Chapter 5- Economy: Contraindicated

Activities Contraindicated:

• Fishing
• Involvements with the Stock Market
• Karaoke singing
• Four & Five star hotel stays
• Parrot speak of popular wisdoms
• Inordinate interest in celebrities of the day
• Managerial positions, or committee heads

 

It is a joyous experience to pluck a new catch, gasping and writhing, flipping and flapping out from the glistening waters ... it is the ecstasy of seizure, the surprised affirmation of the vision, it is the satisfaction of the ‘technique’, it is the feeling of the voluptuous abundance to be drawn from out there within a nature, yet huge and undefinable. 

Many folk aspire to take for themselves - take for themselves without fully appreciating that which they are taking from. This tendency, in esotericism, often leads to the desire to be given many powers or spiritual bestowments, without having actually worked the development accordingly. 
 

In the list abovementioned there is also cited “the inordinate interest in celebrities of the day” and once again this can be offered forth, that individuals all too easily can assume that the greatness of one may be transferred to another merely by association. We see this with the prominent spiritual leaders and magicians who manifest physical miracles which amaze the simplest of observers - who suggest, by material consequence, that somehow their own being can effectively enhance the life and being of their followers - whether collectively or individually - and they do feed upon the greediness of the eager many, who would take for themselves what life that they might take, without even asking the price in return.

When the ego of a man is complacent about the modernist trend toward collective thought it is usual that various associations and affiliations are formed which mistakenly elevate certain identities whilst missing those of a higher calling who are radiating yet far stronger impulses of will and being – albeit of the gentler and more kindly variety, however, there does come a ‘growing up’ within the ego’s own consciousness which begs for selfhood in preference to any other individual - no matter how grand or assuming they are.

This is such an important time for those who come to it - and interestingly enough, it is often soon challenged when that realization has first been made. We are tempted very quickly with ideas that promote the easy path, the easy take, the pluck from the ocean (which, by the way does not assist the economically deficient in their conceptualization of ‘wholeness’ when taking one from the many as in this case it is). Yes, we can be immature enough to presume that the magic dust or dandruff which falls upon us as the great ones pass, might actually transform us with a little of their splendor.

Of course there is, in part, an occult truth to this. The truth being that there is much which is spiritually and psychically conveyed to us simply by the associations which we choose to furbish our lives with. This can and does colour us considerably. But there are two further issues here than that: what are the long term results from such associations? Are they lasting, if not of our own making at some point? For example, are they progressive or deformative? Secondly, do we have the right to take that which we may hasten to have? It is therefore good practice to ask both of these things.

There are many attractive, glamorous and persuasive individuals to which we may feel by contrast quite belittled, and yet the reality is that much of this is veneerial only. One finds with those worldly souls who have advanced to the point of gathering so much around them (like a dust-collecting nebulae) that sadly the inner life can give way to the very maintenance of that very public self. To be recognized and worshipped by the world is but a terrible pain to the soul within - who eventually, in many ways, becomes quite crippled by it. So you see if we are searching a worldly individual for inner qualities to yet impart to us, one can remember that they themselves do need all the reserves that they have remaining. 

Although eastern teachers have worked in pyramid sales regarding their support systems in the past, (and magicians likewise) there have been many changes since the advent of Christ. An individual who would feed from the synthesis of the vitality from a group-following becomes hollowed out - or more precisely sucked out, by the very vacuumous activity he has begun. These old ways have been replaced and now man to man, and Man to Christ, we are renewed. Teachers and students do not feed upon each other - they cannot even suckle. Can you realize in your own wholeness, as it is today, that there is no lesser or greater than your own self?

This is not to say that you are so privileged that you may do as you please against another; but it is to acknowledge that within Christ there is this equality which promotes His Spirit in you, as is also within your brother. We look forward to the day when the glamor of the material world is replaced with the verity of the soul and the auspicious grandeur of the spirit.

