeled irritation and you gritted your teeth. Now the energy moves and it feels like compassion and a tear comes to your eye. Which one are you? Can you turn your attention around and find the chooser person?
If you can not find anything in your awareness as the irreducible "you", if every single thing you investigate about yourself is changeable, and therefor not the "one thing going on", then maybe this assumption you've had your whole life about who you are was incorrect. But you can not look for that which is actually Real. You can not look for the "One thing going on". You can not do an exercise which will expose it. Any of those efforts or mental exercises would suggest "not one". So long as your reference is with "not one", the awareness of Oneness can not occur. If "you" do an exercise in order to expose "enlightenment", then that's kind of a word failure that gets in the way of success.
However, by merely querying yourself deeply, honestly, rigorously, as to your own identity, who you really are, there is a shift. A quickening. A realization of that which was there all along.
But I will warn you now that for most people these realizations are fleeting. Marghanita Laski coined the term "contact experience". Almost immediately there will be the thought: "Hey it finally happened! I got it! It's so obvious I could never lose it!" and poof, it's gone. Then you will cry "Argh, I had it and I lost it" which will ensure it will not return because you're stuck back in the self referential loop of the illusionary ego self, or in philosophy often referred to as the "little self" or written as "self". The original Real self, the I before I am, is often written as "Self".
Only that same exercise of illuminating that which is Real in your immediate experience will lead you back to the I, the I before the "I am this that and everything" happens.
I have a theory. I might have shared it before. We see in the not so distant past incredible architecture that we can not replicate today. These massive ornate cathedrals, castles, star forts, placed on a giant world wide geometric grid suggest to me an advanced civilization that lived in peace and in harmony with elemental earth energies we do not know how to employ today. I believe they lived, all of them, every person, in the enlightened state. I believe that if one person can become enlightened through the exercises I suggest (and I've know many who have), then I think it's possible for ALL humans to exist in the enlightened state of awareness, if we were only taught young enough. If most everyone was doing it, if the school teachers and priests were doing it, children would likely just continue enjoying the pure light of consciousness from childhood through life. I think in short order enlightenment would not be a thing to be learned at great effort as an adult that has already become so addicted to it's ego most never do wake up, rather I think if the whole world was doing it everyone would know it from birth right through life.
And that I think is the human's power. We are powerful wizards with the ability to manipulate reality from the very essence from which it springs. I think we have an enemy. I think that enemy took a cataclysmic opportunity to re-teach humanity, starting with it's children, to be addicted to the ego and forget who we really are. I think they might have instituted belief systems on the planet, re-purposing ancient structures as churches and mosques, to further keep humanity attached to the ego and prevent them from waking up.
I think they are afraid of us waking up. Isn't it curious how Satan was known as Lucifer "light bringer" before his fall? I believe Masonry exists as a message in a bottle to awaken, and thus save, humanity. Once awakened, civility will be the unintended consequence, which is our primary goal. Or I've also been willing to consider that Freemasonry was another institution foisted on us with enough trappings of the esoteric to be attractive and mysterious but ultimately being employed as another one of what I call "forgetting mechanisms" on the planet. But if that's the case, they failed, because together we are discovering very real secrets embedded within our ancient and oh so Gentle Craft.
The 32nd Degree in the Scottish Rite: Unveiling Enlightenment and the Secret of Universal Equilibrium
The Scottish Rite, an esoteric and mystical branch of Freemasonry, holds within its teachings a deep exploration of spiritual growth and self-discovery. Among the numerous degrees that one can attain, the 32nd degree stands as a pinnacle of wisdom, unlocking the secret of universal equilibrium.
The journey towards the 32nd degree begins with the recognition that true enlightenment is not simply an intellectual pursuit but a path that involves the refinement of one's character and the alignment of one's actions with moral principles. As we progress through the degrees, we undergo a symbolic transformation, shedding our old selves and embracing a more enlightened state of being. At the 32nd degree, we delve into the concept of universal equilibrium – a timeless principle that lies at the heart of cosmic harmony. It teaches us that everything in the universe is interconnected, and maintaining a delicate balance between opposing forces is vital for the well-being of all. This principle echoes throughout various philosophical and spiritual traditions, reflecting the ancient wisdom that transcends cultures and time.
The Scottish Rite ritual and symbolism, which accompany our journey towards the 32nd degree, provide us with a profound experience of self-reflection and contemplation. Through allegorical stories and symbolic gestures, we are reminded of the importance of seeking balance in all aspects of our lives. This equilibrium extends to our thoughts, actions, emotions, and relationships, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with greater clarity and purpose.
Moreover, the 32nd degree unveils the significance of esoteric knowledge and the pursuit of deeper truths. As Scottish Rite Masons, we understand that true enlightenment is not a destination but an ongoing journey. It urges us to be perpetual students of wisdom, always seeking to expand our understanding and insight. By embracing the idea that knowledge is a powerful tool for positive change, we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and the world at large.
