Do You Think Religion Has Value For The 21st Century?

!±8± Do You Think Religion Has Value For The 21st Century?

b>Religion has value, if it is not abused or misused.

For instance, the other evening I was watching the Republican presidential candidates on national TV. A few of the candidates espoused their religious convictions. Well, we all admire men of conviction. At least to a point, even if you don't believe Religion has value.

What does raise one's eyebrow, is when a presidential candidate emphasis the point, that a person's religious convictions will definitely affect his governing strategy. I say, yes and no. I still think religion has value.

Critics tried to hang that number on John F. Kennedy, when he ran for the presidency. They thought the Pope would be giving him orders about running the government. JFK set his critics straight. He told them that he doesn't take orders from the Pope when it comes to running the United State of America. You recall, JFK was a Roman Catholic and he believed religion has value.

It's obviously a terrible abuse of religion when senior men, who know better, use religion as a weapon to get their followers to martyr themselves for the sake of a political cause. Yeah, like they are doing in the Middle East. I suppose anything can be rationalized. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to swallow. I suppose to the terrorists, religion has value in a perverted way.

Culture has a tremendous influence on religion and the people involved.

Take the pre-historic period. You had all kinds of religions going on. Most of those religions dealt with surviving the very harsh environment that was the "world" back then.

You had gods for just about everything. Just about all of it pertained to surviving...like having enough food to eat. Not being torn apart by the wild beasts of the land. Or, not being killed by other people or tribes. There was a definite purpose and reason for religion. The focus was "outward"...physical survival.

As time progressed, and culture and society evolved, religion became an excellent tool to help people become "civilized. The aristocracy of the times recognized that religion had a strong influence on its subjects. Thus, society and its culture, was encouraged along religious lines.

All religions provide for peoples' needs.

Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Christianity, and Islam historically speaking, followed each other in time frames. They all provided their peoples' needs, certainly culturally speaking.

o where was this more self evident then in Hinduism. The art of developing an introspective life within oneself for the sake of acquiring wisdom in order to master ones outer world and oneself became a guiding light. Subsequently, men of unusual skills developed, which are referred to as Yogis.

Shortly thereafter, Buddhism took a strong hold on India, China and eventually Japan. Buddhism served the needs of its culture regarding dealing with the extreme hardships of life.

Martial Arts and Buddhism.

I was an active martial artist for ten years. Consequently, I have great respect for Buddhism. Especially, I like the use it was put to in Japan. Specifically, Zen Buddhism. And, I will tell you why. The ruling aristocracy of the times, made sure that the Zen teachings were internalized by the Samurai Class of society.

The Samurais were the soldiers of those times. Their role in society was to protect the rulers, the people of influence and wealth. We know these aristocrats as Shoguns. Basically, the Samurai was a man of the sword. He literally lived and died by the sword. Through the teachings of Zen Buddhism, the Samurai learned to live with the idea and reality of his immanent death.

Subsequently, the Shogun had a fearless warrior. He wasn't afraid of death. And, ironically, this made the Samurai an incredible fighter with the sword. Why? Not fearing death, freed him to boldly execute the skills of superb swordsmanship.

You can't beat Courtesy

Interestingly enough, as a side note, Courtesy became a very prominent use in Japan because of the Samurai. How? Simple enough. The Samurais of those times mostly lived in temples. And, a Samurai never was without his sword! Subsequently, these hard chargers would periodically bump into each other in their living quarters.

Guess what? With just a smirk or the wrong kind of gesture, a fight to the death would occur. And, with the skill these men had, fights were finished in seconds. Subsequently, the shoguns who owned these temples, made hard and fast rules for their Samurai...everyone was required to give each other the most courtesy and respect!

So, if you as a Samurai, accidentally bumped into a fellow Samurai, you immediately apologized and bowed. This ended the losing of valuable soldiers because of personal arguments and disrespect.

Unification

Religion certainly had an unifying force on the tribes of the semites; namely, the Jews and Arabs concerning Judaism and Islam.

