At this point I intend to become a little metaphysically creative. I will dispense, if I can, with the crutches of logic and rationality and, instead, try to use my imagination and intuition in my task, for I reason that it is consistency (or steadfast adherence to) that is key to determining some measure of truth.
Now in the Holy Land the River Jordan, symbolising the flow of life within the psyche/spirit, first passes in its upper regions through the area of Galilee. This is the area in which Jesus the Christ is reported to have carried out his ministry. The key words here are 'upper' and 'Christ', for they can be said to relate to the Real-Higher-Christ-Self. In contrast to that the River Jordan at its lower end flows through the desert of Judea and into the Dead Sea. This of course is the region in which John the Baptist, the earthier relative of Jesus, carried out his mission. The key words here are 'lower' (or perhaps ego), 'relative' and 'dead', for they in their turn can be said to relate to the Lower-Self. Metaphysically, 'dead' means spiritually unenlightened The Lower-Self has often been seen as a reflection, a virtual image of the True-Self and thus indissolubly linked or related to it.
Between the two regions of Galilee and Judea lies the country of Samaria. Metaphysically Samaria represents a state of consciousness in which Truth and Error are mixed, the Samaritans signifying mixed thoughts, partly worldly and partly spiritual.
So I think it is in this in-between land, looking both towards Judea and Galilee but never simultaneously, and where I must remain awake and stand watch in the metaphysical 'Watchtower of Samaria', that my I-self finds its inner life located; partly worldly and partly spiritual; partly in possession of Truth and partly in Error.
Hi Tom,
ReplyDeleteI agree the Jordan has such significance since Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him. ‘It is I who need baptism from you,’ he said ‘and yet you come to me!’ But Jesus replied, ‘Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands.’ At this John gave in to him.
One might say Jesus entered the waters of baptism, but he was not baptized by the waters, but rather, his Baptism was one in which symbolically ensured all could be “baptized”. I don’t mention this to detract from your post, but rather to support it today as we ponder it in modernity. In summary one might say the Baptism of Jesus was an epiphany. It was a moment of manifestation. Best wishes for the new year- I look forward to your next posting.
Best wishes
An interesting comment, Lindsay.
Delete"One might say Jesus entered the waters of baptism, but he was not baptized by the waters, but rather, his Baptism was one in which symbolically ensured all could be “baptized”." This sentence is full of exciting meaning.
I have to say that my continued studies of the Nag Hammadi Gnostic texts have opened up a potential for much understanding, as well as a blurring and even eradication of any distinctions between 'orthodox' and 'heretical(?)' scriptures.
Good to hear from you, and I hope the predicted mega-fire is a great deal less than feared. Best wishes to you and family.
Hi Tom,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately at this time(10 pm Friday 10th Jan)the big NSW and Victorian fires have joined up as expected to form a 600,000 hectares Mega fire creating erratic and highly dangerous emergency conditions. I will keep you posted.
Best wishes
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