Sleep & the Deathbed- 5th August 1991

THERE has been many a fable concerning a sleeping princess who has visitation or is carried off afar without recollection whilst asleep. 

How true it is that man ignores the precious sleeping hours- in most cases does grudgingly bear the necessity to rest. Upon waking, those 'lost' minutes and hours are completely accepted as being lost to a consciousness that has purportedly shutdown. Interestingly enough, there is not one function, one mite of the biological system that shuts down in rest. Nothing ceases; emissions and transactions may alter but not one part of the body stops to resume in the morning.

For the busy person who is actively motivated, sleep is ignored and if can be, postponed until fatigue calls. Usually there is little discipline and less regard with educated gratefulness, for that condition which sustains the activity throughout the busy day. For some who suffer pain, whether bodily or tortured mind, sleep is welcome but haphazard; and for those who yearn with desperation, such sweet consolation is longed for and appreciated.

Then of course, there are those who do anguish at the troublesome images which the quiet moments score on an unsettled mind - nightmares galloping in, disrupting the retiring solitude with associated distaste for rest, making them nervous in times of repose.

Usually an individual will make preparations for his day but consider little preparations for his sleep throughout the night. Certainly folk may straighten sheets or take a nightcap, but this is not the preparation to which we refer. 

If one were to know that there should not be a waking from the night, what would be the considerations then? This does not mean to say that one stays awake half the night to win more time, for the quality of moments spent under the duress of fatigue are valueless in the extreme. But rather to consult sleep as one would consult the last moments of a life, approaching the portals of death.

Therefore, one would not take to the deathbed a novel of crime mystery; or would you? One would not take the worries of tomorrow, but rather reflect on the life that has summoned this moment in total. The nature of the contemplation should in fact be sober, if chosen well - sober as in sobriety of both body and attitude. One should wish for themselves, as well as for others, that the pictures before the inner vision were taken to be full of prayerful, inspired contrasts. That the petty concerns, especially distractions and persuasions of unhappy pursuits (arguments and anger etc.) be abandoned, and that the last moments should not be wasted in upset - rather somber and sweet preparation for such passing.

Indeed, the surroundings that are conducive to said deathbed would needs be delightful in scent, color and cleanness. It would be unusual or simply of bad taste, to decorate such room as though a gaudy party was ready to commence. So the bedroom must especially be that place which is especial to a heavenly journey, made quite beautiful this temple of rest.

One may not cheat sleep. Pity the demands which are so laid out by necessity in the day of the alarm clock. If one were to gather hours of rest as required and then wake naturally in rhythms predicted by their inner clocks, they should find the happy balance of daily activity and required restoration.

However, to many this is a luxury today. Firstly, when slumber calls they hesitate and tend to every other matter, trying to push her aside for moments longer than should be. Ideally if one begins to tire at night, one should immediately make for the bedroom. And if possible, were one to gauge the hour in which this usually occurs, it is preferable to be in place, in bed, before such tiredness demands them be so. This affords the quiet contemplative devotions which are especial to the end of the day's activities. One would hope that the alarm clock might be pre-empted by proper preceding, depending of course on the desired hour of waking.

If one could measure a man's days by quantitative exertion, one should find that the rested man has more to spend than the overextended individual who is semi-fatigued throughout his lengthy day. If one persists in denying the need for sleep, one does but injure the faculties and their perceptions.

For in earthly existence we are given the grace of returning home to the Father in soul for our evening meal, as it were. A meal whereby the soul is so nourished and then sent back on its way revivified, to begin a new day. So many folk are concerned with particular diets, but not of that nourishment which does truly imbue us with the vitalities that enable us to stay awake in the first place.

One would never consider depriving an infant of sleep; to go to the cradle and shake the child awake! Nor would one venture into a hospital with tambourine and drum-kit, and imagine it curative - although there is much too much interruption given with equally disastrous conditions endured by the sick in institutions today.

