Book Description
Contents: Hermetic Philosophy; Seven Hermetic Principles; Mental Transmutation; The All; the Mental Universe; Divine Paradox; "The All" in All; Planes of Correspondence; Vibration; Polarity; Rhythm; Causation; Gender; Mental Gender; Hermetic Axioms. Was Paul Foster Case one of the "Three Initiates?" We think so!
Customer Reviews:
Kybalionow I have to be careful with it.......2007-07-12
This book THE KYBALION, is very involved. I find I have to read it and stop to think about what these words meant. It may be the very Roots to inner understanding of one's self.
I read it once and find that when I look into it once again, each time it offers a different Facet into who I am.
Common Sense come into play and I share its teachings with one person every week.
I also know it is powerful and I have to be careful.
my life and attitudes have changed and every one I see asks me what is it, that I have.
my business is taking a shift towards the positive bigger and more focused .
I find that its teachings apply differently to all that may read it, for every one has their needs and problems.
I learned that I am not in charge yet learned to let go...
after all it is the ALL, that is in charge.
I liked the book, maybe you will too.
Grize'l
The Universe/Kybalion.......2007-05-13
A must read for every generation. Once you read this you will understand the Universe.
Enlightening.......2007-01-18
I already own a copy of this work. I bought it for my son for Christmas. Being a fan of the Matrix and general philosophy, I felt that he would enjoy this. All of the questions that the various religions have left me with are all answered in this small text.
Mind Candy.......2006-02-08
The Kybalion represents, in my mind, the equivalent of mind candy. It is tasty to eat, but has very little actual content.
For anyone familiar with American history, this book came out in the early part of the century, when many ideas from the East were just beginning to be presented to the Western public. This was also during the so-called "occult revival;" (this was the era of theosophy, anthrosophy, etc.) The style of the authors reflects the style of the times: the prose is quite melodramatic to modern sensibilities, there is talk of secrecy and the invocation of historical personages, and so on.
However, many of the ideas that were presented during this era were not very substantial. It is the soup of the soup of the soup of the original teachings--- the ideas have largely been removed from their orignal sources, examined in a somewhat shallow manner, and then reformulated for the Western mind.
This book presents for the intellect a few principles and then proceeds to explain these principles. I suppose its point is more to inspire than to guide, for very little guidance is given on how to investigate these principles further.
The value of this book lies, however, in introducing the complete beginner to some ideas in esoteric thought. Even though the authors tend toward melodrama, they also tend to be very simple and clear in their explanations. It may allow the complete beginner to orient him- or herself in the esoteric landscape, and clarify many points that would be otherwise obscure. The more advanced student, who is already quite familiar with these ideas should be able to find better sources.
Great Eloquence and Wisdom!.......2005-09-05
Rare, remarkable, and imbued with thought provoking concepts on esoteric mysticism. A must have for the serious occultist.
Customer Reviews:
Nine Faces of Christ.......2007-05-04
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is both inspirational and intriguing.
What's Your Motivation?.......2005-10-02
I believe that one does not just come upon a book such as this without being on a personal spiritual quest of a sort. To process its contents, my suggestion would be to know what drives you and what you seek before reading it. With a mind opened to a non-orthodox interpretation of the life Jesus may have led, this book could prove quite stimulating, and could serve as an invitation to broaden one's meditations even on the lives of Joseph and Mother Mary. However, if one is not prepared for such an alternative view, the experience would be more shocking than beneficial.
A great seekers guide to the Christ process.......2004-06-08
This is a fascinating book for anyone who is an earnest seeker of enlightenment and has a fascination with Jesus Christ but is not into fundamentalist christian ideas and instead views Christ as a great spiritual master whose true teachings only come to us in fragments through the New Testament.
Although this book is not directly a book about uncovering the real Jesus, one can certainly make a lot of sense out of the gospels with this interesting book.
