09-13-2014, 09:31 AM
First, I should say that my perception of this archetype has changed since I wrote the OP.
I view reincarnation as a macrocosmic example of this archetype. The archetype is still active, though, even in microcosm.
I doubt that Ra misspoke here because the sentence that follows the one in question supports Ra's original phrasing: "The infinity of the spirit is an even greater realization than the infinity of consciousness" It makes sense that after saying that the spirit transforms the material world, Ra would attribute to the spirit an unimaginable infinitude.
The infinity of consciousness is the grandeur of the personality. It is the incarnate mind perfected, known to itself, strong in its will, felicitous in its dedication. But this is the self prior to contacting Intelligent Infinity, prior to experiencing literal oneness with creation, and bringing back a living portion of that oneness as a philosopher's stone, so to speak.
To me, this archetype describes spiritual initiation, specifically the kind of initiation which approaches and intends to open the gateway to Intelligent Infinity. In this experience, spirit is raised up to the great light of the Creator, it has no will in the matter, for the Creator attracts the spirit without the spirit needing to do anything at all.
When the gateway opens (even if only a bit and only temporarily), the lid of the sarcophagus lifts and the infinite presents itself in its glory. The experience may slip away, but it cannot but make a profound impact upon the self in relation to its incarnate experience. No longer is the world dead and lifeless. What was once rote and mechanical, stripped of joy, is suddenly filled with mystery anew. The spirit's ascention to the communion with the Creator has imparted the life of the Creator to the world itself. Spirit then transforms the material world not just for itself, but also for mind and body. The lower complexes are renewed, they are lighter, more buoyant. It is the experience of this archetype which led zen buddhists to say: "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." Nothing has changed outwardly and the material world looks exactly the same to anyone else. But to the newly enlightened, it is full of magic and wonder.
I view reincarnation as a macrocosmic example of this archetype. The archetype is still active, though, even in microcosm.
I doubt that Ra misspoke here because the sentence that follows the one in question supports Ra's original phrasing: "The infinity of the spirit is an even greater realization than the infinity of consciousness" It makes sense that after saying that the spirit transforms the material world, Ra would attribute to the spirit an unimaginable infinitude.
The infinity of consciousness is the grandeur of the personality. It is the incarnate mind perfected, known to itself, strong in its will, felicitous in its dedication. But this is the self prior to contacting Intelligent Infinity, prior to experiencing literal oneness with creation, and bringing back a living portion of that oneness as a philosopher's stone, so to speak.
To me, this archetype describes spiritual initiation, specifically the kind of initiation which approaches and intends to open the gateway to Intelligent Infinity. In this experience, spirit is raised up to the great light of the Creator, it has no will in the matter, for the Creator attracts the spirit without the spirit needing to do anything at all.
When the gateway opens (even if only a bit and only temporarily), the lid of the sarcophagus lifts and the infinite presents itself in its glory. The experience may slip away, but it cannot but make a profound impact upon the self in relation to its incarnate experience. No longer is the world dead and lifeless. What was once rote and mechanical, stripped of joy, is suddenly filled with mystery anew. The spirit's ascention to the communion with the Creator has imparted the life of the Creator to the world itself. Spirit then transforms the material world not just for itself, but also for mind and body. The lower complexes are renewed, they are lighter, more buoyant. It is the experience of this archetype which led zen buddhists to say: "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." Nothing has changed outwardly and the material world looks exactly the same to anyone else. But to the newly enlightened, it is full of magic and wonder.
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