Beliefs

"We enter our current incarnation spiritually wise
but materialistically ignorant.
It is our abandonment of spiritual wisdom solely
for the sake of materialistic gain which is the
source of all our woes.
-Joseph Panek

When we consider the many different "beliefs" we are burdened
with throughout our life, it is easy to understand why Truth,
Wisdom and Harmony seem so elusive to us and why we often
feel confused.

Since many of these Beliefs become part of our character, it is
important for us to understand how we obtain them. Once we
understand the source of our Beliefs we become better able to
"weed out'' those pestering Beliefs which are not in Harmony with
our Divine Nature.

Let's consider some examples of how Beliefs are ingrained within us:

What we are taught to believe: These are the earliest Beliefs
to which we are introduced. These Beliefs come to us from parents,
teachers, relatives and neighbors. These are people whom we trust;
people who are very dear to us; people we rely upon to advise, teach,
and protect us when we are very young. In addition, these individuals
sincerely believe that the Beliefs they are instilling in us are sound
and true.

But regardless of how well-intentioned the Beliefs of these persons
may be, if they are erroneous beliefs to begin with, the Consequences
that these Beliefs have upon us will ultimately be harmful, and
perhaps even calamitous, to our life-experience.

One of the most common, and earliest, mis-Beliefs which we are
introduced to is that we must "follow the crowd", "fit in", and not
"rock the boat".

When we follow this common Belief we relinquish our individuality.
We forsake our Free Will to Think our own pure Thoughts, experience
our true personal feelings, and imagine our most wondrous dreams.
We then find ourselves taken off our personal, unobstructed Path
and forced into the traffic jam, the "rat race", of the masses. We
become diverted from the Spiritual Purpose of why we were placed
into our Current Incarnation.

What we are trained to believe: Although we may envision
regimented Beliefs to be part of a militaristic or monastic setting,
these types of Beliefs are also imposed upon us by way of corporate
"training" and group involvement.

Regimented Beliefs are a form of conversion, or brainwashing, in
which we are disciplined to believe that "we" are better than "them".
It is the replacing of Instruction and open-mindedness with training
and Indoctrination.

Regimented Beliefs coerce us to believe that: our product is better
than theirs; our organization is superior to theirs; our Beliefs are
right and their Beliefs are wrong; and, our cause is holy and just
while "they" need to be saved. Regimented Beliefs put us at odds
with, instead of in union with, our world-wide brethren.

In a regimented Belief type of setting, we are often required to don
uniforms which are designed to fracture our individuality and help
ease us into being assimilated into the thought process of that
particular group.

The unfortunate result of regimented Belief organizations is that
they demand unconditional obedience to their dogmas from all
of their "followers".

Many people turn to groups and organizations in search of Wisdom,
Truth, and Enlightenment only to often find that they are
disappointed, and perhaps even deceived, by the same organizations
and institutions which profess to honor and provide the Truth,
Enlightenment, and Instruction which these individuals are Seeking.

What we think we believe (a phantom most deceptive):
Unfounded conclusions are the bane of humanity. Quite often,
what we think we Believe is usually a combination of what we are
taught to Believe and what we are trained to Believe. This is why
it is so easy to be fooled, and disappointed, by what we think we
Believe.

What we think we Believe are, in fact, false Beliefs which enter our
lives by way of unfounded Opinions, gossip, rumors, subliminal
suggestions, media propaganda, and a lack of research, Awareness
and insight on our part.

We fall victim to this type of Belief when we allow our ego, laziness,
and complacency to replace reason, research and intuition.

What we truly believe: This is knowledge and Wisdom which is
gained through Self-Instruction, personal investigation and unbiased
evaluation. It is the Seeking out of what is - not what "should be".
True Belief is being in Harmony with both our Divine Nature and the
external world of our Current Incarnation.

