Spirit And Matter

"Where the telescope ends the microscope begins,
and who can say which has the wider vision."
-Victor Hugo

For the purpose of this article, the terms Spirit and Energy are
interchangeable.

What is Spirit?

Ancient texts refer to Spirit by various different names and terms.
Some of the names used to refer to Spirit are: prana, chi, and
Aether. Some of the terms used to describe Spirit are: The Divine
Breath, The Word of God, the Hermetic Logos and the Guna Rajas.
The Pythagoreans referred to Spirit as the sacred quintessential
Fifth Element and used the Symbol of the Pentagram, or five-
pointed star, to represent this Divine Essence.

But regardless of whatever Word or term is used to represent or
describe Spirit, Spirit is Energy! It is the sublime and eternal Divine
Energy which permeates all manifested realms, space, and Time.

In its purest state, Spirit (Energy) is free and unbounded. The
metaphor "free spirit" is an excellent description of this eternal
Truth.

Science tells us that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it
can only change form. Energy can manifest itself into matter, or
it can remain in its free form. After its manifestation into matter
has completed its Cycle, energy returns to its free form...its
Free Spirit!

Spirit (energy) can, and does, exist without matter. However,
matter cannot exist without Spirit. Furthermore, Spirit (energy)
is contained within all matter.

What is matter?

Nearly all sacred texts allude to the mysterious process by
which Spirit manifests itself into matter. These sacred texts tell
of how Spirit leaves the realm of the sublime (the realm of Unity)
and descends through the spheres accumulating more and more
density until it ultimately appears in the physical realm (the realm
of duality) in the form of matter.

This process of manifestation is what is alluded to by the terms:
"The Fall", "Original Sin", and the "banishment from paradise".

Furthermore, the terms "adulterate" and "adultery" are also used
to refer to this process of material manifestation.

Adulterate means: to corrupt; to taint; to combine a higher and
faster vibratory energy (Spirit) with a lower or slower vibratory
manifestation (matter). In other words, it is the tainting of pure
Spirit with gross matter; it is the imprisoning of Spirit within
matter for a specific period of manifestation or Incarnation.

When science analyzes matter, it finds that at the heart of all
matter is atoms. These atoms combine to form molecules.
These molecules ultimately form the building blocks which
eventually manifest themselves as some form of matter: a tree,
a rock, a cathedral, a person, etc. But, again, at the heart of all
matter is the atom; an infinite and uncountable number of atoms.

At the center of every atom is an energy field around which an
electron, or a number of electrons, orbit themselves; similar to
the way the planets in our solar system orbit our sun. This energy
source at the center of every atom is the Spirit, the Aether, the
Divine Breath, and the Word of God referred to in religious texts.

Without this Divine energy source there would be no atom...
there would be no molecules...there would be no building blocks...
there would be no matter. Therefore the ultimate makeup of all
matter is energy, or Spirit.

Matter cannot be formed until Divine Consciousness combines
the appropriate energies which ultimately become the "spark"
which manifests matter from "nothingness". This nothingness
is the Great Abyss and the Gnostic and Hermetic Chaos which
is referred to in ancient and spiritual texts.

Manifestation is that specific moment when the Free Spirit of energy
becomes "entrapped" within matter for a specific amount of Time.
This is the process of creation.

Once Spirit tires of, or no longer has a use for, the matter in which
it is entrapped or adulterated with, it vacates matter and once again
becomes Free Spirit. This ultimate vacating of Spirit from matter is
what is referred to as "death" in the material realm and the freedom
of "release", or "re-birth", back into the Spiritual Realm from
whence it originally came.

See also: "Smoke - As A Symbol" and
"Dust (Mythology, Mysticism and Symbolism)"

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

The Hermetic Logos (The Master's Lost Word)

"In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God."
- John 1.1

"Nothing happens until something moves."
- Albert Einstein

In the beginning all was still. Nothing existed but unmoving and
eternal Divinity. Everything that ever would be, and could be, was
asleep within Divinity. Then something happened: The Mind of
Divinity (the Hermetic Nous) "spoke The Word". And, in that
instant, Time, matter, the cosmos, and Duality sprang forth.

