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Approaching
Metaphysics Part 1
Before one approaches seriously the study of metaphysics, magick,
the occult, or mysticism, it is appropriate that one prepares oneself on all
levels: mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is of vital
importance that the student be psychologically prepared for the reception of
Cosmic truths; for without adequate preparation, without the required purity,
the right attitude and the right motive, one simply deludes or sidetracks
oneself from all that which is essential in occult study to those phenomena and
teachings that are unessential, delusive, and misleading; to phenomena that
simply strengthen one's hold in a world of illusion, glamour, pride and ego;
aside from this, should one attempt occult work without due preparation one
exposes oneself to certain dangers which are far-reaching. Without adequate
preparation the student would abuse and misuse occult, spiritual teachings and
powers.
The karmic consequences of this abuse may stall or cause stagnation in one's
spiritual evolution for countless incarnations. Basically, religion without the
theological dogmas, is an appropriate basis for the study of metaphysics.
Students of metaphysics are advised to deepen their religious activities by
engaging in personal study of their scriptures or holy book without relying on
the usual channels or interpreters for clarification. This is to preserve one's
bicameral mind from external influence and dependency on "authority
figures" that may be damaging to the psyche in the long run.
Purity, sincerity, humility, and a selfless motive which seeks to serve one's
fellow men are qualities to possess or develop when requesting from, or studying
the teachings of a spiritual/ metaphysical teacher, or even when embarking on
our own by studying books on the occult. These qualities or virtues are our
safeguard. They protect us from negative forces which affect our mental and
emotional stability.
One of the keys to preparation is to eliminate the false ego from our thinking
and centeredness. Think from the Christ level. Think the thoughts of Jesus,
Muhammad-the Prophet, Krishna, Lao Tze, or Buddha. What do you think these
avatars and prophets of God think constantly of? They think of God, Truth,
Beauty, and Goodness. Therefore we advise each student to do likewise. Thinking
abstract thoughts, divine thoughts, spiritual thoughts, and holy thoughts raises
the vibrations of the physical, etheric, astral and mental bodies. This
facilitates metaphysical and spiritual development so needed by the human race.
It improves the quality of humanity.
One of the problems which poses as an obstacle to occult and metaphysical study
is that of the crystallized mind. As a preparation, the first step that has to
be undertaken by the student of metaphysics and the occult is to temporary put
away all previous concepts and beliefs regarding them. There are many false
beliefs and superstition concerning the occult perpetuated by ignorant
individuals, by psychics of a low caliber, by secular education, and even by
religion, that we have to cast all of those beliefs aside and prepare our minds
to really think and use our reason and intuition. Even if we had learnt
metaphysics or branches of it previously from genuine teachers, it is still
required of us to shelve them aside when we begin our apprenticeship under a new
tutor.
Our minds should be open and receptive to the teachings of the higher worlds,
but if our minds are closed and crystallized, we fail to register the truths
concealed in occult and metaphysical teachings regarding the laws of the cosmos,
the higher worlds, the principles of mind and one's psychic nature. If the
teachings of any metaphysical system or teacher (including this writer)
contradict your personal notions and feelings and you have trouble accepting
them, simply shelve them aside for the time being and consider them again at a
later date when you have acquired more experiences and knowledge. Realize,
however, that most of the time opinions and beliefs do not reflect Truth. We
teach what we personally know or what others personally know. We do not
proselytize or impose our words upon others against their will. We are happy to
give to others the teachings of the Spiritual Masters should they be receptive
and just as happy not to give should they be non-receptive. We can lead a horse
to a drinking trough but we are unable to make it drink.
Granted, that information concerning the occult the tyro or neophyte often has
to regard as hypothesis, or working theories, but in time the student is given
methods for investigating and proving to himself the verities of metaphysical
truths and the realities of the higher worlds.
