63. Joy that appears suffering

The audio recording is available at https://youtu.be/ldf62vn-F7U.

In Christian tradition (not religion), the manifestation of consciousness and the awakening to human duality (i.e., the universal and individual self) can be traced in the Passion (the great Eucharist) at least twice. One instance occurs when our Initiation Master, who teaches the path of returning, is placed between two individuals on Golgotha. One of the crucified men represents the universality of humanity, as he recognizes the message of the teaching in the final moments (a hearing and seeing person). To him, the Master says, "Today you will be with me in Paradise," meaning that since you have acknowledged your universality, we will return together to the One and Only. One universal self recognizes the other universal self. The other man, however, is lost, immersed in individual self, sleepwalking (deaf and blind), and is unable to recognize the possibility of liberation (verticality) and, in ignorance, chooses his own death. The awakened (seeing and hearing) loving person is always saved, while the sleeping (blind, seeing only linearity) person perishes. Both awakening and ignorance have a price. The price is our life. We pay with our life, whether we participate in the circularity, continual renewal, and the new scripture’s verticality, or choose the linear path, the old scripture, and destroy ourselves, sending our soul to hell. There is no middle way. 

The other moment represents the full journey, from judgment to the raising of the cross (the crossroads), symbolizing both our Initiation Master's and our shared path of transformation, where the Master bears us, his disciples, like a cross. He took on our entire being (body, soul, spirit) and all our errors, hypocrisy, and ignorance. At the crucifixion, the Master faces the disciple, the person who recognizes his universality. The nail is the symbol of the bond holding the two together, and thus, resurrection will also happen in unison. The nail can only unite two similar entities: one universal self with another universal self. Those who fail to see this will see only suffering, murder, blood, and predestination. Our Initiation Master demonstrates how to restore order and expects us to do the same. Only through the Master salvation in time and resurrection in space is possible, as the final step of returning. Note: before the 1740s, only seven stations were recognized. The Initiation Master's three falls, his encounter with his mother, and Veronica's veil were not included. 

The following is an attempt to interpret the stages of the Passion (initiation phases) in relation to human life:

1. The Beginning: We are informed that we must return to the One, i.e., "judgment" is pronounced over us, and we are made aware that duality exists in transcendence, in universality, and our task is to return.

2. Taking up the Cross: To succeed in the returning, we must take up the intersection of horizontality (life and time) and verticality (being and space). In this intersection, we must find our centre, our universality.

3. The First Fall and Rising: The first test of verticality, gathering strength to continue the path. The fall itself is not as important as the rising. The ability to rise means we accept the tasks, even if another trial is on its way.

4. Looking Back: Our spirit is still not strong enough, and our universality is shaky. We sometimes look back at where we were born or to significant events in our lives.

5. We Are Not Alone: In our return, we are not alone. There are always people beside us—family, children, grandchildren—who help us recognize and carry the cross.

         6. Confrontation: We realize where we stand in our readiness in returning, how close we are to the One. It's time to question and seek answers about our universality.

       7. The Second Fall and Rising: The second test of verticality, following confrontation, where we can better recognize our universality. This is the second accounting possibility on what we've learned so far.

       8. Do Not Fear: Our spirit is now strong enough not only to focus on itself but also to encourage and comfort other souls on the path of returning, supporting their embrace of universality.

       9. The Third Fall and Rising: The final test of spiritual maturity on the returning journey, when our soul is ready for sacrifice. From here, there is no turning back.

     10. Liberation from Externalities: We shed all externalities, leave behind the last remnants of our individual ego, and step out of time. The final phase of emptiness, when we find ourselves.

     11. Stretching: We are ready for the greatest sacrifice, expressing disinterest in rewards, as we sacrifice ourselves for others. We reach the peak of love when we accept the reparation of others disability without asking for a reward.

     12. Fulfilment: The death of the body brings the conscious spirit, longing for return, to liberation. The freed spirit (light) begins its journey back to the One and Only, the origin, the basic position. Our returning spirit is joyful, as the order has been restored, and the spiritual circle closes.

    13. The Spiritualization of Matter: The body, sanctified by our spirit, brings order between our crucified body and our post-death body. The death of the body is also the spiritualization of matter.

    14. Preparation for the Resurrection of the Redeemed Body: The matter redeemed by our spirit returns to the starting and arrival point, completing the material circle.