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The
System and Presence
As
remarkable as it is, the system is
only a stepping stone to divided
attention.
No matter how much we think about, talk
about, or appreciate these ideas, they
have meaning only to the extent that
we use them to engage the wordless state
of presence.
Because the system is so comprehensive, it is easy
for us to get caught up in definitions, analysis, and
endless probing of ideas, only to lose sight of what
this work is really about—achieving presence.
As the Philokalia says: “It is quite possible
for a man to have none but the purest thoughts and
yet be so distracted reflecting over them that he remains
the while far removed from God.”
It is also difficult to step beyond a body
of knowledge that we have worked so hard to construct
mentally and emotionally. Nevertheless, like scaffolding,
the system’s purpose has never been to exist
for itself, and at a certain point it must be removed
so the real thing can stand on its own. Here, however,
we are talking about a process that often takes place
every few seconds or so.
For example, in one moment we assemble a work idea
or, better yet, a specific work
‘I’ to
help promote presence. But in the next moment we need
to focus on being present, so we cannot afford to stay
on the scaffolding, nor do we want to get stuck there.
Consequently, as nimbly as we assemble a work ‘I’ we
must disassemble it, move it out of the way, and launch—then
leap into—presence itself.
The next step, of course, is to prolong presence. Therefore,
as soon as we see presence starting to diminish, which
it inevitably does, we have to be ready to insert another
work ‘I’—to quickly reassemble
the scaffolding—so as to revive and reinforce
our efforts.
Promoting, actualizing, and then reinforcing presence
is the work at its most dynamic. The nature of this
process also gives meaning to the misunderstood idea
of abandoning the system. In this case, abandoning
does not mean to refute or forego the system,
or to leave it behind forever; it means recognizing
that knowledge is a bridge leading to something
else, something higher, in the moment. Only with this
understanding can we transcend the system and use it
the right way—to
actually produce presence.
Using the system consciously requires more than a good
grasp of concepts. We have to be firm in the realization
that presence is a state of consciousness beyond
thoughts and words. And we have to prefer this state
over thinking about it, talking about it, or hoping
for it. Even more, presence itself must want to come
into being and want to stay present. After all, it
is for this—our
own divine presence—that we have been given the
system in the first place.
OPEN
MEETING In Berlin — June 25
We
are offering an introductory
meeting in Berlin
on Sunday, June 25. For information and
reservations, call:
Line 1 (0551 790 53 08)
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Introductory
lectures
We offer two introductory lectures
in cities around the world. To register:
Call our USA information line (1-800-642-0212),
or
Find a center nearest you.
1
An introduction to the system
The system is ancient, objective
knowledge
The microcosmos man can transcend
himself
Schools use precise methods for awakening
2
The four lower centers
How the lower centers function
How the lower centers displace presence
Using lower centers to reach higher
centers
Membership
information
The Fellowship
of Friends, Inc. is a school for spiritual
awakening with centers worldwide. Membership
is monthly. For details:
Email contact@beingpresent.org
- OR
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Stone sculpture of an Egyptian scribe. (This
image is included here for educational purposes
only and is not intended for any other use.)
About the system and presence
The
possibility of change starts only with the
possibility of beginning to remember yourself
now. All other things are just words.
Peter
Ouspensky
What is the use of talking about the system if you do not produce the states you are talking about?
Robert Earl Burton
The
mind is not Atman. Remain resting in consciousness.
Hindu Text
Keeping
one’s proper state is the thing we
are seeking.
Koran
Ultimate
words depart from words.
Lao Tzu
If
you are caught up in ideas, then you will
be caught up in the self. And even if you
are caught up in ideas about enlightenment,
you will still be caught up in the self.
Buddha
Wealth
lies in what reaches the Next World.
Muhammad
The
Dharma is only a collection of words and
letters that has to be discarded when we
have reached the other shore.
Gampopa
Take
aim, release the mind; let it fly to Brahman.
Muhdaka Upanishad
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