Good news and bad news. The good news is, with no one else in the house, I slept 10 hours. The bad news is, it's 7:30, so this post is almost over.
I occasionally get emails from people asking for specific spiritual advice or direction, but it's generally difficult to know what to say except that you have to proceed as if your hair is on fire. Normally, this kind of enthusiasm cannot be manufactured, which means that the Raccoon approach pre-selects for a certain kind of person whose hair is already on fire. My job is just to pour on more gasoline.
So it's a bit like asking how to be a professional basketball player. Easy. First, grow to 6' 6". Next....
One of the inevitable problems is that religion (at least in its presentation, not in its essence) is geared for the average mentality, not the exceptional. It's very much like the educational system, which, in order to reach as many people as possible, surrenders depth for breadth. Of course, it didn't used to be that way. Until relatively recently, education was restricted to a class of intellectual elites. Now we have the idea that everyone should go to college, which is one reason why a college education is so meaningless now.
The left was at least clever enough to realize a generation ago that college serves mainly the social function of prodding this herd of intellectual mediocrities to think the same way. This is the reason why your average professor has the identical thoughts as your average MSM journalist. They are the modern day equivalent of medieval peasants who all believed the same thing about religion. Thus, the more "educated" you are, the more likely you are to believe in all sorts of nonsense, from global warming to the redefinition of marriage. Is anyone thinking of global warming today, when we have an actual crisis on our hands?
But the comparison between college and religion only goes so far, as it excludes the element of grace, which is a necessary condition for any spiritual growth. While I am happy to report that grace is everywhere, nevertheless, it is highly focussed in some areas, which is one of the primary purposes of a traditional religion: to serve as a "channel" or focus for grace to operate.
I was just reading about this yesterday in a book about Guenon, who wrote that there is a "spiritual presence" that is activated through the collective work of an initiatory group. You know, "whenever two or more gather in my name," etc. This is obviously a real phenomenon, and is one of the exciting possibilities of the internet. We don't want to trivialize it, but the point is, there really is a Coonosphere, a sort of morphic space that opens up as a result of all these individuals around the world vibrating at the same spiritual frequency.
Rooth speculates that perhaps this presence "manifests in some way at the point where the 'lines of force' between the participants intersect, as if its 'descent' had been summoned directly by by the combined effect of these 'forces' at this particular point providing it with an appropriate support."
So in a way, it is analogous to building a radio tower to pick up the radio waves. We aren't creating them, merely receiving and amplifying them. Obviously, all rituals are intended to accomplish this, as are meditation and prayer.
Well, out of time. I'll just reproduce some of the letter, and toss it out to the community, as I am sure there are many of you in the same boat. It's no one you know, but I think I'll omit some of the identifying details anyway:
"I find myself at a crossroads in my life... I’ve been reading your blog now (as I did your book!) for some time, and I’ve even started reading more Schuon (among others) in an attempt to make sense of what I 'feel,' at least in comparison to what (intellectually) I know to be true… But I must say, it’s not always a pretty picture, and I’m hopeful that with your kind indulgence, I can posit a question or two as to where a lost raccoon might find a warm spot in which to rest his weary bones….
"I’m *** years old, and am in the process of getting divorced after a rather difficult marriage of nearly *** years… In that time, my growing interest in spiritual matters has actually contributed to the schism that exists between me and my (soon to be) ex… And although I’m certainly sad and somewhat depressed at the breakup of the marriage, it is an opportunity for me to more freely explore that 'itch' that has been growing within me for many years now…
"I consider myself an intellectual, but that only means it’s probably harder for me to understand and accept the role that (a lack of) faith and belief have in my (lack of) personal spiritual experiences… In reading your blog and the writings of Schuon (et al), I’ve come to realize that I need more specific tutelage in the esoteric traditions that I’ve come to 'feel' are true in my heart… My question for you then, is how does one go about finding a 'master' willing to take me on as a student???
"There are several Eastern Orthodox churches in the area -- do they offer the best path towards my salvation??? Or is the road I’m on now, one of more individual learning through my readings and subsequent ponderings a more fruitful approach??? I was raised as a Catholic, and have some inner distrust of the main organized religions for some reason -- I’m worried that any organized church will welcome me as a 'paying customer,' but not really welcome a 'raccoon,' who is after personal enlightenment/transcendence, rather that joining the congregation in solving world peace (maybe I’m being selfish here, but I’m trying to save myself first, then I’ll worry about the rest of the world!)…"
"Anyway, I’m hoping that the experiences in your own life may help me answer some of the questions that I have in mine…
"Thanks for your time, and keep up the good work on the blog -- it truly has been an inspiration to me in terms of helping me more clearly understand what I’m looking for in life…"
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53 comments:
I recommend Scientology. There's nothing like a good audit to get your inner Thetan moving in the right direction. Not to mention, program is very reasonably priced in comparison to the benefits you will receive.
