Is man truly "made in the image of God"?

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

QUOTE 48 EXCERPT:
I'm waiting with baited breath for the answer to that question.
How dirty is your reflecting mirror?

Still Waters,

Maybe not so much dirty….perhaps we need to make sure we are looking directly at the mirror….clearly focused, so to say……

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

A foundation based on purification practices and direct experiences becomes unshakeable.

There are, however, many intellectuals who simply study the scriptural "map"
forever without ever going beyond that into the stillness/silence.

(IS unshakeable)
Shh, let's not talk about 'them'----the intellectuals happy with no direct exp, shall we?

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

A foundation based on purification practices and direct experiences becomes unshakeable.
:

Still Waters,

Speaking of foundation…..”the stone which the builders rejected” comes to mind…..

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

QUOTE 48 EXCERPT:I'm waiting with baited breath for the answer to that question.
How dirty is your reflecting mirror?

Just when I get one layer gone it seems there is yet another.
I keep faith and hope alive though.

My pursuit of this thread has been sidetracked….:). I started rereading Meditations on the Tarot by Anonymous (Valentin Tomberg). The very first chapter is devoted in large part to the silence of meditation. It covers so much of the foundation that we are discussing. If you have access to this consider reading that first chapter again….

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by Molearner

Still Waters, Maybe not so much dirty….perhaps we need to make sure we are looking directly at the mirror….clearly focused, so to say……

My mischievous side is showing, eh? One of my friends, who knows me very well and has seen me interact at numerous "spiritual" gatherings, has said that it's a "miracle" when I behave.
As you can see, I couldn't resist the temptation to question ImThatIm on the reference to the dirty reflecting mirror.

In any case, as you pointed out, it's important to be CLEARLY focused.

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by ImthatIm

Just when I get one layer gone it seems there is yet another.
I keep faith and hope alive though.

Isn't that the truth?

Once we think we've addressed everything, another layer pops up!

It's a fascinating journey without distance !

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

(IS unshakeable)
Shh, let's not talk about 'them'----the intellectuals happy with no direct exp, shall we?

Is it possible that you're becoming as BAD as me?

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by Molearner

My pursuit of this thread has been sidetracked….:). I started rereading Meditations on the Tarot by Anonymous (Valentin Tomberg). The very first chapter is devoted in large part to the silence of meditation...

I just downloaded the PDF for this book and the first chapter (the Magician) looks interesting.

"That which they reveal are not secrets, i.e. things hidden by
human will, but are arcana, which is something quite different. An arcanum is
that which it is necessary to “know” in order to be fruitful in a given domain
of spiritual life."

I actually did Tarot Card readings in the past and they were uncannily accurate as indicating the conditions in the PRESENT HERE-AND-NOW. Of course,I went into meditation before doing a reading so that the "higher power" energy flowed through me and "selected" the appropriate cards in the appropriate positions of the Celtic Spread that I was using. I did not charge for readings as it seemed inappropriate for something that was FLOWING FREELY through me.

I will look at it more closely later when I have more time.

However, I am wondering what parts have caught your attention thus far?

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

was FLOWING FREELY through me.

I will look at it more closely later when I have more time.

However, I am wondering what parts have caught your attention thus far?

Still Waters,

Sorry….somehow I missed your response……

As far as catching my attention it ends up being everything….:). This particular book is almost like a second Bible for me. Really fleshes out many things on a deeper level…metaphorically, esoterically, spiritually. My attraction to it had nothing to do with tarot cards. Was recommended by an online group from some years ago that really looked at things in depth…..not any one line responses to disagree…..but focused on sharing and expanding understanding.

I highlighted ‘flowing freely’ because the site that I sent you in a PM reminded me that ‘influence’ means in-flowing…..an inflowing of stimuli……