Combining the Center of Stillness Meditation and the 8 Temples
© 2003
>> Somebody on our Polish Bardon related e-mail group asked if CSM and 8 Temples can be combined in practice. He meant if it would be ok to first separate yourself from the 7 senses, and then to pursue 8T. <<
Actually, this would be a good idea since what you're separating from in the initial stage of the CSM are the *physical* sensory inputs. This leaves you with greater mental focus and a greater openness to astra-mental perceptions. If you look at the original CSM article, you'll see that there is a direct correlation between the stages of the CSM and the Sephirotic states. http://www.ABardonCompanion.com/CenterOfStillness.html
For example, the initial stage of CSM in which one has separated their self-awareness from the input of all 7 physical senses, equates with Malkuth in the 8T *as a state of self-awareness*. The next stage of the CSM in which one is examining the web of the personality, equates with Yesod in the 8T *as a state of self-awareness*. And so on.
>> It is like CSM is a more internal way of working with yourself, while 8T is a bit more external. <<
Yes, but they both work with the same "thing" (one's own self) and are complimentary in that the experiences of the one, deepen the practitioner's understanding of the other. If you recognize a CSM stage within the 8T experience, and vise a versa, then that state of awareness is further integrated into your self-awareness. It has more points of reference, so to speak.
>> But coming back to the basic question - is it ok to first achieve center of stillness, and then to pursue 8T? According to my own practice, I am closer to answering 'no', but I though it would be wise to ask the Creator of those techniques ;-) <<
Of course, even though The Creator says it's "okay", it's still a matter of *individual* choice and inclination. :) In other words, don't be shy about expressing *your* opinion too! ;-)
My best to you as always,
:) Rawn Clark
29 Nov 2003