But seriously, the best advice you're gonna get is to stick with your roots. If you can over your distrust of Catholicism, I think you'll find it offers a pretty sound path.
Or alternatively, you could create your own holy systhesis of the world's wisdom traditions and paths to transcendance. Key word there is "synthesis," -- as opposed to an unholy "blend."
But I wouldn't recommend it. Lots of opposites to marry. (It's no fun explaining to your parents how you can simulaneously be both fully a religious Jew and believe Jesus Is the incarnated Word)
NTC,
Tell me about it. I have enough difficulty reconciling my personal synthesis of (non-Papal) Catholic Christian mysticism and Classical pagan philosophy with myself, much less others.
To our unknown Raccoon inquirer,
What comes to mind is this, the one and only thing Bob has said that I've memorized: "For truth that is given is truth that cannot be discovered and that makes all the difference." In other words, you'll gno you are home when you arrive. Meanwhile, I commend today's post at Walt's blog; oh and lest we forget: We are all fallen creatures in need of grace.
One thing I might say is that the finding is hidden within the seeking, which has many implications, ultimately, that the end is in the beginning and vice versa. You just learn to live your life in the center of that open spiral between you and O, because that's all there is anyway. An authentic religion provides invaluable support for the mission, plus the grace that channels through its scaffolding.
Many people stumble on the fact that their pastor or minister doesn't seem particularly open to the vertical, doesn't seem to resonate with an intuitive understanding and therefore isn't able to advise actively along the path.
But grace is an objective thing that smacks you around (always with an open hand of course), and you find yourself a better person for it.
Read some Flannery O'Connor.
As to your salvation, I'd say the best path is that which most strongly resOnates for you. Which is to say that while some traditions are certainly more fruitful than others (I wouldn't recommend joining a mosque, for instance), there seems to be a Judeo-Christian tradition to fit almost any kind of personality. You just have to be willing to actually try a few places and see what calls.
Though if you were raised Catholic, you may find that that's the strongest place for you to build; the foundation is already poured, after all. It probably needs some cleaning, patching and strengthening, but it has a lot to offer.
Speaking for myself, I've been going to Mass for the last few weeks after a two-decade hiatus. It's not exactly the right fit, and there is a lot of mental adjustment to be made, but then I'm quirky enough that no church is likely to be "perfect" for me. But you get out of it what you put into it. I haven't decided how deep of a relationship I want with the Church yet, but one of the things I respect about it is that there is room for almost any level of participation.
I think if you read, say, Meditations on the Tarot, you see the extraordinary depths of which Catholicism is capable. But how many people are capable of understanding it? Not many. Still, UF considered himself first and foremost just a humble Catholic.
MOTT one of the reasons I felt more comfortable going back and giving it a go. Growing up, my family never scratched the surface of what the Church had to offer. UF, along with a few good influences online, helped me see how much more there there is.
I'm still just dabbling my toes in the water, though. Once my friend goes back east (I'm going to be a godmother, but she's only in my town until her husband comes back from Iraq. Until then, we're going together. It does help to have a friend to go with, at first), I may try some different locations in my area, see if any feel more right for me.
Pope John Paul never went anywhere without his copy.
It would be really fascinating to see his margin notes.
To the Unknown Seeker:
Prayer.
This is the beginning and ending of all spiritual seeking. Openly admit that you're confused and lost, and that you don't know what to do. It doesn't matter, at this stage, what you believe or disbelieve about God. Humble yourself, then quietly open yourself and ask for help and guidance. If this is done sincerely and persistently, you will receive help - although it may not be the kind of help you wanted or expected, and it may not arrive on your timetable. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks, finds; to all who knock, the door will be opened.
If I have learned nothing else in life, I have at least learned that this is true.
Maybe your need seems to be more intellectual at this point - maybe you feel the need to study doctrines, etc. By all means do so - but try to pray also, daily if possible. It will all come down to prayer in the end anyway - might as well start your quest in the same way that you will end it.
From Saturday (when I was off living my life :-> ) Bob claimed to have been an "effective atheist" - what makes an atheist "effective", anyway?
Just God-given talent.
atheist for all intents and purposes?