Nothing happens until something moves: Creation myths from all
parts of the world tell of a Breath, a Spirit, or a Bird (which is the
Symbol for Spirit) passing over the dark, still, and deep Primal
Waters of Chaos which represent the Great Subconscious. This
caused the Primal Waters to "stir"; to move; to vibrate. This stirring
process activated the interaction and Blending of all that was still.
This initial Blending and stirring was the First Cause in the Act of
Creation.

At that moment a mountain rose from the Chaos and above this
mountain the sky was formed. The sky then separated itself from
both the mountain (matter, earth) and the Chaos (the Waters). This
was the moment of physical creation; the moment of prima materia;
the moment of First Matter.

Next, everything that exists within Water and Air, and upon the
Earth, was created to occupy these domains.

The Breath, Spirit, or Bird which passed over the still Primal Waters,
in the initial Act of Creation, Symbolizes the "Word" of Divinity. This
"Word" is what ancient Hermetic teachings refer to as "Logos".

Logos is not actually a Word as we understand Words to be. Logos
is the Initial Thought of Divinity. It is the Genesis, or Source, of
Creation. It is the Divine Initiation of movement or stirring. It is the
Masculine Spiritual Seed which impregnates the Feminine Spiritual
Womb, or Waters. It is the Prisca Sapientia, or Pristine Wisdom. It
is also what is referred to, Esoterically, as the "Master's Lost Word".

But what do these creation myths mean? And, what hidden Lesson
do they impart upon us?

Creation myths consist of Three essences, or Gunas: The Mind of
Divinity (Nous); The Word, or Breath, of Divinity (Logos); and the
Primal Waters of the Great Subconscious (Chaos).

The number Three is the number which represents Creation. And
the Three Essences of Creation compare to the Three Gunas in the
following manner:

Sattwa is the Mind of Divinity. It is the Nous.
Tamas is the Primal Waters. It is the Great Subconscious. It is
that which must be acted upon. It is the Chaos.
Rajas is the Word, or Thought, of Divinity. it is the invisible force,
or Action, which causes Mind (Nous) and matter (Chaos) to Blend
together in the Act of Creation. It is the Logos.

The Lesson we can learn from creation myths is this: Thought
creates matter; the unseen creates the seen; what can be imagined
can be manifested.

All great inventions, innovations, and ideas were first a Thought
within someone's Mind. This Thought was then Acted upon. This
Action resulted in Creation.

We are all children of Divinity. Therefore, we have the "spark" of
Divinity within us. This "spark" enables us to also create whatever
we Choose to create by simply using our imaginative minds.

Our Imagination is what enables us to delve into the deep, dark
Waters of the Great Subconscious where everything that is, and
ever will be, already exists in un-manifested form. All it takes is
for us to find whatever it is that interests us and then take the
necessary Actions (the Logos, or Rajas) to pull the un-manifested
out of the Great Subconscious and bring it into the world of matter,
and into Creation.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

Rituals And Ceremonies (Their Symbolic Importance)

A Ritual or Ceremony is a celebration, a jubilee, a tradition. Through
these rites we re-live, re-enact, honor, Remember, and call forth
ancient Events, spiritual teachings, Divine Essences, and heroic tales.
Rituals and Ceremonies are also performed in order to "set a mood".

We can participate in Rituals and Ceremonies as either a part of a
group, or in a private and personal setting.

And although modern day Rituals and Ceremonies have been
reduced to merely Symbolic and festive group gatherings they are,
in fact, no less powerful now than when they were performed by our
ancient ancestors. In our modern world we have simply lost focus
of the true purpose and meaning of these very ancient traditions.

Even today indigenous cultures throughout the world participate in
Rituals and Ceremonies with the same respect and awe as did their
forefathers and ancestors.

For example, prior to going on a hunt for food, certain indigenous
cultures will draw a picture, usually upon a mound, of the animal
they are about to hunt and then devote their entire night praying
over the image, honoring it, and thanking it for the sacrifice it is
about to make for the benefit of the tribe or community.

