Smoke & Smoking- 22nd May 1991

CIGARS, CIGARETTES and pipe-tobacco, have in one form or another, assisted man's contemplative faculties over centuries. As an aid to draw one's thoughts and collect them, as one draws in the breath in intermittent rhythm, the smoke provides an artificial bubble-like enclosure; much like a suit worn by an astronaut within his controlled atmosphere. This buffer-zone created enables the man who smokes to keep the world at arm's length.


The smoker would have it that the world seems to impinge on every nerve, presses in from every direction and interrupts their ability to concentrate and interact with those around them. It also of course, aggravates such conditions and weakens the individuals who rely on such means, to a point where daily life becomes as an open wound ever patched up repeatedly by a razor-sharp bandage.

Not only can one picture the smoker to be contained in such a way that the world is held separate from the individual, but also the individual from the world. From this the individual who may be ordinarily quite passionate or emotional, is utilizing the habit of smoke enclosure to contain and restrain such passions and emotions. There is the tightness, the restrictiveness in the chest, the holding back and inhibition coupled with a desire to dynamically blast the world forcefully, and through fear of such unrestraint he imposes the composure that the smoke-world can bring.


It is not only the substance of the very nature of the tobacco that affects a man, but the manner in which it is ingested. For should the extracts of leaf be absorbed through stomach or skin, the glands would alarm to the poison in such a way that alerts the heart and shocks the entire system, but would not cajole the individual with the subtle change in conscious interaction as afore described.

It is the inhaling and expelling of the smoke- not the free particles in question, but the fiery element - that renders the immediate atmosphere surrounding a man with a shower of down-pouring sparks that interrupt all else in the ether, in fits and starts. With the individual held almost static, central to this activity, he is displaced and separated- for a short time, even from thoughts of his own.


To many, this condition can offer comfort - and in this the smoker is in constant juggle with the pattern of thinking he has been accustomed to use. There is a noticeable difference to those patterns, in regards to the non-smoker, and the smoker when he is smoking and when he is not.


There are many short-lived advantages that the smoker can utilize to help with new perspectives and in adjusting to his environment and according new opinions. However, as stated before, such means of containment artificially induced, render it extremely difficult for the soul to 'come out into the world', not only when trying to give the habit over, but in episodes daily, in between the smoky condition and during.

So unless the individual were to smoke one after the other, the pressures experienced radically in between are felt to a far greater extreme, to the eveness of pressure that the non-smoker encounters throughout the waking day. 

The Indians and the Arabs in the past, were not given over to continual smoking but rather used the practice strictly at specific times for specific reasons. With such a constitution that was not dependent or indulging for prolonged periods with overuse, the practice was helpful to that particular consciousness - as one could withdraw upwards for a time and view the world meditatively from many different aspects. However, as to the compulsive overuser this capacity is removed in the loftier sense, as the individual is in a sickened state by that very overuse, physically weakened and mentally overworked.


A superimposed calmness is quite wonderful, except when the calmness is interrupted by a corresponding and extreme expression of tension - twenty times a day! In short, therefore, there is little in the long-term to be gained by such a practice by the compulsive user. Rather the associated problems, outweigh the short-term merits.

As mentioned, the nature of the fiery element is paramount to the dependency of the smoker. In actuality, ask any smoker of the pleasure they receive in the initial 'lighting up': the burst of flame that begins the ritual. It can be of great assistance to those who are wishing to wean themselves from the habit to still carry the matches or lighter, and go through the process of this lighting up without a cigarette or pipe actually being lit. Incense may be of value also, an open fire in one's hearth, candles in the room and so forth - that they may still have in part some of the atmosphere surrounding them, cradling them, that they long for so desperately.

There are very strong and clear reasons as to why individuals get caught in any form of dependence. Judgment of such conditions can never be accurate, as no one man can know the whole condition of another before he may perceive with clarity that of his own.


The relationship of smoking with that of man can simply be viewed as the same as the relationship between man and a domestic pet. One can find grand, but simple companionship, own the pet that it might serve you, work to feed it, pick up after its mess, endeavor to restrain it - and hope that it will never bite you!

