In my opinion both Rose and McKenna are aimed in the right direction. Even so, I have some minor disagreement with some of the statements below. (On the other hand, I'm going to post seperately an excerpt from Rose's bio on Wikipedia which I think is relevant.)
Affinity wrote:Richard Rose wrote:The path to Truth, or Reality, or Essence is very simple:
It requires a Selfish man, an individualist not afraid of
the annihilation of individualism, a fearless man not afraid of
powers within him that are much greater than himself, and a
man of suicidal relentlessness once his commitment is given.
All that is necessary to find the Truth is an unconditional
commitment, -not putting a time upon the commitment nor a
greater value on any other desires or fears. If a person sincerely
makes a commitment he automatically becomes a vector in a
sure direction.
What is the level of this "commitment"? Is there any possibility of taking a "time out" or must one be relentless in the pursuit of spiritual evolution? What happens when you "get drunk and screw"? In the midst of a throw, is anyone concerned with their spirituality? with their commitment? Or are we just talking "some of the time"?
Affinity wrote:Richard Rose wrote:But if we wish to see the commitment become an Absolute
result in this lifetime, we must be conscious of our limited time,
and of ways and means to expedite the realization. All energies
must give priority to the vector. Every hour must be used in a
way to expedite the success.
Which leaves no time for mud, blood and beer, and with which I have an objection. That my time is limited is irrelevant. If I feel inclined to "party", in whatever form that takes, I shall, and usually partying is considered antithetical to spiritual endeavor. I disagree with that notion, however, since I believe the major reason we are in human form is to experience the drama, and spiritual endeavors, for the most part, are boring as hell.
Affinity wrote:Richard Rose wrote:So that as soon as the general commitment is made,
we should immediately commit our energies which are generally
used for anger or pleasure so that transmutation will bring Intuition.
Which brings to mind this Zen quip:
You mustn't take it easy and let the days go by - you must value the time."
I don't deal well with "you mustn't"s, any more than I deal well with "you should"s or "ought"s. In my opinion, intuition will survive both anger and pleasure, since neither have any real effect on it.
Affinity wrote:Richard Rose wrote:The voice of Intuition will be our most valuable teacher.
It will furnish all future planning for the campaign. But do not
rest. Make violent efforts but do not disturb the sleepers.
Indeed. However, the overall, or perhaps the enduring intent is what is relevant since in my opinion we constantly go in and out of spiritual endeavors. Sometimes it's convenient, sometimes its not, but overall the notion is aimed towards spiritual evolution.
And to me, there is no need for violent efforts. On the contrary, I believe the most gentle of efforts are the most rewarding. The nagual, in my opinion, cannot be accessed or appreciated with anything but gentleness.