FAQ / Common Misconceptions regards the Law of One

[JustLikeYou]

1) can you explain, as simply as possibly, what the energy centers are?

Mind/body/spirit complexes gain experience for the Creator through a mechanism we call "concern" or "care"; that is, we are drawn to particular forms of experience because we care about them. These concerns each have a different quality to them, and these qualities exist along a spectrum. We feel these concerns as complex spectral wholes, analogously to the way we see the world as a complex whole whose expression exists along the spectrum of color. So we can think of the things we care about as each having a "color" (or, more properly, a pattern of color). I will call these "colors" moods.

The spectrum of our concerns is quantized. Like a rainbow, the spectrum of our concerns does not exist in a smooth gradient, but in seven distinct moods with thresholds between them. The seven energy centers, then, are the primary moods in which our concerns lead us to gain experience.

The energy centers have two other interesting properties that are worth mentioning.

First, they are progressive. There is a specific order in which our concerns drive us. We can also think of this progressive nature as building. The more foundational (or "earlier" or "lower") concerns must be stabilized before the more subtle (or "later" or "higher") concerns can be addressed, or even noticed.

Second, they motivate us on all levels of existence. In the physical body, they manifest as the organs. In the subtle body, they manifest as the clusters of life-force (or prana) that animate our bodies. In the mind, they are felt as the spectrum of emotions as well as the clusters of personal belief (which is something Xise mentioned earlier, I think). In the spirit, they manifest as interconnected senses of fulfilment whose manifestation culminates in the opening of the gateway to intelligent infinity.

2) given Ra's strict answers, could they be considered as 'homophobic' in the modern world, are at least miscomprehending the diverse nature of human sexuality on this planet?

As Jeremy noted, these misunderstandings are quite available to a reader of Ra. However, context suggests (and I have to thank Jade for bringing me to this judgment) that Ra was only talking about persons who became homosexual as a result of some kind of trauma. Textually speaking, Ra leaves space for other ways of being non-hetero.

3) are there any obvious internal contradictions within the Ra Material?

There are obvious "paradoxes" or mysteries on which the Ra Material is predicated. For example, it is impossible to explain how the Creator became aware. This event can only be a mystery to us and even to the Creator itself. But this is not an internal contradiction; it is only a disorienting axiom. I believe, however, that this one mystery can account for all other mysteries insofar as "each step recapitulates intelligent infinity in its discovery of awareness."

Additionally, there are inexplicable and apparently ad hoc premises, such as the system of octaves. Why eight? Why not ten or four? There is no answer to this question because it is prior to Ra's knowledge.

But as far as contradictions go, I've only seen one potential contradiction: Ra's injunction that we should not do things that are "not consonant with the Law of One." Free will seems to be paramount, and "the Law of One blinks neither at the light nor the darkness," but there is still a class of actions that Ra tells us we should not do. I can only assume that this injunction is meant to encourage us not to gain karma while we are here. But even so, how can an action be not consonant with a Law that blinks neither at the light nor the darkness? My best guess is that consonance with the Law of One means that when you are presented with an obvious and outright choice that you know will polarize you, you should act in a way that is consistent with the moral path you have already chosen (if you have chosen one). In other words, this injunction only applies to those consciously polarizing. It is also not properly an "ought" insofar as we are free to choose in a way that is not consonant with the Law of One (i.e. inconsistent with our moral polarity), but we do so at our own peril.

4) why is the Ra Material considered by many to be one of the most pure and undiluted transmissions?

Because the words themselves contain power. This power lies in the internal consistency of the philosophy describe, the descriptive accuracy in relation to the reader's experience, and the evident sincerity of the speaker.

5) if there were 2 other single volume books that complement this Material, what would they be?

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6) can you describe the service-to-others path and the service-to-self path in straightforward, practical language?

Good and evil. The moral polarity is distinguished the way others have already mentioned. "Good" is an attitude in which our overriding orientation of concern is toward assisting others in acquiring experience (by moving progressively through the energy centers); "evil" is an attitude in which our overriding orientation of concern is toward using others to the benefit of the self in acquiring experience.

7) is there any way to gain further certainty whether one is a Wanderer or dual-activated?  or does one just 'know'?

No, and this is how things ought to be. The Ra myth should be treated like all other myths: it is a narrative that serves the purpose of situating our unique experience within the greater mysteries of the universe. If the story helps, then let it be your story. If it hinders, then choose a different story. Were we able to be certain about our myths (and our specific location within that myth), then the myths themselves would lose their value as a self-selected reality that we each occupy and to which we each devote ourselves through acts of faith.

8) are there any good resources to help study the archetypes, as described by Ra?

Others have been pessimistic about this question, and for good reason. In truth, good resources were as hard for me to find as anyone. There are plenty of good resources out there on the Tarot, the Tree of Life, and astrology. But none of these operate from the unique perspective of the Ra material.

I, myself, have attempted to create such resources, but my success in the endeavor is limited by both my unique perspective and my imperfect understanding. It's not really for me to say whether my writing is useful, anyway.

9) Ra advocates the use of dreams and meditation for self-reflection.  Is there anything that you would tell yourself about these practices to the version of yourself 2 years ago?

I would say, "Trust that you already have the will and inclination to do inner work as it is appropriate to you. Self-reflection can take as many shapes as there are human beings."

10) has the Ra Material had any negative effects in your life?

Insofar as it evoked a dramatic awakening, then it has had all the negative effects that go along with such an awakening: raw and often harmful honesty, reduced ability to abide by social norms when appropriate, heightened emotional sensitivity and fragility, difficulty separating fantasy from reality. But these effects are, on the whole, worth the result. Growing pains.

11) what, in your opinion, is the most misunderstood/misapplied concept in the Law of One material?

Moral polarity (as mentioned above). Too often people take STS to mean some kind of martyrdom, despite Ra's frequent admonishments against martyrdom.

I also see a frequent misapplication of the Law of One itself. Too often people use "all is one" to attempt to erase distinctions or relevant forms of separation. The whole point of 3d is to experience separation, and the declaration that "all is one" does not change this. Consistent awareness of the Law of One does indeed help us find true north on our spiritual compass so that we may progressively walk what steps toward unity we are capable of taking in this dimension. However, as long as the are in 3d, there will be distinctions and forms of separation that our limited access to the Law of One cannot erase without removing us from the illusion: none can see the face of God and live.

12) what role does physical exercise play in the maintenance of the body complex?  if at all.

Ra says the body of a healer must be "comfortable in its distortions." This is rarely possible without exercise. Not all exercise is equal, though. The most efficient forms of exercise are the ones that simultaneously exercise mind and spirit, (yoga, dance, tai chi, martial arts, etc.). This helps the three parts of self to harmonize with each other.

13) Don asked many questions about the nature of Healing.  What passage has illuminated the nature of healing the most for you?

I have nothing to add that others have not already said.

14) what is the role of community (digital, or otherwise) in your journey of seeking?

As someone who has chosen STO, communities are crucial to my journey: they allow me to be of service. They also serve to link me with collaborators which, as a person who feels especially driven by a sense of mission, is an indispensable resource on the journey. I want us all together to imagine a new world and then to bring it into existence. I certainly can't do this on my own, and we can't do it if we don't work together. Tightly bound harmonious communities are the only way.