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Friday, February 28, 2014

Chapter 6- The Arts: Prayer

A Prayer for Artistry


Dearest Christ:

Every morn you paint the sunrise,
Illumining a different landscape each time,
Inspiring the day before us

We are in awe at the ineffable beauty
Lighting the hills and the plains.



Show me such grand celebration
That I may have a hand in this Creation,
Please teach me this artistry
From You, the Master Himself
That with divine technique becomes
The expression of Pure Love.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Chapter 6- The Arts: Contemplation

Contemplation
A Work of Art


Having found the place for the deed

And with a separate time being made

To gather that which you will help to shape

And the finest of tools in the trade ...



Setting forth on an unknown quest

Yet with confidence strangely free of the past -

To the vaguest inkling of that to be done

With your mind and your heart holding fast ...



Perspiration your qualification,

Inspiration, Father God’s Gift -

The framework at times seems familiar

But for the pieces,

Through Heaven you sift ...



Now it’s done!

Stand back and relax,

Alone with your child, prior its release,

Accept that the mundane won’t know

What to the seeker will bring chymical peace.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Chapter 6- The Arts

CHAPTER 6


The Arts




Dietary Exercise Suggested:




The presentation of imaginative, colorful, most beautiful banquets.



Commentary:



Co-ordinating and displaying the dishes at a banquet can involve themes and levels of richness. The meals offered can be deliciously delicate or voluptuously flavoursome; spicily exotic; nakedly raw, wild and wholesome; inspired from just one country’s fare, or from many all at the once; with condiments of savoury sauces, sweet chutneys, creams and toppings; all manner of breads: puff, grain, crisp, moist, unleavened; desserts that excite the more trivial of appetites, decorated appealingly, inviting - at the very least - a happy curiosity!



Attention can be given also to the supporting ‘props’ displaying this wonderful table laid of foodstuffs. How so the colours in the arrangement? The materials of the plates and dishes themselves? How much is too much? Should it detract from the platters? Yet how may we enliven the cloth? - Perhaps with flowers, with a central table display (if large enough a small altar for special occasions can be decorated accordingly, or with a miniature font or fountain); or, for small settings the theme of the seasons brought into the presentation; and for community dinners there can be photographs displayed at the buffet itself, of those fellows who could not actually make it to attend the event (placed somewhere tastefully of course, not necessarily as the main feature to the overall setting).

Individual baskets of sweet treats, nuts or seeds; cordials and teas, juices and carbonates; a cross or a candle, a miniature ribboned maypole, a decorated tree (all seasons, not just Christmas) with nougats or truffles or something similar which can be easily tied to a tiny branch and plucked off from it to eat.



At no time should animals of any kind be present in the dining area. It is acceptable and correct that if the animals are given to the run of the house they are to be dismissed to the yard just prior to serving and for the duration of the eating. Here is something of an explanation as follows:



When we are preparing to eat something, and then given to enjoy that eating, we are immediately thankful within to that which is bringing us the pleasures of certain nourishment and of taste. The experience is quite large upon our beings, even though this is something performed throughout every day by most. It is a time when we are most ‘open’ and susceptible, having relaxed the veneer of our egos, of our self-sense, that we may take this food into ourselves in the first place. It is a disposition of openness, and this is precisely why many dealings are seduced over dinners (a practice we do not recommend, should you wish to decide any important matter wisely). Meals make for communal benefits, or family bondings, or soulful interludes, because of this ‘open’ factor for which we are so given to.



This is one of the reasons why the dietary exercises are so useful, because during these periods the student will be receptive to that meal-lesson taught much moreso than by other means. The receptivity works through to many other levels besides, and this is precisely why it is quite dangerous to have an animal’s presence during the consumption of food. This is not an influence that we should readily endure, and many children and adults are given to physical illnesses as a result of the anima (in the breath, smell, astrality) around them. No matter how beloved these companions may be to us, their evolution and lifestyle must hold to its respectful perimeters, not being encouraged to impinge upon that of our own, for it is simply not conducive to our wellbeing and as a matter of health most apparent.



Preparing food in a creative manner brings much added love and care to the meal itself. When we deliberately arrange our meals to be as attractive as possible we are being respectful both to the consumer and also that life which is there before us. This does not have to denote some lavish arrangement. It might mean that the beauty is in the moderate simplicity, with but a simple adornment besides ... there are many differing expressions to this art.

For the inartistic to begin to pursue this creative talent there becomes a further challenge in this, one whereby their efforts will have an immediate and appreciative audience, whilst also an almost immediate disassembly of their effort. Of all of the mediums to work with, this one does encourage the aspirant in these two diverging ways satisfactorily. Whether it be done in sculpturing doves in icing, or bread twisting into mystical knots, we find that the nature of the culinary artist at work is tried and tested because he knows that his expression will be short-lived - and yet he still labours. He knows he must give up his art at the end of it all, for the fulfilment of a successful meal implies that his work is demolished - piece by piece it is gone, it is no more!



