A thelemic view of consciousness

[waechter418]

how is one to realize oneself through the images of others, if ones does not know one’s own?


I would argue that what we call ones own is first an embodiment from without which we ingest and transform into our own.


Yes, it is a foolish statement  :huh:  is there a way to erase it?

[atreestump]

Not foolish at all. :) It has stimulated discussion and is therefore of great value to the forum.

[Socrates]

how is one to realize oneself through the images of others, if ones does not know one’s own?


I would argue that what we call ones own is first an embodiment from without which we ingest and transform into our own.


Yes, it is a foolish statement  :huh:  is there a way to erase it?


No, it's great that you posted something that I can relate to philosophically - there are two ways of looking at self-realisation, either we have an authentic self within us, or we are structured from the outside and strictly speaking, it's actually both of these as Thelema is expressing a two sided coin of reality - it is one and two, otherwise known as the oneness of duality.

There are lots of similarities between what Crowley wrote and what previous and later philosophers wrote, in particular Schopenhauer, Kant and Nietzsche, who I believe influenced Crowley deeply.

In regards to Will and Love, I agree that Will is a force, Nietzsche and Schopenhauer most definitely saw Will in the same way, but I would say Love is a Law, rather than a force?

[waechter418]

Love is the Law - but i choose to combine it with Will, in order to have a force that creates and relates.

(I am not a fan of chaos)

[atreestump]

Cool, but from my understanding, forces obey laws and so love and will are inseparable, yet separate in Thelema, hence why it is a dialectical monism.

None... and two. For I am divided for love's sake, for the chance of union. This is the creation of the world, that the pain of division is as nothing, and the joy of dissolution all.


Also:

The world exists as two, for only so can there be known the Joy of Love, whereby are Two made One. Aught that is One is alone, and has little pain in making itself two, that it may know itself, and love itself, and rejoice therein.

[waechter418]

The approach of Thelema, or dialectical monism, may serve to eliminate that which impedes and to crystallise that which supports Selfrealisation.

[atreestump]

There is the death of the one who consumes himself in the fire of Selfrealisation and there is the dissolution of the one who determines his life as well as his death. To him existence is the Great Ritual and death the crown of it.


I like this part, death is a particular of life, life is centered by death and being-towards-death makes life a project, a work of art. In a way, we do not project, so much as, we are on the recieving end of a projectile coming towards us which we either embrace or resist.

[kFoyauextlH]

Can you define or explain a number of crucial terms realted to Thelema in the format of writing the term followed by ":" and then a thorough explanation of what exactly is intended or meant by that term?

Will:

Love:

But also any other terms, like Self: or whatever else might be helpful.

[Socrates]

There are three principal Reflection/Projection modes – the alternating, whose manifestations complement each other – the contrary, where they contrast each other – the dualistic R/P, whose manifestations appear separate.


I wonder if Lacans 'The Real, Symbolic and Imaginary' has any similarities to this? Something about it seems similar.

[kFoyauextlH]

That is definite. It is totally in line.