Core principles of the perennial wisdom tradition across cultures and times.
In the Wisdom way of service, “there isn't a my will and thy will. There is only one will, which you join.” Cynthia Bourgeault. In Service of Love "It's not love in the service of enlightenment. It's enlightenment in the service of love." Cynthia Bourgeault, Claymont...
“Attention. That’s the most immediate form of what we call psychic energy. And will and love.” Cynthia Bourgeault “Will is one of the most powerful psychic forces in the world. And you can name a lot of them, almost all of what we're going to call the imaginal...
The great Eastern Orthodox hymn: The Thrice Holy. The thrice-fold invitation of God. The Trisagion prayer. Agios o Theos (O Holy God), Agios ischyros (Holy, Strong), Agios athanatos, eleison imas (Holy, Immortal, have mercy on us) “Agios o Theos is the first word....
Maurice Nicoll comments on the meaning of resist not evil and turn the other cheek, in the context of Will and Willing. “Instead of referring everything to the idea of fairness and justice it is far better to will what you have to do in everything and try to awaken...
Maurice NicollAmwell HouseNOTE AT CHRISTMASTIME 1948 Throughout known history, various attempts have been made to awaken Man to the mystery of his existence. So strong, however, is the external man, the man formed by contact with external life via the senses—in short,...
If you learn to practice conscious presence, you will practice conscious love. The two are completely bound. You can't do one without the other. Cynthia Bourgeault “Conscious love transforms, it nurtures, it calls people into being. Something blossoms in it, and it...
Entropy and Kenosis … how are these connected? Kenosis is a word related to letting go of something--becoming “poor in spirit.” Entropy is a scientific term related to the winding down of energy into equilibrium. The two ideas seem similar, but the Wisdom teachings...
Wisdom Schools are the vehicle for passing esoteric teachings through the ages. “Wisdom schools seem to have emerged as the favored ‘shop-front’ for conscious-circle activity, and while the Wisdom river is always flowing, the schools themselves tend to above ground...
The Gurdjieff idea of Making Moon is an illustration of being steadfast. “Making Moon in myself is really about making sure that consciousness is not left unattended.” Cynthia Bourgeault, Rebuilding Trust WS 3.2 Crucible of Struggle 02:25 “To behave as you always...
Our Daily Bread meaning in esoteric Christianity Maurice Nicoll talks about ‘our daily bread’ in the Lord’s Prayer: “In Greek it does not mean daily, but ‘what is needful.’ It also has the meaning of ‘trans substantial bread’ or ‘what is beyond ourselves.’” p941 Bread...
Inner sincerity and spiritual integrity in conscious efforts. “It is not enough to wish to be sincere. There is no effort I can make to arrive at sincerity directly. Real sincerity needs no vehemence or emphasis. It is not concerned with convincing others. It often...
The Gurdjieff teachings of levels of consciousness and awakening from sleep. “Self-criticism is a dead end, it is a particularly negative identification, and 100% mechanical. It leads away from and not towards self-change.” Annie Lou Staveley, The Plan Is Good, p107...