Additionally, a refinement of ethics and morality were given great prominence by both societies. Also, both religions lent a new emphasis on the "inner" life of mankind. Skill sets on living an introspective life were given recognition. There are many examples in this very interesting history that demonstrate that religion has value.

Certainly Yahew, the God of the Jews, was responsible for the unification of these semite tribes. Here are many examples of where religion has value. Judaism is directly responsible for leading the Jews, who were slaves in Egypt, to their own country.

It took an incredible prophet named Moses to steer his people through an seemingly unending journey in the desert for 40 years. But the Jews proved to be a tough resilient group, and they stuck with Moses. They were rewarded with their "Promised Land", known as Israel.

Many great historians credit the Judeo-Christian principles and heritage for the greatness of the United States of America. As an American, it is hard not to argue that religion has value.

Islam is another great religion that has stood the test of time. The worship of Allah. Like Judaism, Islam served to unify great Semite tribes in terms of their religious belief systems.

A Golden Age during the Dark Ages

No question about it, Islam helped civilize a strong people in terms of ethics, living a honorable life, and dealing with justice. Ironically, during the Dark Ages of Europe, the civilized society of Islam was creating unparalleled achievements in the fields of science, literature, and spirituality.

If you want an expanded and detailed view of the world religions, check out Huston Smith's book, "The World's Religions". I am a big fan of his. Trust me, you will be glad you did. Yes, religion has value in the 21st century.

In summary, yes, I believe religion has value. Like anything else, it has the potential for misuse and abuse. If feel that as long as religion fulfills the needs of people, then, religion has value. On the other hand, if culture continues to change and subsequent needs of society changes, then, religion needs to "watch out".

Simply stated, people will loose interest and go on to something else that more readily helps them live their life with integrity. I had a wonderful writing teacher that once told me, "God will be dead in maybe 10,000 more years". Yeah he was an atheist. He simply felt that humankind would have the desire for worshiping a supernatural being weaned out of them by then. I still believe religion has value.

On the other hand, their is a new pioneer of the religious community that has arrived on the horizon, Pastor Joel Osteen! He is a young guy who has the largest and fastest growing congregation in the United States.

The name of his church is Lakewood. Located in Houston, Texas. His congregation is one of the most diverse ethnically and racially groups in America. Which means this man knows how to meet peoples' needs. He also has writen a best seller.

Do You Think Religion Has Value For The 21st Century?

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!±8± Survive or Die!(Untamed: A House of Night Novel)

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A General Look at Alchemy Part 2

!±8± A General Look at Alchemy Part 2

Physical Alchemy

Transmutation of one substance into another such as base metals into gold, water into wine, etc., is the physical aspect of alchemy. It is often referred to as the "Greater Circulation." Much charlatanry and quackery became involved with this aspect and many people were cheated by rascals who claimed that they had in their possession the Philosopher's Stone that could effect a transmutation of base metals into gold. Human greed knows no bounds; the poor wishes to be wealthy, the rich aims to be wealthier, and with all their efforts, whether successful or not, sorrow and suffering is the karmic result.

Aspirants of the Ancient Wisdom are taught that the world of form is transient and that one's happiness should not be based upon something that is illusory. Illusions do not last and they are not eternal. They bind man to a false sense of human limitation. They enslave man to matter by seducing him to indulge in things that hampers the development of the soul. Truth and the Real are that which is eternal and they are to be found in the "kingdom of God" within us. Unfortunately, most Christians overlook this one of the most important injunctions of the Nazarene Master. The ancient precepts advises us further that the less earthly desires one has, the richer one truly becomes.

The "Lesser Circulation" of the herbal family is also included in this category of Physical Alchemy. The main object of this work is the search for a universal panacea that would cure the ills and sufferings of humanity. This is quite a noble desire should the lucrative aspect and profit motive be absent; it would exemplify the Bodhisattva ideal.

In contemporary times, there are many of those who have claimed to have accomplished a successful transmutation in their laboratories, even teaching the secrets of the art to their ardent followers.

