Midday Thoughts

[aish_mlchmh]

Crowley personally instructed McMurtry to give "Signs" of the appropriate M.O.E. degrees prior to the performance of Liber Resh (footnote in Book IV). Moreover, one of the requirements for having an O.T.O. Profess House is that Liber Resh is punctually performed by the houses' inhabitants (which means that Crowley expected O.T.O. members to know

Comments

[ozzzz666]

No argument here Brother. I agree with most of what you're saying. I just think that (Within OTO) individuals must be allowed to find these truths for themselves, and to form their own relationships with Liber Al and Thelema...right or wrong. Especially in the early years of their "development". We can be examples (not that I am exactly a shining one), but ultimately each individual must blossom in the way that best suits their nature. Perhaps they will see the importance of these practices beyond just reading them as many others have and do... perhaps not. All you or I can do is OUR wills, and let that be an example which others may choose to follow or not. I am reminded of the end of Liber Porta Lucis...
"Nevertheless, as a fire cannot be started with iron alone, in the beginning one system may be suited for one seeker, another for another. We therefore who are without the chains of ignorance, look closely into the heart of the seeker and lead him by the path which is best suited to his nature unto the ultimate end of all things, the supreme realization, the life which abideth in light, yea, the life which abideth in light."
Really..I'm not challenging the statement that a lack of adherence to certain structural practices is detrimental to the effectiveness of the system. I just don't feel like (within the context of O.T.O.) we should be attempting to create some kind of "accountability". IMO We should be doing our best to be examples, and educate when people are receptive to it. We shouldn't be too concerned with the choices of others beyond how it impacts our ability to do our wills.

Fraternally,
Oz

[aish_mlchmh]

I just think that (Within OTO) individuals must be allowed to find these truths for themselves

There are basic terms and practices that we - as a group and as individuals - need to be attuned to. Otherwise, "Is it not right that the world would treat the subject with scorn...?"

If we don't acknowledge A.C.'s teachings - including the practices, then I think we're doing ourselves and the membership a rather large disservice.

Again, as the G.M. has clearly noted:

"Our Thelema is that of the Book of the Law and the writings of Aleister Crowley"

and:

"Despite all our individual differences of manner, opinion, preference, interest, and enthusiasm, these are things on which we must agree."

Emphasis mine.

All you or I can do is OUR wills

If you Willingly choose to enter a religious Order such as the O.T.O., then you willingly choose to undergo a course of training. Making an appeal to individuality as an excuse to evade that course of training - After you have made that commitment - suggests to me a conflict.

I am reminded of the end of Liber Porta Lucis...

The religious Order of the O.T.O. isn't for everyone of course. However, its rather bizarre that you would posit that the mission of the Master Therion - which this book is about - might be at odds with that. This is afterall, the same Master Therion who wrote Liber XV...

I just don't feel like (within the context of O.T.O.) we should be attempting to create some kind of "accountability".

You're certainly not alone with this opinion. Check out StevenSteven's reply for an example of where this gets us.