The main character of our story is one Jeshua Joseph-bar-Joseph. The author takes us through a story that pretty much unfolds exactly the way it does in the New Testament gospels, however in this version the author has put a lot of emphasis on the back story of how Jeshua has become a Christ. It isn't just a man born a "divine perfected being", Jeshua has to earn his Christhood through much training and many, many challenges. We get to see HOW he came upon all this great wisdom and ability. We get to see all the great trials Jeshua went through before he went out to deliver his message to the masses. Basically, we get to see a kind of Christ training process. One great thing is we see Jeshua challenged all along the way. Even after he has achieved great heights of exalted consciousness, he still continues to grow and be challenged. It has a very human quality to it that we can all identify with. It's not just "one day while praying he saw the Light and from then on he was the perfected Christ". No, this book has Jeshua really challenged at times while in the process. His core is always very strong and resiliant, but in this story we are shown some "growing pains". Enough to make this story quite inspirational because of how we all can identify with Jeshua trials and tribulations, how we all need to stay focused on staying strong during those challenging times that bring us those break-throughs,it is a story that resonates with our own process of growth. It makes one realize that Enlightenment is more than just having blissful meditations. Christ consciousness only comes from really pushing past your comfort zones spiritually!
So many things in the New Testament make so much more sense after reading this or at least can be viewed in a new light.......One of the most interesting books I've ever read of the "New Age" Christ works.
If it's not "the" truth it certainly is "a" truth........2003-05-17
I have read this book 3 times and will now purchase it again for a 4th reading, since I loaned it and well, you know. But, this book I believe carries so much truth with it that the soul cannot deny it and continues to seek it out, read after, read after, read. I find it to be an amazing amount of wisdom and spiritual teaching, more than I ever got from the New Testament. For me, it is more of the bible, or what I believe they would never print, or allow to be written in the bible then I have seen before. It feels like a channeled piece of work though I do not believe it claims to be so. But, it feels like Christ is speaking to you and telling you his story, how it really happened, and what he really meant when he said and did the things he did.
Controversial? Only if you want it this way........2003-02-04
Is this book actually pretending to tell the truth about the life of Jesus, over and beyond what the new testament narrates? I don't know, and frankly, I don't care.
...Are the mortal sins imported from Egypt? Or shall adultery be punishable in the eyes of God? Well, in the eyes of the church, yes. And we know this is control. I have never accepted the idea that God could give us tools only so he could forbid us to use them. It's like putting candies in the hand of your own child and telling him that he may not -ever- eat them. What is this? Love and care, or torture?
At least Eugene E. Whitworth had the courage to expose his ideas.
If you don't like the idea that this is another 'truth' about the life of Jesus, why not simply accept it as a daring novel?
Eugene E. Whitworth is offering you HIS truth. This deserves respect.
I'm not knowledgeable enough in theology to give any opinion on how truthful the book may be. But then I'm back to quoting the author: what is the difference between reality and actuality?
...
Average customer rating:
- The Training & Work of an Initiate
- A golden arrow pointed in the right direction
- A well-written and informative book
- EXPLANATION OF SANE OCCULTISM
- Mystery Schools Exist Now. Are you an initiate?
|
The Training & Work of an Initiate
Dion Fortune
Manufacturer: Weiser Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Cosmic Doctrine
ASIN: 1578631831 |
Book Description
Traces the ancient Qabalistic, Greek, and Egyptian roots of the Western esoteric systems, and how the initiation tradition has been handed down from adept to neophyte. Dion Fortune reveals both the broad outlines and underlying principles of these systems. Includes a new introduction by Gareth Knight. Index.
Customer Reviews:
The Training & Work of an Initiate.......2007-08-23
Dion Fortune remains one of the foremost gaurdians of western esoteric tradition, sadly forgottem in today's new age mentality.
A golden arrow pointed in the right direction.......2007-04-19
It should be noted that there is another book entitled `Dion Fortune's Esoteric Orders and Their Work and the Training and Work of the Initiate'. The `Esoteric Orders and Their Work' (1928), is the companion volume to `The Training & Work of an Initiate' (1930). These books were written together with the launching of Dion Fortune's school `The Fraternity of inner light'; of this school there is an address at the back of this book of which you can write to and acquire a correspondence course.