So in both an effort of will and of selflessness as well, we find that unlike other more lasting expressions of creativity the banquet-making prepares the soul for the pure effort - that perfect moment, giving to the moment for the moment, wholly best to where it is suited to.



When we consider that the elements within the Arts comprise those forward cosmic impulses approaching us from the very futures, then we can understand that it is only by this conception of working for that very moment at hand can we begin to invite these new and reviving forces.


One cannot seek to stultify them, contain them ere they have arrived or then conceal them - block them, or pervade them with the past. The very forces which are of the ‘new’ are given and to be received in their spirit of purpose made apparent in the moment, for it is there where they are most needed, pertinent and best fitting for the World.
 



Monday, February 24, 2014

Economy: Weaknesses Transformed into Strengths

Characteristic Weaknesses Transformed into Strengths:


Virtues are natural to Man, and when desired, when called upon, when prayed for sincerely, deliberately and needfully induced, their messengers will beckon and their characteristics shall be grafted to our being. The weakness shall be restored into that which it was originally destined to become, as follows:


Thievery transformed pertains to empathetic responsiveness to the higher example - it does become the ability to characterise oneself thoroughly and entirely on such virtues which lie outside of one’s own egoic development. This in itself is a remarkable potential given to the being of Man; that he can indeed become in attribute the very best in that which the Cosmos has to offer. Not only can we ‘assume’ the most splendid of virtues, but also may we take on their personas, to be deified so purely, that the transformation is quite real and perfect within ourselves - not as replica, but within as a self-earned and qualified right.



Piracy is an attitude of coveting so acted upon, and the virtue which may become retrieved from this sin is that of selflessness. You see it is the assumption of piracy that one has desired something outside of their own domain and wishes to have it. It is also this perspective which can bring us to sympathies and honesties that embrace the worth of individuals who live independently from our own egos. We may begin to honor them as we would ourselves, and act (at times) on their behalf quite naturally because of it. It becomes a virtue of being able to appreciate this worth without needing to personally alter it or take it to ourselves - to give to that which we love, rather than desire to take from.


Grandiose delusions of self, of possessions and of ability actually inhibit the many layers of selfhood from realising their true worth, potential and glory. In time, when the individual has become far greater than his adopted portrayal, he will be content to appear as he is. At the root-core of this virtue we find contentment, which although it represents itself cosmically as a Grace, it is also quite active in Man by the nature of its effect both within and without the individual.



It is one thing to try to steal another’s glory by edging up that close to it, and wearing a little of its light; and another to become that light (with the necessary effort required) yourself. Effectively, it begins and ends with contentment.


One might ask: “But how can I improve if I am not discontent with my current position as to who I am?” However, discontentedness is only valuable as the springboard to such change and once that change has been evaluated, it needs the very contentedness within the self to carry it forward with the further strength and confidence required for the change. This can be found when the desire to be someone else has been exchanged for the stern evaluation of one’s own merits and worth… and the resultant contentedness will surely follow.





Sunday, February 23, 2014

Chapter 5- Economy: Exercise 2


 Exercise 2

Tools required:


  • Matchsticks
  • Seed/nut of tree or seedling prepared



Part 1:



Without the assistance of glue or of twine, take the matchsticks and build up the form of a miniature house.




As you are building examine each match being mindful of the tree which it must have come from. Try to picture the whole tree - the size of it, for example - in relation to this match now in your hand. Now go on to contemplate further the forest community from which this tree must have belonged, and the very spirit of the trees in ages past, soaking sap and standing firm, right into the age of today, in same ground.



Say a prayer for the life which was this tree and is now a match.



Sovereign one of the matches as a reminder of this exercise.



Part 2:



Go and plant a tree.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Chapter 5- Economy: Exercise 1

Exercise 1Counting Sheep’




Tools required:

  • A partner in conversation
  • Small glass container

  • Very small bag of white rice
  • Very small bag of black rice

In an effort to observe and record the threading and relaying of a conversation, place a small ‘herd of black sheep’ (the black rice) into the palm of one of your hands, and a ‘small herd of white sheep’ (the white grains) into the palm of the other.



Having the container (opened) and within reach, commence conversing with your friend. Take notice just how many times you reply to some point that they have made (this needs be a relevant reflection or expansion on the idea they have brought before you) and each time this occurs, place a grain of the one color into the jar. Then, for each time that they respond with a point or comment, carrying the conversation further that same way (not by changing the subject, but in purely relating to what was formerly said by you) place a grain of the other color into the jar to represent their connective thoughts.



After the duration of the conversation count up the ‘sheep’ and see how the conversation has fared.


Friday, February 21, 2014

Chapter 5- Economy: Contemplation


CONTEMPLATION




How wonderful to behold,
As from afar
How great-full I am
To be needed, as part.


How awesome the integrity
Dependent on me,
How oft misunderstood
And despised is He ...

