The Abbot's Guide: And Other Writings

By Robert R. Anand

This book is the sum of forty-odd years of mystical research, spiritual practice,  life-long reading, and hard knocks. The author has transformed his experience into simple lessons for anyone seeking the unvarnished truth on a wide range of vital topics. The author has written of his favorite interests from an original perspective. The intent is to provide clarity. He writes about Buddhism, Christianity, personal security, wellness, history, Utopia, ecstasy, Cosmology, the art of dying, and the contentment to be found in silence. He, also, has included a puzzling, murder mystery.

If you are seeking depth and want to be convinced in order to agree then you will be delighted with the range of thought, and its reach into new areas. It is at times devout and at other times a celebration of all domestic relaxations. You are certain to find fresh wisdom, and will possibly be reintroduced to some of the old. It is like the companionship of a ripened wit, or, of finding a polished stone of opinion. It will challenge your thinking; but it will reward you with gladness that you chose to read The Abbot's Guide And Other Wrtings by  Mr. Anand.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 14, 2005
• ISBN: 9781463483791

Robert R. Anand

Robert R. Anand is a graduate of Humboldt State University with a B.A. in the Social Sciences. He is a member of the Pi Gamma Mu honor society. He is a survivor of homelessness, imprisonment, drug abuse, violence, and schizophrenia. He is an advocate for mental health services and recovery in his local community. He has practiced yoga, ritual magic, Buddhism, and the love of God in all Her forms. He has been associated with groups from several religious traditions. He is an avid reader and book-collector. He is an amateur chess player and loves a good mystery. He is interested in things Urban and in Design. This is his first book. 

Book preview

The

Abbot’s

Guide

And Other Writings

by

Robert R. Anand

Title_Page_Logo.ai

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the

product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or

dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

© 2005 Robert R. Anand. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted

by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 03/04/05

ISBN: 1-4208-2954-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-8379-1 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

Dedication

Author’s Preface

THE ABBOT’S GUIDE

AN ESSAY ON THE QLIPHOTH:

COME TO SILENCE

BROADLY DEFINED:

PRUDENCE

TOTAL SELF-CARE

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

PREPARATIONS FOR DEATH

STREWN THOUGHTS

STUDIES IN NEW TESTAMENT DEMONOLOGY

ESSAYS ON THE WAY

STORIES OF LANG’S EXPLOITS

THE MUSEUM OF ALL FAITHS

THE HUMPTY DUMPTY KILLER: a mystery on 64 squares

PART I.

Chapter 1.: Family Origins

Chapter 2.: First Signs

Chapter 3.: Small town, small world.

Chapter 4.: The Hit Parade

Chapter 5.: On the Evidence

Chapter 6.: Reasons

Chapter 7.: Sifting and Targeting

Chapter 8.: Your Friendly Librarian

Chapter 9.: Members of the Club

Chapter 10.: Where have they gone?

Chapter 11.: Tracks

PART II

Chapter 12.: Perilous Times

Chapter 13.: 1.e4

Chapter 14.: Chaucer

Chapter 15.: Celia and the White Knight

Chapter 16.: S***ks to hunt

Chapter 17.: A. K. A.

Chapter 18.: Bookworm

Chapter 19.: Northwest by air

Chapter 20.: The journals of Ali Khan Al-Rashid–

but not him.

Chapter 21.: The Search for Enlightenment

Chapter 22.: Barcelona Gambit

Chapter 23.: The Game’s Conclusion?

Chapter 24.: 0-1

INTERLUDE

What is Chess?

The Minor Piece ballet

Miscellaneous

The Knights Square

Ends and Means in

Operations while under fire.

Working together

PART III.

Chapter 25.: What is Truth?

Chapter 26.: Hoeing a row

Chapter 27.: Face offs

Chapter 28.: The General and the cliff

Chapter 29.: Fool’s mate

Part IV

Chapter 30.: Descent

Chapter 31.: Purgation

Chapter 32.: Colors and Bishops on the Side

Chapter 33.: 4. g4

Chapter 34.: Number 18 Placer street

Epilogue: On the journey of Det. Perilousness (or, of Mind).

THE EDICT OF CASSANDRA NIL

Bibliography

About the Author

Dedication

I dedicate this book with the hope to benefit humanity and those who will have attained this precious opportunity of life. May it serve.

To my wife: the best person I know; who deserves much more than I can give in one short life. May we have Eternity.

Life, may it not be wasted,

May it be enjoyed,

May I learn,

May I serve and protect others,

May I explain the Tripitaka, the Path, the Goal, and the life of Service thereafter,

All beings are my gurus.

I don’t want to think, speak, or act ill to anyone; but if I do, forgive me, it may have been necessary.

If I am done ill unto, let me forgive; for it may have been necessary.

I want to acknowledge my parents, teachers, and mentors without whom I cannot even form the words to empty my overfull heart onto paper. Special thanks to Hope M. Lingerfelt for help and patronage with this book and in life.

