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# Re: Re: Paenitere

#### Message 02513 of 3835

- To: <BardonPraxis@yahoogroups.com>
- Subject: Re: [BardonPraxis] Re: Paenitere
- From: "Rawn Clark" <rawnclark@...>
- Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 14:42:19 -0700
- References: <c6gs0s+5ja6@eGroups.com>

    Dear 'golden558dragon',

    >> What about his views concerning a temporary abstinence from sex and
    the one week of fasting. Would there be any advantages in starting your
    magical practise in such a manor, seeing as it might destroy laevas and
    train your will ??? <<

    In my "Commentary Upon IIH: Step One" I suggested the temporary
    cessation of all caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, alcohol and of anything
    else that alters the brain's chemistry, so that the mind is clear for
    the mental exercises. The mind must be mastered when it is functioning
    normally instead of when it is being influenced and therefore
    functioning abnormally.

    Periodic fasting is always a good idea since, when done properly, it
    purifies the body of toxins and brings the bodies digestive system back
    into proper balance. But even better than periodic fasting is the
    consistent eating of a healthy diet.

    In the absence of sexual addiction, a temporary abstinence from sex
    will indeed increase your overall energy, leaving you with more energy
    for concentration if that is otherwise a problem for you. [However, I
    must point out that the only sexual alternative Blystone offers to
    permanent abstinence is involvement in a monogamous, committed
    (heterosexual) relationship. According to him, if you are not in such a
    relationship then abstinence is your only option (he declares
    casual sex and masturbation as unacceptable).]

    And of course, practicing *any* asceticism will strengthen your will.

    But so far as these practices themselves eliminating larvae, this is not
    guaranteed. For example, if sexual addiction or food addiction or
    substance addiction are issues you face, then a temporary cessation of
    all things having to do with the object of your addiction *without
    simultaneously and directly addressing the root addiction issues* will
    often have the opposite affect of increasing the strength of attendant
    larvae and draining *you* of energy. So if you do practice these
    asceticisms he suggests then I recommend that you also be ready to deal
    with all of the addiction issues that arise.

    >> On his yoga regime, what do you think would be the benefits of
    following his regime to the letter and would there be any unforeseen
    dangers in doing so ??? <<

    The benefits and dangers, *if you follow his instructions to the letter*
    (which includes an exhaustive study of the Yogic literature in addition
    to following his given instructions) would obviously be the benefits and
    dangers espoused in the Yogic literature. :) However, I must point out
    that Yoga is not *Hermetics* -- it is not *part of* the *Hermetic* path
    of initiation. It can indeed make a good *addition to* but it is not a
    *part of* it.

    >> Also would there be some advantages in waiting with some of his
    lessons, and then using them as a compliment to some of the more
    advances IIH lessons ??? <<

    Yes and I think his sensory exercise is a case in point. It could be
    used effectively in conjunction with the work of being able to identify
    the separate organs and regions of the body.

    >> Finally what about his comments on some of the books of the Bible and
    his comments on the Tarot, something I personally found to be some of
    the most interesting parts of the book. Do you agree with his ideas, and
    if not then why ??? <<

    I glossed over most of this material since it didn't interest me.

    >> By the way, to a point I also agree with you about his writing style.
    It is sometimes slow, a bit to melodramatic, and clearly painted by his
    Gnostic beliefs, but at the same time I also think he wrote it like that
    to convey a point (be careful not to accept everything, do not think the
    occult sciences is a game, etc.). <<

    Yes, obviously it was done intentionally and after just a couple of
    chapters the reader should have more than gotten his point that
    initiation is serious business and that one should think for themselves.
    :) But after a while it got tiresome and seemed to have to do with more
    than just making a point.

    One final comment on "Paenitere". When I add up all the daily time
    commitments and life changes that Blystone demands as absolute
    requirements of the "neophyte", I see an erection of barriers instead of
    the breaking down of them. It is clear to my mind that Bardon wrote IIH
    in order to make Hermetic initiation *more* accessible to *more* people.
    In many places in his books he emphasized the fact that initiation was
    possible for the "ordinary man" who lives an ordinary life. It's not
    reserved just for those who can spend at least six hours a day devoted
    exclusively to exercises and the study of books. That's all wonderful
    when it can be managed and can make for very quick progress, but it is
    not *necessary*. And in this day and age it is not even *possible* for
    the vast majority of those interested in pursuing their initiation. In
    point of fact, the vast majority of the students that I know of are
    making excellent progress devoting only a couple of hours each day, some
    on even less! It *might* take "longer" if one devotes fewer hours per
    day but this is *not* a race -- in fact, trying to race is very
    counter-productive.

    In effect, Mr. Blystone sets out a path of initiation that *uses* IIH as
    its foundation but which *diverges from* Bardon's course. It's sort of
    a "Bardon Plus". ;-) Personally, I don't see that "Plus" as being in
    the Bardonian spirit of making initiation *more* accessible. Instead,
    it seems to take us back a century or two.

    But that is only *my* opinion as an admitted "Bardon purist". ;-) I
    encourage you to do as Mr. Blystone repeatedly suggests and form your
    *own* opinion. :) It is after all, *your* initiation and you get to do
    whatever *you* want to do.

    My best to you as always,
    :) Rawn Clark
    25 April 2004
    rawnclark@...
    rawn@...
    http://www.ABardonCompanion.com
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BardonPraxis
    http://E.webring.com/hub?ring=arionthebardonwe

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