We are going to talk just a very little about the idea of “Gnosis.” Gnosis is the state of enlightenment that some believe can be achieved through knowledge. At one time, there were many Gnostic sects for many religions, but in present day, very few still exist. We are not going to concern ourselves with where they are and what they do. Instead, we will focus on the idea alone.

The idea of Gnosis, or enlightenment though knowledge, is similar to other things we have talked about, such as Zen and Existentialism. I often find that these three philosophies are more closely tied that most would like to admit.

Gnosis encourages learning and compassion. And as such it also encompasses the “Live in the Now” ideas of Zen and Existentialism.

So, let’s add this brief part of the ideas to our shamanic thoughts. Knowledge is power. That has always been true. Living in the Now gets rid of things that stop human advancement, such as anxieties. If you live in this present moment, and realize that was has past is just a story book, and what is to come is merely science fiction, it becomes easier to make this, and every, moment count.

There are hundreds of ways to say this, and it has been said over and over for centuries, but really understanding the idea is what matters. Understand that the you that is reading this is only you for that moment. After this moment has passed, it is not you anymore. You are already on the next moment, gleaning more information further down the page.

Convert your idea of time into still frames, or seconds, or motions. You can break it down to the most basic thought, and then when you run through all of those thoughts it becomes the flipbook that we call memory. And just like a real flipbook or film reel, sometimes pages, or slides become lost or damaged.

I’m starting to ramble a bit, so let’s pull this together. It’s hard for me not to ramble, knowing this is the end of a class that I’ve taught for more than a year now.

So, if we can gain knowledge, and remain fully aware of our past and future, without letting it hinder our abilities here in the Now, we might reach that state of Gnosis or enlightenment. Sounds pretty difficult, right? Well, you’re the one that wanted to be a shaman. :p

-Jack
I Listen.
Developmental Theology 089
Lesson #52 – End of Class

Let’s break away these walls and join each other.  I am no more teacher than I am student.  Richard Bach once wrote, “We teach best what we need to learn the most.”  Nothing could be more true.  So, here I am, on the cusp of something extraordinary, and I want all of you to join me.

Some secrets may change hands.  Life may transform as we evolve both physically and spiritually.  The adoption of technology to the shaman’s path is of utmost imprtance.  The shaman can no longer be just about nature.  The shaman has to grow with the culture, and the culture is growing rapidly.  Never has the shaman had the chance he does now.  The chance to be everywhere at once, literally.

As saplings we all start, but soon we grow into trees that devour our surroundings.  Be the oak tree.  Give something back for what you are taking.  Do not be the weeping willow, who takes all of the water it can, but offers nothing in return.

It’s time that we began to think globally.  There is more out there than your own backyard.  Jump for it.  Strive for it.  Become other worldly with me.   We cannot forgive those you have never reached for something greater.  The fate of mankind is in each of your hands.  Can you make it better?

-Jack
I Listen.
I Travel.

You see, a shaman’s primary role is a connector. The shaman sees relationships where there are none, and connects the dots, bringing people together who may have never met any other way. A shaman’s duty is to build a family, or tribe, and to help others to do the same. Putting the right people together is the ultimate goal of spiritual connection: Human Reconnection.

We separate ourselves from others in many, many ways every day. Unity is the only answer to conflict. Sharing, cooperation, understanding; these are the things that move us forward, not conflict and battles. Today, talk to someone you’ve never talked to. That is your assignment.

Jack
I Listen.
I Travel.

Dreaming the Dream.

You are almost finished with your early path. The path of the shaman is long and hard, and stretches far beyond the confines of my little class. With this lesson you will become all that you are and all that you ever shall be: Infinite. Speak these words with me. Don’t let desire overcome you. Speak with me as I drum.

• I AM.
• I am a shaman.
• I am the source of all dreams, including this one.
• I am the universe, and the universe is me.
• I am the rain, and all that it cleanses.
• I am the sin in every man.
• I am the salvation in every heart.
• I am the shaman.
• I am all that is forgotten.
• I am all that will ever be remembered.
• I am my Dreaming.
• I am Zen.
• I am the flow of synchronicity.
• I am the river and the mountain, the ocean and the beach.
• I am so much more than I could ever list.
• I am a shaman.
• I am free.
• I am.