"The Training and Work of an Initiate shows how, from ancient Qabalistic, Greek, and Egyptian roots, the Western Esoteric Systems have an unbroken initiation tradition that has been handed down from adept to neophyte. In this book, Dion Fortune indicates the broad outlines and underlying principles of these systems, illuminating an obscure and greatly misunderstood aspect on the path... you will discover how initiates prepare body, mind and spirit for the challenging journey that is the esoteric path" back cover.
This is a marvellous book which definitely points the true initiate in the right direction. This book is divided in three parts 1.Ethical 2. Theoretical & 3. Practical. Dion Fortune gives us some concrete techniques and insights, alludes to, but does not go the greater distance as to what is discoverable in other works. Still the essence of what is required of a true initiate is described in this book. This book smashes the delusion of what is espoused by most of the `New age' movement and shows us that serious effort and understanding is required for those on the greater path.
Dion provides a marvellous insight into Christianity's true beginnings. The men who made primitive Christianity were made from two sources, initiates of the mysteries and non-initiates. The writer of the gospel of John was influenced by the mystery schools, as was the writer of the Apocalypse, influenced by Qabalistic thought. There was a struggle between the two types of Christians, initiates and non-initiates, the latter winning out in the end. " The orthodox then gradually developed, as was inevitable, something of a mystery system of their own in the sacraments, which are ritual magic pure and simple..."pg 88
"The highest degree of initiation is crucifixion for the salvation of mankind the various abreacting of racial karma. Let those who aspire to initiation bear ever in mind what reward it is that will crown their efforts with a crown of thorns. Unless we have so great a love for humanity, so great a sympathy for suffering, that we are not only willing but anxious to avail ourselves of the opportunity in some small measure to offer ourselves as a sacrifice for the sins of the people, there is no point in setting out upon the way of initiation, for its goal will be dust and ashes to the man who remains unregenerate. The aim of initiation is neither magical power nor marvellous experience, but simply the ability to offer an acceptable sacrifice that shall be effectual for the neutralisation of cosmic Karma" pg 90
"...Divination, which is the discernment of the unseen, is a very different thing from fortunetelling..."pg 93
Some essential tools of an initiate > knowledge of psychology > Jung > Consciousness and the ego. Pg 95
"Viewed metaphysically, all the planes of manifestation are different types of existence, and the seven bodies of man, not excepting the physical, are different modes of consciousness and different types of organisation of force. Unless we know exactly what consciousness is and how apprehension takes place, we shall be unable to translate our consciousness from one mode to another." Pg 104
"Consciousness is raised to a given plane by inhibiting the thoughts of the modes of consciousness of all the planes below it. This of course requires perfect concentration" pg 105
"...unless men work at occultism as they work for the prizes of their professions, they will not achieve" pg 107
A well-written and informative book.......2003-07-30
As usual, Ms. Fortune cuts to the chase, though I wouldn't say that this book is an easier read than her other texts. I found myself jotting down notes for future use, so despite the fact that it was written decades ago, her points are still applicable. She is very opinionated however, and obviously had definitive views on the purpose for occult study. Study for personal gain toes the line of dark magic, according to her.
She does not mention her contemporary, Aleister Crowley, by name but is quick to send sharp barbs of disapproval on what she calls "phallic rites" and other "black" practices. Sometimes she sounds almost eclectic and open-minded, but the next moment, she launches into a series of Christian apologetics. One would think that an accomplished psychic would move past such dogma. Like most Victorian/Edwardians, she clearly states that the progenitors of the Western Mystery Tradition: Judaism, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece were 'primitive' in comparison to Christianity, simply because Christianity misappropriated the 'important parts' of their doctrines. So if you can look past her quirks, she does give valuable information on the prerequisites to joining a society and more importantly, what being a master adept entails. It's not for the faint-of-heart but she says that even the failed aspirant is blessed in the attempt to climb Jacob's Ladder.
