A Valid Merger?, An inquiry into the utility of Buddhist meditation in the context of C Options

At its root, meditation is a universally accessible tool for use in the cultivation of (amongst other, arguably lesser reaping) an expanded consciousness. Into what seas that distended consciousness may drift is largely determined by what brand of meditation is being employed, but the cumulative effect upon he who dedicates himself to the art, no matter its classification, is a unique mental clarity regarding the true nature of the world. The practice of magick—be it ceremonial, specifically, or any of the other esoteric disciplines—frequently produces a similar effect in the magus, elevating his perception of the mundane world around him to the height of true insight thus allowing him to strip away many of the illusions of his material habitat. It logically follows, if only through what I’ve written above, that magick and meditation walk hand-in-hand with one another atop white sand overlooked by pleasant skies and the omnipresent rays of the sun (so to speak (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif)). Stated differently, it is a rational assumption that the two arts would marry effortlessly with one another.

I certainly believed that they would when I began the process of developing my study of magick component by component. But I’ve been stricken with a kind of doubt as of late. I still have confidence that meditation is essential in the development of the proper mental/spiritual faculties for the magician, but I do not know which branches of meditation are wholly conducive to CM, which of course begs the question of whether or not my chosen system of meditation is a valid merger to my esoteric path. I say wholly because, while I know that the quality of concentration and consciousness attained through any discipline of meditation can directly enhance my performance of ritual and workings, I worry that the goals of CM may not be at all identical to the goals of certain styles of meditation--namely: my own, Buddhist meditation (more vipassana than samatha though).

And with that worry comes the anxiety that I might render my magick impotent by way of Buddhist spiritual conditioning.

So, fellow SM members, I've come to you with two questions:

1. What are your thoughts concerning the compatibility of Buddhist meditation to ceremonial magick?

2. If meditation is part and parcel of your own magical paths, how did you arrive at a system that is complimentary to said path?

Well, I think the first consideration is "What is your Goal in practicing magic?" In and of itself, magical practice is a valid path to ascension, transcendence, etc. Some meditation is involved with many systems, particular western ceremonial magic, at least within the Golden Dawn and its derivitives. While they are meditations more akin to mantra than the 'stopping and seeing' of buddhism, and when not involving mantra of some kind they involve some active element of consciousness, I do think that a preliminary practice of vipassana/samatha will prove beneficial. I would say that both are necessary because vipassana is very difficult without the preliminary practice of samatha.

For those that aren't familiar with the words, samatha is a familiar practice of concentration, stilling the mind, while vipassana is a practice of observation, watching the mind/body in order to 'see' how it works experientially. Paraphrased.

I believe that the benefits of these practices in conjunction with CM are worth attaining - for one, this furthers the connection to one's source, the same root as the Higher Self, HGA, etc. The greater one's connection with that root is, the greater the effect one will have when calling upon the HGA, or enacting any ritual. For the average CM practitioner the ritual elements, liturgy, banishings, invocations, etc., must be practiced and enacted under the assumption and faith that there is a higher element of themselves/the universe which hears and responds. For those that have done the work of digging through the surface of the mind/body aspect of our being, we not only know where and to what we are sayig these things, but we are able to center ourselves on this Source before we begin any ritual work.

I think that ultimately the use of magic is not part of the goal of these meditations according to buddhist doctrine. However, these techniques are tools. While buddhist doctrine has literature containing the moral obligation of its practitioners, that doctrine does not compose the tool itself, only it's application towards the spiritual growth of it's followers. So, I don't think that the difference in goals will make a significant difference.

Now, that said, the practice of vipassana, in it's fully realized extent, will more than likely change why you pursue CM, if you continue to do so - and you may very well not continue. However, should you indeed continue, vipassana certainly fulfills the condition for the axiom 'know thyself'.

Personally, my meditation began with samatha and vipassana, but I didn't call it that at the time. However, these two classifications of meditation are fairly universal. It's fair to say that they could consitute a root for all passive meditation. If you're being still inside, then it is samatha. If you're observing yourself on any level, then it can be called vipassana. I found, eventually, that energy work becomes more efficacious as one comes into a deeper knowledge of how the mind/body works, and where/how that energy moves within from an experiential point of view. For me, this was just the natural development of meditation and magic, although I didn't begin CM practice until years later. I didn't pick and choose, so much and study around and confirm much of my own experience. But, I think this is part of what buddhism is supposed to be - a return to the true nature of living, very natural and logical, not a wild practice that you could not come up with unless you were exposed to buddhism.

Yes, I would say, it is fine to combine buddhist meditation with CM. The only difficulties and dangers possibly inherent, I would say, are the same as with any other magical path or depth meditation - keep your feet under you, maintain practicality in balance with confidence in the efficacy of the Work, take some time off if you start to feel a little crazy. Above all, keep a close eye on yourself.

peace