Involvements in the stock market are listed because of the nature of the investments and interests relating to a secondary economy with variables that do not pertain necessarily to reasonable cause. Industry is contaminated by these politics concerning stock transference, for they are the opportunistic cancers of the financial markets, who operate day-to-day with a terminal surrender.

Karaoke singing is usually conducted with a playfulness alongside its performance value ... and the man or woman who sings with the most basic of accompaniments is probably involved with the music in something of a less-than-serious manner. We could expect that a more formal approach to an instrument or singing might be regarded as serious, whereas the karaoke delivery is tending towards the frivolous end of the artistic endeavor? 

For those who are economically maladjusted it would be preferable that they could experience a live band of musicians - each with their instrument’s part - playing together, instead of a recording. One of the gifts mentioned in relation to the virtue of economy is that of having a most useful and eloquent ability to converse. A wonderful attribute of being conversant is in that of the actual melody as expressed in the tone and inflection of the words imparted. The subtleties of speech are conveyed by that rhythm and music given to the speaker. Being conducive to the thought and the intent, the music of the words powerfully transfers much of the unspoken word.

And so, with no particular aspersion to karaoke itself (and the fun of it) it should be pointed out that by preference one could involve themselves in artistically orientated recitals (contemporary if so loved of course) rather than the singular experience of some crass rendition given to the mimics of a popular song. Also in this we can see an example of the pirate and the plagiarist who would attempt to sound similarly to the popular artist, rather than try for their own style and material. In itself it does not have consequences worth a mention, but it does hold key characteristics which would be better corrected for the sake of this deficit we are working with.

Four and five star hotels: Economically there is an equation one can make within their own country (or the country that they are staying in) - and it goes as follows: considering the wealth of the populace establish just what percentage do you yourself belong to. For example, if in your country you happen to be in the wealthiest five percent or that sector, or that which financially groups in the fifty percent bracket - calculate by that of your holdings, savings and investments, how do you qualify? If you leave your home environment to stay overnight elsewhere, then it is preferable that you experience life as your countrymen live. (By countrymen it is meant whatever country you are in at the time.)

If you are in the top ten percent of the wealthy we suggest that for every one night spent in a four or five star residence you spend nine other nights in places which are considerably less embellished. From this you may receive an initial picture into life outside that of your own dwelling, and consider well what it is that the folk who live around you have provided. If you are of the ten percent poorest, then if the opportunity arises, you may stay for nine nights in such comfortable places, and one in the lesser. This is just a suggestion, but does offer the idea that many individuals all too easily divorce themselves from the realities of the economy that they live in, and simply because they themselves can afford a particular lifestyle does not mean that in the long run it is helpful for themselves to indulge in it. When we are out in the world it befits us to live as our brother does - not to the point of such poverty as starvation, but in respect to those conditions and standards which make up his worldly life. There is much to be well learned by this.

The parrot speak of popular wisdoms detracts from the firsthand experience one can offer in the world. When we exchange ideas from one to another it is often the ‘tired line’ that puts an end to the conversation - you can see it, just how many times the communication is ceased by that one popular remark which is relatively lifeless in the delivery.

The more conscious we are in the thinking, in the choosing of the words, in the freshness of the ideas and inspiration - all of these things contribute to a lively and meaning-full exchange - and it is this which other individuals do hunger for from us. It is true that common phrases are used as ‘openers’ to further talk etc. but are also the keynotes to closure when repeated again thereafter. This can be observed.

It goes without saying that managerial positions are too difficult for those who are economically unsound. It is almost impossible for such an individual (until they have made progress) to comprehend just how and what they are managing when they have not the wherewithal to conceptualize the entire ecology of transactions before them. If they are placed with such responsibility it will invariably lead to further temptations of personal gain (as seen in local governments etc.) - and given the circumstances may almost become predictably corrupted. Therefore it is unwise for such involvements until the strength is manifest and the capability assured.