Be the Shaman. Be free. Show your faith in your determination. This can be a better world. This already is a better world. Self-realization. What are you? I am.

-Jack.
I Listen.

You cannot be what you don’t believe in.

An important lesson here is about community. Many people think that the shamanic journey is an introspective, private one. And it is. To an extent.

You see, once the shaman has mastered his inner self, he can begin his truly great work, and start building bonds within a community. Now this social aspect of the shaman does not meaning telling everyone you’ve found God and you are completely right. Just the opposite really. The shaman should never force beliefs or ideals on others. They have their own shamanic journey that may be entirely different from yours, and that’s ok.

A shaman builds healthy bonds and relationships with the people he or she cares about. Shamanism is not solitary. You must go into the world and help. Make this a stronger place. Make this a better, cleaner place. Make this a spiritual place again. Our old Mother misses her children.

Use the green darts. Connect the dots.

Loki.
I Listen.
I Travel.
I Remember.

Universal consciousness is only the long term goal.

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Tags: theology, ideology, religion, philosophy, shaman, shamanic, shamanism, culture, duty, tolerance

We cannot forgive those that have never reached for something greater. That is the basis of the shaman’s power and ability, constantly striving for something more. There is something out there. Can you dare to reach for it?

Loki
I’m Listening.
Developmental Theology 089
Lesson #47

Walk the walk.

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Tags: theology, ideology, religion, action, shaman, shamanism, works, walls, walking

——–

Odin saw that the storm was getting closer. He looked me in the eye, grabbing my chin.

“You’re our only hope, my son. Show them what you know to be true. Show them magic. Show them dreams. Show them shamans!” Odin was screaming at me by the end.

“Show who?” Dangling by one foot, upside down on the ancient, gnarled tree, Yggdrasil. The blood has full in my face. I was fairly certain I had an eye hanging loose(This is something that often happens around Odin-One-Eye).

“Dammit all! Show them, boy! The ones that have forgotten!” He held his arms wide and I could suddenly see the people of the world with my dangling eye. Odin was gone completely now. Disappeared as fast as he showed up. And I’m sitting in front of my computer, a little crossed, but no worse for the wear. I’ve gotten kind of used to being the Hanged Man.

———————————

I’m stepping things up a bit with DT089 because I believe more and more people are starting to grasp these concepts. So things may get slightly more complex. As your hopefully soon-to-be spiritual leader(j/k), I have faith in you. I speak of Odin a lot, by many different names, and I encourage you to do research on the themes I talk about.

So today, we’re gonna talk about some basic stuff. Very basic. But somehow we never seem to get it right. It’s time we changed that. The Chamber of Guf is almost empty. There is very little time left to make this the world we need.

1. Don’t Kill People! This is the most basic law, yet we have not been able to master it.
2. Don’t Kill People. See above.
3. Friends are found where we need them most. Soul Magnetism is a profound thing.
4. Don’t ever give up! (The hardest one of all.)
5. Time does not exist. It is a human concept for measurement. Without humans there would be no Time at all.
6. Laugh as much as you possibly can! If you cannot laugh at a situation that situation does not exist!
7. Just be fucking nice people. Come on.
8. There is no Tragedy and there is no Joy. Only impressions of emotional highs and lows.
9. Pick up a book! Read. Knowledge = Power.
10. Listen to good advice. Listen to bad advice. Try your best not to take either.

That’s all for now. I’ll expound upon these ideas more in the future.

Loki.
I Listen.
DT089
Lesson #46
Associated Content

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Tags: ideology, philosophy, theology, odin, norse, Guf, religion, judaism

Developmental Theology Time!

Let’s talk a little more about the idea of modern shamanism. You see, there’s a problem with religion as it currently is. It’s not personal anymore. It’s social.

The Shaman always views ideas of spirituality, religion, philosophy, metaphysics, etc, from the most personal view that he can grasp. If you become one with the question, the answer will make itself known. Make your beliefs a personal practice, and a constant exploration. Look through the eyes of The Shaman, see the world beyond, before, and after.

There is another path. This is it. Can you really handle religion on a personal level?

-Loki.
Developmental Theology 089
Lesson #40

Sometimes I wonder if this is all a dream.

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Tags: theology, ideology, religion, belief, philosophy, shaman, shamanism, spirituality, metaphysics, middle path