EXPLANATION OF SANE OCCULTISM.......2003-07-13
In this very readable work, Dion Fortune deals with the tradition of initiation in the Western Esoteric Tradition and explains the principles of these esoteric systems. An interesting foreword by Gareth Knight discusses Fortune's place in metaphysical thought, declaring her a great synthesist ever holding a balance between the strands of hermetic occultism, devotional mysticism and nature mysticism. Knight even refers to Tolkien's account of creation in The Silmarillion as reflecting Fortune's approach to certain metaphysical questions! The book provides information on how the initiate prepares the mind, spirit and body for the journey on the esoteric path and what the path of initiation looks like. The book is divided into three parts: Ethical, Theoretical and Practical. It details the way of initiation, preparations and daily life upon the path and provides a ground plan of illumination. There is also valuable information on the training of the mind and the body. I found the discussion of the relationship between natural and esoteric science very insightful and her division of what she terms "illuminism" into two branches - mysticism and occultism, very informative. According to the author, mysticism aims at the speediest possible attainment of the divine union of the soul with its source and in order to achieve this it eliminates all that causes separation. Occultism on the other hand, aims to organise and master phenomena and bring them into harmony with the eternal law of the real. Ultimately, the difference is only a matter of temperament. Fortune then proceeds to classify religions and movements like Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Theosophy, Spiritualism, Christian Science and New Thought into these two branches. The chapter on the Western Esoteric Systems deals with the Qabalistic, Greek and Egyptian traditions, claiming that they all contributed to modern Western esotericism that in addition, also draws on Eastern thought. The book contains a Tabular Classification of Illuminism demonstrating the mystical/occult division in detail as well as an index and a short biography and portrait of Fortune. This is a well written book explaining most of the important points of the occult path and the practice of sane occultism. Highly recommended.
Mystery Schools Exist Now. Are you an initiate?.......2002-09-28
Jesus of Nazareth was taught in mystical schools. Back then, we know that there were many. On my spiritual quest I had studied some of Alice Bailey's books, including those on initiation. I had wondered - am I being trained by a master? Am I an initiate? Reading this book and _Esoteric Orders and Their Works_, also by Dion Fortune, has answered my personal questions, and let me understand that this work is going on now.
Those two books also differentiated the mystic from the occultist - a fine point to the novice, but important in understanding yourself and others. I'm reading the rest of her books. If you are studying the Ageless Wisdom, shamanism, and/or the occult, you will love Ms. Fortune's books. You MUST READ her _Cosmic Doctrine_. Very deep.
Customer Reviews:
More with each re-reading.......2006-03-26
Along with Initiate Brother, Gatherer of Clouds is a book I regularly re-read. It gives me joy each time. Vivid characters, great story, memorable vignettes and more than a little wisdom make it a great read.
The central religion of Wa, Botahism, is obviously based on Buddhism. The more my knowledge of Buddhism increases, the more soundly based Sean Russell's depiction seems.
Gatherer of Clouds.......2005-07-06
Wonderful sequel for Initiate Brother. It continued the character development and suspense of Part 1, but also had more pessimism.
Wonderful!.......2001-05-05
One of the finest books I have ever read. Make sure to start with the first one first, and then go on the sequel.
Just to warn/entice those who may have read some of Russell's other works first -- these two books are written by a warm inviting Russell, while his other books are written by a cold, cynical, sarcastic person. (Guess which I prefer.) So even if you did not care for Russell's other works, please give these a try.
Best writer I have seen in a long time!.......2001-03-12
This is a real treat for those who love to read! The first book, and this one is a great story, the witing style is smooth as silk, and the characters are not only interesting, and likeable, but believable to boot! I actually shed tears in public while reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Wonderful, enchanting, and totally satisfying read!
Moving conclusion to "The Initiate Brother"........2001-02-06
This two volume story is elegant, moving, and fun. The monk, Shuyun, comes to be spiritual advisor to the Shonto family. From there, we have intrigue with the emperor, a barbarian invasion, complex politics, wild battles, and an elegant fictionalized China, complete with lovely poetry. In this volume, we have a running battle with a huge barbarian army, as the Shonto family is caught between the emperor and the barbarians. The brother Shuyun is caught between his duties and a woman, in a very satisfying love story. Excellent story.
