0. | This practice is very difficult. The student cannot hope for much success unless he have thoroughly mastered Asana, and obtained much definite success in the meditation-practices of Liber E and Liber HHH. On the other hand, any success in this practice is of an exceedingly high character, and the student is less liable to illusion and self-deception in this than in almost any other that We make known. |
[The meditation-practice in Liber E consisted in the restraint of the mind to a single predetermined imagined object exterior to the student, simple or complex, at rest or in motion: those of Liber HHH in causing the mind to pass through a predetermined series of states: the raja-yoga of the Hindus is mainly an extension of the methods of Liber E to interior objects: the mahasatipatthana of the Buddhists is primarily an observation and analysis of bodily movements. While the present practice differs radically from all of these, it is of the greatest advantage of be acquainted practically with each of them, with regard firstly to their incidental difficulties, and secondly to their ascertained results in respect of psychology. ED.] | |
1. | First Point. The student should discover for himself the apparent position of the point in his brain where thoughts arise, if there be such a point. If not, he should seek the position of the point where thoughts are judged. |
2. | Second Point. He must also develop in himself a Will of Destruction, even a Will of Annihilation. It may be that this shall be discovered at an immeasurable distance from his physical body. Nevertheless, this must he reach, with this must he identify himself even to the loss of himself. |
3. | Third Point. Let this Will then watch vigilantly the point where thoughts arise, or the point where they are judged, and let every thought be annihilated as it is perceived or judged.* |
4. | Fourth Point. Next, let every thought be inhibited in its inception. |
5. | Fifth Point. Next, let even the causes or tendencies that if unchecked ultimate in thoughts be discovered and annihilated. |
6. | Sixth and Last Point. Let the true Cause of All be unmasked and annihilated. |
7. | This is that which was spoken by wise men of old time concerning the destruction of the world by fire; yea, the destruction of the world by fire. |
8. | [This and the following verses are of modern origin.] Let the Student remember that each Point represents a definite achievement of great difficulty. |
9. | Let him not then attempt the second until he be well satisfied of his mastery over the first. |
10. | This practice is also that which was spoken by Fra. P. in a parable as follows: |
11. | Foul is the robber stronghold, filled with hate; |
12. | And this: |
13. | There is a well before the Great White Throne |
14. | And this: |
15. | Sulphur, Salt, and Mercury: |
16. | And of the difficulties of this practice and of the Results that reward it, let these things be discovered by the right Ingenium of the Practicus. |
* This is also the "Opening of the Eye of Shive." Ed.
Mayan, the Magician, or Mara. Also the Dweller on the Threshold in a very exalted sense. Ed.
Note:
Notes signed "Ed" appeared in the Equinox publication and are presumably by Crowley. The three poems also appeared in the anthology The Giant's Thumb.
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