In our quest for enlightenment, we are encouraged to explore various disciplines, from philosophy and art to science and spirituality. The Scottish Rite provides a supportive environment for Masons to engage in meaningful discussions and share knowledge. The 32nd degree also emphasizes the importance of charitable work and benevolence. As enlightened beings, we recognize the inherent responsibility to uplift those in need and extend compassion to all. By acting as pillars of support and advocates for the less fortunate, we strive to create a world where the scales of justice and fairness are balanced.
It is important to note that the secrets of the 32nd degree are not hidden to create exclusivity but rather to safeguard the profound teachings from being misinterpreted or misused. The true secret lies not in hidden knowledge but in the transformation of our hearts and minds, leading liberation of the soul from attachment to forms and illusions which are not real but we identified with and thought was "us".
The 32nd degree is a transformative experience that unveils the path to enlightenment and the secret of universal equilibrium. As Scottish Rite Masons, we embrace the timeless principles of harmony and interconnectedness, seeking to apply these teachings in our daily lives. By nurturing our thirst for knowledge, practicing benevolence, and maintaining balance, we can become enlightened beings who contribute positively to our communities and the world, perpetuating the sacred legacy of the Scottish Rite for generations to come.
At last month's meeting during my education moment I mentioned that I am not enlightened, and that one should be suspicious of anyone that says they are. Yet the words that come out of my mouth and my typing fingers sure sound like those of an enlightened person. What I meant by this is Michael, the one with a name and a job and likes and dislikes, is merely a collection of learned responses to the environment. That entity can never be enlightened. It is narcissistically attached to these learned responses. It believes that is who he is. My poor silly ego.
But the words coming out of my mouth (and my typing fingers) are nonetheless Truth. That which you are is speaking. They originate from the Great Creator's constant eternal presence. One can never honestly make the statement that "I am enlightened" because that would immediately indicate ignorance (I mean that as a technical spiritual term), as there is no "I" to have this thing called "enlightenment". The real "I", the unchanging aspect in our constant awareness is merely, elegantly simply, irreducibly, God's eternal presence in constant expression.
You can't think your way out of a thinking box. The ego can never be enlightened. It actually doesn't even exist as a thing; every bit of it is changeably fluid. There is nothing there to be enlightened. It can't recognize that it is a movement, an expression, a posterior attribute of a conjugate pair.
To put it another way, if we were to accept for a moment what everyone through the ages was telling us, that there really is only "one thing going on" and we're making a mistake, deluding ourselves to believe we are unique individuals and that the unique individual thing is actually an illusion, and not what's real, if we were to, just for the sake of exercise, accept that there is 'only one thing going on', how then could there be an 'I' to have this other thing called enlightenment?
Well anyway, keep working on it. Make the internal query constant, as much as you can remember to do so. "Who am I?" A thing is irritating; get excited and ask yourself "to whom did that occur?"Can you identify the process of seeing the irritating thing and the resultant movement of energy in the body which felt like irritation? Who observed the irritating thing? Who labeled the experience? Next time you see that irritating thing can you choose to be compassionate about the poor thing's condition instead having irritation? So then who are you? The irritated one? The compassionate one? Who chose which to be? Are you now the chooser of your behavior? Before, the movement of energy in the body was labeled irritation and you gritted your teeth. Now the energy moves and it feels like compassion and a tear comes to your eye. Which one are you? Can you turn your attention around and find the chooser person?
If you can not find anything in your awareness as the irreducible "you", if every single thing you investigate about yourself is changeable, and therefor not the "one thing going on", then maybe this assumption you've had your whole life about who you are was incorrect. But you can not look for that which is actually Real. You can not look for the "One thing going on". You can not do an exercise which will expose it. Any of those efforts or mental exercises would suggest "not one". So long as your reference is with "not one", the awareness of Oneness can not occur. If "you" do an exercise in order to expose "enlightenment", then that's kind of a word failure that gets in the way of success.
However, by merely querying yourself deeply, honestly, rigorously, as to your own identity, who you really are, there is a shift. A quickening. A realization of that which was there all along.
But I will warn you now that for most people these realizations are fleeting. Marghanita Laski coined the term "contact experience". Almost immediately there will be the thought: "Hey it finally happened! I got it! It's so obvious I could never lose it!" and poof, it's gone. Then you will cry "Argh, I had it and I lost it" which will ensure it will not return because you're stuck back in the self referential loop of the illusionary ego self, or in philosophy often referred to as the "little self" or written as "self". The original Real self, the I before I am, is often written as "Self".
Only that same exercise of illuminating that which is Real in your immediate experience will lead you back to the I, the I before the "I am this that and everything" happens.
