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-=(* *)=- Ascension

Lore, history and other content by the citizens of Underlight preserved for posterity.
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Loathed
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Posts: 72
Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2014 4:37 pm
Character Name(s): Magnilia

-=(* *)=- Ascension

Post by Loathed »

Throughout Underlights cultural history there has existed the metaphysical concept that a ubiquitous, all-pervasive sea of energy that under girds, and is manifest in, all phenomena interconnects man and cosmos. This concept of a cosmic energy goes by many names in many traditions

All of this characterizes the underlying, ambient, random energy sea as a blank matrix upon which coherent patterns can be written, possibly components of memory, or other more esoteric aspects of Nature. If my goal for this research comes to full fruition, what would emerge would be an increased understanding that all of us are immersed, both as living and physical beings, in an overall interpenetrating and interdependent field of balance with the cosmos as a whole, and that even the boundary lines between the physical and “metaphysical” would dissolve into a unitary viewpoint of the universe as a fluid, changing, energetic/information cosmological unity.

Now I suppose it is time to put the concept of ascension forward in more easily digested terms.

Ascension is quite simply something taken for granted within the city of dreams. This point is of course easily enough argued, but being able to argue something does not mean it is not so.

Ascension, the act of ascending; a rising; ascent. Is in very basic terms exactly what we do when we gain a new sphere. It is also what we do when through various avenues we come to gain rank within one of the noble houses.

However, there is a great deal of metaphysical power behind the act that is often lost upon both teacher and student alike. Over the eons the act has lost much of its mystique. This is no ones fault but our own.

When a teacher begins to prepare a student for their ascension it is important for both to remember just what this means. It is only by doing this can power and reverence be brought back into the event of ascension itself. It is clear to even a casual observer that for most ascension has become no more important or worth noting then a plateau in meditation, or more noticed by others then the art of trail.

While I put these words to this scroll I also realize that not every dreamer is familiar with metaphysical concepts nor are they inclined to look upon anything with a necessarily spiritual eye, that being said even the most lacking in intelligence should be able to realize that the concept of ascension is in fact one that can and should be handled with a great deal of care.

Quite simply one should not be ascended unless they have in fact the power to support the ascension. What does this mean? This means that the student to be ascended should have reached a level of character definition and personal accountability to such an extent that should they not have a sphere crest to show or new abilities to learn they could easily be confused already for someone of a higher sphere.

Too often dreamers allow themselves to become limited by their abilities and the sphere they have. They let the level of ascension and ability that they possess come into being the items that define them. Dreamers should, instead, seek to define their abilities and level of ascension. Within the dream city we are limited only by our imagination. But too often our imaginations become subdued and withdrawn and all around us begin to suffer.

There is within the city a distinct lack of personal accountability and personal conviction. Every day the city becomes more corrupted by those who care nothing except for their own perceived codes and many times without the proper information taken into consideration actions are taken. And though their master often carries out these actions with the best of intentions, because the process has begun with poor information and reasoning, the outcome reflects this.

This can be reflected in the use of ascension as we see it being used now. More then ever there are voices crying out in disbelief over the rapid manner in which many dreamers are ascended. When these situations are investigated it is often with much sorrow discovered that those who have been robbed of the true power of ascension by the vulgar and tactless use of the ability to ascend greatly lack the strength of character to be a valuable addition to the collective citizenry of our city. This is not to say those rapidly ascended are in fact poor dreamers. Nay, this reflects a cheapening of the great potentials within the city. It is wrong to presume that one has attained a complete understanding of a form just because he or she has finished learning the form. One must continue studying and analyzing the form because there is always more that can be learned. Furthermore, it is wrong to feel that one can do a form perfectly just because he or she has practiced long and hard. Perfection, whether in understanding or execution, is an ideal that can never be achieved but must always be pursued

I believe that people are truly afraid to push the envelope, they feel that to deny anyone anything is to loose a friend or damage ones spirit. I say the opposite is true. To give needlessly is to establish corruption, debauchery, and envy. A true friend, a true teacher would instead assist their student to establish a more defined character. And a stronger personal understanding. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the awakened few. No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.

Teachers need to remember the great power and responsibility they have been entrusted with. Teaching can never be considered a frivolous act. This however does not mean that it must be arduous or arrogant, cold or demanding. If there's no fun in it, there's no future in it. It must be done with respect and reverence. Those who cannot take teaching seriously should without hesitation be removed from their station of ordination. Likewise, those teachers entrusted with the ability to ascend should have an in depth knowledge of personal motivations and cultural development within our city of dreams. To ignore such concepts can only lead to a further deterioration of our mental and psychic plane. You have not done enough; you have never done enough, as long as it is still possible that you have something of value to contribute.

Teachers also cannot be afraid to let revolution occur. History as a whole, and the history of revolutions in particular, are always richer in content, more varied, more multiform, more lively and ingenious than is imagined by even the eldest of our number.

All of us have two educations: one which we receive from others; another, and the most valuable, which we give ourselves. We must remember who we are and what we hope to be. The fastest is not the best. Conforming is not the easiest path though it can appear deceptively so. If a man loves the labor of his talent, apart from any question of success or fame, the fates have called him. Be not persuaded to change based on the ideals of others. Be the change you wish to see in the world. A true friend, a true teacher gives advice in whispers and praises openly.

I shall end with this final thought.

Dreaming is a perfect thing, but it's what people do with it that makes it meaningless.

-=(* *)=-
A man's character is his fate. - Heraclitus
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