Magic and development

[antiloop]

Greetings everyone,

Many great posts here, thank you all for your insights.

I just wanted to make a few comments.

1) I would have to disagree with what a couple of people said "there is no short cut to enlightenment". I base my disagreement on the fact that several credible spiritual paths claim there is indeed a short cut. Look up written works by Paramahansa Yogananda (Kriya Yoga), Mouni Sadhu (The Direct Path), Franz Bardon (Hermetics) and I'm sure many others I have yet to read.

In essence though, I think it comes down to you directing all your energy toward the development of your spirit and putting aside most of the illusionary worldly aspects of life. As another reader pointed out, these works are for most people a LIFE LONG practice - and in saying that, if that's only how long it takes you, it would be an immense shortcut! If you believe in re-incarnation, some of the teachers I have mentioned above claim it can take hundreds/thousands of re-incarnations before achieving "enlightenment". If you can do it in 1 life-time, YOU ROCK! *grin*

So in conclusion the shortcut is that of uninterrupted pure focus and dedication.

In today's world where "being really busy doing many, many different things in a day" is looked upon as being a "good thing", it is no wonder people are so unfocused, so confused, so tired and so unenlightened (in the general sense of the word).

"He who tries to catch two hares at the same time, catches none".
"He who chooses to be a jack of all trades, shall be the master of none!".

2) To Fenris:

Some advice from personal experience, you may take it or you may leave it

a) NEVER, EVER underestimate what you are capable of!
b) Never criticize anyone, and first put your own house in order.
c) Choose your teachers wisely, the world of adults is filled with many children.

Given your apparent level of intellect, the shield of age is no longer.

May you find what you look for,

antiloop

 

[Fenris]

Ok I was reading a little spiritual development book by Paul Fenton-Smith titled A secret door to the universe. The topic of magic comes up in the book and this is what he has to say

"Those who study magic are seeking a short cut to enlightenment, when in reality there is no short cut."

Yes i agree that there is no short cut but I do not see magic as an attempt to find one. Yes the ultimate aim of most forms of higher magic especially cerimonial magic is in one way or another the great rite. But you have to ask yourself what is higher magic other than the symbolic change of your own mind and the melding of the ego with the subconscious mind. If mankind posses the power to do this than in my opinion it is a natural ability of man, hence what is wrong with using it as a tool to enlightenment.

Im curious as to how many people seeking spirtual development are involved in magical practice and what others opinions of the use of magic are. Im only 17 and I grow on the criticisms of intelligent others so please fill me in!

Regards to all

David