2006-5-15 00:33:00
The principle of cycles is this: Cycles are repetitions in time. Some repetitions are one hundred percent predictable, such as birth and death, building and destruction, but within and without of these major cycles are greater and lesser cycles that may be understood using the Law of Correspondences. One cycle is like another, but with subtle differences that must be seen with the intuition.
The principle of cycles is what makes prophecy possible. We have heard that "history repeats itself." This is because of the principle of cycles. However, the only thing exact about the repetition of history is the birth and death of kingdoms and nations. That which happens between the birth and death is also cyclic but not exact repetitions. The reason they are not exact is because the cycles of time move forward in a great spiral, ever progressing. Instead of moving in circles with exact repetition time moves in a spiral where a revolution brings one to a different location, but similar situation than before.
Young people often do not like to study history. This is partially due to the method of teaching it and the forced memorization of dry date, names and events. But when the student understands the law of cycles and that which he reads of in the past will reappear in the future in a different form, then history becomes fascinating. It then becomes more interesting than any video game as one puts the pieces of the puzzle together to see what will happen tomorrow and how it can be changed for the better.
Even though all things appear, disintegrate and reappear, time and cycles eternally manifest. This means we eternally progress and are eternally Becoming. In between cycles of Becoming we enter cycles of Being and blissful rest.
It is the natural desire of our lower nature to want an ultimate reality or achievement so when this is reached one can cease in the great struggle and enjoy bliss and satisfaction forever. What needs to be realized is that after a period of achievement and resting on the laurels of the past the pilgrim becomes bored and again desires to enter the game and struggle of life.
We ourselves are subject to a great cycle and that is the cyclic impulse to manifest, to live and to move forward no matter what the risk. Because of this we are in a state of eternally Becoming and eternally progressing. It is fortunate indeed that we never reach a state that makes us eternally content. If we did then all that gives life meaning and purpose would cease to be. Instead we decide TO BE and Becoming cyclically manifests.
"Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself."
-- J. K. Rowling, from "Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone," 1997
Copyright © 2006 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved