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Some thoughts on Esoteric Training

(in progress)

Introduction

I have been consciously involved in following my spiritual path, in one form or another, for the past 16 years. Over that time my thoughts, expectations, and understanding has changed considerably. I therefore do not consider that my ideas and beliefs on esoteric training will remain the same over the next however many years remain in his lifetime. What I present here are my current thoughts, feelings, beliefs and insights on this subject. As such a do not present them as the only "correct" way. My intention is to provide some ideas for consideration, for both newcomers to spiritual and esoteric training, as well as those have been involved for a long time who are in search of other people's ideas and experiences.

In this document I use the words esoteric, spiritual, and magical somewhat interchangeably. While all these words have slightly different meanings, and various systems or ideologies may consider these words mutually exclusive, what I am attempting to do is present some thoughts on, and topics and concepts wealth of to anyone who has embarked on any form of spiritual quest for self growth.

This is the first draft of this document and my intention is to revise and updated over time.

Don't Mistake the Map for the Territory

Without a doubt things exist. As part of the process of being in relationship to self and others, people and groups have developed various methods of communicating ideas and concepts. If we want to explain to someone how to get from one location to another we may draw them a map. Our map may contain various symbols and words in order to communicate our ideas. Different maps could be drawn, perhaps by different people, to convey different information relevant to the intent or purpose of the map. Consider as an example the map of a country. The basic map may just be the shape of the country, perhaps in relation to other countries, to help us locate it. We may draw more advanced maps, would different purposes, overlaying other information upon the shape of the map. This may include roads, buildings, terrain, mineral deposits, weather conditions. We could perhaps even create a fully three-dimensional map including all this additional information. This would help communicate ideas, beliefs, and concepts about this country. However the map is not the territory.

There exist many magical and spiritual systems, and many different maps of consciousness. They all provide a means of describing and communicating abstract concepts. They are the map, and not the territory. Some may feel right for us, while others feel very foreign. There may be overlaps as well as differences in what they describe. It is even possible that some may more closely represent the actual nature of the nonphysical realms. What is important, however, is that they can give us something tangible to work with and communicate our ideas and understandings with others.

I believe it is useful to have an understanding of various systems and maps of consciousness. By having multiple maps we can compare the similarities and differences. By noting the similarities between different systems, I believe that we can begin to see patterns of ideas and concepts that strongly approximate the nature of the nonphysical realms. The differences may be things that are irrelevant, or things overlooked by one system or map of consciousness.

It is a good idea to develop a good understanding of one system, before moving on to learning others. Learning multiple systems is not an academic pursuit. It is necessary to fully immerse oneself in the system to develop the necessary understanding. Otherwise, one could go to the library and sit and go through a stack of books, making lists and diagrams to compare. This in itself is not wrong or bad, but deep understanding cannot be attained this way. I do not believe that esoteric training is an academic pursuit. Once a reasonable understanding of one system has been attained, then more can be gained by exploring other systems. It will then be possible to begin spotting the similarities and differences between the systems, and getting a feel (on an energetic level) for the nature of the nonphysical realms.

Perhaps now is a good time to explain a little of what I mean by maps of consciousness, and nonphysical realms, for those who are not familiar with esoteric training.

Nonphysical realms:

Although in the greater scheme of things everything is connected in part of a continuum, there is generally seen a divide between what is physical and nonphysical. The physical world is that which we live in as incarnate human beings. In general we can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the things within the physical world. We can quantify them, and they tend to have a static shape, exist in a more or less rational form. They are governed by more or less dependable physical laws. For instance it is reasonably safe for us to assume that as the sun rose in the East and set in the West today, it will also rise in the East and sit in the West tomorrow. We also know that various cycles and patterns exist within our physical world. If it is the middle of summer today, and the tree outside our window is covered in leaves, we can be fairly certain that tomorrow will not be the middle of winter and that the outside our window completely bare.

The nonphysical realms are not governed by the same laws as the physical realms. Many systems suggest that the nonphysical realms contain the patterns which give form to the physical realms. Many different names, levels, layers, and classifications exist for the nonphysical realms. A common term for the nonphysical realms is astral plane. Some groups, especially various branches of modern psychology consider the nonphysical realms to be the unconscious or subconscious various of the mind, perhaps even the collective unconscious. Our understanding of the nonphysical realms is generally via symbolism, sensations, and feelings. It is the realm of dreams and imagination, where what we "see" as a symbolic representation of an idea of concept. Within this realm, a free "positive" the same location at various times, things may appear very different. It may be night in this realm, while daytime in the physical world. Today it may be summer here, and tomorrow the middle of winter. The same tree which today had leaves, may be barren and leafless tomorrow. The tree itself may be an oak today, and a pine tomorrow. All these things are symbolic to us, the actual meaning behind these things generally being of the personal nature, although some symbols maybe cultural, cross-cultural, and otherwise shared within the collective unconscious.

Maps of consciousness:

The simplest map of consciousness may be the division of the conscious and unconscious minds. In simple terms we are conscious when we are awake and unconscious when we are asleep.

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Topics to be covered:

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