True Beliefs are the Truths, Wisdom, and knowledge which we have
taken the time to un-Veil for ourselves. True Beliefs require great
effort on our part; they must be earned. This is why they are so
rare. However, each True Belief we uncover brings us one step
closer to the Star of Enlightenment which beckons us to continue
down the wondrous and mysterious Path of our current earthly
journey.

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

The Lone Wolf - As A Symbol

"Down to Gehenna or up to the Throne,
He travels the fastest who travels alone."
-Rudyard Kipling

Although wolves normally live, travel, and hunt in packs,
occasionally a young wolf will Choose to leave the pack and set out
on its own. As a result, this Lone Wolf usually grows to be much
stronger, and more cunning, than the average wolf which is a
member of a pack. The Lone Wolf is an archetype, a metaphor,
a Symbol for freedom, independence and Self-Reliance.

When used to describe a person, the term Lone Wolf is conferred
upon a person who is an Individual in the Truest sense of the word.
The Lone Wolf is someone who prefers to work alone, is Self-Reliant
and enjoys the peace and contentment of his, or her, own solitude.
The Lone Wolf lives by his, or her, own rules: rules which are in
Harmony with Universal Laws and its own personal Divine Nature.

The Lone Wolf is independent of, and distances itself from,
the petty bickerings, expectations, demands, mediocrities and
unfulfilled dreams of other people, groups or organizations. In
other words, The Lone Wolf is not tethered to "the pack".

By thinking and acting alone, The Lone Wolf acquires superior
cunning, agility, imagination and skills unknown to members of
"the pack". He, or she, has a deep spiritual respect for their own
individual Sovereignty, they experience true Independence,
and are a slave to no master. The Lone Wolf enjoys holding its
head up high while it breathes in the fresh, sweet air of Freedom
and Individuality.

In addition to Individuality, The Lone Wolf is also a metaphor for
Awareness and the Detached Mind. He, or she, is an observer of
Events and Actions and foresees their outcomes well in advance.
Thus The Lone Wolf is able to act with swiftness and sureness
at the appropriate moment.

An armada can only travel as fast as its slowest ship. In the same
way that the slowest ship slows down the armada, so do rules,
by-laws, committees and petty bickering bog down the Decisions
and actions of groups, organizations, corporations and society -
"the pack".

The Lone Wolf, by its very nature, sets itself aside from, and is
immune to, these kinds of behaviors. And while "the pack" is
consumed with analyzing, Debating, re-debating, and
Compromising, the Lone Wolf is evaluating ideas and Events and
is ready to act with dispatch and nimbleness.

The Lone Wolf is the epitome of the Individual Mind, which, except
for Divinity, is perhaps the most powerful force in the Universe. The
Lone Wolf decides and acts while "the pack" wonders and guesses
about its next move.

In the Tarot deck, Lone Wolf is represented by two cards: The Fool,
which Symbolizes the young Lone Wolf, and The Hermit, which
Symbolizes the Wizened Lone Wolf. These two cards are the
archetypes, or Symbols, for those persons who choose not to follow
in the footsteps of conformity.

The Lone Wolf is often branded as the "rebel" who refuses to bow
to the monotony of conventional foolishness. And, although
outwardly ridiculed and shunned by "the pack", the Lone Wolf is
also envied by many who dare not admit it. For it is the Sovereign
Lone Wolf who stands alone, in all of his (or her) glory, who has
chosen, and is Destined to experience, the Adventure of life with all
of its Simplicity, Beauty, and Mystery.

(See also: "Non-Conformity and the Non-Conformist")

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

The One Forbidden Act

"Forbidden things have a secret charm."
-Publius Cornelius Tacitus

Why is it that we are subconsciously drawn to those things which
are forbidden, or denied, us?

As children we are told "don't touch the stove", so we immediately
touch the stove. We are told "don't play with matches", so we play
with matches. We are told "don't stick a paper clip into a wall
socket", so we stick a paper clip into a wall socket and immediately
find ourselves on the other side of the room.

