The Crucible of Experience (Discussion Topic)

kynara54leddon (4-25-08)

Since time immemorial, man has endeavored to comprehend his place in the cosmos. Through rigorous testing, dedicated study, and arduous physical trials the Initiate attempts to transcend the limitations of physical matter to reach and communicate with that divine spark of consciousness that he/she knows is present in all things.

From the cave paintings at Lascaux, to the Aboriginal art of the Americas , from the secret rites of the Templars to the ecstatic dances of the Sufi Dervishes, the observant student can find the reflections of these tests and manifold Disciplines in action. initiation, by its very nature, is a transformational process. Within the confines of ritual and symbolism, the candidate is expected to experience an altered state of consciousness. But oft times this altered state comes with a price; a cost which is paid in physical realm as well as the spiritual one.

As someone who has participated in Native American, Buddhist, and Western Esoteric ceremonies of varying intensity, I can say that my personal range of experience in this area runs the gamut from mildly “discomfortable” to the “actively painful.” As a participant in the ceremony at the time, however, I always felt that I held the inalienable right to decline to participate or (if the procedure was too much) to withdraw entirely.

I am curious, however, to find out what other people think. In your experience, have you ever been in a ceremony where you thought the situation was more than you wanted to handle (or thought you should?) If so, what did you do? For those of you who may not have experienced this situation yet, I would like to ask you: in your opinion, how much is *too* much? Where would you draw the line if presented with a situation you felt you would not handle?

(MODERATOR’S NOTE: THIS PURPOSE OF THIS DISCUSSION IS TO EXPLORE THE CONCEPT OF CANDIDATE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AS IT APPLIES TO THE INITIATION PROCESS. THIS TOPIC IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXPOSE OF THE RITES, CEREMONIES, RITUALS OR PRACTICES OF ANY PARTICULAR ESOTERIC, FRATERNAL OR SPIRTUAL DISCIPLINE. PLEASE KEEP YOUR REMARKS RESPECTFUL, AND USE DISCRETION WHEN CITING EXAMPLES. ~THANK YOU~)

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catalan (5-7-08)

Yes, I think is very painful. I've been taking part of many rites in Mexico during the last 4 years. My soul have changed so much.

Regards