Charisma- 21st May 1991

ELVIS PRESLEY was a unique and very notable individual. His popularity and influence breached a spectrum of all manner of people, who when his fame was at its highest peak, could not have put to words the impression that his voice and image touched them with. There was no actual explanation (then and now), as to the overwhelming charisma and presence this man commanded.

The songs sung, the words that were uttered and slurred, did not have to be significantly exceptional. Elvis brought a frenzy of rapture with just about anything he did or said.

Here is a life lived, almost as if in the shadow of a curse. A curse, if it can be imagined, that one was: worshiped continually, harassed perpetually, was given all the worldly goods desired or imagined, and yet had no idea whatsoever in how or why this was effected.

One immediate consequence of such a curse was of course the loneliness endured. The second and most apparent in later life, was the debilitating effect that such adulation caused in weakening the individual's resistance to a point where artificial means of escape were relied upon, until they ceased to assist this tired soul.

Here was an enigma, as to why Elvis Presley suffered from an unbearable charisma.

Elvis had a twin brother, who died at birth (had actually died some time before, with insufficient placenta). The brother's destiny was such that there were great aspects marked out for his life, and the changes this soul should have wrought had the birth occurred happily. However, the individual Elvis was to have taken a more insignificant course, as far as worldly matters go, and had not the will or interest to do otherwise.

The timing of the births was essential to both, but when the soul of the brother had withdrawn, he (the stronger of the two) had imposed his etheric body in that of Elvis, who became as a dual individuality with one consciousness - in many respects haunted by the individuality who would not dissolve, but rather cleave to the life and body of his brother. Almost as an honest mistake in timing and in identity.

The brother had a strong purpose fired to bring with him into this life, a purpose that was never effected or realized. But it did however, bring to the individual Elvis that same quality of presence that was commanded by the soul of the brother. Here was a strong and powerful leader entangled in the carrying on of a pop-star glitter existence. And also, an individual who in innocence had little or no understanding of any particular direction in popular life - suffering under the pressure of mass adoration (and pressure it was) in pain. For no matter what was achieved he could never live out his own life or that of his brother's.

The only sympathy Elvis felt in life with another individual (because of his dual nature), was with his mother, as here was a relationship both individuals had a close bond with. Her presence was a comfort to him, there was a place in the world by her side which he knew was right. But in all other instances he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and hindered by the smothering events that encompassed him until the end of his days.

We should pity the plight of such a man, and from this understand that in no way would one sincerely ask for charisma and the ensuing popularity of its own, with no particular use to put it to or no capacity of will to manage it or its consequences.

The Talents- 19th May 1991

For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.

-Matthew 25 v.29

MUCH ability is acquired and not brought into life with instantaneous mastery. Even those privileged who enter a life with a given set of abilities that come naturally to them, must work to better their talents and develop them accordingly. No one should suggest otherwise.

This work that enhances the individual's abilities may be shunned or welcomed. When shunned and no development ensues, not only are the talents themselves as fruit on the bough, left to shrivel and wither - being void of vitality, putrefy - but also the whole individual with missed opportunities gives up an entire course of life; takes the alley, so to speak, rather than the road.

Talents of any nature can be put to good use within any occupation. However if there is little or no expression of such gifts, it is small wonder that they exclaim "something is missing from my life!” for it is the essence of creativity and right application that is sorely exchanged for the mundane existence.

Interestingly enough, there is a much greater virtue in the very application of the individual who attempts with constancy to master a particular talent, rather than the physical achievement as consequence to such labor and endeavor. For creativity, striving and application, brings together both past and present strivings, building for the future and future worlds. This is essential to future existence. Not only where the individual is concerned but as a collective, humanity must employ themselves daily that they may build the qualities of existence for the days ahead.

The old woman who drives her fingers deftly to crochet on and on, adding the multicolored pieces, arranging them so, laboring daily with constancy, creativity and application: this woman is laboring not only for a rug, and the love of labor imbued in each thread, but for an existence two, ten or perhaps even one hundred thousand years away. A fine contribution with active expression!

Already there are so many gifts which man is given, that lie uncherished and underused. If this is the case, how should he be bestowed with yet more which he would not know the value?

In fairy stories you will often come across a passage where a character is met along the roadside by a beggar of sorts. If this beggar be given what is asked for, the character is returned a gift, later which he finds to be of immeasurable value. This is the lesson of the talents.