And, even as adults, the moment we are told "don't" we experience
an uncontrollable urge to "do" that One Forbidden Act.

Mythology abounds with tales of the One Forbidden Act.

Pandora was told, "do not open the box". So, what does she do?
She opens the box.

Bluebeard tells his wife, "you may open any door in the castle
except that one". What does she do? She, of course, opens that
door.

In Navajo mythology two young boys set out on a journey to find
their father, the Sun, in order to help save their village from
monsters. The wise elder tells them that they can travel in any
direction except North. They immediately set out to the North and
after many unique adventures they find their father.

And, in perhaps the most famous myth of all, Adam and Eve are
told, "you can eat the fruit of all the trees in the garden except that
one." We all know what happened there. Upon performing their One
Forbidden Act, and relishing the Forbidden Fruit, they are cast out
of the Garden (which symbolizes the Womb; the Realm of Unity),
and thrust into the realm of matter (which is the realm of Duality;
the realm of choices both good and ill).

The legend of Adam and Eve is a metaphor for birth, whereby a new
life leaves the world of Spirit to enter the world of matter.

So what is it that these myths and legends are passing down to us?

The One Forbidden Act is a metaphor for that one required catalyst
which is needed in order for change, growth and new creation to
occur. Metaphorically, without the One Forbidden Act, there would
be no change; there would be no growth; there would be no new
creation.

Something must be the catalyst that upsets the status quo, the
proverbial "apple cart", which insures that change and new creation
occur in rhythm with Universal Laws. That catalyst is The One
Forbidden Act.

The One Forbidden Act teases us to do what has not been done
before, to go where no one has gone before, to envision what no
one has envisioned before and to experience what no one has
experienced before.

The One Forbidden Act is the "open doorway" which stands at the
threshold of our journey in our quest for our personal Holy Grail.

Metaphorically, we become the Dorothy who leaves our battered
house to enter the colorful world of Munchkins and bewilderment in
order to travel down the Yellow Brick Road in pursuit of the magical
land of Oz.

However, there are further lessons involved within the tale of the
One Forbidden Act. When we bite into the "Forbidden Fruit" we
acknowledge that we are both willing and unafraid to pursue the
journey which lies before us. This journey consists of accepting the
responsibility for our actions and decisions as we experience the
realm of Choices and Duality in all of its many aspects.

We also understand that should we choose to avoid the Realm of
Choices, we will find ourselves limited to, and enslaved by, the
choices of others. When we willingly, and understandably, accept
the responsibility for our actions we are then able to savor the  
fruits of our chosen odyssey.

On the highest plane the One Forbidden Act symbolizes the Seeking
of Truth, which is the bane of all governments and organizations;
governments and organizations which continually indoctrinate us
to live in a blurred and confused state of false Hope, unfounded faith
and guilt-ridden servitude.

It is only when we bite into the "Forbidden Fruit" that we experience
a Destiny different from the majority and blaze our personal Path
into immortality.

Subconsciously, we desire to grow and become Wiser. However,
society is forever conditioning us to stagnate and conform.

Driven by our Spiritual Desire to grow and create, we find ourselves
in a state of constant battle with society's attempt to stifle and
control our thoughts and actions. This constant battle between
Spiritual Growth and physical control is the central issue of why
many of us live in dis-Harmony and unhappiness.

It is not until we perform the One Forbidden Act of biting into the
"Forbidden Fruit" that we are able to discard the invisible restraints
of conformity and travel down the unique and non-conforming path
that leads us to our personal Destiny.

---Suggested Reading: the writings of Joseph Campbell

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

The Past

If we don't remember the past, how will
we know when the future arrives?"
-Joseph Panek

The Past is one of the greatest gifts that can be presented to us.
It is a classic textbook of both Wisdom and folly. The Past contains
all of the Lessons, experiences, Consequences, achievements, and
tragedies of the countless individuals, and civilizations, which have
preceded us. It is also the realm of the Ancient Masters who made
certain that the Sacred Teachings and the Sublime Truths of
Antiquity were passed on to all future generations.