Book Description
This work brings to life a treasure of life-changing wisdom that has inspired generations of transformational leaders. The essence of the book is that major, positive shifts in the quality of your life can be initiated by changing a single thought. The present volume is a new rendition of the transformational classic originally called As a Man Thinketh, a book that influenced best-selling authors from Norman Vincent Peale to Neale Donald Walsch.
The authors have created an entirely new interpretation, written especially for the transformational reader who seeks practical ways to apply the book’s life-changing wisdom to daily life. This new version is clearly written and gender friendly, free of the stilted and often sexist language of the original. In addition, experiential activities based on the concepts in the book bring to life its essential message: You have a great deal more power over the circumstances of your life than you may have been taught. Step by step, The Power of a Single Thought guides you to take charge of your life . . . one thought at a time.
Book Description
He was the father of the occult, the founder of astrology, the discoverer of alchemy. He was Hermes Trismegistus, and as the scribe of the gods of ancient Egypt, he possessed all divine knowledge... which he passed on to humanity, though only those who have been tutored in its wonders can fully understand it. In this extraordinary 1912 book, three secret initiates to his teachings-who remain anonymous to this day-share their insight with all who seek to understand the mysterious underpinnings of the universe and our relationship with it. An appreciation of Hermeticism, as the basis of all paranormal philosophies still studied today, is an absolute must for anyone fascinated by magic, the supernatural, and the wisdom of the ancients.
Customer Reviews:
Introduction to dvine LAW .......2007-09-25
I recently read this book and I must say that this is one of the most important books I have ever read. Like the previous rater said before this should be mandatory reading, because at the present time we do not live by divine law and we are even out of harmony with the rhythm of nature(true time) Therefore, it is no one wonder why people tend to be losing their mind more frequently. I digress but this book is excellent and if one is able to understand this book and apply these principles to him/herself, this person can easily become a master of themselves and their environment
The Kybalion and its' philosophy........2007-05-20
The lessons/philosophy in this book should be taught in every high school in an effort to explode the myths we were taught growing up.( At home and in school). It is an exceptional book which certainly would prevent. a lot of negativity, power trips and perhaps foster a better understanding of how we perceive how people think in this world.
Book Description
In these fictional accounts, Ancient Egypt is made accessible, revealed through the eyes of young Her-Bak, candidate for initiation into the Inner Temple.
Customer Reviews:
sorry i must be lost.......2004-10-02
i tried to read this book....maybe i am not a genius but this can only be described as arty-farty claptrap...mine is an ex-library book that was taken out 5 times in 14 years...say no more.....save your pennies
What is a Neter?.......2001-01-13
I read this book about 7 years ago. I have purchased it several times. As I have recomended it to my friends, and of course I loaned my copy to them. I should have started my own library card system. The Author has spent his life, studying Kemet (Egypt) with his wife by his side. There are metaphysical things that he did not innerstand, but his attempt at understanding is excellant. I recommend this work for everyone that is seeking Maat, externally. As a start to understanding, what went on in Kemet (Egypt).
Customer Reviews:
Excellent for all levels.......2004-09-13
This book is truly a marvel for both group working and the solitary practitioner. Do not be fooled by the book's approachability; the pathworkings contained within are potent indeed. One of Dolores' talents lies in her ability to take the occult and make it perfectly presentable to the layperson. This is shown in many reviews where the commenter thinks that a book must be an intro a beginner's book, not realizing just what they have in their hands. I adivse that one not only read the book upon purchase, but work the guided visualizaitions therein, your work will be well rewarded.
Hard to read.......2003-03-27
I have to admit that I wasn't expecting anything like what the book was, so in a way it isn't that the book is bad, but rather just definately something not for me and I can't imagine suggesting it either. I have read another book by the auther and was extremely happy with it, but this book is very specificly for a certain purpose. That purpose is a very particular way to do pathworking.
First I have to say that I had an idea of what pathworking was, because I am very familiar with the occult. That is a guided meditation.
This book though reads very much unlike the guided meditations I am used to. The pathworkings in this book are written like stories except the main character is in first person. And in every pathworking the main character is doing some sort of ritual that is akin to a particular culture.
