1.1 The Second Gate
The purpose of these contemplations is to offer questions that can help you access your own direct experience with the two fundamental principles that are the foundation of Warrior Training.
- We recognize that Global Culture is facing system’s collapse, we understand that our strong desires to solve problems and our old methods to contribute to creating a better world no longer apply. With this realization, our motivation intensifies to be of service and find meaningful ways to contribute.
- We have faith in the human spirit, in people’s capacity to be generous, creative and kind, to work as community, and to value the common good above personal self-interest.
Each question invites you into contemplating what has been true in your own experience. If your direct experience resonates and confirms these two core principles, you can then more easily decide whether entering the Warrior path is a good choice for you.
Please take time with each of these questions; we recommend spending a few days on each one. As you take the time to contemplate them and not rush the process, you will be delighted with the clarity that emerges.
1.1.1 Contemplation One:
1.1.2 What has happened with your projects, work, and efforts to create positive change?
- Have you experienced your work being discounted, deprived of resources, or suddenly ended, even though it was of proven benefit to those being served by it?
- If so, what have been your emotional reactions? Simply name them. Then notice: how are you dealing with these strong emotions, in the past and at present?
- Where are you presently in your quest to define meaningful work and ways you might contribute?
Take some time to truly contemplate these three questions. If possible, have conversations with someone close to you who can lend their perceptions to how you are doing. Perhaps also speak with colleagues whom you trust.
3.1.1 Contemplation two:
3.1.2 When have you been a warrior for the human spirit?
What in your life, both past and present, has led you now to consider claiming the identity of a Warrior for the Human Spirit? When have you acted as one – think of specific incidents? What were the conditions that compelled you to take action or to take a stand as a Warrior? From these Warrior experiences, what is your faith in people? Is it strong enough to compel you to train as a Warrior?
Again, share your reflections and experiences with those close to you. See what insights and perceptions they might add to your own memories.
3.1.3 About contemplation and dwelling mind
Beyond the linear mind that seeks to understand through dissection, logic, and analysis, there exists the space of contemplation. This space is only available as we relax our grip, stop grasping for immediate answers, and open to the inherent spaciousness of our minds. Contemplation becomes a restful and restorative process that has been mostly lost in our hyper-distracted, stressful lives.
Contemplation differs from meditation. In meditation we practice to watch our thoughts and let them pass. Even though thoughts constantly proliferate in our minds, we practice to observe them and let them go. Thoughts, emotions, visions –anything that appears in our mind will dissipate on its own if we refrain from giving it our attention and vivifying it with story lines.
Contemplation uses the mind differently — we consciously put a question, phrase, word, idea into the space of mind and let it roam free. Many images, concepts, insights can emerge immediately, but giving sufficient time for the mind to play is important. What seemed perfectly brilliant early in a contemplation will recede, fade, or morph into something else. As we release ourselves from the need for instant insight, we discover the feel and taste of contemplation: it is relaxing, delightful, surprising and insightful.
3.2 Application
If you’ve completed the two gates of contemplations and you feel the Warriorship path is for you, please complete the application for the training. Thank you.