Biological Alchemy

When alchemists realized that they were advancing in age and were no closer to the goal of physical transmutation, they sought a way to stall the process of old age, to regenerate the body, and even to acquire a degree of physical immortality and biological immunity to diseases that humankind is so prone.

With such an object in view, they commenced their search for an "Elixir of Life" that would prolong their physical existence. At the very onset, the search took them to the field of herbalism, for many plants were believed to possess the traditional virtues of the fabled "Fountain of Youth." The Hindu mystics attribute such qualities to the "Soma" creeper. The Chinese Taoists declare that a certain mushroom that they call "lung chih" has the virtue of regenerating the physical body. The Egyptian god Thoth is also said to have described a life-giving mushroom which conferred immortality.

At a later period, however, the discovery was made that the real Elixir lied within man himself, and it had to be manufactured via psycho-biological means. Briefly, this is the work to be undertaken at the biological level.

Psychological Alchemy

Psychological, or "Mental Alchemy," is the science of the development of the Mind. Of the four lower bodies, the mental sheath is the only one unstructured, as yet, into an organized body--that is, in most people. In the course of evolution, the mental body will be constituted and coordinated so as to allow the Ego, and the waking consciousness, to function fully in the mental realm. The "Secret Doctrine" of H.P.Blavatsky tells us that in the Fifth Round the mental body is expected to be fully developed. Mental Alchemy accelerates the evolution of the Mind. It permits its practitioner to acquire in the Fourth Round what Nature intends humankind to attain in the next with her somewhat languid process. Mental development entails the development and the refinement of the following abilities, qualities, and faculties:

1) A universal attitude and perspective

2) Imagination

3) Concentration

4) The ability to reason inductively, deductively, syllogistically, analytically, analogically, etc.

5) Mental quietude

6) Abstract thinking

7) Divine thinking

8) Mental receptivity

9) Visualization

10) Discrimination (Viveka)

11) Detachment (Vairagya)

12) Meditation

13) Mental creation Etc.

Before quick progress can be made in developing the above faculties, the mind has to be purged of all the phobias, neurosis, and psychosis that are infecting it; even the guilts, resentments, and sinful feelings torturing one's consciousness. The aspirant is advised to forgive--forgive self and forgive others. The steps of conviction, contrition, confession, consecration, and communion should be adhered to when one desires spiritual unfoldment.

One of the other steps to be taken is the unification of the male and female aspects of the psyche. Psychoanalysis, however, has only touched the outer fringes of the mind with its inner probings.

Mental Alchemy, like the previous categories, is not considered the ultimate goal of Alchemy. They are but stepping stones leading to Transcendental Alchemy. More on Mental Alchemy and the general laws governing transmutation may be read in the Kybalion written by anonymous initiate-writers.

Transcendental Alchemy

All things in their natural unregenerated state are considered dead by alchemists. Man in his natural state is in a state of death. Master Jesus voiced this precept when he declared, "let the dead bury the dead." Transcendental Alchemy raises Man from the "State of Nature, to a State of Grace." The process reunites the sadhaka, the disciple, to the Atma, and later to the Monad in full awareness. This is the "unio mystica" sought fervently by mystics of all Ages. When Man unites with the totality of Life, he factually unites himself with God, for Life and God are synonymous.

Unity with "Tao," Lao Tse's mystic term for the Absolute, results in the realization of one's true Identity and Reality. The individual who is united with the Absolute is a Jivanmukta, a freed being--freed from ignorance, maya, and mortality; human consciousness expands and embraces Cosmic Consciousness in this unified state. Figuratively, the Drop returns to the Ocean, and the Spark to the Flame, and Man's essential divine nature shines forth with the splendour of the Sun. This is the destiny of Man--to advance into the Kingdom of God and be all that God wants him to be.