Mythologically, The Past is also the domain of Saturn, The Teacher
who bestows upon all people, organizations, and civilizations the
just rewards, or punishments, resulting from their Past behaviors.

The Lessons of The Past are the guidelines of the future. When we
learn from The Past we gain foresight and Awareness. There is no
need to randomly guess, or haphazardly "predict" what tomorrow
holds in store because, "What has been will be again, what has
been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun"
(Ecclesiastes 1:9). Therefore, to learn from The Past enables us to
understand, and foretell, what Destiny holds in store not only for
ourselves, but also our society and our planet.

In the oft-repeating Cycles Of Eternity, individuals have met with
disaster and empires have been razed to rubble simply because
they have Ignored the Lessons of The Past. These individuals and
empires always behave in the same manner: they Ignorantly and
pompously march off to do battle with History completely oblivious
to, and heedless of, the calamity which awaits them as they
cheerfully wave their ancient and tattered banner whose faded
Words proclaim: "This Time It's Different!"

In addition to The Past, there is also our past. Once we Become
able to learn from the past experiences of others, we then become
better able to learn from our own past experiences. This Learning
process simply requires that we place our ego aside and replace
it with a genuine thirst for knowledge and Wisdom.

History is replete with tyrants, despots, various clergy, and petty
thugs who have conducted monumental efforts to destroy Wisdom
and knowledge. Yet, with all of their misguided efforts, the Eternal
Spirit of Wisdom and Truth has always prevailed.

In addition, many individuals have been tortured and executed
throughout the endless Past for their efforts to provide their
generation, and all future generations, with Spiritual Guidance and
Divine Truth.

Books, manuscripts, and people can be destroyed, but the Divine
Essences of Truth and Wisdom cannot. These Divine Essences are
forever preserved, and carried forth, by Master Teachers,
indigenous cultures and Independent Thinkers.

And although ignored by many, these Teachings and Instructions
lie right before our eyes. They are the spiritual writings, philosophies,
legends, and mythologies which have been preserved through Time.
Our library shelves abound with many of these works which are
simply awaiting the touch of our fingers and the gaze of our eyes.

We owe it to ourselves, and our ancestors, to absorb these Lessons
and philosophies of The Past so that we can be better prepared for
what awaits us as we journey down our very interesting Path which
beckons us into our future.

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

Blending Of Differences

"We are all one.
Ours is not a better way,
ours is merely another way."
-Neale Donald Walsch

When we create a soup, a stew, or a sauce we blend together many
different ingredients which give these creations a unique essence,
flavor, and aroma. This combining of various ingredients, which
creates the foods we enjoy, is just one example of the Blending of
Differences. This Blending of Differences produces Synergy;
whereby the created whole is greater that the sum of its individual
parts.

The same Divine Principle which creates our culinary masterpieces
also pertains to the creation, growth, and expansion of all
achievements which manifest themselves in our material realm.

Blending of Differences, however, should not be confused with the
union of opposites.

Blending of Differences is the the merging of different ideas,
notions, and concepts which individuals and cultures share with each
other that are slightly different from, but not opposed to, each other.
Symbolically, this Principle is represented by the act of Weaving.

On the other hand, union of opposites refers to the merging of
extreme opposites of the same concept. To unite extreme opposites
is to Transcend Duality. When we transcend Duality we enter into
the Realm of Unity; the Realm of Divinity; the Realm of
Enlightenment: a Realm which very few individuals are able to
achieve during their physical Incarnation.

Let's use a familiar example to illustrate one example of the
Union of Opposites versus the Blending of Differences:

It is a natural urge and desire for nearly all men and women to
be united with a partner of the opposite gender. However, if the
union is based solely upon physical attraction, or personal needs,
while ignoring, or denying, the polarizations and the lack of
similarities between each other, this union will soon begin to suffer
and eventually crumble. We are all familiar with these types of
Relationships; most of us having experienced this kind of situation
ourselves.