The purposes of establishing, performing, and participating in
Rituals and Ceremonies are threefold.

1. To Remember and re-introduce us to the spirits, ancestors,
Lessons, and heroes which are part of our cultural and spiritual
heritage;

2. To set a solemn mood by way of performing these rites in a
location which is Harmonious with the Ritual or Ceremony which
is being enacted;

3. To then Instill that solemn mood within us so that we can access
our Inner Being...Our Subconscious...our Atman, in order to
manifest whatever it is that is important to us in our Current
Incarnation.

First: When we recall the spirits, ancestors, Lessons, and heroes of
our distant past we are reminded of the Divine Essences which they
represent. They represent the teachings, Wisdom, deeds, and
achievements which are at the core of the spiritual philosophy of our
particular culture. In fact, they are the teachings, Wisdom, deeds,
and achievements which have been, and still are, at the core of all
cultures ever since the most remote beginnings of the most
long-forgotten ages of mankind.

These spirits, ancestors, Lessons, and heroes are the inspirations
which elevate our Thoughts and feelings to the bliss, ecstasy, and
peace of the higher spiritual realms.

Second: As the purpose of Rituals and Ceremonies is to set a
solemn mood, they are performed in specially selected locations
which are Harmonious with inner tranquility and spiritual peace.
This is of particular importance regardless of whether these rites
are performed for group participation, or in private by ourselves.

Third: The performance of a Ritual or Ceremony slowly instills
within us a sacred and pensive mood through which we can then
access our spiritual nature, our Atman, and become intimate with
Divinity.

This feeling, this bonding with Divinity, is similar to a very deep
meditative state which puts us "in touch" with not only the
creative powers of our own Subconscious, but also the creative
powers of the Infinite and Divine Consciousness: powers which
can manifest Thought into reality.

When we enter this solemn, spiritual mood we are temporarily free
of all contradictory and disturbing Thoughts which can hinder us
from manifesting into our lives the object, or intention, of our desire.

While still in this solemn, sacred, and creative mood it is then
necessary for us to also act, through either Words or Action, upon
that object, lifestyle, or essence which we wish to manifest into our
lives.

Action, the invisible third element of creation, is the Rajas referred
to in ancient Sanskrit teachings. Without Action (Rajas), mood and
intention by themselves can not manifest whatever it is that we
desire.

When we look at Rituals, Ceremonies, and Creation in this manner
it is easy for us to understand why we often leave religious masses,
Rituals, and Ceremonies with an empty feeling.

To spiritually participate in a Ceremony, have our mood set by the
power of the Ritual, but failing to act while in the Spiritual Mood
instilled within us, is to waste the power of that Ritual or Ceremony.

All creation consists of, and is Symbolized by, the Trinity. Thoughts,
plans, and ideas can only be brought into manifestation by way of
Action (Rajas), which is the Third and final aspect of both Trinity
and Creation. (See: "The Three Gunas")

With this in mind, let us remember this Divine Truth the next time
we either participate in, or create, a Ritual or Ceremony. Upon
having our mood set by a solemn Ritual or Ceremony let us remind
ourselves that this is the most powerful and dynamic moment for us
to attempt to manifest, through Harmonious Words or Action,
whatever we feel is most important to us in our Current Incarnation.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The Three Gunas - Trinity (Sattwa, Tamas, Rajas)

What is The Trinity, and what do the Three
essences which compose The Trinity truly represent?

Depending on the Ancient scripture we are referring to, The Trinity
can be presented to us in several different ways. In some Spiritual
texts it is explained to us as The Father, Son, and The Holy Spirit.
However, when we consider that Spirit by its very nature is "Holy",
we are left with the much simpler Principles of Father, Son, and
Spirit.

In other teachings, Trinity is described as Mind, Body, and Spirit.

And in Hermetic Instruction Trinity is presented to us as Nous,
Chaos, and Logos. Wherein Nous is the Divine Mind; Chaos is
the Infinite Subconscious, or the Eternal Womb; and Logos is the
Spirit, Breath, or Word of Divinity - the unseen creative energy of
The Absolute All. In some Esoteric and Sacred Lessons Logos is
referred to as the Master's "Lost Word".

