Re: Paenitere

["golden558dragon" <tim100lund@...>]

Thank you for your insight, it is greatly appreciated. I have much
thinking to do, and will hopefully end up making what is the right
decision for me personaly.



--- In BardonPraxis@yahoogroups.com, "Rawn Clark" <rawnclark@n...> wrote:
> Dear 'golden558dragon',
> 
> >> What about his views concerning a temporary abstinence from sex and
> the one week of fasting. Would there be any advantages in starting your
> magical practise in such a manor, seeing as it might destroy laevas and
> train your will ??? <<
> 
> In my "Commentary Upon IIH: Step One" I suggested the temporary
> cessation of all caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, alcohol and of anything
> else that alters the brain's chemistry, so that the mind is clear for
> the mental exercises. The mind must be mastered when it is functioning
> normally instead of when it is being influenced and therefore
> functioning abnormally.
> 
> Periodic fasting is always a good idea since, when done properly, it
> purifies the body of toxins and brings the bodies digestive system back
> into proper balance. But even better than periodic fasting is the
> consistent eating of a healthy diet.
> 
> In the absence of sexual addiction, a temporary abstinence from sex
> will indeed increase your overall energy, leaving you with more energy
> for concentration if that is otherwise a problem for you. [However, I
> must point out that the only sexual alternative Blystone offers to
> permanent abstinence is involvement in a monogamous, committed
> (heterosexual) relationship. According to him, if you are not in such a
> relationship then abstinence is your only option (he declares
> casual sex and masturbation as unacceptable).]
> 
> And of course, practicing *any* asceticism will strengthen your will.
> 
> But so far as these practices themselves eliminating larvae, this is not
> guaranteed. For example, if sexual addiction or food addiction or
> substance addiction are issues you face, then a temporary cessation of
> all things having to do with the object of your addiction *without
> simultaneously and directly addressing the root addiction issues* will
> often have the opposite affect of increasing the strength of attendant
> larvae and draining *you* of energy. So if you do practice these
> asceticisms he suggests then I recommend that you also be ready to deal
> with all of the addiction issues that arise.
> 
> >> On his yoga regime, what do you think would be the benefits of
> following his regime to the letter and would there be any unforeseen
> dangers in doing so ??? <<
> 
> The benefits and dangers, *if you follow his instructions to the letter*
> (which includes an exhaustive study of the Yogic literature in addition
> to following his given instructions) would obviously be the benefits and
> dangers espoused in the Yogic literature. :) However, I must point out
> that Yoga is not *Hermetics* -- it is not *part of* the *Hermetic* path
> of initiation. It can indeed make a good *addition to* but it is not a
> *part of* it.
> 
> >> Also would there be some advantages in waiting with some of his
> lessons, and then using them as a compliment to some of the more
> advances IIH lessons ??? <<
> 
> Yes and I think his sensory exercise is a case in point. It could be
> used effectively in conjunction with the work of being able to identify
> the separate organs and regions of the body.
> 
> >> Finally what about his comments on some of the books of the Bible and
> his comments on the Tarot, something I personally found to be some of
> the most interesting parts of the book. Do you agree with his ideas, and
> if not then why ??? <<
> 
> I glossed over most of this material since it didn't interest me.
> 
> >> By the way, to a point I also agree with you about his writing style.
> It is sometimes slow, a bit to melodramatic, and clearly painted by his
> Gnostic beliefs, but at the same time I also think he wrote it like that
> to convey a point (be careful not to accept everything, do not think the
> occult sciences is a game, etc.). <<
> 
> Yes, obviously it was done intentionally and after just a couple of
> chapters the reader should have more than gotten his point that
> initiation is serious business and that one should think for themselves.
> :) But after a while it got tiresome and seemed to have to do with more
> than just making a point.
> 
> One final comment on "Paenitere". When I add up all the daily time
> commitments and life changes that Blystone demands as absolute
> requirements of the "neophyte", I see an erection of barriers instead of
> the breaking down of them. It is clear to my mind that Bardon wrote IIH
> in order to make Hermetic initiation *more* accessible to *more* people.
> In many places in his books he emphasized the fact that initiation was
> possible for the "ordinary man" who lives an ordinary life. It's not
> reserved just for those who can spend at least six hours a day devoted
> exclusively to exercises and the study of books. That's all wonderful
> when it can be managed and can make for very quick progress, but it is
> not *necessary*. And in this day and age it is not even *possible* for
> the vast majority of those interested in pursuing their initiation. In
> point of fact, the vast majority of the students that I know of are
> making excellent progress devoting only a couple of hours each day, some
> on even less! It *might* take "longer" if one devotes fewer hours per
> day but this is *not* a race -- in fact, trying to race is very
> counter-productive.
> 
> In effect, Mr. Blystone sets out a path of initiation that *uses* IIH as
> its foundation but which *diverges from* Bardon's course. It's sort of
> a "Bardon Plus". ;-) Personally, I don't see that "Plus" as being in
> the Bardonian spirit of making initiation *more* accessible. Instead,
> it seems to take us back a century or two.
> 
> But that is only *my* opinion as an admitted "Bardon purist". ;-) I
> encourage you to do as Mr. Blystone repeatedly suggests and form your
> *own* opinion. :) It is after all, *your* initiation and you get to do
> whatever *you* want to do.
> 
> My best to you as always,
> :) Rawn Clark
> 25 April 2004
> rawnclark@n...
> rawn@a...
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