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
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