Let us now consider the Relationship of a man and woman who
have differences but are not extremely polarized. The closer their
individual philosophies, Beliefs, ideals, and Personalities are in
Harmony with each other the stronger, and more flourishing, their
Union will Become. (This kind of union is symbolized by the
Vesica Piscis of Sacred Geometry and is further alluded to in
Borders Between Realms.)

in China marriages were arranged by a match-maker who paired
couples based upon their Astrological Charts. This insured that
a marriage was based upon a Blending of Differences (different
similarities), not merely a union of opposites. The match-maker,
along with the parents of the man and woman seeking a spouse,
understood that when a man and woman are Harmonious with
each other tensions become non-existent and there is no need for
either person to "look elsewhere".

Perhaps the best example history provides of the Blending of
Differences is the Ancient city of Alexandria. When Alexander the
Great conquered Egypt he had the dream of creating a city which
would be a magnet for all the knowledge and scholars of the civilized
world. He founded Alexandria to promote peace, prosperity, and
Unity between all cultures.

The Great Library at Alexandria collected, and made copies of, all
the books, manuscripts, and scrolls it could locate. Upon copying
these works the Library would then return these items to their
rightful owners.

Scholars, along with all interested individuals from everywhere in
the civilized world, were invited to Alexandria for the purpose of
mingling and sharing their ideas, customs, and philosophies with
each other. When these individuals and scholars eventually returned
to their homelands, they brought back with them new knowledge,
ideas, and perspectives from such far away places as Persia, India,
and China.

Alexandria was the perfect metaphor for Synergy, whereby the
entire known-world Became more knowledgeable, and sociable,
due to the Blending of Differences acquired from numerous like-
minded, yet different, individuals who gravitated to Alexandria
from all points of the Ancient World.

Today, it seems as if we live in a world which concentrates more
on differences between individuals and cultures than on similarities.
Ancient Teachings, the City of Alexandria, and the Chinese match-
maker all teach us that we grow both spiritually and mentally by
focusing on similarities between people and cultures. It is when
we Become excited about Learning something new that we enter
the realm of Wisdom. It is by the Blending of Differences that we
start to experience wholeness with each other and oneness with
the Universe.

We occupy a physical realm but we are spiritual beings. In the
physical realm, opposites attract in order to create (See:
"The Three Gunas"). In the spiritual realm, similarities attract in
order to synergistically expand the process of creation.

Therefore, if we wish to achieve peace, Harmony, contentment, and
Abundance during our current physical Incarnation, we must
combine the attraction of physical differences (both as individuals
and cultures) with spiritual similarities. When we focus on spiritual
similarities we attract like-minded individuals into our lives who
then blend their similar differences with ours so that we may both
become better, more knowledgeable, more Abundant, and Wiser for
having interacted with each other.

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

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

The Dot Within A Circle - As A Symbol

As an astrological Symbol, the Dot within a Circle represents the Sun.
As an alchemy symbol, the Dot within a Circle represents Gold.
However, as an esoteric Symbol, The Dot within a Circle embodies
much deeper Lessons and Principles.

The Circle represents The Infinite; Eternity. It also represents the
flow of Time and the ever repeating Cycles of Eternity which have no
beginning and no end; Cycles which, when complete, flow back into
themselves and repeat anew. We find this cyclical Truth also
represented, Symbolically, by the Ouroboros: the serpent swallowing
its own tail.

Cycles can be Infinitely long or Infinitesimally short. There are
quantum cycles, daily cycles, monthly cycles, annual cycles,
generational cycles and cataclysmic cycles. Cataclysmic Cycles occur
when the earth, and the universe, destroy and re-cycle themselves
in order to be re-born into a new Cycle. But however long or short
a Cycle may be, a Cycle consists of the following: birth, life, death
(or transformation) followed by re-birth. And so it goes, on and on,
throughout Eternity; endless repeating Cycles followed by endless
repeating Cycles.

