Important Update: See section below the Red subtitle 1.25.25  

 

STAGE 4 CONTEMPLATION – FIRE
On the Divine Presence Within

PHILOSOPHY & KNOWLEDGE OF STAGE 4

 

The ideal path for the spiritual aspirant is a slow and steady awakening to the inner teachings of the arisen Christ. Like the mysterious life-force which transforms an acorn into the reality of an oak tree, this awakening life gradually moves us higher on the path to the realization of our spiritual nature within.

 

The spiritual transformation and purification of our being and soul begins in the animal body with its primal instincts, impulses and cravings as described in Stage 1. The elemental components of earth, water, air and fire, of which our physical body is comprised, are the same as the tree. The earth is its body, the water is its sap, the leaves exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide to breathe and the fire or light of life in the tree is the mysterious agent of growth.

 

If we were to delve into the arcane mysteries of life, we would discover that all of elemental nature is simply an extension of the primordial, archetypal, Adamic nature-body God created in the beginning. The mineral kingdom (bones), the vegetable kingdom (vital-life system) and the animal kingdom (instinctual, etheric/physical body) are all configured and sustained by the fire of the life-force.

 

There is consciousness in each of these kingdoms: deep dreaming in the mineral, lucid dreaming in the vegetable and the animal kingdom is conscious, however, humanity is the only kingdom that is self-conscious. All the kingdoms of nature originate from the primordial male/female Adamic body and not the other way around.

 

The invisible life-force/spiritual light which animates our physical form and the world around us comes from the breath of life and the divine spark of light which was breathed into the nostrils of Adam. We live, move and have our being in the mind, life, light and breath of our Father in Heaven. From the Father Creator, we have received intelligence, life-force, breath and spirit.

 

The physical body would be a lifeless carcass if it were not for the breath of life within it; the breath of life is seamlessly interwoven with the spark of light God placed in our soul. Our individual soul is the breath of life in the body which circulates in our physical, psychic, mental and spiritual beingness while being fully imprinted by our life experiences in the 4-fold body.

 

On the path of spiritual initiation, we begin in the “substantial” elemental body in Stage 1 and move upward to the “less substantial” psyche in Stage 2. It is in the less substantial where the invisible matrixes, the forms of our bodies and the objects of the world, exist in the watery psychic substance of the Form World (see diagram below). The fluidity of the lower psychic realm is where dark desires, anxious thoughts, insecurities and bodily urges are created from our undisciplined emotions; these intermingle and linger in the “contaminated” waters of the lower psychic mind below the diaphragm. (See: the Shadow-self)

 

SpiritualChristian.com

 

The ego-mind is stimulated and captivated by these physical and psychic energies and the psychic soul is “contaminated” by them. The focus of Stage 2 is purifying and cleansing the psychic nature and the soul in order for it to be free from the dark and negative forces of the world. When the “infected” psychic soul is purified and free of these dark energies, only then can the higher psychic (psycho-cognitive energies) receive our purified and newly awakened consciousness. It is then that we realize the sublime light energies above the diaphragm, i.e., the refined consciousness of the rarified, spiritual energies in the higher psychic nature of Stage 3 meditation.

 

In the Stage 3 heart center, the “less substantial” becomes transformed into the “insubstantial.” This play on words simply means our animal soul has been purified and liberated from the elemental nature-body and the psychic nature of the body-mind; it is further purified as it enters into the Holy Fire and spiritual light of the Christ Spirit in the Sacred Heart. The purified psychic nature of the Sacred Heart is considered the Kingdom of Heaven; as Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within.”

 

Like the symbolism of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, the remaining imperfections, selfishness and willfulness of the ego-personality will be evaporated in this Holy Fire; this is not symbolic, but a reality one will welcome into their life experience. When the meditation in the Sacred Heart reaches its fullness, one is literally born into the Kingdom of Heaven in this world; this is the fulfillment of Christ’s teachings.

 

This three-stage transformational process is what Jesus meant when He said we must die and be reborn; the body-mind, the ego-mind, the dark emotions and the chattering-mind are minimized and managed so the true-Self can merge and become conscious and present. This is recognized and experienced in Stage 4 through contemplation in the stillness and silence of the Divine Presence.

 

Stage 3 meditation focuses on integrating the “purified and transformed” personal-self with the higher psychic energies of the heart. However, Stage 4 is not about personal transformation; it is about totally letting go and mentally and emotionally detaching from the ego-self and understanding what it is to JUST BE in the Divine Presence.

