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Source: “Infinite Way Circle Of Christhood”
MUSIC AND MANTRAS
Mantras
Joel teaches that in The Infinite Way, we do not use
mantras. A mantra is a word or phrase, sometimes a chant, which
is claimed to stop the mind and bring us to
enlightenment. This is contrary to several principles of
The Infinte Way. First, we cannot reach enlightenment with a
physical behavior. Why? Because enlightenment, illumination
is an activity of spirit and it knows NOTHING of the
physical. Enlightenment comes when our CONSCIOUSNESS is
ready and prepared. It is impossible both in theory and in
practice to do this. Think about this and it will make
logical sense to you. Mantras are then, just
self-hypnosis. We repeat and repeat and think we are making
progress. If we think something long enough, we can begin
to believe it or produce a response mentally.
Music
The Infinite Way does not use music in our study or
practice. Music is an emotional vehicle and when we study
or meditate, have class or tape group, we are stepping out of the
material world of body, emotion, metaphysics and into the realm
of God. It may seem innocent and peaceful to play music or
have incense burning, but it really distracts us in the study.
Churches use it to influence their subjects.
If during the day you would like to listen to music, it makes
sense to choose music which lifts our humanhood, music which
inspires and soothes.
Please do not get the impression that we have rigid rules
about life. This is really just common sense. You may find
that you are unable to tolerate "low-vibrating" sounds
and music which pull us down or irritate our senses. This
is normal if you meditate, for your consciousness is
becoming more and more refined. Appreciate this and avoid
things that call you back into the grossness of our world.
If you have no choice, then just spiritually address the
appearance and know that music, rap, television, etc. has no
power.
We are not afraid of any of these things, just making common
sense choices.
From Tape 94 Side 1
(= 1954 Portland Practitioners Class Tape 1 Side 1: Infinite
Way Principles)
"It may well be that one person finds spiritual light
through music, through songs, through hymns. To me that has
always been a hinderance because the emotions are aroused.
And the moment the emotions are aroused there comes the false
concepts that are brought up in one's own being.
"It is very much like the sentimental slush music that
passes for music in tin pan alley and real music. Now, real
music does not appeal to the baser or more carnal sentiments the
way tin pan alley does. And it is for that reason that it
is music and the other isn't music.
"On the other hand, we are not going to pass a rule that
those people who like tin pan alley *1), shall not have tin pan
alley. Nor will we make a rule that all of us must have
symphonies.
"And so we will have no music, and then allow each
individual to have music or not have music or to choose their own
type of music."
BERTUS:
(fragment taken from 1960 New York
Practitioners Class for 25" Tape 1 side 2)
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