I have a theory. I might have shared it before. We see in the not so distant past incredible architecture that we can not replicate today. These massive ornate cathedrals, castles, star forts, placed on a giant world wide geometric grid suggest to me an advanced civilization that lived in peace and in harmony with elemental earth energies we do not know how to employ today. I believe they lived, all of them, every person, in the enlightened state. I believe that if one person can become enlightened through the exercises I suggest (and I've know many who have), then I think it's possible for ALL humans to exist in the enlightened state of awareness, if we were only taught young enough. If most everyone was doing it, if the school teachers and priests were doing it, children would likely just continue enjoying the pure light of consciousness from childhood through life. I think in short order enlightenment would not be a thing to be learned at great effort as an adult that has already become so addicted to it's ego most never do wake up, rather I think if the whole world was doing it everyone would know it from birth right through life.
And that I think is the human's power. We are powerful wizards with the ability to manipulate reality from the very essence from which it springs. I think we have an enemy. I think that enemy took a cataclysmic opportunity to re-teach humanity, starting with it's children, to be addicted to the ego and forget who we really are. I think they might have instituted belief systems on the planet, re-purposing ancient structures as churches and mosques, to further keep humanity attached to the ego and prevent them from waking up.
I think they are afraid of us waking up. Isn't it curious how Satan was known as Lucifer "light bringer" before his fall? I believe Masonry exists as a message in a bottle to awaken, and thus save, humanity. Once awakened, civility will be the unintended consequence, which is our primary goal. Or I've also been willing to consider that Freemasonry was another institution foisted on us with enough trappings of the esoteric to be attractive and mysterious but ultimately being employed as another one of what I call "forgetting mechanisms" on the planet. But if that's the case, they failed, because together we are discovering very real secrets embedded within our ancient and oh so Gentle Craft.
The 32nd Degree in the Scottish Rite: Unveiling Enlightenment and the Secret of Universal Equilibrium
The Scottish Rite, an esoteric and mystical branch of Freemasonry, holds within its teachings a deep exploration of spiritual growth and self-discovery. Among the numerous degrees that one can attain, the 32nd degree stands as a pinnacle of wisdom, unlocking the secret of universal equilibrium.
The journey towards the 32nd degree begins with the recognition that true enlightenment is not simply an intellectual pursuit but a path that involves the refinement of one's character and the alignment of one's actions with moral principles. As we progress through the degrees, we undergo a symbolic transformation, shedding our old selves and embracing a more enlightened state of being. At the 32nd degree, we delve into the concept of universal equilibrium – a timeless principle that lies at the heart of cosmic harmony. It teaches us that everything in the universe is interconnected, and maintaining a delicate balance between opposing forces is vital for the well-being of all. This principle echoes throughout various philosophical and spiritual traditions, reflecting the ancient wisdom that transcends cultures and time.
The Scottish Rite ritual and symbolism, which accompany our journey towards the 32nd degree, provide us with a profound experience of self-reflection and contemplation. Through allegorical stories and symbolic gestures, we are reminded of the importance of seeking balance in all aspects of our lives. This equilibrium extends to our thoughts, actions, emotions, and relationships, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with greater clarity and purpose.
Moreover, the 32nd degree unveils the significance of esoteric knowledge and the pursuit of deeper truths. As Scottish Rite Masons, we understand that true enlightenment is not a destination but an ongoing journey. It urges us to be perpetual students of wisdom, always seeking to expand our understanding and insight. By embracing the idea that knowledge is a powerful tool for positive change, we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and the world at large.
In our quest for enlightenment, we are encouraged to explore various disciplines, from philosophy and art to science and spirituality. The Scottish Rite provides a supportive environment for Masons to engage in meaningful discussions and share knowledge. The 32nd degree also emphasizes the importance of charitable work and benevolence. As enlightened beings, we recognize the inherent responsibility to uplift those in need and extend compassion to all. By acting as pillars of support and advocates for the less fortunate, we strive to create a world where the scales of justice and fairness are balanced.
It is important to note that the secrets of the 32nd degree are not hidden to create exclusivity but rather to safeguard the profound teachings from being misinterpreted or misused. The true secret lies not in hidden knowledge but in the transformation of our hearts and minds, leading liberation of the soul from attachment to forms and illusions which are not real but we identified with and thought was "us".
The 32nd degree is a transformative experience that unveils the path to enlightenment and the secret of universal equilibrium. As Scottish Rite Masons, we embrace the timeless principles of harmony and interconnectedness, seeking to apply these teachings in our daily lives. By nurturing our thirst for knowledge, practicing benevolence, and maintaining balance, we can become enlightened beings who contribute positively to our communities and the world, perpetuating the sacred legacy of the Scottish Rite for generations to come.