 

Unlike the former stages of meditation, this stage is one of “inaction” and stillness contemplating the Father’s Divine Love, the Christ Light and the Holy Spirit’s Life as being in you, of you, through you and ever-present in you as the “Divine background” which does not have to be “attained,” only accepted, since it has always been “you” from the beginning. Just let go. Do not think what you are but that you are. Being nowhere physically is being everywhere spiritually. (See: Holy Inspiration to understand the contemplative mind)

 

God, in His love, calls His Disciples to the highest stages of the spiritual life and though we may not deserve so great a privilege, we must respond to it with the utmost diligence and humility. This involves spiritual watchfulness, a forgetting of the past, a dedicated will and a determination to reach out to God in the holy stillness of His Presence. Our attitude must be one of longing desire and love for God, and for our brothers and sisters; our soul must be pure in order to realize divine truth within.

 

Note: For those who have achieved singularity of mind through focused connected-breathing so the chattering-mind is under control and have properly purged, transformed and purified the animal nature and the lower psychic as explained in Stages 1 & 2 and risen to the experience of serenity in the Sacred Heart, the steps for Silent Contemplation explained above is All one needs to become One with the Divine Presence within; this is the ultimate goal. For those who want a deeper understanding there is a guided meditation explained at the end. The following two sections are the mystical knowledge regarding the Tree of Life, our archetypal body.

 

Tree of Life Teachings

 

All the stages of meditation and contemplation take place in the Tree of Life. Stage 4 is, in part, about the experience the Sacred Heart has with the spiritual centers in the brain, the pineal and pituitary glands, as they become synchronistically intertwined; that is, the mind is “learning to feel and the heart is learning to think.” It is a divine union as these spiritualized energies seamlessly integrating the Light of Intelligence of the Father principle with the Love/Wisdom of the Mother principle. From this divine union emerges the subtle presence of the male/female principles of our higher Self which are Self-Knowledge and Self-Identity (See: diagram above).

 

The Tree of Life is a dynamic symbol which represents a variety of aspects of the human body and its spiritual potentials. The configuration of the Tree is also used as a means to express various aspects of creation as well as spiritual states. The Sephiroth (10 circles) are archetypal symbols representing the knowledge of humanity’s life experiences and the spiritual potential of human beings who are created with godly attributes. Each Sephirah is considered to be an emanation of the divine light energy which flows from the unseen world through Kether (Crown) into manifestation.

 

When looking at the Sephiroth Tree, one might be inclined to think there should be another Sephirah in the center of the upper hexagon, which in fact, there is. This is the location of the sphere of DAATH which has been referred to as knowledge, will or intuition, the child of CHOKMAH and BINAH (diagram below). However, it is not shown in the Tree for it represents a higher dimensional knowledge which must be“drawn”from the whole Tree.

 

 

The illustration below uses the symbolism of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life to understand the Human Tree of Life, in particular, that the spiritual Light World of Stage 4 is the same as “Emanation” on top left of the diagram below. In the Kabbalah, the highest dimension is referred to as the World of Emanation.

 

The Kabbalistic Tree of Life is one of the oldest revelatory teachings which still have the unbroken documentation from its original source. This was given to the Hebrew people long ago, but in more modern times, it has been embraced by Christians; this body of teachings is referred to as Christian Hermeticism.

 

 

 

In Christian Hermeticism, the 10 Sephiroth (above) are the primary framework contained in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life as well as the 22 paths connecting the Sephiroth which reside in the spiritual dimensions of Emanation, Creation, Formation and the physical world of Action. The diagram below is the Kabbalistic Tree of Life configured with the male and female Sephiroth aligned as the right and left pillars respectively; the middle pillar is androgynous, i.e., male/female united.

 

In this case, the Sephirotic Tree is used to explain the relationship of the male/female attributes, and the union or synthesis of these polarities and how they benefit us spiritually as described in Stage 4 Contemplation above. Each Sephirah is a nexus of divine energy that emanates a variety of attributes which are relative to the World in which it rests. These attributes enable the Kabbalist to perceive and to utilize the differing symbols and characteristics of each particular Sephirah; or to ascertain the knowledge when two Sephiroth of opposite polarities are in alignment in the same World; this is a similar strategy of synthesizing opposites used in the different stages of meditation.

 

 

The archetypal symbolism of the Tree of Life represents many different states or levels of: the creation, the cosmos, the galaxy, the solar system and the 4 worlds of human experience in the Adamic body. The 4 worlds represent the descent of the Life-force into the human world (Kingdom) that corresponds to the four stages of meditation which is the ascent of the Life-force up the central channel; this is explained here in: The Tree of Life page.