Returning to the death scenario, one would not put the radio on loudly at the ear of the near departed, nor flash lights in eyes or place extraordinarily sweet or savory foods down throat. We would not encourage their last earthly moments to be infilled with intoxicated stupor, and thus enter Heaven with imposed imbecility. This would not be our choice. And so we must take special care with ourselves in kindly manner, respectful to spirit within. 

Adulthood is not an occasion to make merry, and if so chosen to be so at least one may desist from the labors of merriment for a time before sleep, and prepare to draw into oneself in full those very essences which enable us to carry out all labors daily.

If you go to pick flowers you do not pluck them from the root. Should you work the beast to exhaustion repeatedly, you will have no beast to work for you. A fine meal does not mean a large meal, so large that your stomach may not accommodate the remains. A fine day is not to be measured by the minute, and a fine life requires the tonic of sleep, which as elixir of life nothing else may supply.

There are appropriate times for everything which constitutes the rhythms in which we operate in. It does us good to observe those times which are more pertinent to various activities and apply ourselves accordingly. To shift between limitations with objectives that stretch the perimeters of our suitabilities and abilities, weakens rather than strengthens that which we desire to be capable of. Intensity requires flex, and tension requires relaxation.

Moreover, we do answer all heavenly impulses firstly and make good of the life which is emanated therefrom. Our attitudes to sleep should be in grateful welcoming for such special episodes. Too often we misjudge our greatest friends and treat them very badly. If the Angel of slumber arrives, do not make her wait and offend her so. . . for in her cloak is concealed the properties which make up the new day ahead, which should you hurriedly take from her, some will assuredly be missed never to be offered twice over.

One day she shall call, bearing not the day's requirements; and it does well to receive her passage forth in full preparation, so gathered that you might detail with much account just how you have used her precious gifts for the waking day that you have been past afforded.

Paracelsus 'Born circa 1491 Died 1541'- 1991

SUBSCRIBERSHIP to detail, deference to those considerations of great importance, and a bag full of keen insights - with intention for study we need all three qualifications; apart from the necessary interest and love for the subject of studious endeavor.

Philippus Theophrastus, Bombast of Hohenheim: Paracelsus, was a man of immeasurable observations, with a veritable lust for the acquisition of worthy knowledge. He had deciphered many a former treatise and occupation of scholars of his time and before; and laymen, who with practical purpose had lent him such observations and curios of folklore which pertained to the human and cosmic sciences.

Paracelsus himself was largely misinterpreted. He had offended those whom he was best acquainted with, those who might have best served to perpetuate his work. However this is often the case in theology or in science, that the true spirit of the inquirer, of the pure scientist, must step the bounds of his peers, and makes of himself an outcast by the very nature of his excellence. Excelled so far beyond their understanding!

Paracelsus held to a dynamic vision for humanity, which too superseded the insights of his fellow associates. If one could have divided the comprehensive knowledge of this man into twelve parts, for example, it is possible that much of the purported confusion might have better lent itself to examination, with time then afforded to particulars.

The print world was nothing like it is today. Access and acceptability, even the financial considerations, not to mention the reams of decoded definitions which would have been required, also the constraints on such which was held secret - all of these factors and more, rendered his work's memory as much less than that which he had sought for and attained.

As physician, as astronomer, as historian and alchemical scientist, Paracelsus was much inspired by one whom he always looked to as Master. In this he was not entirely alone, but through introduction at a very early age and with lofty aspirations throughout his notable and scandalous life, he set torches of inspiration alight in the world, which to this day still flame.

There is much to be said as regards intention of purpose. One has to remember that during his time and ages former, knowledge was entrusted to a few and kept more closely guarded - verily vaulted - being treasured and coveted with a far higher price than jewels or land could ever buy. Select groups and orders, societies of the mystic, of the scholar, of the cloister, of the then 'modern world', had inclinations which deterred even words to express their powerful symbols and rituals, so sacred in trust.