There are various systems of spiritual unfoldment catered to the basically, seven different temperaments of Man, that leads him to his ultimate goal. Transcendental Alchemy is one of these sublime systems. It is essentially yogic in nature. Meditation, concentration, and contemplation are stressed and the work of the previous levels of transmutation are conducive to its successful outcome.

Symbols of Alchemy

Since ancient times symbols have been used to describe something that words were not adequate enough to express. The intellect has its limitations in comprehending spiritual verities. Intuitively, Man feels that the forces of nature are intelligently directed. How and why, his human mind is unable to explain. Cosmic principles, though inadequately described verbally by prophets of God, finds its inculcation upon the human mind expressively through symbols and signs.

Symbols are not restrictive, nor exclusive. Minds interpret symbols according to the level of their mental and spiritual development. The child-mind interprets a symbol in one way, while the transcendental mind would interpret it in another.

Most symbols are taken from Nature; others invented by Man, usually take on the form of combined geometric elements. Examples of the former are: the snake, which symbolizes regeneration; the scarabeaus--immortality; mountains--obstacles, etc. Examples of the latter: the Martinist pentacle--the unity of Man and Omneity; the Egyptian ankh--Life and Immortality; the circle--eternity.

Symbols have a certain usefulness in transforming the mind. Whatever man thinks upon, that he becomes. By meditating on symbols, or images representing power, love, holiness, and compassion, for example, through mental induction man unfolds such qualities within his nature.

Personally developed symbols are sometimes used as media for communicative exchange between the waking consciousness and the subconscious mind. This is effected by ascribing a certain attribute to a, preferably, invented symbol by repetitious thought and contemplation upon it. For example, the waking mind may ascribe to lightning as a symbol the meaning of danger by constant focus and suggestion upon it until it is absorbed by the subconscious mind. At a later date, when real danger is present, an intuitive impression with the lightning symbol would flash through from the subconscious to the waking mind, thus warning the individual. This method is also applicable to enrich and enlarge upon symbolic dream content and to induce the subconscious to utilize the newly absorbed symbols which are non-mystifying to the waking-consciousness.

Alchemy is very rich in symbolism. The Royal Art itself is sometimes represented by the Pelican and the Phoenix bird. The latter was invented by mystics in Alexandria during its heyday; the former, by a group of Knights Templer in the British Isles.

Alchemical symbols of past ages were designed to reveal, as well as to conceal; to stimulate the mind to awaken from its intellectual-complacency. Alchemical mandalas describe processes of transmutation. Truths, laws, and principles, which are pertinent to an aspirant's spiritual unfoldment, are similarly depicted within mandalas. Such truths were obscured by vague language and inexplicable diagrams for protection from persecution, because truths, for some reason, were, and still are, considered heretical by Christian orthodoxy. In accord with this dire situation, alchemical symbols, as an expedient, took on Christian coloration.

Let us examine the following common alchemical symbols:

1) The Hermaphrodite

2) Dragons

3) The Caduceus

The Hermaphrodite

Modern psychology has discovered that the human psyche possesses both masculine and feminine qualities. The male and female polarities are present no matter what our biological gender. One polarity in the human psyche is, however, usually repressed to the background in the Id, the subconsciousness, to the detriment of the psychological equilibrium and stability of the waking consciousness.

There are hierarchies of development and transformation of both male and female qualities evolving within the psyche. The "lowest" rung of the female hierarchy is the "Harlot," later transfiguring into the "Virgin" of the succeeding rung, and on to the High Priestess" and the "Empress" of the higher stages. The masculine side has its transformation from "Barbarian," to "Knight," "Hierophant," and "Emperor."

The Hermaphrodite symbolically represents the ideal anima and animus in symbiotic conjunction; the highest aspect of the male and female qualities in perfect balance and unity within the psyche. This is the state of unity that every man and woman unconsciously seeks in an external partner. The search for wholeness should really take place within. Man's union with Omneity is preceded by man's union with his alter ego within his waking consciousness.

Any individual with such a coordinated psyche functions balancely and creatively in society. An aura of holiness enfolds the person; the world knows the person as a compassionate, wise, and powerful being. He, or she, is the "twice-born."