 

In the third diagram above (Tree of Life), there are four Sephiroth present on the middle pillar: KETHER (Crown), TIPHERETH (Beauty), YESOD (Foundation) and MALKUTH (Kingdom). These four divisions correspond to the four elemental realms of the human and the world as well as the four stages of meditation. This particular unification represents the “Great Work” which must be accomplished by humankind. It is the universal plan for all seekers to discover their equivalence for themselves in order that each may become a conscious cooperator in the Divine Scheme of Creation. Therefore, we find an “Abyss” in which there is no direct link between CHOKMAH and BINAH. So, ironically, DAATH is nowhere to be found on the Sephiroth Tree.

 

However, Daath is represented as an incomplete Sephirah or even as a mirage and frequently, it is totally missing from the Sephiroth Tree. The spiritual mystery surrounding Daath, especially for the Christian aspirant, cannot be under-estimated, for it is the highest spiritual state to be experienced in Christian meditation. The experience of awakening this center of knowing or conscious intuition is something to be achieved or created by the individual aspirant through silent contemplation or prayer without ceasing.

 

Awakening the Christian Tree of Life

 

In the East, the location of Daath is considered to be the throat chakra; Christians know this center as the Logos from which the divine Word is spoken. The awakening of this particular center is “brought to life” by the disciple in silent contemplation or through prayer without ceasing. In silent contemplation, the spiritual energies of the higher Self and the purified energies of the Sacred Heart are joined together in the Logos center. (See diagram below) This means the Light of Intelligence (Christ) merges with Divine Wisdom (Sophia) in this center.

 

This is the highest and most subtle level of meditation/contemplation which means one has to be able to reach perfect stillness in order to properly awaken this experience. In terms of living symbolism, this focused contemplation facilitates the consummation or synthesis of the Father/Mother principles in order to “give birth to the divine child, the Creative Light of the Logos.” This multi-dimensional contemplation begins with stillness in the Sacred Heart. But how is the stillness known?

 

For those who have experienced the stillness and peace of Stage 3 meditation which brought us to the Holy of Holies in Stage 4, occasionally, there are stressful and disturbing situations in life in which we lose the perfect clarity and stillness we had previously attained. This means the small flame which is in the heart’s center is disturbed and flickering; this is real, not symbolism. When this disturbance occurs we must return to the Sacred Heart to regain the experience of the peace, clarity and love once again.

 

The heart and brain are synchronistically united; the small flame in the heart represents the Christ Light in the brain. Only when the flame in the heart is steady and peaceful again can one return to the Light world and the Divine Presence within. To reach this peaceful state again means reestablishing the disciplines like focused-breathing and quiet meditation which led to the previous success.

 

Another effective method is prayer without ceasing which requires choosing a short phrase, like: Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with Thy Love or Light; Lord Jesus Christ Thy Presence; or Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, etc. Continue to silently repeat the chosen phrase and synchronize the phrase with the focused-breathing and concentrate on the eternal flame within; this will restore the peace and stillness. Silently repeating the chosen phrase throughout the day and night will keep one in a continuous state of serenity and peace in Christ’s presence. See: The Way of a Pilgrim translated by Nina Toumanova.

 

When one has reached serenity and stillness, turn one’s attention to the Logos center. Focus one’s attention on the energies in this location to awaken it. To reiterate, this focused contemplation facilitates the consummation or synthesis of the Father/Mother principles in order to “give birth to the divine child within,” the Creative Light of the Logos. Trust in God to reveal the unique mysteries He has in store for each disciple. This awakening will vary from individual to individual depending on the consistency of one’s practice and the ability to stay focused without disturbance from the chattering-mind.

 

The spiritual aim of the Christian Disciple is to be focused in the present moment and to be open intuitively. In reality, intuition emerges in meditation/contemplation from the union of the Father/Mother principles of creation which are within each of us; awakened intuition is the “pearl of great price” spoken of in Matt 13:46. This occurs when the disciple achieves stillness and complete fusion (marriage) of the principles of Intelligence/Wisdom and Reason/Conscience (Rightness). Thus, the feminine principles of Wisdom and Conscience unite with the Masculine principles of Intelligence and Reason, perceiving sympathetically the synthesis which awakens the conscious intuition.