I do not have the book with me and I am going off memory but for an example, one pathworking would be an Egytian neophyte which you take the role in this first person experience and go through his/her initiation as them step by step.
The beginnings of the chapters are wonderfully written to give a short explanation of what type of pathworking the chapter will go into, it was the actual pathworking that I got caught on and couldn't get "into". It was the lack of detail, the lack of allowance to experience more then the limited guided meditation offers, and mostly it was the not so easy role that I had no affinity towards that it thrusts you in with out any emotional appeal. If you already do pathworkings then this book could be of great interest to you. If you want an idea towards how you can mentally create a good guided meditation then this might give you some creative idea. Otherwise I would recommend you purchase this book after you have had the oppertunity to look at it because I can only imagine its appeal to particular readers. I do like the author, and I do like the basis of the book, but the actual pathworkings did not fulfill my expectations.
There are many books out there with a lot of easier to use pathworkings that I would suggest to the general reader. Though I don't think there is a general reader for the new age world.
A basic primer for the pathworking novice........2002-11-29
This book gives detailed help on the how and why of pathworking. It gives progressive information and basically takes you by the hand and leads you down the right path. A 'must have' for those just starting out. Not bad for those who have been on the path for a while either though it does cover some very elementary ground. Pathworking is something that is a cornerstone to our faith and sadly is neglected too much. Hopefully this book will help to change that.
Nicely written but gives nothing new........1999-10-08
This is a nice text, some nice images but it was going over old ground so I never actually finished it.
Beautiful pathworkings for awakening the Higher Self.......1999-09-19
Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki, the Director of Studies for the Servants of the Light school of occult science, has been an innovator in the spiritual practice of "pathworking" since her earlier classic, "Highways of the Mind." Pathworking, traditionally an inner guided journey on the paths of the Tree of Life, was once a closely guarded secret of the Western Mystery schools offering initiation. The spiritual path of Qabalah postulates a Tree of Life mandala of ten aspects of Divinity and twenty-two paths or states of consciousness. Initiates pathworking the paths of the Tree of Life would activate and awaken these various states of consciousness, latent within the neophyte (beginner), to full potency within their own sphere of sensation or aura. The initiate completing such "inner journeys" would then have incorporated the Tree of Life within and have access to its various potentials and powers for spiritual fulfillment and expression. The spiritual changes for the better effected by such inner journeys compelled Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki to make this powerful tool available to the world at large. Her work has revolutionized this technique from its sole use in Qabalistic training to encompass all the major traditions of the Western Mysteries. Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki has taught through her experiental workshops that pathworking the various ancient traditions can also stimulate into activity within the sphere of sensation of the practioner the spiritual fulfillment and expression offered by the ancient initiatory paths of the past. Readers of "The Initiate's Book of Pathworkings" will find many of her most powerful pathworkings illustrating the spiritual potency and richness of the Western Mysteries. The reader will encounter the ancient gods of Egypt, Greece and the Celtic people. Alexandria, "the city that faced upon the world" will also be explored. The reader can also look forward to pathworkings related to the Craft of the Wise and the Fairy path. In addition, she offers a new approach towards experiencing Shamanism. Two of my favorite sections of her book offer innovative work with the Angels, and the Elementals who can empower the magical potency of the initiate. Finally, pathworkings written solely for the new millenium are offered illustrating a possibility of the work that lies ahead for the spiritual aspirant as well as giving hope. I wholeheartedly recommend this rich collection of pathworkings as incomparable spiritual tools for the sole practioner or working group to empower their spiritual development into the new millenium.
Book Description
Noted authority discusses mystic rites and doctrines, methods of psychic training among lamas, magicians, yogis, etc. Covered are various kinds of initiations and their aims, role of the spiritual guide and choice of a master, oral instruction, spiritual exercises, "gymnastics" of respiration, many other aspects of Tibetan religious practice. David-Neel was practicing Buddhist, linguist, resident of Tibet for 14 years. 27 black-and-white illus.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent survey of Tibetan beliefs and practices.......2007-09-23
The author is forthright about the cultural differences between the west and Tibet and for that matter recognizes that no words can really even begin to express the actual experiences she had in Tibet. That said, she does an excellent job of explaining the spiritual culture of Tibet and the practices that involve initiation.
