letters
The Evolution of Enlightenment
An Infinite Journey I found it most gratifying that both Andrew Cohen and Ken Wilber remain open-ended in their understanding and pursuit of the spiritual journey and evolution itself. I believe that almost all of us, being products of Western acculturation, at least subconsciously have a linear, Newtonian understanding of both the terms "evolution" and "enlightenment." Scientists and seekers want to go back to the "big bang," a linear regression in linear time. This is now being belied by science itself in a recent spate of articles positing multiple big bangs. Also, a little known but very traditional Catholic theological teaching posits "creatio continua" (continuing or continual creation), or the ever-present pouring forth of creation from the Godhead, not a linear one-time event—the error of both linear scientists and creationists. As if God created the cosmos and left town. This only reflects the limitations of our own constricted consciousness. Similarly, the term "enlightenment," for most of us Westerners, carries the sense of some arrival at a permanent, unchanging state, whereas the journey into the infinite is just that—infinite. A prospect I find awe-inspiring and exciting. David J. Spillane Chiang Mai, Thailand Forever Involved I was delighted with the breathless and clearly youthful enthusiasm with which Craig Hamilton revisited the teachings and writings of Sri Aurobindo in the Spring/Summer 2002 issue of WIE as the issue strove to uncover ways of considering "evolutionary enlightenment." If the term "evolutionary enlightenment" suggests anything in its languaging, it is that rather than an end-point, a higher realization is just the beginning of a process by which individuals can participate in the evolving Kosmos (as Wilber might say). For myself, rather than using terms rooted in eighteenth century (Western) notions and far older (Eastern) precepts with their associated linguistic and conceptual baggage, I like to use C.S. Pierce's "ongoing semiosis"—the process by which an individual can engage in the continuous perception of the phenomena of the universe to arrive at ever deeper and richer cognitions and conceptions of one's existence in it. There is nothing static and final about this process. Once we engage, we are involved until we die. Joe Arredondo Austin, TX The "We" Dimension I support Wilber's advocacy for an integral spirituality (all quadrants, all levels). Although there is a tremendous amount of information concerning the individual's experience with the spectrum of consciousness, little attention has been given to the interior collective—We—dimension of the transpersonal journey. The sacred traditions, in defining this dimension, have provided a safe container for the individual to grow through various levels of consciousness. Evolution has brought us to a new developmental edge. Stage capacity (operating from the Yellow or Turquoise meme) is pushing against the transcendent or transpersonal dimension of consciousness. The interior collective can no longer be upheld by a tradition but will become a conscious creative act of individuals involved in any group or organization. As the article The Evolution of Enlightenment pointed out, much of this needs to be discovered. This discovery and unfolding is an exciting aspect of the evolution of enlightenment. James R. Jones Falls Church, VA Group Illumination Thank you for the thoughtful articles on evolution and enlightenment in the twenty-first century. You've touched on some concepts that I think are pivotal to emergent varieties of enlightenment. I would like to point out that these concepts are not so recent, radical, or original as you presented them. For example, Andrew presents his remarkable story of simultaneous group illumination among some of his students as a radical new thing, and Ken seems to agree. Yet Alice Bailey wrote extensively on this theme in most of her twenty-some books back in the 1920s through the 1940s. She explores in depth why this type of phenomenon will be emerging over the next few centuries, the problems and opportunities it will bring, group techniques and meditations to hasten its development, implications for humanity and civilization, and so forth. Ken and Andrew say this is all so new we will have to develop a new tradition around it, to figure out how it works and what it's about. Bailey provided an extensive amount of literature on just this theme, as well as organizing a group of students who experimented with group progress. James Davis Let Go of Everything As we awaken we come to see that it is not enlightenment that is evolving, it is our idea of ourselves and what is possible that is evolving. From our level of sleep we produced the idea of enlightenment. Like the idea of god. For our maximum potential we need to let go of our idea of everything, even the ancient teachings. Everything. When we stop holding, and allow, our cells revert to their natural frequency, and like the particles that let go of their separateness to become cells, humanity will evolve into something that is beyond what we can even imagine from this perspective. Enjoying the ride. Paul Lowe The Great German Fear Thank you for this brilliant issue! I am living in the city of Berlin, Germany and the themes are very challenging. As Carter Phipps put it [in From the Editors]: ". . . Ken Wilber and Michael Murphy trace the beginnings of evolutionary spirituality back to the late eighteenth century, when the German idealists such as Hegel, Fichte, and Schelling began speaking about human history as the greater and greater unfolding of spirit in this world. Inspired by the burgeoning Industrial Revolution, the notion of progress was then all the rage in the West, a notion that would, over the next few decades, provide the underpinnings for the development of evolutionary theory. . . ." In Germany there is actually a great—unconscious—fear of exploring the transpersonal realms. It seems that the terrible shipwreck of the Nazi past has created a psychic contraction. This contraction is expressing itself as a great confusion. Ken Wilber describes it as pre/trans fallacy. The land of the "poets and thinkers" is afraid of great visions and the