I've always heard that the worst thing about being an atheist is that you have no-one to talk to during sex....
Seeing someone else go through the conversion experience can be really helpful, too. When Leslie was blogging, it was really interesting to see her perspective, a way of looking at it with "eyes made new."
"We don't want to trivialize it, but the point is, there really is a Coonosphere, a sort of morphic space that opens up as a result of all these individuals around the world vibrating at the same spiritual frequency."
Effective Prayer
The music draws me
Into the dance where you are
And gifts me with form.
So we twine, complicated
Shapes. We draw others to us.
Dozens, hundreds, more
Until we reach the moment.
Then God moves the world.
Warren - I've never understood the appeal of threesomes.
trust your gps
read the good book front to back
with a map of MOTT
Ray, that explains your icon.
Better to be an effective atheist than an affective one.
It's been a long time since I read Thomas Merton, but he might be worth checking out.
God will find you where you seek Him.
Ray,
So, a Unitarian, eh? ;-)
To your friend, Bob, I would say that yes, an Orthodox church would be a good choice, but he should come in with intent and the desire to love, not with desperation (if possible.) In this way he will find that he will be loved, since if we are always seeking to be loved we are always asking for things we can not receive from this or that person.
The only other recommendation I have is this, and I have to put in the form of a parable since that's how it was given to me.
There are three people listening to a sermon. It's a good sermon, both very listenable and having good content.
The first man's mind is somewhere else; he is nodding off between checking his watch and thinking about coffee hour.
The second man is nodding enthusiastically with what he hears and is paying attention fully.
The third man looks distracted and has his head down. His eyes are red and he seems downcast.
The sermon is directly from the Gospel. Who is actually listening?
If he can answer that question, then he's got the right idea...
The superiority of the top-down approach. Or, yet another example of "as above, so below."
Warren - Actually, I've discovered that there's a whole number between one and three. One might almost call it a 'magic' number. :->
Cosanostradamus: Does it make you horny, baby?
Off topic again, but I really love this guy, and haven't seen one of his videos in a while.
And this one is both funny and sort of on-topic (okay, it's a stretch, but he does take a moment to make an observation about atheism). But it's worth it for the "White Devil!" sequence.
Okay, so getting back to the Bewilderness Adventure...
Last week, I had asked about guidance in areas where the feminine may differ from the masculine in spiritual seeking. Sehoy recommended "The Privilege of Being a Woman" by Alice von Hildebrand, which I received and read this afternoon. While I'm very grateful for the recommendation, it wasn't quite what I was looking for, being 1) a refutation of the tenets of modern feminism (as an unemployed/ uninterested-in-being-employed-unless-absolutely-necessary housewife, I think I grasp that fairly well already), 2) far more Catholic than I'm completely comfortable with yet (and may ever be, I don't know) and 3) doesn't have a whole lot to offer on deepening one's spirituality, besides the virtue of being actively passive. Which actually isn't so different from the starting point recommended by many others, so I do understand the importance, and it's something I'm already working on (and probably will be for years to come, being stuck more solidly at "actively willful"), but the question is, where do we go from there?
It's a good book in praising femininity, don't get me wrong. But it left me rather frustrated; it appealed to the heart, and it flatters femininity, but the intellect seemed pretty much left out. So it's back to the drawing board, I guess.
I still don't know much about the Mother, Bob - any raccoomendations in her direction?
Good Vibrations - PB16 to lead marathon Bible reading on Italian TV.
The Pope, the Word & the World" by the Anchoress.
"Nothing Sacred" (1937), a screwball comedy, is on TCM tonight.
Dr. Enoch Downer: I'll tell you briefly what I think of newspaper men. The hand of God, reaching down into the mire, couldn't elevate one of them to the depths of degradation!
Screenplay by Ben Hecht! Award winning writer.
I hope I can make some sense. The little trip was great, but future leader decided to wake up every half hour or so most of the night. (Then, at 5 am, he actually slid out of bed, head first. I had propped up some pillows up against a chair next to the bed to keep him from hurting himself. Of course, he slid under the pillows and the arm of the chair and got stuck. All I could grab was one of his legs, which I tried to pull. I couldn't get him for maybe five minutes, and he's yelling. We're both half asleep, and I was laughing so hard, I could hardly pull.)
Anyway, I was in a similar situation about 13 years ago, not knowing where to begin but desparately wanting to find the right path. I found it extremely valuable to act as if I did believe in God and had total faith that He could hear my prayers and that He was reaching out to me.