This is a must read for anyone who wants to get an idea of the Tibet of yesterday and the Tibet that is currently occupied by china
Notes on Tibetan Buddhism of Generations Past.......2005-01-30
This book is a description of the practices of Tibetan Buddhism found by David-Neel during her tenure in Tibet during the early part of the Twentieth Century. David-Neel had spent many years living in Tibet and studying Buddhism before she wrote this book, even adopting a Tibet son, Lama Yongden. This book describes the main beliefs and ceremonies of Tibetan Buddhism as David-Neel observed them at that time.
The first sentence of the text reminds us that her task is practically unachievable "To present to Westerners a perfectly clear and complete idea of the mysticism of the Tibetans is practically impossible." David-Neel was remarkably cognizant of the immensity of the cultural differences that she was trying to bridge, far more so that many other travel writers of her era. Her fluency in the language and spiritual commitment helped her gain a foothold in the mysterious city of Lhasa, closed at that time to all foreigners-except her.
In this book, David-Neel takes on a variety of topics, including: Tibetan mysticism, kinds of initiations and their meanings, daily spiritual exercises, a historical overview of the Dalai Lamas, types of Buddhism, morality in Tibetan Buddhism, meditation and the cultivation of attention, and the Tibetan intelligentsia. To capture some of the essence of Tibetan mystics, David-Neel terms them "spiritual sportsmen," referring to the boldness of the Tibetan mystics and "their singular impatient desire to measure their strength against spiritual obstacles or occult foes." As she describes some of the types of initiation, these ideas become more clear. For example, in one initiation, the initiates demonstrate their determination to exercise mind over matter as they sit naked for hours in the cold and swallow a four-inch long burning candle. Later in the book, she stresses that the initiation is "not intended to communicate knowledge, but rather to transmit the power to do some physical or mental act."
The workings of the subconscious mind are extremely important to these mystics, and David-Neel tells us how the mystics use the study of sleep and dreams to determine intent, where it can be studied free from the constraints of conscious action. In their beliefs, a person who dreams he murdered someone is guilty of murder because the dream shows his or her true intent. In contrast, a person can actually kill someone and not be guilty of murder, if he or she had no personal motive in the affair. It is intent, and solely intent, upon which the system of morality is based.
This book is not intended to be a guide or introduction to the Buddhist faith, although it does include material summarizing some sacred Buddhist texts. Buddhists are very diverse in their beliefs, and while a number of the statements David-Neel includes are familiar to all Buddhists, some of the practices described here would be abhorrent to many, and may be quite different in modern practice, even in Tibet. As a historical document, however, the book is fascinating in its description of the ceremonies, initiations, and beliefs of Buddhist mystics in early Twentieth Century Tibet.
Oldie but goodie!.......1999-07-01
David-Neel, Alexandra. Possibly the first European woman to do the three year+ retreat, died at the age of 102 in 1969. Her Initiates and Initiations, published in 1931 and translated from the original French Initiations Lamaiques is one of the earliest attempts to explain honestly to the much-obfuscated Western mind (viz. the term lamaique), the nature of the ongoing process that is the method employed by Vajrayana teachers. She understood how less educated Tibetans viewed certain teachings compared with the perceptions of the intellectuals. The chapter on the intelligentsia exists only in the English version, by the way.
Her knowledge of the other Buddhist traditions and of the history of early Buddhism enabled her to attempt to trace the evolution of concepts such as that of Nirvana, for example. She clearly exposed the difference in interpretation by Buddhists of terms that may have had their origins in Hinduism. Her knowledge of Sanskrit and Tibetan enabled her to discuss the different connotations that an expression has even though it seems to refer to the same idea. She had a good grasp of the history of the Kagyu and the other lineages, and showed a surprisingly sophisticated view of the history of Tibet and its relations with its neighbours. Interesting, too, or should I say again, were her observations on the position of the young Dalai Lama in those early days. This edition was printed in 1973 by Ryder in London.
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