Get your own Free Home PageThe Axioms consist of four chapters dealing with the following themes:
The original text of the Axioms has remained unaltered since it was decoded except for minor editorial changes. It has been accorded "historical" status and has only recently become generally available. This document takes each chapter in turn and summarizes the essential points, adding comment where necessary.Rather than a model in which the material universe existed, then along came life and hence consciousness, the Axioms see consciousness as the starting point. In this model it is the "need of consciousness to find a material expression" which is the driving force leading to the cosmic entirety. Conventional ideas about cause and effect are equally dismissed, giving consciousness the possibility to travel in any direction through space and time and repeat at will with slight modifications.
At this point the CSF is introduced, and its importance for the individual in supporting ethical goals and protecting against calamities is stressed. The role of the CSF in communication, and its association with departed relatives, are also mentioned.
The flow of the "energy" of creation throughout the cosmic entirety is discussed in some detail, and the importance is stressed of recognizing this natural flow and being careful not to struggle against it. The need to recognize people, places and times as sources or drains of energy is mentioned: how to cultivate or avoid people and places according to whether they contribute to or detract from the positive flow of energy, and how to take important actions when the flow of energy is right and pursue recreation when the time is inappropriate for creation.
This chapter concludes by stressing the importance of the Axioms in ridding ourselves of negative emotion: fear, worry and guilt are specifically named. The closing sentence "An organization which lives on fear and guilt condemns itself to oblivion" is an unequivocal censure of authoritarian religious systems.
In the statement "There is only one line passing through all living beings" the principle of respect for the integrity of other living beings is seen as essential to the progress towards transition. Thus, assisting others to attain transition helps our transition, and destroying others or coming into conflict with them impedes our transition.
Emotions, desires, failures, weaknesses and inhibitions are seen as factors which stand in the way of our attainment, as "roots which hold us in place". Yet the problem is not solved by suppressing them; they must be overcome or integrated. Despite this the chapter includes a very emotional invocation of the attainment of transition as "united with partner, family and group, to sit together at the table and participate in a glorious feast for eternity".
The EG or True Companion is seen as a permanent source of support to whom support must also be given. "There is only one EG" say the Axioms sternly. Extended from this relationship is that of the Family. In both cases the Axioms are curiously specific in prescribing certain times for their being together, provided they are resident in the same place (strongly recommended in the case of the EG). Thus the EG should be met for at least half an hour at the end of each day preferably at a fixed time, and the resident Family should take their meal together at least once a day preferably at a fixed time. During these meetings they should give their full attention to one another and to the matters of the day or to the food and drink (if at a meal) and "the meetings should if possible end in harmony".
Two other concepts in the area of spiritual growth are the Guide and the Group. A guide is a person who because of some special spiritual insight can help the individual in his or her progress towards transition. More than one guide is allowed but they must be aware of each other's existence, if not by name. The group is that collection of people (which may be e.g. a nuclear family, a study class, a work group etc.) for whom the individual accepts a responsibility to assist their progress towards transition.
This chapter also contains guidance on how to deal with confidential information. There is nothing particularly secretive about this, any more than in a normal family or business setting; it is thought to be undesirable and a definite drain of energy to convey information about one's journey towards transition to all and sundry, and there are various risks involved. The CTP and TVS are the two concepts relevant here; there may be more than one of either, although too many would be counter-productive. A CTP is someone one can trust completely in the knowledge that information would be received with understanding or at least sympathy, and would not be misused or passed to others with risk of misuse or misunderstanding. A TVS is a person who because of his or her function (e.g. doctor) may be required to know something about one's journey to transition and can be trusted with that amount of information, but the information given should be kept to a minimum. The concluding sentence emphasizes that the journey to transition is undergone for the most part alone and in silence.
The body is seen to be important as the vehicle for one's spiritual journey; therefore one must respect its integrity whilst not allowing it to determine the route. Individual cells or organs are accorded a certain autonomy and their integrity must too be respected. Therefore one is advised to avoid damaging or addictive drugs (including nicotine and alcohol) and to avoid unnecessary medical intrusions (unnecessary mutilations, treatments and medicines). In diet moderation, variety and purity of ingredients are seen as important, and a vegetarian diet is preferred. "Physical fitness and perfection" are seen as worthwhile goals and sexual union should be limited to the EG (this for health reasons as well as emphasizing the commitment to mutual support).
In the context of respect for the integrity of other living beings the quality of the sexual relationship also receives some attention since it is seen as a personal communication of a very special nature, taking account its intimacy and its link with the creation of new life; it is emphasized that the practices must also show respect for the integrity of the partners. In general respect for another's living space (including beliefs, life style and personality elements as well as physical space) is also seen as important. Respect for other life forms is also extended to the animal kingdom (this also plays a part in the recommendation of a vegetarian diet) and avoidance of exhibitions e.g. circuses which diminish the integrity of animals is prescribed, as is support for measures to ensure adequate living conditions for animals.
A final section concerning the environment advises economy with the material universe and support for environment-friendly employment, housing, transport and household installations.
PIERS
Clement
Last update 23 December 1997
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