More Code Words

Chinese and Taoist alchemy are explained in terms of the yin and yang principles. This is the concept of the Tao (The One) divided into two principles. The Tao is the Absolute Oneness that underlies all duality. Yin was lead and yang was mercury. The transcendental union lay beyond all duality, which is called the Middle Way by the Buddhists. Keep in mind that these are code words. My intent is simply to remind us that there are external and internal alchemy practices.

European alchemy and its practice was hidden, secret and in time eventually exposed. Practical knowledge about the elixir was symbolized by the Tree of Knowledge, which also represent duality, good and evil. If the knowledge is misused, it can kill you. Knowledge is to be used for the sake of the Good. Ego must stay out of true knowledge.

To put things into perspective, remember that in ancient times only seven basic metals were known: copper, silver, gold, mercury, lead, iron and antimony (greenness).
Researchers who are fascinated by this subject feel that they are unlocking the most potent and mysterious form of matter capable of producing real magic, an elixir of immortality. What you think?

Have a peaceful and thoughtful weekend. Return on Monday

The Jewel

The Jewel is within but the east and west approach the Jewel differently. The West emphasizes the human incarnation, and even the personality and historicity of Christ, while the East says: "without beginning, without end, without past, without future." In accordance with this conception, the Christian typically subordinates himself to the superior, divine person in expectation of His grace.

The eastern seeker knows that redemption depends on the 'work' the individual does upon himself. The Tao, the Golden Flower, the Divine Spirit grows out of the individual. The imitation of the Christ has a disadvantage. In the long run man worships as a divine example a man who embodied the deepest meaning of life, and then, out of sheer imitation, we forget to make real our own deepest meaning-God realization.

It is my opinion that it is necessary to combine the purely masculine mind with an intellect imbued with a greater mind which bears the stamp of the feminine. When we choose to live in this way, we will become participants in the Eastern Spirit. I believe that the Eastern Spirit is a remedy to the infection that has spread in the western world of limitation, separation, forgetfulness and inaction.