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karlfried graf durckheim by Alex Burns (alex@disinfo.com) - December 16, 2000 |
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| Karlfried Graf Durckheim was a leading exponent of the Western esoteric spiritual tradition, synthesizing teachings from Christian Mysticism, Depth Psychology and Zen Buddhism. In an over-crowded 'New Age' marketplace, his attention to the psycho-spiritual dangers of Initiation and on-hands approach to the 'core transformation' process of Individuation is both authentic and unique. Much scholarly attention has been paid to organizations like the 'Hermetic Order Of The Golden Dawn' and the guru-lineage of Theosophical influenced schools. Durckheim was not alone in his Understanding that contemporary spirituality would have to be a synthesis to be truly effective in the technology-deluged contemporary environment - similar warnings can be found in the writings from George Gurdjieff to Joseph Campbell, A.H. Almaas and Ken Wilber. R.A. Schwaller De Lubicz's exhaustive re-creation of long-lost Egyptian religious mysteries; Julius Evola's study of Hindu imagery and Kali-yuga meditation and Henri Corbin's exposition of Sufi practices are other worthy examples of postmodern synthesis. But Durckheim's 'initiation therapy' (which stripped away the egoic personality distortions wrought by hyperculture to uncover the 'diamond jewel' of serene essence) is worthy of study for several important reasons. Spiritual practices that modify the psyche can be dangerous, like casually playing with highly volatile chemicals (not because of superstitions like 'demonic possession' or 'evil spirits', nut because of the inevitable fragmentations that can occur during cathartic confrontations with the Deep Self). The rise and subsequent decline into controversy of teachers like Osho Rajneesh and Avatar Adi Da highlights that even at very advanced stages of spiritual growth, distortions can occur. Law-suits surrounding the Enneagram and Neuro-linguistic Programming indicate the problems that can occur when a practice becomes commercialized. Durckheim managed to avoid these mistakes, drawing upon over eight years of study with Zen monks in Japan, and a wealth of 'Daimonic' insight. At a time when many spiritual seekers were looking towards the East for insights, Durckheim was significant for integrating Zen Buddhism practices with Depth Psychology, and for highlighting the wealth of frequently overlooked monastic and meditation practices within esoteric Christianity. Alongside the Alchemy resarech of Carl Gustav Jung, this represents a powerful regeneration of spiritual practices within the Western social and cultural matrix. Greater familiarity with the values and practices of these teachings overcomes the potential alienation that can be caused by exploring foreign gurus and schools. Gurdjieff and Jung both beleived that it was important for the Western encultured 'Seeker After Truth' to make peace with their childhood religion, and to uncover the common core teachings that are often manipulated by institutions, hierarchical priesthoods and 'leader-follower' congregations. Thanks to the hard work of a small group (particularly Theodore and Rebecca Nottingham), the serious practitioner can now discover the sublime writings of a Western Master for themselves. |
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Heliocentric: Desert Island Books Diana Louellen Wilkinson's Labyrinth Extracts From 'The Power Of Myth' The Body, The Mind, The Absolute: Towards A Medicine Of Unity Dialogues On The Path Of Initiation Becoming Real: Essays On The Teachings Of A Master The Beyond Within: Initiation Into Meditation Transformation Through Self-Awareness Gnosis Magazine The Wheel Of Transformation Disinformation Dossier On Ken Wilber Breathing ANd Breathwork |
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