Man, Asleep

At the core of the teachings of The Eminent Way, it is proposed that man, in an undeveloped state, experiences two states of consciousness: normal sleep and waking sleep. What our culture generally refers to as the "waking state" is an imaginary state that prevents us from experiencing higher levels of consciousness.

Man remains in a state of waking sleep because he believes he already possesses full consciousness, and it is only by many repeated experiences of momentary awakening that one realizes that there exists the possibility of becoming fully awakened.

The goal of The Eminent Way is the same as that which is hidden at the root of every spiritual tradition - to help mankind awaken! There are no doctrines or dogmas in The Eminent Way, only the simple admonition to accept only what you can verify for your own life. If it works, use it. If it does not work, discard it.

The Eminent Way aims to develop higher states of consciousness and being. While it's important to keep an open mind to the new ideas within this system, one must prove or disprove the ideas for oneself. Since there is no dogma, faith is not required. What is required is a willingness to try and an honest assessment of the results you obtain.

The Method

The Eminent Way differs from other spiritual practices in several significant ways. To understand how it is helpful to imagine that all spiritual endeavors are like spokes on a wheel. At the wheel's perimeter, each spoke is distinct and separated from the others. In some cases, their positions are even diametrically opposed. However, as one moves closer to the hub, the differences become less apparent until one finally reaches the center, where they all converge.

On their surface, all spiritual traditions appear to be entirely dissimilar. Still, as one draws close to the core of each tradition, one finds that the differences become less and less apparent. All traditions have one goal in common - the conscious evolution of man. Some have more of an emotional appeal, whereas others are based more on physical experience or mentality. None are better or worse, just different.

In general, there are three primary personality types: Those who approach life with their hearts, those who approach life with their heads, and those who approach life with their bodies. Although we can express ourselves in all three ways, people tend to favor one mode of expression above the others. Those who favor the mind tend to be drawn to religions or spiritual practices that are philosophically or logically based. In contrast, those who favor emotions are drawn toward devotional and sentimental religions. Those who are physically based tend to be drawn towards practices that include physical disciplines and sometimes physical hardships.

The First Awakening

The Eminent Way does not belong to any of the above types. It is different in that equal emphasis is placed on the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of one's practice.

Although it is more balanced than the three 'ways,' The Eminent Way is also more difficult to practice because the demands are significantly higher. For example, a man whose primary approach to life is through the mind must devote time and energy towards growing his emotional and physical inner lives to match the intensity of his mental life.

Once the harmony of these three "Centers" is achieved, he will experience his first awakening, which manifests as a lance of power in the spine, also known as the "Gold Rod," which begins to power the pineal gland. This brings with it many unimagined possibilities. At this stage, one's conscious development can still be lost, and one may fall back "asleep," for it has not yet become a fixed trait in oneself.

The Second Awakening

The second awakening, also known as "The Silver Chalice," happens due to sustained effort in maintaining the "Gold Rod" level of consciousness. Over time, the pineal gland becomes activated and begins to radiate a silver force into one's aura and surrounding environment. While a man who has undergone the first awakening can be called a "Possessor of Facts and Being," a man who has undergone the second awakening can be said to have a "Unity of Understanding." It is the result of fixed knowledge that has been crystallized and understood. At this stage, one is no longer at risk of falling "asleep" again; however, it is not the highest possible awakening.

The Third Awakening

"The Platinum Arch," or the third awakening, results from the resonant induction of conscious celestial influences. This level of conscious awakening defies description; however, it must be understood that it is not a level of consciousness that can be 'obtained'; it is bestowed in the form of grace. This level of consciousness is the origin of all religions in their purest form, without the external trappings, dogma, and doctrine that informs human purpose.

The Fourth and Fifth Awakenings

Little can be said about these levels of consciousness at this time aside from the descriptive names; "The Jeweled Way" and "The Trinity (leading to unity)."

...and verify some more...

In the following posts, we will continue our exploration of the principles of The Eminent Way with powerful exercises that may allow you a glimpse into a new reality you may have only suspected to exist. Again, the warning must be offered to verify or disprove through your own experience the validity of what is offered herein.

Many respects,

Pierce!