New Hope and a New Man for New Times — Introduction, Part I
Psychological and esoteric significance of the gospels in new light and Truth separated from Lies. Symbolically illustrated.
These times need a quick reminder of some universal truths. What is needed most, however, is knowledge of the highest order, tested through the ages and at the same time free of falsification, shallowness, actuall and de-glamorized. Only then will it be able to demonstrate its original power.
Transcending the Naiveté of Believing in a New Man
I hereby post for the first time in English my paraphrase (with extensive updated commentary) of Maurice Nicoll’s work, which I had written earlier in my native, polish, language.
This is paraphrase of Maurice Nicoll’s work “The New Man” with my extended commentary (Marat Dakunin).
The original work subtitle is: Psychological and esoteric significance of the gospels (the meanings of the gospel parables).
Any errors are my fault, and all credit that can be given is due to the original Author.
At the beginning I will justify in a nutshell why some specific, historical (real or fictional, in fact) names, and sometimes even events — are not important.
Why: certain events may not have happened at all, and yet the parables and metaphores, in between them or delivered on their occasion, remain important and can be useful, when properly read and understood.
This is because it is the meaning that is important, not the words.
And from that meaning one can arrive at TRUTH — and if one walks all the time holding the truth — one will arrive at Home (to God, to the Father, to happiness).
Jesus Christ said:
“I am the Truth, the Way and the Life. He who follows me has eternal life.”
And it seems to me that more or less, what I write above, is what he meant.
By gaining such a proven backbone, I can at least be sure that something of value has been conveyed here, even if my many comments and certain opinions, sometimes deviating or in some sense correcting as it were what can be read directly from M. Nicoll, turn out to be, in the deepest sense of the word, worthless.
My paraphrase, too, is intended to give the reader, such as I imagine him to be, a better and friendlier grasp, both reasonably and emotionally, of the most important meanings….
The characters and outlines of events presented in the gospels do not stand the test of modern research methods, and knowledge on the subject makes this clear.
The gospels, however, are not only about characters and events, they are also about symbolism and, above all, about teaching, primarily through parables…
This work is a paraphrase — because it is both, in some places, a synthesis, and abbreviation, as well as, in other places, some development from me, planted on empirical understanding and knowledge of what is being said here.
The title is arranged by me to indicate that at no level are we dealing here with something outdated or not up to high intellectual standards.
In fact, the depth of these interpretations far exceeds the level of the
average “intellectual” of modern times.
I define the discussed contents (evangelical parables and their esoteric meanings) as one of the “ancient messages”, falling into something that can be called eternal, ancient knowledge, wisdom.
This may sound strange — to someone accustomed to the traditional attitude (especially in my country, Poland) to the Holy Scriptures (the Bible, especially the New Testament). In an environment, where the gospels are treated, as one of the primary literary or spiritual legacies (and so unknown and misunderstood). I would like to emphasize that this affiliation does not matter much. Equally profound truths, less accessible to us for various reasons, are to be found in the messages of other traditions and cultures.
On the other hand, it is not about faith or imitation of specific names or figures — mythical, legendary or historical (even). It’s not about faith, worshipping this particular Jesus Christ.
It is and always has been about following the path of Truth to the Good.
And that’s all I mean: always following the Truth you will reach God.
And there is no other way to the Father.
And this is also my axiological basis.
Truth and goodness — only in them I believe, these are my axioms.
As for other things — there is no need to believe.
It is better to know.
And you can!
And those who say you can’t — or prefer to believe — often do so out of laziness.
Sometimes He or She prefers to submit to others (authorities for one reason or another), sometimes finds it more convenient not to investigate further, sometimes he does it out of fear, sometimes opportunistically.
And when one can know — and prefers to believe — it is a dangerous thing.
For this reason, among others, the whole of Christianity already in the first centuries turned into one great travesty — the exact opposite of what it began to be and should be.
The message, which we have come to call Christlike, was corrupted from the very beginning, it was loaded with harmful symbols, the Truth was so mixed up with lies, that what could really be, for Man, Good News, became a recipe for a moral and spiritual travesty that has lasted almost 2000 years: a spiritual tragedy and hypocrisy.
Since, Darkness and its forces, have brought the travesty upon Men,
the Hundred Light, which has an infinite sense of humor
(which is invaluable at the most difficult moments),
in its providence, has been able to cast the anchor of rescue,
a planned configuration of events, people, places and connections,
appearing not otherwise than as PARODY OF PARODIES.
In this way it is also dialectical — and what first creates drama,
after returns as farce.
[The Law of Three — in Gurdjieff lists the element:
active, passive and neutralizing].
Personally, I have a problem with the neutralizing element.
Darkness, however, does not know true laughter — only mockery and ridicule.
It is worth remembering this, when what is being visualized (and checked and returned)seems so fantastic, and fairy-tale, and even childishly improbable.
Maurice Nicoll had a special respect for the gospels and made a great contribution to showing their true, inner, esoteric and psychological meaning.
I would like to emphasize again here that in writing these words,
I am not dealing with faith, I am not dealing with religion, continuing here the series “A New Man for New Times” I am presenting a paraphrase of Maurice Nicoll’s work “The New Man”, with my, often abundant, commentary.
My commentary and certain additions (while avoiding obvious changes that would distort or misrepresent the original text) are intended to relieve the content presented of religious meanings and references to dogma or facts (for example, from the life of Jesus) that have been accepted for many centuries as True.
Though perhaps I should specify, because the word “unburden” in relation to Nicoll’s original study is unfair. It is not that his understanding and his explanations of the psychology and meanings of the Gospels can be faulted, it is just that — the reader may naturally go in the direction of his dogmatic and factual associations. There is also another point: Nicoll, namely, when he wrote what he wrote, did not have at his disposal certain knowledge, based on more recent scientific and other research, concerning biblical historiography but also concerning other, positively verified accounts. If he had, he probably would have emphasized certain issues himself.
Since it is what it is, I am trying to do it — in paraphrase — and I do it only for the sake of the Truth and the Good of the Reader.
It sounds very puzzling for which I apologize, but the subject is very serious and yet vast — it will be taken up in the future, when the time and place will come.
The Gospels, although, as far as I know, as to the life and facts of Jesus’ life and other facts given therein, are a fabrication and are modeled on various other ancient stories, hagiographies, and myths, nevertheless — they do possess that significant portion of Eternal Truth to be able to spiritually impact and speak to man, to people — for centuries.
This part of the Eternal Truth are first of all parables and evangelical parables, which contain inestimable and always (especially now, in these Times!) up-to-date knowledge about human psychology and its spiritual and moral development.
But manipulation and hypocrisy are largely (and symbolically) to blame for how they speak and why all of Christianity for over 1500 years has looked like one big travesty of what was really handed down, especially in the ethical realm.
Oh, God, If you only have one eye, you need to see this!
Welcome Dear Reader!