 

 

 

The Breath of the Holy Spirit

 

The silent contemplation described above in Stage 4 endeavors to experience the Divine Presence in the sublime Light World and to gain access to this deep silence within by means of sympathy, rather than through the exercise of one’s own logical, reasoning or analytical mind. This happens passively, at the appropriate time, when we follow the Holy Spirit to the area of breathing.

 

We do not lose clarity or focus, but acquire the quality of consciously perceiving the cosmic currents of Light and consciousness which flow through us to become clear and well-defined symbols of meaning. This is the function of the perceptive, imaginative forces whose central currents are in the area of the larynx. This is what makes it possible for people to perceive spiritual truth directly and intuitively.

 

As represented in the diagram above, this means focusing on the balance point between the masculine and feminine principles which is found between the Light of Intelligence and Wisdom in the Light World. In the middle pillar is the Logos where merge the acquired and acquirable knowledge of created forms as well as latent and actualized knowledge of Life. This is referred to as intelligence illumined by grace; grace being the principle actualizing within us latent knowledge of the image and likeness of God.

 

________________________________________________________

~ The following (edited) phrases below are guidance from a very old Christian Orthodox book, TheCloud of Unknowing by Dionysius the Areopagite who was a student of St. Paul. This book is filled with insights into the mind and dedication of the early church Fathers. There are a variety of free translations of this book to be found on the internet as well as inexpensive print versions; the one translated by William Johnston is my preference. (Available on Kindle) This one is easy to read; the reader is not hindered by the old language which is difficult to read and understand. There are some real “gems” to be found in the work; like these below. See the link at bottom for a recently published paper of these inspirational verses.

 

"When thou come to thyself, think not before what thou shall do after, but forsake as well good thoughts as evil thoughts, and pray not with thy mouth. And then thou shall say, look not how much nor how little that it be, nor weigh not what it is or what it means . . . and look that there is nothing live in thy working mind, but a naked intent stretching into God, not clothed in any special thought of God in Himself. . . . This naked intent freely fastened and grounded in firm belief shall be nothing else to thy thought and to thy feeling but a naked thought and a blind feeling of thine own being: as if thou say thus unto God within, in thy meaning, 'That which I am, Lord, I offer unto Thee, without any looking to any quality of Thy Being, but only that Thou art as Thou art, without anymore.' The meek darkness is thy mirror (our conscious intelligence) which is the darkness of unknowing and thy whole remembrance. Think no further of thyself than I bid thee do of thy God, so that thou be one with Him in spirit, as thus without departing and scattering, for He is thy being, and in Him thou art that thou art; not only by cause and by being, but also, He is in thee both thy cause and thy being. And therefore think on God in this work as thou dost on thyself and on thyself as thou dost on God: that He is as He is and thou art as thou art, and that thy thought be not scattered nor departed, but proved in Him that is All."

 

"Let that meek darkness be thy mirror." What is this darkness? It is the "night of the mind" into which we are plunged when we attain to a state of consciousness which is above thought; enter on a plane of spiritual experience with which the intellect cannot deal. This is the "Divine Darkness," the Cloud of Unknowing, or of Ignorance, "dark with excess of light." When I say darkness, I mean a lacking of knowing . . . and for this reason it is not called a cloud of the air, but a Cloud of Unknowing that is betwixt thee and thy God. It is "a dark mist," which seems to be between thee and the light thou aspire to. He will sometimes peradventure send out a beam of spiritual light, piercing this cloud of unknowing that is betwixt thee and Him; and show thee some of His secrets, which man may not, nor cannot speak." (For more spiritual wisdom, see: Holy Inspiration)

 

 

I Thank the Beautiful Presence

To the north, south, east and west, and in all the spaces and corners of my home,
I breathe the exhalation of the universe and I know I am not alone,
And in this wondrous atmosphere, I walk on sacred ground,
Remembering and feeling thankful the world is spinning round.
O, how wondrous to ponder how the light is inhaled even in the dark,
To open up my mind and adjust the crosshairs of my heart;
And to give my soul direction which is beyond time and place,
So, that even with no coordinates, I feel the presence of grace.
Then, as peace, hope and oneness infuse every single, grateful breath,
Love adjusts my altitude, and I know there is no death.
Then, I thank my stars, I have one foot tethered to the sacred ground,
As I float as long as I can, so gently spinning around,
Inhaling the holy universe into my little temple-home,
Thanking the beautiful presence which tells me, I am not alone.
 

 

 

NEXT: HOLY INSPIRATION

 

 

SpiritualChristian.com

 

*

* *