Morning-- (0500)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Ritual Bath, Meditation on the Tau Robe
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Middle Pillar
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
29 March 2008
28 March 2008
Mystical Warriors
This post is obviously of particular interest to me.
Slightly over a year ago, I was working on an article for Soldier of Fortune magazine (never published). While working on it, I reviewed videos of al 'Qaeda training procured from my friend and co-author, who reviews such professionally. My friend was unsure why terrorists, during their training, would reference Aristotelian elements--but I immediately recognized the elements of alchemy, an obvious tie to the Sufis.
This is not to to vilify the Sufis (who probably represent a more direct connection to the original Gnostics than I), but to inquire into the relationship between mystic and warrior. Ethical considerations aside, modern so-called "mujahidin" terrorists are obviously drawing inspiration from the older, Sufi-inspired Hashishin, incorporating Islamic prayer, alchemy, and other mystical practices in their martial training. Similarly, the shinobi of medieval Japan trained in many exercises familiar to the modern Initiate--from the four-fold breath to the five-element philosophy of Tantrism.
This should not be confused with the more passive exercise of prayer before battle; these are examples of conscious and willful efforts to improve the spiritual prowess of the warrior. How effective might such a regimen be? What ethical arguments might be made for or against such practices?
Slightly over a year ago, I was working on an article for Soldier of Fortune magazine (never published). While working on it, I reviewed videos of al 'Qaeda training procured from my friend and co-author, who reviews such professionally. My friend was unsure why terrorists, during their training, would reference Aristotelian elements--but I immediately recognized the elements of alchemy, an obvious tie to the Sufis.
This is not to to vilify the Sufis (who probably represent a more direct connection to the original Gnostics than I), but to inquire into the relationship between mystic and warrior. Ethical considerations aside, modern so-called "mujahidin" terrorists are obviously drawing inspiration from the older, Sufi-inspired Hashishin, incorporating Islamic prayer, alchemy, and other mystical practices in their martial training. Similarly, the shinobi of medieval Japan trained in many exercises familiar to the modern Initiate--from the four-fold breath to the five-element philosophy of Tantrism.
This should not be confused with the more passive exercise of prayer before battle; these are examples of conscious and willful efforts to improve the spiritual prowess of the warrior. How effective might such a regimen be? What ethical arguments might be made for or against such practices?
On the Christ as the Word of God
I was recently in an argument on the nature of the Word of God. I asserted that Christian theology defines the Christ as the Word of God (Logos Theoi); an evangelical Christian, countering that the Bible is the Word of God, accused me of presenting Gnostic theology instead.
Toward a resolution of that discussion, I am posting a few internet pages which explain the Christian exposition of Christ-as-Word.
The first is the homepage of Les Oxnam, a Christian convert in New Zealand. Although it begins with a very friendly and evangelical tone, it goes on to present a well-reasoned and reasonably researched argument (caveat: the author does reference a personal dialogue with God in his study of the Bible):
http://www.all4god.net/word_of_god.htm
Next, we have the thorough scholarly research of the Catholic Encyclopedia:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09328a.htm
The third is a more parsimonious exegesis, hosted by Learn the Bible (of the Antioch Baptist Church of Knoxville, TN):
http://www.learnthebible.org/s_o_john1_1-5_jesus_christ_as_the_word_of_god.htm
Finally, we have a presentation by Hebraic-Foundations, a Bible study forum hosted by Christian Challenge International, which describes itself thus: "Hebraic-Foundations is an online email conference which provides studies as well as offers open discussion on the Biblical Christian. Its special emphasis is towards the pre-325 A.D. Church." Not as exhaustive as the Catholic Encyclopedia, it is nonetheless a well-presented study:
http://www.christianchallenge.org/hebraic-foundations/HF139.html
Toward a resolution of that discussion, I am posting a few internet pages which explain the Christian exposition of Christ-as-Word.