Ancient doctrines all refer to The Trinity and to the sacred number
Three of which Trinity is composed. However, these same doctrines
often fail to fully explain the Shrouded mystery of The Trinity and
its deep and hidden Truth and Wisdom.

Symbolically, the number Three (Trinity) represents the Divine
Principle of Creation.

A very clear, and rather Simple, explanation of The Trinity comes
to us by way of Vedic and Yogic Instructions which refer to this
triangle of forces, or energies, as The Three Gunas. The Three
Gunas are called Sattwa, Tamas and Rajas.

Sattwa is the initial Thought; the mental Seed; the Creative
Principle. Sattwa also represents imagination, inspiration,
meditation, and the unmanifested idea. Therefore, Sattwa
represents the Father, the Mind, and Nous.

Tamas is that which is intended to be created or manifested; it is
the idea, creation, or desire which attracts our attention.
Additionally, Tamas can represent a resistance, an obstacle, inertia,
or laziness. Furthermore, Tamas can also be the doubts and fears
which stagnate us and prevent us from taking the Actions necessary
to realize our dreams and ambitions. Therefore, Tamas represents
the Son, the Body, and Chaos.

Rajas is the unseen Spiritual Energy which overcomes resistance,
obstacles, and stagnation so that Creative Thought can manifest
itself. It is also the physical effort required to complete a task.
Rajas is the energy and Action necessary for creative (or destructive)
manifestation. Therefore, Rajas represents the (Holy) Spirit, spirit
and Logos.

Consider the artist who wishes to create a statue of a Greek goddess
from a block of granite. In this instance the artist is Sattwa (the
creative principle; imagination) and the block of granite is Tamas
(that which is to be brought into creation; the obstacle). Without
the unseen Creative and Motivating Principle of Rajas providing
energy to the artist, the statue of the Greek goddess could never
be chiseled from the stone.

As a further example of the Gunas in action, let us reflect upon
something which all of us have probably experienced. A man
develops a keen interest in a woman he has recently noticed
(or a woman develops a strong interest in a man she has recently
noticed). In this example the man is Sattwa and the woman
is Tamas. Until Rajas helps the man overcome the obstacle between
himself and the woman, they will never formally meet.

To take this example one step further, let's consider the possibility
that the man and the woman have both noticed each other and both
have developed a strong interest in the other person. Until Rajas
helps either one of them overcome the obstacle, or resistance,
between them they will not become introduced to each other.

Now let us carry this same example even one more step forward.
Let us again presume that both individuals have a strong interest
in each other. However, both have fears or doubts that the other
person may not be interested in them. Now, because fear, doubt,
and interest reside within both the man and the woman, the man
and woman are both Sattwa and Tamas at the same time. And
until Rajas enables at least one of them to overcome their own
personal internal mental obstacle, the two of them will not become
acquainted.

As we can see, the creative process (Sattwa, Tamas, and Rajas) can
become quite complicated. However the important Lesson these
examples Teach us is that all Three of these spiritual forces are
necessary for creation to manifest itself.

Without Sattwa we have no imagination, inspiration, or Star to guide
us. Without Tamas we lack the object, or condition, of our desire.
Without Rajas there is no creative energy. All Three Gunas are
necessary for creation to occur. They are The Trinity; they are the
sacred number Three; They are the Secret of Creation.

So the next time we experience fear, doubt, laziness, or confusion
in any of our endeavors let us simply recognize these forces for what
they are. They are Tamas; they are one-third of a Divine creative
process. And because they are Divine Principles we should not
shun them. We should embrace these resistances, for without them
we could not create whatever it is that we wish to bring into
existence. We are our very own creative energy (Sattwa) and once
we recognize the Tamas which confronts and excites us we simply
need to invoke the active spiritual energy of Rajas to help bring our
dreams, Hopes, and desires into our lives.

See also: "Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh and The Three Wise Men"

Further suggested reading:
"How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms Of Patanjali"
by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009