Almost a year later I was touched by Grace and felt God's presence in my life very clearly. I'm sure I wouldn't have had that experience of Grace without the year of effort.
Another epiphany I've had more recently explains how parents can so effortlessly embarrass their children. I've found that since becoming a mother I am strangely unselfconscious. I had previously felt awkward in churches and temples, and was put off from joining a house of worship because of this. I don't know if I felt different, unworthy, special, or whatever. But I don't feel that at all now that I have a child. There is something about being a mother that makes you sing out loud, wear your pajamas to get the mail or put out the garbage, and leave the house before showering with barely a thought about it.
While that might not be something to aspire to, I also feel very much at home in church now, and that awkward feeling is completely gone. Maybe someone else can explain it, but if you can get past feeling self-conscious and can act as if you have total faith in God for let's say a year, I'll bet you'll find that God is trying to find you and you'll give Him many opportunities.
Leslie
Julie,
I'm so glad you've been going to Mass.
I'm sure Bob will have book recommendations about the Mother. I loved the advice that Sri Aurobindo gave his followers in the ashram that he wrote day to day notes to. Many of these notes were about how to relate to the Mother. They are incredibly helpful. Less formal than his other writings and full of practical advice about how to conduct ourselves in relationship to the Divine.
Leslie
Thanks, Les! Your perspective is very helpful.
I'm picturing you trying to pull T back on the bed - too funny. And I love that picture of him; I hope you guys had fun.
Julie:
After the Adventure of Consciousness, probably the next book about to explore about Sri Aurobindo & the Mother would be Beyond Man (retitled "Beyond the Human Species" for the PC American market).
Thanks, Bob - I'll pick that one up once I finish the Satprem. I'm starting to get backlogged :)
QP,
More PB16: The Bible-thon Goes Live, includes a livestream link to the broadcast (my mediaplayer is on the fritz & won't copy the link correctly here)
Also featured is a wonderful video of Il Papa's reading of Genesis I, which started the marathon. Worth watching even if your Italian isn't great, you'll recognize plenty of the Word.
"I’m worried that any organized church will welcome me as a 'paying customer,' but not really welcome a 'raccoon,' who is after personal enlightenment/transcendence, rather that joining the congregation in solving world peace (maybe I’m being selfish here, but I’m trying to save myself first, then I’ll worry about the rest of the world!)…"
Hmm. I have never pictured church as a way or means to solve world peace. In fact, I consider that an impossibility.
I'm not sayin' there ain't some churches that don't try to do that, such as the Unitarian, and other Leftist leaning churches, but not any conventional ones.
Personally, every conventional church I have been to, has been more about personal enlightenment/transcendence.
Mostly in an exoteric sense, to be sure, but even in that sense it can be esoteric.
For example, helping others. That is both exoteric and esoteric.
The Eucharist (or Communion) is esoteric.
My point is, if the church you attend is grounded in Truth, then you will experience transcendence/enlightenment.
Even if church is more exoteric than esoteric, esoteric can still be reached by goin' deeper.
Just my two cents.
I'm wondering what the market would bear for such exquisite advice. As for myself, I read whenever I can spare the quailtude, thanks to everyone for being here!
"proceed as if your hair is on fire"
Num 6:12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.
>> . . . analogous to building a radio tower to pick up the radio waves. We aren't creating them, merely receiving and amplifying them. <<
Also, I think, as sympathetic vibration phenomenon. A person, by dint of personal effort, is elevated to such a spiritual level that he/she begins to "vibrate sympathetically" with the Divine Energy - in so doing, the effort becomes "effortless effort", ie., grace, the descent of the dove.
In turn, that individual's presence - and words, music, poetry, creative achievement of any kind - inspires others who desire to make the same spiritual effort; and they begin to vibrate sympathetically with that individual.
It is well known that a true master's presence alone, sans any kind of conventional teaching/preaching activity, can raise the consciousnesses of those nearby, sometimes to the point of a complete, life-changing spiritual rebirth. It can also at times overwhelm the spiritual pilgrim, which is why the spiritual master has to be very discreet and discriminating with students. At a certain level, the "teaching" can no longer be for the masses, or even for the few, but for the individual only.
I found it extremely valuable to act as if I did believe in God and had total faith that He could hear my prayers and that He was reaching out to me.
Acting as if you believe something for a long time very often does result in you believing it, even if you don't want to. It's a very human tendency. That's why effective double agents and undercover infiltrators (particularly long-term ones) are so rare.
Imagine if you were to spend a year acting as a devoted convert to a cult (or political party, if there's a difference) with very different tenets than you adhere to. Are you certain your beliefs would be unchanged at the end of the experiment?