The first is the homepage of Les Oxnam, a Christian convert in New Zealand. Although it begins with a very friendly and evangelical tone, it goes on to present a well-reasoned and reasonably researched argument (caveat: the author does reference a personal dialogue with God in his study of the Bible):
http://www.all4god.net/word_of_god.htm
Next, we have the thorough scholarly research of the Catholic Encyclopedia:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09328a.htm
The third is a more parsimonious exegesis, hosted by Learn the Bible (of the Antioch Baptist Church of Knoxville, TN):
http://www.learnthebible.org/s_o_john1_1-5_jesus_christ_as_the_word_of_god.htm
Finally, we have a presentation by Hebraic-Foundations, a Bible study forum hosted by Christian Challenge International, which describes itself thus: "Hebraic-Foundations is an online email conference which provides studies as well as offers open discussion on the Biblical Christian. Its special emphasis is towards the pre-325 A.D. Church." Not as exhaustive as the Catholic Encyclopedia, it is nonetheless a well-presented study:
http://www.christianchallenge.org/hebraic-foundations/HF139.html
Friday, 28 March 2008
Morning-- (0500)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Meditation on the Banners of East and West
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Meditation on the Banners of East and West
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Morning-- (0500)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Leaving the Body
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Middle Pillar
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah at meals. Relaxation Response for 10 minutes after Four-Fold Breath.
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Leaving the Body
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Middle Pillar
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah at meals. Relaxation Response for 10 minutes after Four-Fold Breath.
26 March 2008
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Morning-- (0500)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Body Awareness
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (25 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Tarot Meditation (Key XXVIII)
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Body Awareness
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (25 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Tarot Meditation (Key XXVIII)
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
25 March 2008
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
I have been away from practice for some time, due to the commitments of OCS. This week I will be working back into my schedule, and hopefully next month I won't be so completely thrown off.
Morning-- (0600)
QC
Morning-- (0600)
QC
06 March 2008
Operational Tempo
Due to time constraints, I do not anticipate engaging in any ritual activities or studies until Monday morning. I will update Tuesday morning if the situation changes.
05 March 2008
Wednesday, 05 March 2008
Morning-- (0500)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for ten minutes of Relaxation Response.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Body Awareness
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for ten minutes of Relaxation Response.
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (25 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Tarot Meditation (Key XXVII)
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for ten minutes of Relaxation Response.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Body Awareness
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for ten minutes of Relaxation Response.
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (25 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Tarot Meditation (Key XXVII)
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
04 March 2008
MySpace
A MySpace friend of mine, "Leon," has recently invited me to join his new group, "Tree of Life." We have been having some very interesting discussions on Christian mysticism and esoteric practices--although there are currently 15 members there, all by invitation, and it seems that only Leon and I are posting.
Tuesday, 04 March 2008
Morning-- (0500)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for ten minutes of Relaxation Response.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Rit. Elem. Eq.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for ten minutes of Relaxation Response.
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (25 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Middle Pillar
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for ten minutes of Relaxation Response.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (25 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash, Rit. Elem. Eq.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for ten minutes of Relaxation Response.
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (25 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Middle Pillar
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
Sunday, 02 March 2008
Morning-- (0500)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for five minutes of Relaxation Response.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for five minutes of Relaxation Response.
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for five minutes of Relaxation Response.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Qabalistic Holy Wash
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for five minutes of Relaxation Response.
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
Saturday, 01 March 2008
Morning-- (0500)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for five minutes of Relaxation Response.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Ritual Bath, Meditation on the Tau Robe
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for five minutes of Relaxation Response.
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Middle Pillar
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Adoration LoU.
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for five minutes of Relaxation Response.
Afternoon-- (1600)
QC, Four-Fold Breath (20 breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Ritual Bath, Meditation on the Tau Robe
After the Four-Fold Breath, I continued for five minutes of Relaxation Response.
Evening-- (2130)
QC, Neophyte Meditation (20 Breaths), QC, LBRP, QC, Middle Pillar
Other Work:
Kheperu nu Ra and Berakah.
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