Esoteric tradition teaches that in a future Root Race individuals will be hermaphrodites. Aside from having an androgynous psyche, man would biologically possess two spinal columns with the cerebra-spinal and autonomic nervous system functioning in a closer relationship. Individuals who are capable of controlling autonomic functions such as the heart beat, is a certain indication of where the biological and physiological aspects of man are evolving.

Dragons

There are many myths and legends concerning heroes slaying dragons that are to be found in the mythology of various cultures. We hear in Greek myth of Apollo vanquishing Python; Siegfried, St. George, Krishna, Hermes, and many other heroic figures have also had their dragons to slay. There are basically two species of dragons to be found in alchemical mythos: the celestial, and the terrestrial dragon. The latter dragon is sometimes called "the red dragon."

What do dragons represent? Dragons are symbols of raw energy within the psycho-biological organism of man. The terrestrial dragon in the microcosm, is the kundalini fire nesting in the kanda. In the average person, this energy is used mainly in sexual gratification and indulgence in sensual activities. Slaying the dragon symbolizes the tapping of this energy for higher uses of the Ego. The student-hero utilizes the sword, symbolic of the will, to overcome the beast within, does so by directing the kundalini fire upwards toward the brain centers via the channel called sushumna--stimulating creativity of a higher order as a result. Illumination is the consequence of the internal marriage that takes place between the negative kundalini force and the higher positive Christic force, symbolised by the celestial dragon, within the Holy of Holies of the sanctum within the cranium. In a symbolical sense, the hero is smeared by dragon's blood making him immortal. The resurrected Kundalini is sometimes represented by the Phoenix bird.

The individual who has his kundalini raised permanently and hissing through the Third Eye, is honorably called a "Naga," a Hindu mystic term for "dragon," or "serpent." With the experience of illumination, the Naga realizes the oneness and unity of life. The Naga is known for his wisdom in his words, action, and behavior. Master Jesus is presumed to have praised the enlightened Nagas by exhorting his followers to be "as wise as a serpent . . ." Dragons, occasionally, represent the unresolved and repressed energies to be found in the psyche--the "monsters of the id"--such as phobias, neurosis, guilt feelings, and the like.

From the geo-terrestrial angle, dragons represent certain currents of magnetic energy found in certain parts of the earth's terrain. They could perhaps be called "chakras of the planet." They also correspond to accupressure points in the body of man. Ley lines are, likewise, associated with geo-terrestrial dragons. The Knights Templers had certain knowledge in this regard--they knew how to determine the locations of magnetically-charged regions. Such hallowed grounds were chosen as sites for cathedrals, chapels, and temples. Dragons are sometimes associated with the body, soul, and spirit of Man.

The Caduceus

Mystic gurus, when instructing disciples, sometimes adopt teaching devices to train their chelas. The Caduceus is one such device. It represents the major nadis, or subtle nervous system to be found in man's occult anatomy.

The Caduceus, or staff of Mercury, is composed of a rod with two snakes intertwined around the rod. The rod represents sushumna, an etheric counterpart of the spinal cord. Within the sushumna there are other subtle nerves, channels of refine energy; they are called by yogis "Vajrini," "Chitrini," and "Brahman." The sushumna extends upwards and outwards into the Overself as the "Sutratma." Pingala and Ida are the two nadis depicted by the snakes. The junctions where the snakes and rod meet are symbolic of the major chakras. Vagabond yogis sometimes carry bamboo staffs with seven knots on it to represent sushumna and the chakras.

Atop of the caduceus rod is a knob; a vine creeper is sometimes attached to this knot ending somewhere midway at the staff. The protuberance represents the medulla oblongata with the vagus nerve, the creeper, connected to it. The vagus nerve ends in the thoracic region. Each of these components plays an important role in man's mystic development. They serve various spiritual functions.

