Seeing the chiastic pattern as the higher arc of meaning in life beyond the linear events of temporality.

“Because of the fundamentally spatial aspect of Imaginal causality, the bits and pieces inside the frame do not usually hook up in a linear fashion. More often, they appear as simultaneous, overlapping resonances or patterns, caught by the heart rather than the mind, speaking in the language of resonance.” Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, p68

“In Imaginal causality the meaning is generated in the richness of the interplay. One can speak properly about a ‘tapestry of meaning.’ Or, in a scientific metaphor, one can say that the meaning is ‘an emergent property of the whole’ … in the way the bits and pieces speak to each other, calling each other into resonance. From the center, things flow out and towards each other, creating combinations sometimes surprising but recognized by the heart as meaningfully congruent. The validating sense is one of coherence, of richly patterned meaning.” Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, p73-75

“I have yet to find an exception to the rule that Imaginal causality presents itself in this world not as temporal succession but as spatial pattern.” Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, p87

“Because of the implicitly Chiastic structure of the overall pattern, time can also appear to flow backward, events can show up seemingly out of linear sequence, that will be explained only in the light of events that unfold later. From our linear perspective this may feel mysterious or even supernatural. In reality the explanation is more straightforward: it’s simply that in Imaginal causality there is no forward or backward, only symmetrically balanced parts of a unified whole.” Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, p89-90

“It’s not so much that linear time is suspended, but more that Imaginal time is always weaving in and out of it, creating its own interpretive counterpoint.” Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, p91 

“Whatever is manifested at the center is what ultimately brings the entire structure into balance.” Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, p132

“Once you can read Imaginal causality directly, the chiasm of your own life opens up like a book.” Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, p102

I had one of those whoosh moments where it all became more clear. I saw the Chiasm and the Chiastic center of my life. In a word, it is steadfastness. On the horizontal world 48 level, steadfastness is about holding firm and choosing to be present in a situation. On the vertical, inner, or Wisdom level, it’s about inner strength, resilience, and the ability to remain present while staying aligned with my values, no matter how difficult or what the cost will be for me. Without regard to outcome, as Cynthia says.

Steadfastness isn’t a named fruit of the spirit, but I can see it in myself as a combination of faithfulness and patience. The more I’ve reflected on this, I can see dozens of examples of requests for steadfastness that have been sent my way over the course of more than 60 years. Some have been small, some huge, but they all carry the flavor of being asked to show up, not flinch, not turn away, stripped bare of reactivity. It has blown away the perspective of life as a series of events in time. 

Reflections from Heather Ruce’s Gurdjieff Circle: An exercise based on the Agios Trinity, with the second part being sensing the spine, which is represented by Holy the Strong One, 2nd Force, or Holy Containing Force, Jesus. Relating that to steadfastness, the person who shows up, who does not flinch from difficult situations. There is often a cost for showing up. This cost is the part that belongs to what Cynthia calls the “alchemy of struggle.” This cost of showing up might be connected to the spine— Holy the Strong One, Jesus. Jesus chose to show up, and he paid the full cost. But the cost which was paid led to the resurrection and a new arising, the ultimate alchemy of struggle. 

In my life, the cost of aligning with Containing Force—and in my individual way, taking on the role of Holy the Strong One—has sometimes been quite large, and I have looked upon it as injury, a life crisis that came with severe consequences. But in the higher arc of meaning, the consequences of holding this post are transformation, not injury. Standing firm and remaining present through these cycles can be lived as a spiritual practice–not just a response to external challenges but an inner alignment with the deeper rhythm of life’s unfolding.

Being asked to show up and to be steadfast is one way to look at the chiastic center, but another way would be to think of “showing up” or steadfast-faithful/patient as the chosen pathway, the communication channel, for me to interact with World 24. In other words, showing up is what I should be doing every day. It’s my path, my post to hold, the communication channel the higher realm has opened.

Cynthia says, “Good is the alchemical property resulting from struggle.” Is struggle the property resulting from Good? Is there a reciprocal connection here that I can’t quite see?

Yeshua as the Chiastic center:

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Logion 77
Yeshua says...
I am the light shining upon all things.
I am the sum of everything,
for everything has come forth from me,
and towards me everything unfolds.
Split a piece of wood, and there I am.
Pick up a stone
and you will find me there.

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Read more Impressions on the Imaginal Realm.

Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, Shambhala Publications, 2020
All quotations from the Gospel of Thomas are from Lynn C Bauman, Ward J Bauman, Cynthia Bourgeault, The Luminous Gospels (Praxis 2008)

Quotations from the Gospel of Thomas are from Lynn C Bauman, Ward J Bauman, Cynthia Bourgeault, The Luminous Gospels (Praxis 2008)

Read the Impression introducing the Gospel of Thomas.