The talents, alike to the virtues, have each their spirit which presents itself and manifests through the expressions and strivings of Man. Although such presence comes to us veiled, each with individual streams of inspiration can assist in the acquiring of learned skills and understanding of their cosmic fibers that connect the cosmic creations.

Therefore an opportunity wasted is denial of oneself. Idle pursuits are encouraged by the laggards who now know nothing more, who in refusing such wealth of experience would have all men follow such a smug and defusing course during existence.

There are creatures that come from the realms of certain virtues, who in their very being represent, quite the opposite of such virtues: beings of jealousy and vanity, that present themselves when their corresponding Angels of virtue have been turned away, that they might give of only what they know and are, and offer such persuasions to suggest that this is the reality of the true and correct perception of the world and its labors. For one must actively choose one or the other, and take into oneself the Angel of talent/virtue, or the demon of sluggishness and vice. Often it is a case that a man is misguided in intention alone, and concentration is interfered with, purpose of goal has been replaced by frivolous desire.

Laboring to better any talent is to be enjoyed wholeheartedly; one should miss the point sorely if one believed that these endeavors require arduous suffering. It is therefore to find that which excites and awakes the heart and mind and pursue it further, rather than feed the lower passions whose requests are endless and are never satisfied until the higher man is totally consumed.

It is as though men today were used to disappointments and their expectations have become so limited and inhibited that they should not dare want for quality of experience. Their yearnings of soul are so quietened, for a little voice cannot be heard or answered and they suffer a world with meager satisfaction as though this was their lot and they should hope for no more.

So much competes for one's attention. So many distractions fill the day and bombard the feeble intellect. But the soul shall call for awakening, for it does not sleep; and when the spirit of Talent calls also, Man shall welcome her in and give of what she asks.

***

The day is long,

The hour small....

figuratively speaking.

Heaven- 1991

MUCH has been alluded to in the speculative compromises which outline Heaven, given in the form of stories and pictures in an effort to manufacture some exquisite representation for all of those who know of it not with firsthand recollection.

Although the word 'Heaven' usually refers to an after-death experience - and certain realizations are apparent only after crossing the portals of earthly existence - one may not presume that Heaven itself may be immediately interpreted, nor that it denotes only the vast workings of Cosmic interplay- which we also refer to as 'the Heavens' with all of the menagerie that is encompassed within the grand scheme. For one might suggest that the Father's Mansion does have many, many, rooms, all of which go to make up the Heavens. 

However, that which He does keep especial to Him, whereby our approach and our entry must be with humble servitude and due reverence, from where the light streams from with all goodness condensed, unshackled and unrestrained, the veritable heart and mind centre, that which is, not that which was - this we may term as Heaven.

Within the Cosmic order of the Heavens there is constant flux and flow, much change around that which is the pivot, being Heaven. So many identities, so many inhabitants, so many individualities, remarkably going about their expressions and experiences. One could explore for an eternity and yet not shake the hand of each and every one. . . . and Man is free to go out and participate, for there are tastes and accomplishments waiting, with keys offered to every door.

But in this, the Heavens, one may also go out in singular notion and choose limited company and spectrum. One may also be confined or may cleave to a select society - for this too is freedom, the freedom of Cosmic dispassion.

But were one to enter into the Heaven where our Father does reside, one may not turn face from He who is ever-present; and the undeniable realities from which we are all surely born out from, do with distinct non-variable bliss, renew and restore us completely. Consciousness then, as we understand it, is but limited to the limitless: given over to such completeness. 

Whilst living an earthly existence, many seek more mistakenly to annihilate the consciousness, seeking representative experience equal to that which is commonly referred to as Devachan: of our Father's Heaven. Although one may in ecstasy be persuaded that this is surely the condition of the Heaven that we seek and know so well, it is but a shadowy hinterland which in semi-reproduction does whisper cunningly in the ear of the desperate, in imitation, but not in reality. For one is called and invited there into, one does not manipulate the invitation, but earns it. And to earn such is to labour so that replenishment is not due reward, but due necessity.

