The Seven Principles of Spiritualism - part 7

Unbelievable.  It is only 6 years ago, that I first heard of Spiritualism, a religion, that has really captured me.  Studying and contemplating the Seven Principles, that form its basis has become a daily exercise.

Within these Principles I have found a way to live my life and explain to myself and to others if they are interested what they enfold. The beauty of them (for me) is that they are open to personal interpretation.
I must admit, that in the beginning they frightened me, not being brought up in a churchgoing family, they seemed strange and I wanted to stay away, afraid to lose my own being and becoming part of something that would "swallow" me.
Today's truth is, that it has given me richness and openness and ground for standing firmly on my own two feet .. well most of the time anyways.
These coming days I shall publish their interpretation as I saw and felt them four years ago with some addition.


Nr. 7 - Eternal progress open to every human soul

We have infinite possibilities to grow and evolve spiritually. What this principle suggests is that we should strive to progress to a higher understanding of life, away from the ties of oppressive ideas and opinions that are taught. We should consider all that we have learnt so far, as a springboard to the world of infinity. The moment we become curious about something we should examine it, study the subject and become free thinkers. I have found a beautiful example of this in “Richard Bach’s – Jonathan Livingston Seagull”. This is the story of a gull leaving everything behind to go out in the unknown world to explore, to find his own personal boundaries, to progress.

The discovery and investigation of quantum physics since the beginning of the 20^th century is a wonderful example of the human mind struggling and stretching to find answers to complex and unsatisfying propositions. Quantum physics have also opened a doorway into solving mysteries that have to do with parapsychology (Broughton – parapsychology, the controversial science).

I found an interview with David Fontana, which I think, is very relevant.

(I have heard that the late David Fontana was a tutor at AFC).

On Life's Sacred Dimensions

‘I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t aware of the unseen dimensions,’ admits Professor David Fontana of Cardiff University. Although raised in London, David Fontana describes himself as ‘Celtic and Latin, with a bit of Anglo-Saxon thrown in. I have an intense feeling for the Celts and their mystical tradition,’ he explains. Far from conflicting with his academic work, he believes his interest in the inexplicable and otherworldly, enhances his scholarly eye. ‘I’m happy to be a psychologist, and it is important to approach things scientifically, but we must never allow science to blind us to other possibilities that can’t always be explored purely by scientific methodology.’

This desire to push the boundaries led David Fontana into transpersonal psychology, which examines the more mystical states of consciousness, deep emotions, creative processes, and the paranormal. This more inclusive approach isn’t new - it was embraced by a number of luminaries in ancient times, including Pythagoras. ‘Today he is only taught as a discoverer of a particular theorem, but Pythagoras also had a mystery school,’ says David Fontana. ‘It gave people access to deeper awareness through a variety of mediums, including sacred geometry.’

For David Fontana this wider approach is especially relevant to our time. ‘Gurdjieff was right when he said that although we inhabit a splendid mansion, most of us choose to live in the basement. Today we live in such a material, consumer-led society. This is made much worse by contemporary science, which suggests there is nothing apart from matter. When we assume consciousness is little more than a series of electro-chemical reactions, that dreams are simply the dumping ground of unwanted matter, our consciousness starts to shut down. It is this depth of consciousness that emerges in accounts of near death experiences, because even when the brain is pronounced dead, consciousness is still active.’

Part of his text that I think is very appropriate I have changed into Italic and Bold. This is a piece, which I would like to present to people as a gift, food for thought. It indicates the Right we have to make our own choices in life. It also fits in nicely with Principle nr. 5, Personal Responsibility.

The date today is August 14.

I have nothing more to say at the moment.

Bless you all. xxx