"Acting as if you believe something for a long time very often does result in you believing it, even if you don't want to. It's a very human tendency."
You mean the way you've been pretending that God doesn't exist since you were a kid?
(I'm assuming that you're pretending rather than just irrational and ignorant. Charity, you know.)
Ray: Problem is, I've never not believed in God. So, I can't really have any firsthand account of what you mean. It must have been that infant baptism... darn them churchers, putting the seal on the children!
Warren, I'm glad you concede that acting as if you believe something provides its own 'proof', regardless of the merits of the position.
Personally, I try to rest my beliefs on other grounds. Testing them, trying to disprove them. I suppose that's part of why I'm here, come to think of it...
River - Leslie's advice wasn't aimed at you, and neither was my reply.
True, Ray. But 'acting as if you believe something' and 'believing it' - tell me what the distinction is? I'd be interested to know. To believe is itself an action; so which action is being taken in the prior and which in the latter and what is the distinction?
Ray,
I was assuming the seeker was choosing carefully. It's similar to consciously deciding to devote yourself to a romantic relationship after the initial excitement is over and the serious part is about to start. There is a place for logic, judgement, and thinking ahead. It's not random, but there is also room for Grace.
Re. secret/double agents ... I don't agree that that is why there are so few of them. I think it is too hard for most people to live a complete double life without incredible stress. You're also talking about someone acting as if they have close to the opposite values than those they are willing to sacrifice so much for. Eg, a cold warrior acting as if they are pro-fascist or an American pretending to support the Nazi cause. In my opinion, that is off-topic because there are so many reasons there are few double agents. There are also relatively few Green Berets and Army Rangers.
If you do develop a relationship with God through this process (of acting as if you believe,) you can get a glimpse of how He has been searching for you and that you've given Him an opportunity to find a way into your soul.
Leslie
Leslie - Re. secret/double agents ... I don't agree that that is why there are so few of them.
Actually, you're right, I was too sweeping. I should have said "that's [one reason] why", though I'd argue that it's the main reason there are so few "long-term ones". It does stress people out when their actions don't/can't line up with their beliefs, and many people respond by changing their beliefs to match their actions rather than vice versa. (I'm sure Bob can provide examples.)
How much stronger is the effect when the actions line up with what people want to believe, though?
It's similar to consciously deciding to devote yourself to a romantic relationship after the initial excitement is over and the serious part is about to start.
I do have some experience along those lines... but the person I devoted myself to had actually talked and interacted with me. I have asked for god(s) to manifest themselves to me (up to and including a Saul of Tarsus experience), but no luck so far.
(Of course, that means I didn't really ask or really look. I know, I know.)
Julie once said, in effect, God wouldn't write me a love song, but I never asked for that. I didn't ask for that kind of thing from my lovely wife until much later, once "the serious part [was] about to start" - and I was happy to do the same for her.
So no, I don't need a love song from God. An introduction would be nice, though.
Ray said:
"I have asked for god(s) to manifest themselves to me (up to and including a Saul of Tarsus experience), but no luck so far.
(Of course, that means I didn't really ask or really look. I know, I know.)"
Ray,
I don't believe that means you didn't really ask or really look. In fact, I feel overwhelmed that I was lucky enough to get some answers and I don't think it was because I did anything better than you did.
I do hope you get some answers that satisfy you. And that includes intellectually. But I would say "no grace, so far."
I apologize for not being more familiar with your situation, but are you here to challenge those who do believe because you've made up your mind that there is no God? Or are you still seeking and challenging because you doubt that you'll get an answer but wish you would?
Leslie
...are you here to challenge those who do believe because you've made up your mind that there is no God? Or are you still seeking and challenging because you doubt that you'll get an answer but wish you would?
Mostly I'm trying to understand what people are talking about when they say they get communication from gods, and testing my theories thereof. (It's worthwhile to test even the things you're sure about. Maybe especially those things.)
Why this blog? The worldview here seem to be about as far away from mine as possible while still - I think - allowing for a chance at communication. (I can't see that I'd have much to talk about with, for example, these turkeys.)
Go to your local Catholic Parish and see if they have Eucharistic adoration. If they do, go there and start praying.
I know of someone sat in the adoration chapel and said in prayer that he wouldn't leave until God revealed himself to him. He was there for a while, but he did not leave with any doubts.
Remember that awakening to the reality of God's existence is not much more looking up and noticing the sky. It's the tiny step that begins the infinite journey into the discovery of He who is.
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