The Heavenly Cosmos, little and large, is brimful of the most exciting of communities. This too, may seize the imaginations of men so as to tantalize and torment those who are unhappy with their present lot. But perceptions are often entrances into future modes of experience, and we do harvest the future from the seeds of our wonderings, our impulsed desires, created and formed as of now.

Not one speck is left in isolation. The party of Creation is on perpetual holiday, commemorating the moment. For a holiday is indeed a holy day - given to exact importance. And every day has great significance and is duly celebrated so.

There are many wise beings whose wisdom does stream from eons and eons of certain experience particular to them. The Cosmic community is not to be disregarded, but respected throughout. Many of a particular realm lend themselves, their designs, their experiences unique to their kind, to our world and our patterns; which from hierarchy to minor are gleaned and set. Most offer most generously, they do not guard their knowledge. In fact there can be an abundance, and a well trained ear serves well. If one ever thought that their elders gave too much advice, eagerly giving of themselves, just wait until you begin to journey again throughout the Cosmic regions! It can make journeying difficult indeed, and visitations are somewhat limited to certain timings and returns. Many do not get far, as they are held up quite close to the Earth, and enjoy such company, partaking in much that relates to this or that community.

All sorts of beings offer sublime assistance to Man - some of course, are by opinion of greater concern than others; they give what they can, sharing of that they know. But the company one keeps can have vast ranges of differing perspectives and may or may not be in accord with that vision which is yet to be realized in Man.

One must acknowledge that even the lowest of the demons, offers to Man what he has and experiences thereby. However, it is a cordial arrangement and although this is paramount to acquiring a certain discernment, it is pleasing to understand that essentially, the community of the Hierarchies all mean well and offer themselves.

It is because Man has been afforded much freedom to pick and choose and is very young in the formative character which sets his future, that 'evil' is so acutely realized; much more pertaining to the evolution of humanity, than as regards the Cosmic order without. For everyone has their place, however Man's is not quite fixed yet, and in being so malleable is often open to conjecture and fright, argument and design, as to which characteristics will eventually prevail, which forces and impulses shall infill his being and so forth. This is the way of freedom. This is where the dramatic contrasts occur, and are not such an issue within the many communities who are what they are, so attracted and placed and held within each other’s field of magnetism, suspended in friendly cohabitation.

This is very exciting, as you can well imagine. This is particularly why many should seek a word in your ear. Active creation. As the drama unfolds many a kingdom should be pleased to see that of their own propagated within the constitution of Man. Further to this there are systems outer to this system inner, which too has its emissaries of advisers and advice. Remember that it is natural to offer those aspects of yourself, for one has little else to offer.

This is not to say that the opportunities of Man are unique to Man. Man is unique to Man, but not the opportunities afforded for design. There have been many past who have gone before, who have now settled into a progressive compilation of what is so developed; and there is no reason not to presume that there shall be others with similar opportunities given. In fact in local terms, there is the animal kingdom directly beneath our system of cyclic endeavors. Although in this case the beasts are directly associated and of the making of Man, but are at least an indication of other periods where souls shall be given similar, not same, but similar opportunities.

All in all, the Heavens are a nice place. One may not be familiar with every aspect or come to know every soul; but the fear, or more correctly the bewildering apprehension about the place, is basically because of our uncertain standing within the larger community.

As for the Heaven, Heaven itself, we are all afforded time-out to pay homage and rejoice in that which is uniquely of the Father's. In this we are brought home to a common station, whereby all communities are so aligned, and may have mutual experience without being mutually inclined. We cannot describe buildings and trees and so forth- forms pertain to the Cosmic Heavens, whilst the light which lights the forms, streams through from Heaven. 

Our Father’s Heaven is more interpreted as a condition, and as yet the visible characteristics are unreported. This would be interesting to hear of, granted. There are beings who do claim that they have had privy to a glimpse; whether or not you are inclined to take their word for it is another matter. Usually it is something of a relationship to the Cosmic Orders rather than the secret door. For the ways of unconsciousness afford dreamlike representations and recollections at best, which are most personal and not necessarily reflective of reality at that level.

We are all overwhelmed by the Father's presence, for who could match minds? Who could sit at that table? But we are content to take the offerings which are digested according to our frail abilities, predigested, alike to the milk from a mother.