To: K-list
Recieved: 2000/07/07 15:29
Subject: Re: [K-list] Mudras
From: Mrkstavish
On 2000/07/07 15:29, Mrkstavish posted thus to the K-list:
Message First Part:
>
> << It could also be argued that these teachings are more generally
available
>
> than other esoteric techniques, such as alchemy and qabala, and that is
why
>
> one might be oriented (so to speak) towards them. Or, that the awakening
> has
> also created a resonance with work done in previous incarnations.
> Comparing
> wicca to laya yoga is like comparing a Hershey's bar to a Belgian
> truffel.....there is no comparison beyond both being candy and chocolate.
>>
>
Message Second Part
> Dear Mark,
>
> What accounts for this do you think? Is it because TM was brought to the
> west and therefore the secrecy was pretty much broken? Or is it because
the
> Qabala is more difficult to understand?
>
Dear Hillary,
The TM is a relative newcome to the Eastern occult scene in America and
Europe. The first major wave of "Eastern Teachings" can be seen with the
Transcendentalist movement in the mid-19th century, but actually culminating
in a genuine Eastern Yoga influence in the 1880's and 90's with two events:
the Theosophical Movement (more philosophical than practical) of Mdm.
Blavatsky, and Swami Vivikenanda, and the Ramakrishna Society. His works on
yoga are seminal, and should be read by anyone serious about yoga, or it as a
movement in the West. Yet, if one looks at the other esoteric teachings of
the day, even in Europe, especially France, one can even see an Eastern
influence beginning, as well as a recognition of it in some Masonic writings.
The Anthroposophical movement of Rudolph Steiner was a reaction to this
attempt to "turn Christ into Buddha" and as such, in the early 20th century
prior to WWI there was a revolt which tore the TS apart in Europe.
Yoga was firmly entrenched before the Great War (1914-1919).
Tibetan ideas, or what was passed off as Tibetan were also in vogue by the
1930's. Certain Indian ideas are very popular with neo- (and some not so
neo) Nazi's. N. Goodrick-Clarke has written a book on this topic, (as well
as occult influences in National Socialism from 1890-1945).
The German's made an expedition to Tibet prior to WW2 to gather evidence to
their claim of the Tibetans being Aryan, so that the land of "Shangrala" and
the "Invisible Masters" would be realted to them. The film footage is
drival, and all 88 cans of it can be seen in the Library of Congress.
I have in my posession yoga teachings on pranayama and kundalini yoga from my
great-uncle, who obtained them in the 1930's. By this time, Yogananda had
come West, to Hollywood, and yoga (or anything in a turbin) was in full swing.
Simply put, anything foreign is popular. Qabala requires that you see your
own culture in a new light, where as yoga (or fill in the blank) allows
fantasies of anothers culture. There is a very good book on this called:
Prisoners of Shangri-La: Tibetan Buddhism and the West (U of Chicago, 1998)
which show how the West has made a fantasy land of Eastern teachings in
general and Tibet in particular.
Also, there is the public relations end: western esotericism got you
imprisoned up untill 200 years ago in most parts of Europe. Ones life and
reputation were, and in some instances still are, at stake (no pun intended)
if it is well known what one is interested in.
Also, there are no quick fixes claimed in genuine esoteric orders. Long work
is required. Yoga is often presented as a cheap and easy fix, or that 'just
chant with my guru" and all your problems will be solved is common. Not
unlike the pop psychology movements that come and go on late night
infomercials.
In summary, whenever anything is highly popularized it is cheapend for mass
consumption. If you really want to get to the meat of the matter, time,
effort, persistance, are what is needed. "Hatha Yoga" is not the 'gentle
yoga" of exercise as many would have us believe, but a very agressive way of
opening the channels through bodily purification. None of the yoga tapes I've
watched have mentioned this....I guess because it cuts into the sales
figures<G>!
I hope this answers your question.
Sincerely,
Mark Stavish
The Wyoming Valley Society for Esoteric Studies
http://hometown.aol.com/esoteric777/myhomepage/index.html
http://www.hermetic.com/stavish/
"Oser, Vouloir, Se Taire. - Dare, Will, Keep Silent"
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