Occasionally, a pair of wings are to be found appended to each side of the knob or rod. This indicates that the kundalini energy at the base of the sushumna had been raised and resurrected. Angelic wings symbolize a superior degree of consciousness and mind.

As a whole, the caduceus symbolizes regeneration and enlightenment. It further depicts the attunement of the mind of man with the Cosmic Mind.

In bygone days, in the Mystery Schools, only the adepts and those of a higher standing were worthy enough to hold such a symbolic staff in their hands. Sometimes the caduceus, or versions of it, were magnetized with odic energy and Atmic force. The Thyrsus held in the hands of hierophants of the Eleusian Mystery School was one rod with such a divine quality impregnated into it. It was primarily designed to stimulate the kundalini fire of the disciples and initiates when their gurus deemed it necessary and appropriate at certain stages of their spiritual growth. The act of impregnating a mystical or religious object with divine influences is called "consecration," or "magnetization."

Some occultists interpret the caduceus as representing the Universal Magickal Agent. This magickal force is used abundantly in theurgic and thaumaturgic operations. Egyptian hierophants were adepts in the application of this force. The laws and principles involved in controlling the agent were transmitted under oath of secrecy to seekers of Light. Appolonius, Pythagoras, and Moses are names that come to mind when considering the display of so-called miracles. These eminent individuals were all initiates of the Mystery schools in the Land of Khem.

Nowadays, the Caduceus is an emblem employed by the medical profession. Only in recent years is this branch of science discovering the subtle energies with which this emblem is silently pointing.

Themes of Alchemy

Alchemy, no matter what its level of application, is essentially psychic in nature. All of the laboratory processes described by alchemists takes place mainly in man's consciousness. Consciousness is the key to transmutation. God-Consciousness is the secret of the royal Art. Functioning in higher dimensions, the conscious mind in unison with higher levels of consciousness, creates forms of perfection in higher realms, in archetypal worlds. The consciousness operating therein coalesces the necessary electronic particles to bring about a manifestation in the physical world. Consciousness, when in the borderline state, easily experiences and produces psychic manifestations.

The Mind is the creator and director of the dynamism and kinetics of subatomic particles. Out of Cosmic Root Substance, or Prima Materia, the Cosmic Mind and Intelligence fashioned the entire universe. Man, being the reflection of the macrocosm, is able to use the same Mind to manifest his designs. Patterns of perfection held constantly in mind becomes living archetypes which stimulates its creator to work spiritually upon his redemption and salvation from bondage to human mortality. We become what we think. Thoughts are living energy, and it is the proper directing of those thoughts by the will that effects transmutation or precipitation. It is declared that thoughts of a divine nature give rise to the vibrations of a Master Soul. Thoughts influence us holistically. Our nerve substances, composition of the blood, auric energies and radiations, are all affected by the state of our mind, by the thoughts that we dwell on a day to day basis.

Every organism is an embryo of a higher development and expression. Nature is constantly striving to produce perfection. Alchemists believe that it is Man's prerogative to speed up the processes of nature to quickly attain perfection. This spiritual labor is conducted in the laboratory of the soul.
From the Absolute's point of view, we may speculate that everything is perfect, for "everything" does not truthfully exist--everything is his being. All is God in his omnipresence. God is Immanent and Transcendent. Perfection is a divine quality ever present within Nature and Man. This innate divinity is stressed by spiritual gurus. The "know ye not that ye are gods" precept is emphasized repeatedly.
From the relative point of view, imperfections are to be seen everywhere. Man's earthly mission is to transmute this disordered condition, this cacophony of man's evolving principles by attuning with the rhythm of the Cosmos--with the dance of Shiva.

To understand the esoteric science of alchemy, it is necessary to elaborate upon the above through discussing briefly the following alchemical themes:

1) The Philosopher's Stone

2) The First Matter

3) The Seed

4) Mercury--Sulphur--Salt

5) The Seven Metals

6) The Universal Panacea

7) Fire

Copyright © 2006 Luxamore

A General Look at Alchemy Part 2

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