Theos-Talk Archives (June 1997 Message tl00187)

>To enjoy life a little bit does not lead to a "slippery slope",
>downwards to compulsive self-indulgence and general destruction
>of one's life. On the other hand, in chelaship, latent karma
>is awakened and one's outer life is turned into chaos and turmoil.
>
>One's life has changed from calm waters to something like
>white-water rafting. Exceptional skill is required to stay in
>control -- or to go the course without being overcome by
>external events -- and continual alertness and skillful means
>are necessary.

Agreed Eldon, as you are coming from the TS viewpoint.  But
there is another viewpoint, equally effective, easier to begin, but
just as hard to maintain.  I am speaking of the Oath of the Abyss
which magicians take at a rather high level in their development.
To do this, you simply take a vow to agree to view each and
every event that happens to you as if it were a direct communication
from God.  You must act as if God himself is watching your every
move and thought, and is directing your path on a continuous basis.
This can be done very effectively without any particular belief in
God and has nothing to do with religion.  Here God can be considered
as a Mahaguru or disembodied omniscient Nirmanakaya if you like.
This makes the everyday mundane things that daily happen to us
take on inner or secret meanings, and makes us watch what we
do.  Our life becomes meaningful and everything we do has purpose.
This is a Western equivalent to chelaship, where the guru
is your own Higher Self, including your conscience.  As with
chelaship, all hell breaks lose, and you discover many things
going on in your daily life that you never noticed before.  It is
a very hard vow to keep, and like chelaship, should not be taken
lightly.

Jerry S.
Member, TI