FOOTSTEPS ON THE PATH compiled by TUPPENCE This file contains lists of steps required of a student on the path to spiritual enlightenment. The yogic, buddhic, western magickal, hermetic, and modern western traditions are given for use in study and comparison. Excerpt from the poem "A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of Time; Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again. Buddhist Tradition The 8 steps on the Noble Path to Enlightenment 1. Right knowledge 2. Right aims 3. Right speech 4. Right conduct 5. Right means of livelihood 6. Right effort 7. Right attention 8. Right concentration Yogic Tradition Mastery of: Leads to control of: Yoga: breath physical body hatha will powers of mind laya love divine love bhakti energy powers of nature shakti sound sound vibrations mantra form powers of geometric forms yantra thought powers of thought processes dhyana method powers of discrimination raja knowledge intellect jnana activity actions karma kundalini psychic nerve force kundalini self ecstasy samadhi Western Magickal Tradition Asana - stills body, sense shut-down, chakras bud Pranayama - stills emotions, appetites, breath energizes chakras Mantrayoga - stills mind Yama - moral qualities attained & Niyama - good works both of these function to still the life (so as not to excite the mind) and to still the emotions and passions (so as not to excite the mind) Pratyahara - inhibitory power over thoughts (similar to asana but power over mind/ thoughts rather than body) The next 3 are inter-related: Dharana - direction of thought/mind to a single point Dhyana - annihilation of the ego the contents of the mind consist of 2 things which become one; thought, time, space are destroyed Samadhi - the ideal is experienced formlessness becoming of the object (taste, sound, etc.) Hermetic Tradition 1. Control of thoughts You must be able to decide what you think and when, to determine which thoughts are YOURS and which are garbage, to have the ability to turn your thoughts on one thing only and the ability to keep out stray thoughts. Also, develop the ability to discriminate between the essential and the non- essential. This leads to the ability to discriminate between truth and appearance (thought independent of sense distortion). This also leads to logical and sensible thought following upon thought. 2. Control of actions Realize the effects of karma in your life. All actions should become less automatic re-actions. Work to eliminate unintentional actions. 3. Perseverance Do not be easily discouraged by delays on the path of spiritual progress. If you make a vow, think carefully about it. To plan, will, and NOT DO is Will-depleting. 4. Tolerance You must develop tolerance of others, tolerance of circumstances, and tolerance for Self. 5. Faith/Impartiality Try to have faith and trust in all you meet. Have faith in self, in your connectedness to all things, and in the rightness of life. You will learn that if you do X then Y will follow...this develops faith in the power of your intentions. 6. Inner balance You must maintain balance in ALL things or...that balance will be restored for you like it or not. Try to retain composure in joy and sorrow. Be ready armed for all life brings. 7. Love of Inner Freedom You must be free from an ego-centric view of life (even regarding your own life!) Modern Western Tradition Thinking Be aware that thoughts are things and use them with care. Everything which exists began as a thought. Develop your imagination and use it to create goals because the creation of goals generates energy. Learn to recognize the various parts of the mind, especially the ego which often depletes energy. Take responsibility for all your thoughts and work at maintaining a positive attitude. Remember that your environment is a reflection of your thoughts. Willing Develop self-discipline...when you say you will do something know that you will. Become a reliable person. Learn to trust yourself, this will lead to self-awareness. Be enthusiastic about life and your plans. This will help you to accomplish both. Work on developing patience in all things. Acting Make yourself useful in daily life to self and others. Always finish what you start and take care of everyday tasks including the mundane ones. Try to keep your eye on your goals and not get lost in the process of trying to attain them. Learn to plan what you do with your time. Make lists of what must be done and do it. Make sure your priorities are correctly ordered. Bibliography Crowley, Aleister, Magick, Part I, Routledge & Kegan Paul, Ltd., 1973 Sadhu, Mouni, The Tarot, Wilshire Book Co., 1978 Steiner, Rudolf, Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and its Attainment, Anthroposophic Press, 1986 Torrens, R.G., The Golden Dawn, Samuel Weiser, 1980