possibility of an evolutionary quantum jump because of this chapter of its history. Ken Wilber describes it in One Taste: "What happened in Germany is, among a million other causes, a classic case of the pre/trans fallacy. In fact, the entire German tradition is a study in the pre/trans fallacy, producing now a Hegel, now a Hitler." Therefore, your issue is extremely helpful to stimulate new impulses in the German-speaking countries and I hope that it will be translated as soon as possible. [What Is Enlightenment? is now available in German translation through Visionen.] Albert Klamt Berlin God Won't Do It for Us I would just like to say that I think The Future of God is a landmark issue in the spiritual revolution that is taking place worldwide. I had to let a couple of weeks pass after digesting it to be sure I wasn't swept up in the moment before writing, but a couple weeks have passed and I am STILL swept up in the moment but that moment is constantly changing. I am on fire day and night. The spiritual revolution [that] is just beginning is so urgently necessary if the species is to survive. Humanity's various problems all result from one problem: We think we're separate. Separate from everything! From each other, from the earth, from god, from our thoughts, from our actions, etc. It's endless, but all stems from this basic misconception of separation. We have advanced so much technologically in the past few thousand years, but spiritually we haven't advanced at all. We're cavemen with suits on! We've had the industrial revolution, we've had various other kinds of revolutions, but nobody feels any more fulfilled. So now in the twenty-first century it's time for the Spiritual Revolution. The next urgent step in evolution is beginning, and God won't do it for us. Traditional religion won't do it for us. We need and must have a transformation of consciousness and we have to do it ourselves. Become god, so to speak, and then we can stop talking about him all the time. You all are doing great work. Please keep it coming. We are tearing it up like a pack of wild dogs! Brian Piergrossi California Warning Label You're killing me. Ever since stumbling on your magazine a few years ago, my worldview has been grabbed by the throat, shaken like a limp rag doll and throttled to death. I thank you with all my heart. The latest issue on evolution was simply the most creative, inspiring, and mind-smashing magazine I have ever had the privilege to read. You leave my mind swimming with nothing to grab on to, and no perspectives to uphold. All sacred cows have been slaughtered and fried, leaving only limitless unbound potential and freedom. There should definitely be a warning label on the cover. Aaron Wray Gig Harbor, WA Why Sri Aurobindo Is Cool Titan of the Spirit Thank you for the excellent article on Sri Aurobindo, Why Sri Aurobindo is Cool. Aurobindo has always been difficult for aspirants to understand, and this is even more so in today's climate of "pop" spirituality and the "advaita shuffle," quick-fix mentality. This article in WIE, while necessarily only scratching the surface of this titan of the spirit, may give serious spiritual practitioners some inkling that there truly is work to be done after "personal awakening." In my own work with students, I try to get the point across that the realization of individual truth and peace is only the first step on an infinite journey of enlightenment, like a pebble in a lake that produces ever-widening circles of influence. Those with the heart and mental determination to grapple with the works of Aurobindo will invariably become convinced of this. Petros Los Angeles, CA Even Cooler Last month I read and enjoyed your article on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. I hope it does turn people on to this man who is cool beyond anything than most of us will ever understand. I hope you follow your studies towards Patrizia Norelli-Bachelet because she is a crucial extension of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother's work. She is REALLY cool. AND she is ALIVE. Bachelet's work points interested students toward being able to see the harmony and perfection beneath All Circumstance, toward being able to recognize the Supramental Force already active in the world, toward an ever evolving perception of the Whole. To talk of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and not reveal the possibility of their current extension is curious. Patrizia's work is an inseparable extension of the amazing Duo. Lori Tompkins Monterey, CA Making God Real Somewhere in his writings Aurobindo said words to the effect that God-realization is only a "middle term" in the process of enlightenment because after realization comes transformation. And transformation is not simply of the individual's psychophysical being into a body of light; it is transformation of the entire creation through descent of the Supermind, so that the entire world becomes a body of light. You could say that is a "different kind of enlightenment," but from my point of view, its difference is simply that of a more advanced understanding and deepened commitment to God-realization. It is commitment to realizing God or making God real, visible, tangible throughout the material realm. Everything is changed—all human activities and institutions—such as economics, marriage, social relationships, law, trade and commerce, education, politics, government, communications, etc. That transformation, in turn, provides the platform for still higher stages of personal evolution which, as more and more individuals attain it, feeds back into society for still higher stages of cultural evolution. John White In Search of Babaji Don't Believe Them Your article about Babaji is extensive and interesting. As you have discovered, there is much speculation and many irrational claims made by some people. Shortly before Paramahansa Yogananda's mahasamadhi, he told some of his disciples that, after he was gone, many people would claim to be Babaji, and many others would claim to be represent him. He also told us that some mediums (channellers in today's jargon) would claim to be Babaji, and many other gurus in this Kriya Yoga lineage spoke through them. I remember