And because Cycles are endless and self-repeating it also means
that everything that ever will be created has already been created.
It re-enforces the proverb, "What has been will be again, what has
been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun"
(Esslesiastes 1:9).

Everything that is yet currently un-created in our physical realm
already exists, in its entirety, in the cosmic and Spiritual realm.
These un-manifested creations are simply waiting for our minds
and senses to reach the proper stage of development where we can
recognize them, understand them and re-manifest them in our
physical dimension.

History and past Cycles teach us that manifestation typically occurs
in one of three ways:

1. by way of the natural re-creative and re-generative cycles of
Nature.
2. by way of an increased ability of an individual's imagination,
insight or other senses.
3. by way of "an idea whose time has come": whereby a number of
people throughout the world experience the same idea at the same
time.

Such is the nature of Cycles, and the manifestations which occur
within these Cycles, as symbolized by the Circle.

The Dot represents the Seed, the Spark, the Focused Thought
which gives birth to creation in the physical and mental realms.

On a much deeper level, however, The Dot symbolizes the one
eternal and unmoving Source from which All of creation emanates.
It is the One Creative Principle which establishes and governs the
Cycles of Eternity. At this level The Dot symbolizes Deity, Divinity,
and the Divine Mind; It is the Hermetic Nous; it is the center point
around which the Wheel of Eternity revolves.

Without first having a Dot we could not draw a line, a circle or a
picture.  We would be unable to express a mathematical formula
or create our daily "to do" list which are all manifested by moving
a Dot from a pen, or pencil, along a piece of paper.  Therefore,
we could not physically or artistically express or create anything
without first beginning with a Dot.  The written word, or idea, already
exists within The Dot and simply awaits manifestation.

We see this Divine Principle in evidence throughout Nature.
The tallest oak grows from a single acorn; a stalk of corn towers
from a small Seed; historic ideas and inventions are the result of
a single, focused Thought; a human adult evolves from a lone and
imperceptible sperm.  Therefore, as the oak already exists within
the acorn, the cornstalk within the Seed, the invention within the
focused Thought, the adult within the sperm, so too does the
un-manifested concept already exist within The Dot.

As Divinity resides within us as our Atman, our God Within, we
too possess the Divine Seed: the Divine Spark of creation. All of
the latent skills, talents, concepts and ideas necessary for us to
create whatever it is that we Choose to create already exist within
us. They are merely waiting for us to awaken them.

And as this Divine Ability to create already exists within each one
of us, it simply depends upon whether or not we Choose to take
advantage of our Divine Gift.

We can Become anyone we Choose to become. We can accomplish
anything we Choose to accomplish. We can create anything we
Choose to create. We can experience anything we Choose to
experience. We are The Dot Within The Circle!

IMAGE VIA WIKIPEDIA

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

Rivers - As A Symbol (Part 2)

"When the river is deepest it makes least noise."
-Proverb

In addition to symbolizing the flow of time (See: Rivers, Part 1),
Rivers also Symbolize Borders, boundaries, transcendence, Mirrors,
the Subconscious, and persistence.

Rivers, which consist of Water, contain many interesting metaphors,
mythologies and Symbolism. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Rivers as Borders: Since the beginning of Time Rivers have served
as natural Borders. Rivers, such as the Mississippi, Colorado and
Delaware serve as Borders between states. They can act as Borders
between countries in the way that the Rio Grande separates a
portion of the Unites States from Mexico, and as the St. Lawrence
separates a portion of the United States from Canada. Rivers can
also act as a natural Border between countries and continents in
the way that the Ural River creates a natural Border between Asia
and Europe. Natural Borders, created by Nature, separate one
civilization, or realm from another. In this aspect, crossing a River
Symbolizes leaving a familiar domain behind in order to enter into,
and experience, an entirely new one. To cross a River which
serves as a natural Border Symbolizes "Adventure".