We seek knowledge, wisdom, and experience--not mere beliefs. For the student of
Nature's mysteries, beliefs will not do. Beliefs are blatant expressions of
one's ignorance, for if one knows, why is there a need for beliefs? If one
should say that one believes in the existence of something, one implies in that
statement that one does not really know if that something exists. Belief and
knowledge are poles apart.
In spiritual and occult training one invokes intense energies, powers and forces
emanating from the spiritual worlds. These energies flow into the whole
microcosm even down to the physical level. Should the physical body and its
force-field vibrate at a very low level because of the presence of impurities,
toxins, and negative forces, the nervous and energy systems of the physical and
etheric bodies would explode and rupture during the influx of those higher
energies. This is one reason why one embarks upon the Path of Purification prior
to engaging in advance occult work.
The Master's Advice
In days gone by, when a student approached a spiritual or occult master for
instructions, the master would say "empty your cup." The master
illustrates the purpose of this by pouring fresh tea into a cup already filled
to the brim with the liquid. The tea would naturally overflow.
"Likewise," the master would say, "will the teachings I fill your
mind be rejected by all of your previous thoughts and false beliefs. Therefore,
empty your cup." Which means, in other words, "empty your mind of
previous ideas and conceptions." Most people are disinclined to accepting
new ideas. They dislike change, and yet we must change towards a positive
direction if we are to progress. There is a senseless fear and laziness in most
people in operating their brain faculties such as using their mind to reason.
Our minds must be open and flexible, yet putting all new ideas to the test where
possible before accepting them. We must strive to see the logic and rationality
in concepts, if any, that are new to us. In other words, we must think! It would
not hurt to be critical in a positive and constructive sense of novel ideas or
even religious ideas if we believe that our criticism is valid. Although the
mind is limited, it has its purpose and we should not shirk from using it.
It is an important requirement for the occult student not to form any false
ideas concerning himself and lower his self-esteem. He should not limit his mind
and divine expression by saying "I can't do this," "I can't do
that." One never knows what one can do until one tries. This applies to all
branches of learning and study. Often we hear people say "nobody's
perfect," and they use this as an excuse not to improve their morality,
their character, their minds or even their social standing. If one approaches
the study of metaphysics and the occult in this manner, one is bound to fail.
Metaphysics is hard work, and those who are not interested in work should leave
metaphysics alone. Metaphysical truths awaken a person from self-complacency and
the slumber of mortal errors. The student of metaphysics should be prepared for
this and not rebel when it occurs. When you come to the point where you can
think of nothing but metaphysics in your everyday activities, you shall succeed
in being a metaphysician. Metaphysics has to be incorporated into one's life 24
hours a day.
Studying the occult and metaphysics requires great perseverance, endurance,
patience, and fortitude. It even requires a certain degree of intelligence. Note
that we do not say education or intellect, for the educated mind and intellect
at times can be more of a hindrance than an asset. Unless our mind is receptive
and open to modify previous findings or concepts expounded by science or
religion which from the point of view of metaphysics are erroneous, one would
simply fail in metaphysical study and the probing of Nature's higher laws. The
intellect, as the result of education is simply the building blocks that we
accumulate, whereas intelligence is the conscious directive power that builds an
edifice out of those blocks. Being educated implies gathering data and
information that may or may not be true or even relevant to one's life. We
should seek the sort of knowledge that is applicable to our everyday lives with
its countless challenges and problems. Overcoming human problems is mastership.
Intelligence is a necessary attribute to comprehending metaphysical principles.
You need not be concerned of any lack of intelligence, however, for metaphysical
practices itself raises one's I.Q., E.Q., and S.Q.
Some occultists, metaphysicians, and mystics have declared that it is much
easier acquiring an academic degree than getting fruitful results from occult
study. This is indeed true, for occult study requires unfolding the inner senses
to register higher vibrations and the various phenomena of the higher
dimensions, and this takes much time and energy for practice and training. The
purpose of metaphysical study is to make each and every one torchbearers of
Truth. Work for Truth, live in Truth, promote Truth and it is guaranteed that
you will evolve into God's Light. However, seek no reward.
