The Place of Integration

2003-8-3 05:40:00

The Question:
We know that fusion follows identification, but where does integration fit in? Is it first second or third place in the triangle?

Explain how integration applies to us as we seek to take higher steps in personal and group evolution.

John C says:
I have a suspicion that this principle is something we already use and understand to some extent, but we haven't yet realized how we can apply it to the fullest.

JJ:
This is very true of all of these principles. On a higher turn of the spiral, the application of these is far beyond what we have imagined. Even so, it is best to stretch our minds and imaginations as much as possible. We develop our spiritual vision through exercise just as we do our physical muscles. This is why it is so advantageous for the group to grasp meaning by contemplation and investigation rather than merely being told a version of the truth.

Those who merely rely on being told without thinking things out for themselves are like those who sit around all day and never get any exercise. We must get into some active motion to strengthen ourselves in any endeavor we approach.

Most of you placed integration as second in the series as follows: identification - integration - fusion. But then a few of you placed it last: identification - fusion - integration.

So, which is correct?

First let us take a look at the meaning of the word "integrate." The common meaning is: "To make into a whole by bringing all parts together; unify. To make part of a larger unit."

The metaphysical meaning goes beyond this somewhat and implies more than merely bring parts together. Parts are indeed brought together to produce integration, as we are speaking of here, but from a spiritual angle the extra ingredient involves consciousness. The seeker not only brings together the higher and lower, but relates them together in his consciousness so they are fully accepted as belonging together. "Conscious acceptance" is the extra key to spiritual integration.

First comes identification. The disciple identifies the higher and sees himself from this higher vantage point. Eventually he realizes the higher is not separate from himself and the identification becomes more of a reality than he had previously imagined. As the reality of the oneness of the higher and the lower become realized, he finds he must adapt to the new reality and integrate his consciousness to accept his "new birth" or new self. When this conscious acceptance is complete, the higher and lower become fused. They are no longer two or more parts but one greater life.

But what about those who said that integration follows fusion? Is there anything to this thought?

Perhaps. To understand let us look at the next step beyond fusion. What happens next is that the fusion is discovered to not be the end of the journey, but a step in the journey and a still higher vision of life is seen. Again, he uses the principle of integration and accepts the fact that his spiritual journey is not at an end, but a new beginning. When he integrates this into his consciousness he lays the groundwork for identifying with a still higher plane and aspect of the One Great Life. Thus the process goes something like this: identification - integration - fusion - integration - higher identification, etc.

In addition, the principle of synthesis is used continuously along the way.

Question: What is the difference between synthesis and integration?

A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is great. Saul Bellow