Rivers as boundaries: Perhaps the best example of a River as
a boundary is Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon with his army.
Roman law forbade a returning general from bringing his army
into Rome. The general was required to leave his army on the
opposite side of the Rubicon and enter Rome alone. When Julius
Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his army he violated the rules
of Roman generalship and changed the course of history. In this
instance, crossing a River, or crossing the line, represents "defiance"
"boldness" and "Destiny".

Rivers as transcendence: Charon, the mythological Greek
boatman, would ferry the souls of the deceased across the River
Styx into Hades.

In a like fashion the bodies of the deceased, after Ritual and
mummification, would be ferried to the West bank of the Nile River
to be interned in Necropolis (the "city of the dead"). Necropolis was
located on the West bank of the Nile River because the Sun sets in
the West as It begins Its underworld Journey which culminates in Its
eventual re-birth the following morning. In this instance, crossing a
River Symbolizes "transcending" from a lower form of consciousness
to a higher one, thereby "aspiring" to a higher realm.

Rivers as Mirrors: A calm River acts as a Mirror. It displays all
that is above it. It reflects the current peaceful mood, beauty and
seasonal wardrobe of Mother Nature. It also displays the tranquil
stillness of the Infinite far, far above. As a Mirror, the smooth, quiet
River Symbolizes "reflection", "pensiveness" and "meditation".

Rivers as the Subconscious: Chinese Feng Shui tells us that
the calm section of a River provides the greatest amount of Chi,
or vital energy, and is an ideal place to build a home. Here the
Waters are quiet, peaceful, relaxing and soothing. This part of the
River has a distinct calming effect on the body, mind and spirit.
It is at this location that the River's Waters are also the deepest.

Symbolically, deep Water represents the Subconscious. And
although our Subconscious harbors our greatest fears, it is also
where our deepest Thoughts and innermost feelings reside; it
is also the secret underwater workshop of our imagination. It is
this point of the River, where "still waters run deep", that
Symbolizes our spiritual ability to "submerge" ourselves into a
meditative state which enables us to reflect upon the wonder and
beauty which is both high above us and deep within us.

Rivers as persistence: Rivers can carve mountains into canyons.
All it takes is Time. The Grand Canyon is an excellent example
of this Divine Truth. This aspect of a River serves as a priceless
metaphor which teaches us that, with patience and persistence,
we too can wear away (erode) any obstacles which block our Path
or impede our progress. In this instance, the River is another
expression of "Aesop's Tortoise".

The River, and its many different attributes, is a silent, ancient and
Wise teacher. Yet, although It is silent, Its Lessons are profound.
Through Symbolism, metaphor and Its own unique personality the
River slowly Instructs us. It reveals to us the secrets of Nature,
the Universe, and ourselves. All we need to do is observe, feel,
listen and keep in mind the song lyrics from "Old Man River".
"Ol' Man River, that Ol' Man River
He must know somepin', but he don't say nothin'
He just keeps rollin', he keeps on rollin' along"
(Also see: Rivers, part 1)

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

Hope

Question: If we have Faith in our ideas, talents and the course of
action we have plotted for ourselves, why then do we need Hope?

Before we can evaluate the concept of Hope, it is important that we
do not confuse Hope with false hope.

False hope is a negative energy. It is the Karmic debt we incur
when we Choose to surrender the option and privilege of being
responsible for our thoughts and actions.

False hope is fear disguised as potential fortune. It is the "carrot"
placed before our eyes which keeps us focused on the illusion of a
tempting reward while taking our eyes off of our Path.

False hope is the wishful thinking that we have come to associate
with, and accept as, true Hope. It is a desperate wish which is
void of all vision and effort. It is beseeching external forces to do
for us what we are too lazy to do for ourselves. It is imploring these
same external forces to make Events turn out the way we want
them to turn out without exercising any effort of our own.