This was a period in which the old ways were put to extinction, and Paracelsus was true to all knowledge and dismayed at the already lack of clarity which was suffered by the lack of its reproduction. He was faithful to that which he knew to be true, but knew that the legacies had, for the main part been threatened intolerably. For in the concealment of certain knowledge there were fractions split here and there, disseminated by those who had not the comprehension (or only parts thereof); and the work was bewilderingly dying in the face of the modern world. He believed that because the 'common man' had had such knowledge withheld from him, it was not then peculiar that he should grapple with the conceptual world and conclude otherwise, straying far from those precepts of spiritual laws.

Yet in such knowledge becoming public, it did appear something of a betrayal; considered thus by those who would support and uphold in measure those ideas he put forth into the world.

However his name became well known throughout by means of effecting cures and working many a miracle, from which he was well noted. This had enabled him to find a peculiar credibility with those who might well have guesstimated him mad otherwise.

He was a noble soul who had not the time for that greed which he then perceived most prevalent amongst those of the church. Hypocrisy cut like a knife, and he withstood the venom which spat from those who suffered their wisdom made bare; as also from those who had not the eyes to see such naked truth.

He was a man of devotion whose reverence was mistaken for irreverence - to some a curiosity: a man who was taken by the plague of creative learning.

Many of his manuscripts are yet to be uncovered and brought to public view. As well recorded as he might, they are there and most comprehensive. The printed matter was somewhat stilted and stifled with editorial prohibitions and due courtesies rendered. He was far from being a reckless eccentric and knew too well the price paid for such devotion to the study and explanations of the truth.

His pharmacopoeia was extensive, but not entirely needed. He knew and practiced skilfully the art of transmigration, for he had discovered the pulse of the law which sent home and called back that of the physical, so transmuted and caught. If you had asked him he would not have regarded this to be his finest feat, but it was unquestionably remarkable: impressive - a fine attention getter! 

He would unnervingly display these talents so developed, for the sake of making a much larger point: that the association of the 'here and now' world was in fact of origins - the same conditions that always were and will be. That Man is indeed a cosmic child and no amount of persuasive illusion will credit him otherwise. That disease was a deficit of heavenly impulses. That the physical existence was but the 'tail end' of that: our most heavenly body. That nature lends herself to wondrous interpretations. That the mystical lore of the past is more qualified in deeper meaning and should not be lost amongst the speculations of the thoroughly materialistic perceptions so entertained. That there was indeed a spirit permeating earthly matter, with vitalities throughout and within. That a man was not complete when dissected and that sustenance pertained to those varieties of cosmic resources, rather than by 'bread alone'.

What use to man was knowledge concealed of the higher worlds? He knew of their spiritual need and shunned the confusing garbs which did mask those inner realities which he firsthand had discovered there waiting.

The truth was becoming too far removed, that so much was being lost in the hiding - for those who knew in part withheld. And those who knew not looked in all of the wrong places. Most were incompetent and without qualification. And much was retrieved and gleaned from the humble and the fieldworker, with courage to be celebrated and sincerity of study and a radical confrontation which demanded that all men have an opportunity to share a higher knowledge of that which comprises themselves.

We commemorate the man and his vision, that the legacy of such spiritual insights be carried forth into the future for men.

Generations- 4th August 1991

THERE must be much fine-tuning between those of the generation above to those coming up from the lower years- fine-tuning of guarded analysis, fine-tuning of values and value judgments, fine-tuning of language and the connotations of speech. 

Too easy to err- to rebuke meaningfully or rebuke through disinterest -it is the obligation of the older ones to try to meet the world of ideas of their young. It is the perseverance of the love of a mother, which abandons the extreme differences of concern for the essential.

May those of the older generation be flexible enough to ride the tides, adapt to such changes that may irk or make uneasy, without forfeiting a lifetime's understanding, expending their moulds so cast. 