Metaphysical development requires time, patience, perseverance and great
concentration--the type of concentration not normally possessed by the average
person. This training of psychic and metaphysical faculties may take a whole
life time for its perfect functioning and control. We should not be daunted by
this, however. The Master Jesus said, "In patience possess ye your
soul," and this each student of metaphysics must be conscientious of. The
student must have patience and possess his or her soul and not allow the Dark
forces to possess it. In metaphysics we learn to direct our lower self, if we do
not do this, negative beings will.
It is expedient that the student remove religious and any form of prejudice from
his mind and heart. At times teachers of metaphysics may refer to the text of
one religion in preference to another to illustrate or substantiate certain
metaphysical concepts. This they do, not because of their personal background
and not because of any animosity toward the other religions, but because of
convenience sake. We know that the essence of all religions is Truth itself.
Metaphysicians, therefore, teach and refer to the Truth in all religions
whenever possible. This brings up another subject to mind: fanaticism.
Fanaticism is not to be tolerated, not in metaphysics, not in religion, not in
any human endeavor whatsoever. Fanaticism simply indicates a blind belief in
principles and opinions, most of which may be dubious as to their validity.
Fanaticism is separatistic, narrow-minded and destructive, and should be
avoided. It breaks up unity by creating divisions and schisms. It is the very
antithesis of the spiritual precept: "unity in diversity." The motto
of the Dark forces will always be "divide and conquer."
Man is a microcosm of the macrocosm. In religious terms, man is a reflection of
God, for he/she was made in God's image. Since God is perfect, man likewise, in
a spiritual sense, is perfect. Man carries the seeds of perfection within him.
He only needs to unfold this divine seed of perfection lying dormant within him.
When this is done all things become possible to man. In order to nurture these
divine seeds, one must overcome inertia and work with the evolutionary forces of
Nature.
The Motive of Study
One of the first few things that a student of metaphysic has to do is to
introspect and analyze as to the motive for approaching metaphysical study. Why
does one want to study metaphysics, its branches, and its various arts such as
magick, mysticism, esotericism, psychometry, dowsing, or telepathy? For what
reason? For what motive? Is it simply to gain advantage over another, for power
over others? Or is it simply to acquire name and fame or the riches that it will
produce? Approaching metaphysics with such motives would retard one's spiritual
growth and is not condoned by any spiritual teacher of worth. A true and noble
motive would be to serve God and humanity in spiritualizing this physical world,
in manifesting Heaven on Earth, where Truth, Justice, Righteousness, Love, Peace
and Goodwill between men prevails. Should your motive be negative, you are
advised to transform it now. Do not deceive yourself as to your motive.
Another thing that we must not do, is to steal the secrets of heaven or gain
entry into it by force, meaning that we should not force our occult growth by
engaging in dubious exercises obtained through sources with no real integrity or
authority to transmitting them and hoping for an instant development with their
application. Should occult abilities be "instantly" procured, it would
not be permanent and would result in adverse effects in most cases. We all know
the low quality of plants cultivated in greenhouses as compared to the
cultivation done underneath Nature's roof. It is the same with metaphysical
growth. Heaven is not willing to release her secrets to the profane, and if by
chance any of us acquire her secrets and apply them without the proper motive
and purity, we unknowingly curse ourselves. The scriptures say that God is not
mocked. This is a symbolic way of saying that the Law of Karma is operative and
no one is able to avoid its influence.
The student should be aware that there are false Gurus in the metaphysical
field. Every student should be wary and cautious in accepting what they have to
teach, for though what they teach be sweet to the mouth, their effects may be
bitter to the stomach. These Gurus have no sense of responsibility, and they
control and manipulate the minds of their followers for their own nefarious
reasons. They create a morbid dependency on the part of the student.