False hope, simply put, is the abandonment of self-reliance and
self-responsibility in the gamble that a situation will improve, or
someone else will look after our best interests for us.

When we wallow in false hope we are risking our physical and
mental health, wealth and security on the roll of a pair of loaded
dice whose outcome has already been determined.

False hope shackles us to destructive Relationships, losing
propositions, failed investments and unsatisfying careers. It drains
our energies, plunders our fortunes, erodes years from our lives and
blinds us to the true opportunities which surround us.

Hope: While we can have Faith in our talents and abilities, we can
only have Hope that we are using our talents and abilities in a way
which will make our plans and dreams come true.

It is important to keep in mind that Hope, by itself, does not
guarantee us success in any of our endeavors. This is due to the
fact that, regardless of our confidence or perseverance, we can never
be absolutely certain that our plans and dreams will turn out the way
we originally intended.

Hope does, however, instill within us the combination of expectation
and desire; it is an "educated guess" that our plans, ideas and efforts
are well-founded and have the possibility of bearing fruit; it also
contains the "principle of uncertainty" which cautions us from
simply tying our dreams and ambitions to "blind faith" and
"false hope".

Hope is Divine Inspiration. It is a cosmic energy which excites us
and spurs us on. Hope is our Star. It is the Guiding light which shines
upon us and brightens our way as we pursue the dreams and
ambitions which are such an integral part of our Divine Nature and
personal Destiny.

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

Passion

"Our passions are the winds that propel our vessel."
-Proverb

The word "passion" can arouse many different Thoughts and feelings
within us.

Some people may associate Passion with lust, greed, jealousy,
vengeance or wrath. Others may associate Passion with an
obsession to obtain something, or someone, regardless of the cost
to themselves. And yet another group of individuals may associate
Passion as an extreme desire to "show off"; to have something, or
someone, which is newer, more attractive or more expensive than
what their friends, neighbors or associates possess.

These are some of the destructive, materialistic and ego-based
aspects of Negative Passion.

However, we live in a realm of duality. Therefore, just as Passion
has a negative, destructive and materialistic extreme, it also has a
constructive, creative and spiritual side. This is the side on which
the Divine Principle of Positive Passion resides.

Negative Passion is a forceful, ego-driven emotion which
overpowers our reasoning. It is the alluring Siren, temptress and
seductress that charms and bewitches us with material delights only
to leave us standing naked, alone and exhausted upon the battlefield
of pride.

Negative Passion is a fire that flares up and burns out quickly within
us. It is like the evening campfire whose cold morning ashes are but
a brief reminder of the bright enchanting flames of the night before.

When it is all over and Negative Passion has consumed itself within
us we end up muttering to ourselves, "what did I do?", "what was I
thinking?" and "boy, was that ever a mistake!", as we look back at
the destruction which lies in our wake.

Positive Passion, on the other hand, is like a slow-burning ember
whose gentle glow and warmth lingers within us. It is a Burning
Desire to Become, to Learn, to create. It enriches our Character
and broadens our Horizons.

Our Positive Passions, our Burning Desires, are those special
"somethings" which consume our dreams; they are the hobbies,
interests and fascinations which absorb our free time and are
in Harmony with our Divine Nature.

Whether it be astronomy, archaeology, gardening, other languages,
or any one of a multitude of other subjects, Positive Passions are
those "things" in which we have a deep interest; they are the
"things" we truly enjoy.

Positive Passions add excitement to our life, enhance our character
and are the source of the unconscious contributions we provide to
those who are closely associated with us.

As long as we reside in the realm of duality we will be confronted
by the many faces of Passion. It is up to us to recognize Negative
Passion for what it is, give it a gentle smile, and send it on its way.

Once we have banished the Siren of Negative Passion from our
lives we are then free to bask in the warm gentle embers of Positive
Passion; the embers which provide us with the bliss we Seek as we
Travel down our personal Path in this world of duality.

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