What of the youth born of times which demand another reasoning? They have no opportunity for comparisons. They needs look forward without hesitation for consideration of their elders, with urges and longings yet to be realized or brought to fruition. With youth, their whole destiny presents and presses down upon them. Ever further then, such pressures that are superimposed from their beloved parents or elders, do at times make such demands from future callings unspeakably confusing. The young do genuinely look to their elders for guidance, but often cannot find that which suits them.

Imagine the strain pressed upon a youngster were that the past generations of seven were around to confer with all, concerning future prospects and characterizations! Curious it would be and retarding also; and yet conversely, how difficult it is for the parent or grandparent of a child who bridges adulthood, to take their place in history, stand back and allow the child to proceed, to succeed. Then all instruction does follow from man to man, and not by authority. For authority will not be recognized. It cannot be recognized and superimposed. We do not know the destiny of the young man or young woman before us. We may guess, but who can say what possibilities shall bud and blossom?

So man to man we have but example to instruct by. If we should measure success and failure by our own success without correctly gauging our failures, they shall ascertain eventually their relevance to these values. Therefore it is not the example of a pleasurable life or fortunate circumstance that should lead in explicit lessons to the young. Impressions of such may or may not be attainable. Moreover, it is the example of attitude, of grace and of loving acceptance, that will prevail and speak its loudest to the spirit within.

Meals on the tables of the past have all been eaten and are now gone. Monies or land-holdings may be passed, but also may be squandered. That which is certain to endure are the qualities that we can afford and give of ourselves - imparting to the youth those very real valuables, that one day will be treasured.

"With no expectation, I give to you my child, unquestionable love and support throughout this your life, as best I can. I relinquish my personal interests in this world and give you the future, which in time shall become too heavy for my shoulders.

I have endured the troubles that have afflicted, and know that you too may do this. I am feeble in the Face of God, but sustained only through His Love. I have certainty within that knows that although all paths are perilous, they are worthwhile. 

There are times when I feel acutely those failures, my failures, and rightly or wrongly, I tremble in terror should you also wear my scars. I have missed many an opportunity, the hankering remains so many years after, the questioning, the speculations, as to what might have been.

I need you to reassure me of your love, I look to you when I feel diminished. I need you to need me.

Through your eyes I do view my self and my passing. Forgive me if I push or pull.

I ask the adult in you, my child who becomes as adult, to see the child in me. Perhaps we may learn together, instruct each other - perhaps we may know the intimate silence that two may enjoy after years of conversations.

Daily I will try to quell my upsets, and with great visions turned heavenward, become that strength I so want you to have. Mutually may we share some quiet times, not for retrospection or recollection, but shelter together in those times that we have, at the dawn of new experience."

The Story of Jesus, an allegory?- 1991

Comments on the book 'JESUS THE MAN'

FOR too long fact has taken second place to allegory. If there is anything of substance to be drawn from any good analogy or allegory, its basis must be that of truth in fact.

The systems of universal law run systematically and never breach those higher laws that brought them into being. When the systems of the earthly world and its inhabitants rely on such higher laws, who is to judge the view from the mountain, the cloud or the ant?

And can one simple man, so called, judge what is yet another "simple man"?

The pursuit is fruitless when the woman in question, pertains to a reasoning that would, or could never in her present state, marvel at the wondrous levels in which even a "simple man" operates - far less understand the workings of a God!

By what divine gift endowed, has she been bestowed self-appointed critic, of the divine drama of the past? Some with such obstinacy would turn the world in opposite direction to prove themselves correct on its true course. She is no more licensed to comment on enigma and iniquity, than a paper-bag hold discourse on the root-system of trees.

One must ask, is it not with the acceptance of children that the magnificent superstructure of heavenly events is to be received and the keys to the kingdom be taken up? We have only just begun to marvel at the unfolding world - life itself is miraculous.

Furthermore it is more outstanding that an individual place themselves as such an authority - about which she knows nothing - that our Lord came to partake in the glory that He created.

Nevertheless, better that discussion and perhaps a little outrage ensue from the synthesis of common, lazy thought now expressed today.