Paramahansaji's words: "Don't believe them. Neither I, nor any of the great masters, will ever speak through mediums." Roy Eugene Davis Lakemont, GA Internet Babaji? I enjoyed the Babaji article, especially the ending—What did Internet Babaji tell you? Babaji is the union of all opposites. Human evolution started as Spirit Beings according to Shiva Purana and evolved organs and more density. Or as Thomas Troward says, "Evolution can start at any point and proceed in any direction." Very practical concept—so can healing, and success. Thank you for reporting my info on Babaji accurately. Leonard Orr Staunton, VA In Over Our Heads EDITOR'S NOTE: No written piece in WIE has ever proven as controversial or elicited such strong reaction as the "Did Babaji and Yogananda have a falling out?" section of the article In Search of Babaji, featured in our Spring/Summer 2002 issue. A great many of our readers passionately objected to our reporting the controversy surrounding whether or not Paramahansa Yogananda, revered master of Kriya Yoga and founder of the Self Realization Fellowship, broke his celibacy vows, causing a falling out with Babaji, and furthermore, whether Yogananda is the father of Ben Erskine, son of one of his female devotees. Our initial intention was to print a balanced selection of the many substantive responses we received regarding this article. However, due to the gravity of the allegations, accusations, and counter-accusations contained in these letters, we have decided, under the advice of legal counsel, to refrain from making our letters section a forum for responding to the issues raised by the article. We very much appreciate the many sincere, informative, and heartfelt letters we received, and apologize to our readers that we cannot present them at this time. The Great Bombay Tea Shop Debacle The Silent Scam Have you heard a whisper out of this silent scam to take over the world through the promoted inability to respond to life in a responsible manner? Seems to be spreading like wildfire, this non-choice, no-driver story by the likes of the Reverend Balsekar. Seems to be a nice little white lie! I mean, you don't get a more perfect recipe for world domination than telling everybody they've got no choice about it! Once they believe it then the movie's in the can, the rest of their life's on autopilot. But my question is, who designed that program? Certainly not the Great Spirit, me thinks. Keep up the good work! Yann Housden Too Naïve As a result of reading Chris Parish's interview with Ramesh Balsekar, I read several of Ramesh's books and, although I had never previously had the slightest inclination to visit India, I subsequently went to Bombay to see him. Ramesh's uncompromising teaching has answered all my questions. In my case, striving for higher evolutionary consciousness is not arising. On the contrary, I have found peace and harmony, while continuing to live as before. I am grateful to Chris Parish for his accurate recording of Ramesh's concepts in the interview, despite any misgivings he may have had. Being new to "Planet What Is Enlightenment?" I was too naïve to realize that the epilogue was a spoof—but who cares? June Parker Cumbria, England I Side with Balsekar What Is Enlightenment? magazine retracted their apparent endorsement of Ramesh Balsekar's assertion that enlightenment is the affirmation of determinism [The Great Bombay Tea Shop Debacle]. WIE satirically doubted and mocked Balsekar's version of enlightenment, pooh-poohing determinism-as-enlightenment. Readers took their satire seriously, and a storm of controversy arose, with many claiming to have been enlightened. Now, in their retraction, WIE has basically declared that determinism is not true and is not enlightenment. I am against WIE magazine and against most religion; I side with Ramesh Balsekar and endorse enlightenment as determinism. I define enlightenment and determinism in distinctive ways, but I essentially agree with Balsekar, against WIE. Most religion is lower religion which is freewill religion. Mystics define higher religion which is no-free-will religion and is associated with no-separate-self. Freewill religion is separate-self religion. Ego is the freewill assumption; ego is separate self. The separate, ego-self is the agent who supposedly has free will. Michael Hoffman In the World But Not of It Bumping into Enlightenment Aggh! Your review of Jack Kornfield's book After The Ecstasy, The Laundry [Issue 18, Fall/Winter 2000] just irritated me so much and made me angry, livid at times. Had to print out parts of your review and pencil in my caustic rebuttals and considered opinions, one of which is that I haven't even read the book yet, but I'm ordering it now from Amazon.com and after I read it you will be in for a more severe red penciling job right here on my desktop. Seriously, I love the way you unapologetically proceed. You woke something in me up. I'm a serious meditator and had just left the whole concept of enlightenment floating, figuring someday I will bump into it . . . Bump. Doug Sunnyvale, CA www.wie.org Pure Gold Your e-magazine is fantastic! Wonderful! Excellent! Please forgive my wild enthusiasm, but it is a genuine surprise, a real treasure, pure gold, to find such quality on the web. Beatnik WIE Subscribers' Extra Winter 2002 An Intimate Foe Elizabeth Debold's article, True Jihad [available on our website, www.wie.org], speaks what requires our full attention. Truly, the principle battle of life is against the intimate foe. To surrender, to shine with the source of life is the aim, and to do so requires allowing the Beloved to pull aside the veils of delusion. The ego shifts and hides itself in any form. Beware of the father of lies, the delusionary self that makes a hell of paradise. It requires a total honesty that illuminates the darkness to dispel the phantasms of ego's projection. The purest love, the love that unfolds through the hadith, "I was hidden and wanted to be known," which leads to the threshold of the wedding chamber, in the empty mirror of complete surrender: Here and now, the Beloved is present when my intimate foe surrenders. Blessed is Allah who mercifully unveils and consumes me in the purifying flame of love. anonymous |