How malleable to our sins
Our impatience resisted
Then finally judged;
How free is the freedom
On His anvil forged.

Monopolies sloth,
Globalisation’s village,
Merging to survive
Should shrink the pi...

Price is the First World’s threat
And the Third World’s chance;
What is mystery to
The broker and banker
The worker knows.

Managers risk analysis,
Accountants – paralysis.

Quality fine, delivery on time
Friendship without wine -

Mail’s brevities hosts
Of unspoken words conveyed,
Allow the recipient
Fulfilment’s release.

Employee assessments:
Heart to heart
More honest with
The binding for a time.

No need to Christianize
For He is there
In undersell and overprove,
In the Harmony
Of culture and kind ...

.... our Beloved Economy.


Thursday, February 20, 2014

Chapter 5- Economy: Recommended


Activities Recommended:


  • Acts of Charity
  • Bird Watching
  • Listening exercises (See exercise # 1 Next!)
  • Appreciation of Architecture
  • Homoeopathic prescriptive: Spit & Substance

(See commentary)



There are three categories of creatures in relation to economy - being:

  • Those which are predatorial carnivores.
  • Those which are the grazers and harvesters of the vegetable/etheric kingdom; and
  • There are birds.



The predatorily carnivorous species are of an old economy which is predestined for extinction. The grazing, harvesting animals are of a yet older, but now more progressive ecology - being sensitive to the deathly forces in the astral practices of flesh eating. (The disease in cows recently relates to such a sensitive response in being fed animal amongst the fodder. Such reactions will only get stronger, refusing in their natures to submit to this assimilation. Added to this are the cellular infusions scientists are mutating species with currently. They too, because of their Franciscan disposition, will be prone to withdrawing from their physical forms if thus contaminated.)



Now, it is that birds are quite remarkable in that they may be of the category one or two, but it is also within their nature at present to become both reflective and responsive to their environment as well.



A bird’s relationship to the trees and its leaves, to the earth and the insect community within that earth, to the humidities and the airy spaces and the currents of ether within ... all of these things work harmoniously within that of his expansive being and comprehensive consciousness. For its diminutive size, the etheric projections out from the birds are greater than for any other creature respectively within this world. Although extended in the warble, it primarily occurs within the nature of the consciousness of this little being and is reflected in his song.



One can also study the ratios of mass into energy conversion in terms of there being a very precise and economical transaction between the bird’s capacity for exact consumption and tree-mendous vitality because of it. Just by the observing of our beloved birds are we so enhanced also with these properties of a new world economy as brought by them.


By learning to listen there are many, many talents to be had; (that can help in conversation of course) and one of these in aspect is of learning to pause within ourselves - in a conscious attitude of suspending our thought and our will and relaxing into the quiet.



This pause is not only important to our considering the information outside of ourselves, it also provides us with an enhanced reflective capability - that of being able to give time to our own thoughts and points of view.



A man who has developed little or no episodic quiet has not the ability to come to new reasoning and comparative thinking. The exchange of ideas shall become only repetitions of themselves. A fellow may live in a constant agitation from his own outpourings - being demonstrative of but a positive flow of ‘life’ perhaps, yet mistaken in its promiscuity when not counterbalanced by its contrast in listening as well.



Architecture: The skeletal construct of any building provides spaces and dimensions quite ‘magically’ in not only the physical world, but commanded also in the spiritual worlds as well.



Where the frame adjoins itself at the many supports and boundaries there are replicate models of the entire form existing in each and every converging. This is intrinsic to the nature of the whole - that in every elbow and conjoining of the frame, it knows its place in reference and actuality in the memory of the construction.



The power of creation and of community-form is a great talent yet to be developed further in Man. The appreciation of Architecture in relation to Economy provides us with the spatial interpretive concepts of wholeness and the containments to be had within.



When we consider form we can innately feel its composure and the transacting/opposing geometries that go to define it.



In the practice of homoeopathy we find that it is not the dilution of substance alone which enhances the etheric qualities remarkable to it but moreover it is the water which empowers that substance, it is the water which imbibes it with force.



Water, by its divine nature, surrenders its body to all other commodities upon this planet, being co-natural to every organic host - and because of this supreme congeniality it can impart this prime virtue of itself to those who would consciously make it so.




It is preferable to mix and percuss all homoeopathic preparations in a gold-lined vessel where possible, because of the sensitive and impressionable nature of the water, remembering that it will be liable to enhance the properties of the container as well as that of the substance placed in it. Glass is second best, and silver a definite no-no, for the forces introduced with silver may or may not be providential, depending upon the conditions of the moon and the relation of the substance to it. In point of fact the same can be said to some degree for silverware for dining, and personal adornments as well.



Instead of administering the refracted substance dilute into the mouth or on to the skin, a more powerful method is rather to drop some saliva into the container itself and have it mix with the remedy outside of the body - whereupon the action will be more specific and yet of the same.

The Seven Acts of Charity - Pieter the Elder Bruegel