Without the adequate and correct preparation through the Path of Purification,
although one may unfold in a psychic manner, if accepted and trained by a
"Guru," one would limit one's psychic development and stagnate in
one's spiritual evolution. The higher occult and mystical abilities requires
that one be spiritually developed, and this cannot be attained without the
necessary purification of the microcosm.
Spiritual Masters of the occult and metaphysics are wary and watchful of
students with impure motives. It is not unusual for Spiritual Masters to reject
applicants for study or to put them through certain tests, or to give them some
advise and told to return at a later date, perhaps a week, or a year later. Just
because a student is anxious to study the occult does not imply that he is ready
for it or that he should be accepted by a Spiritual Master or Adept. Acceptance
by a Spiritual Master and the initiations that he has to offer requires
sincerity of motive and more besides. The false Guru may perhaps accept such a
student for personal reasons--for fame, name, glory or wealth. The true Guru,
however, never consider these things as criteria for accepting students,
although he may work in strange ways that sometimes seem amoral or irrational in
order to test candidates. An occult axiom states that, "When the student is
ready, the master appears." The advise here is to make oneself ready
through proper preparation and not sit and wait and twiddle one's thumbs. The
master in this axiom may refer to a spiritual being, one's personal spiritual
guide or guardian, or even to a metaphysical school.
It should be known that the metaphysical path is a strenuous one requiring every
minute of the day. One does not engage in metaphysics at certain spare moments
available. One must make time for the study and practice of metaphysics. Reduce
unnecessary socializing and reduce watching TV and movies to a bare minimum;
preferable not at all wasting time on them. This may result in some conflict
between your friends and relatives as you settle-in to your new metaphysical
routine, but consider this: what is more important, their egoistic and personal
gratification and demands or your study of Truth with its eternal worth and its
spiritual application in the affairs of men? It is up to you to decide; however,
if results are not forthcoming from your practice because of your lack of
application, you have no one to blame but yourself. One piece of advice: you may
drop-out from metaphysical study but never drop-out from life, for it may be
that your real metaphysical teacher and lesson is life itself. Accept whatever
life brings and learn from it; otherwise, seek to change it using your God-given
creative powers.
The Contemplation of Life and Death
Perhaps one of the things that a novice of metaphysics is told to do at the very
outset by a true metaphysical or spiritual teacher is to contemplate the meaning
of death and the opportunity that life offers. This dual theme is a healthy,
sane, and balanced contemplation that when analyzed individually tends to
produce an unhealthy pessimistic or overly hopeful attitude. How does one begin
this contemplation? By reflecting on the following: first of all realize that we
are all heading toward physical death, This might seem discouraging nevertheless
is a true statement that cannot be contradicted. With every second, with every
breath that we take we approach closer to our grave. Nature guarantees us
nothing in life but our coming demise. This is her promise. We do not know when
we will leave the physical body permanently. It may be the next hour, today or
tomorrow, but leave it we shall. From these musings questions would arise:
"What then is the meaning of life?" What is the purpose of life?"
Shall we say as the materialists would say, "let us eat, drink, and be
merry, for tomorrow we die"? What sort of a philosophy is that when our
query remains unanswered? It would be preferable to say "let us study the
purpose and meaning of life for we know not when we will pass away and God's
purpose for us here may not be carried-out if we spend our time on frivolous
matters."
Contemplating further, we will realize one major thing, and that life here is an
opportunity. Opportunity for what? An opportunity to grow, to become, and to be.
Heraclitus, the philosopher of ancient Greece said that everything is becoming.
This is the Law of Change. From our metaphysical point of view, we understand
that he was referring to the Law of Evolution.
Copyright © 2006 Luxamore
Bio:
Leonard Lee aka Luxamore: Metaphysical teacher, counseler, healer and merchant
of occult/magickal items of Indonesia. www.indotalisman.com
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