Author’s Preface

I thank the kind reader for granting me this opportunity to express some ideas that I have nurtured in my breast for many years. I hope that these thoughtful pages are food for your thought. I am sure that we share common vistas as human beings. You will find herein a kind of life-map based on my perambulations to the age of 49. I consider myself a sort of Thelemite as I believe that the will is deep, with many untapped reaches. Action is a good test of a map and where it leads. I am, though, in the position of one most eager to compare maps rather than be a guidebook. If I am useful I think that’s great. But no arguments are sought. Just show me where you’ve been. Then the common vistas will unite us–or so I hope. Blessings on the open, seeking minds.

THE ABBOT’S GUIDE

I.

Perhaps it would not be too extreme to imagine oneself ensconced in an abbey for the purpose of spiritual instruction and practice. And, from there, imagine that there are present the guides along the Path–the Abbot and teachers.

As the path is traversed there are many byways and difficult situations. And, although these teachers are valuable in so far as they have gone farther on that spiritual journey, still are kept the guidebooks for travelers. Among the most valuable of these are those describing the Destination and the steps along the way from start to finish. This includes vital information for overcoming obstacles along the way. These give us confidence, and, also, serve to remind us, as souvenirs of the journey.

Now, I have in mind just such an Abbot’s Guide based on my own journey. There are many of these accounts extant in the spiritual literature of the world. This is the true purpose of the Magical Diary. In mine there will be very little biography. Instead, it hopes to approach the path as, almost, a science with its own formulae, theorems, and experimental results. Yet, the theological arguments will be noted only as proof, and, for systematic completeness. We want to leave no terra incognitos on our map, nor to leave out any essential steps.

In a sense, the Abbot’s Guide moves beyond a personal account to examine, by backward glance, the hidden structures; as a survey upon completion reveals the overall contours of a landscape. It is in this way that the Keys can serve as the mental landmarks, much as an ever repeated Cosmic Rosary.

Also, after ones own success, it is incumbent on one to sketch such a memoir so as to refresh the impulse in the world. This, thereby, gives new hope for the seekers of ones age–and of those to come. As it has been realized and told to oneself, so, a rephrasing or reiteration is thy duty. Nay, it is to find a new truth for the race, as we progress together, oh, bold seeker.

There will be found, then, my own formulations as well as ancient ones that I have inherited. Let me say that I have found it sufficiently satisfying to follow in the footsteps of the Masters. In fact, I believe I can only repeat, not invent, the truths found by the great, saintly adepts who have previously surveyed and accomplished the Divine Mysteries of our existence.

It may be well to point out my position here. There is a God; and human beings are from that One as direct descendants like children, like chords of the One Circle, or, drops in an Ocean. The peculiar geography of the realms of Nature remains my highest endeavor to discover and reveal. The divine extends to encompass all being, all times, and all humanity in one manifestation. One that shares, in potential, the powers truly god-like. That, in itself, is a proof of the divine. Call this potency Omnipotence; and give persons a share of power subject, of course, to limitations, of which the Path, as such, intends to overcome. Let me say in keeping with the values of our quest that powers are not our Aim. We aim beyond them. In fact, our goal and destination is one wherein humanity shall attain a desireless and eternal happiness. But, not stopping there, with that Great Salvation attained, we can choose–shall choose–to serve in the Universal Attainment of all sentient beings. In this, powers can be useful; but it must be a principle of our journey that they are not the Goal. That they are a barrier if sought for their own sake as the Goal. Desire in the end, and as a bondage, is what keeps one in Samsara, so that, to inflate one’s desires is to head away from Journey’s End–for one and all.

Another way of considering it is that they are of use only in finite worlds; and that our Aim is the Infinite wherein we will not lack. Consider, also, that Divine power is thy right whence one has attained spiritual maturity. There is no division between this life and Eternity other than the probationary limitations set for our education and nurture. Welcome to the divine family, brothers and sisters. Purify oneself and know all. The difference is in whether you seek the Goal for self alone, or, to then lead and succor other seekers. That is to say, powers are a hindrance to that Nirvanic Consciousness, and, yet, we do not remain in It for selfish bliss alone. Our attitudes towards these gifts will color our further progress; and, if the End be attained they will not be valued as highly as they once might. You will see, then, their true value, and will be not forgetful, nor let them hinder you from gaining the next stage.

When I say this life is not divided from Eternity, I mean in an absolute sense. Eternity is accessible to us as our True Home, Source, and Goal. The Path consists in re-establishing a connection to It. That this is a possibility is our starting point. How one uses this temporal existence, in the pursuit of the Eternal, is as the vehicle of the Higher Destiny. Practice of the Three Baskets of that Noble Path is undertaken here in life; and receipt of that instruction is our Abbot’s gift.

The Three Baskets of the Dharma are the keys to practice. They are: 1. Ethical Discipline–a training of will and a purification process in which one ultimately learns the truth via love; 2. Concentration–wherein the mind is trained so as to operate on the abstract plane (the plane of Spirit);and 3. Wisdom–we then see our understanding of the nature of existence grow. The Transcendent, yet Immanent, Deity is then seen.

In a sense, Wisdom is of the Divine. One by ethics and concentration apprehends the spiritual being. Call it then, Theosophy; for the mystics of yore have found out that the Real Key to knowledge is God. That life is explained only from Transcendent spheres from which it is emanated and has manifested. All the limited being we know has its Source and Goal in a Limitless Be-ness. That is the system we teach.

But, why do people come to us to learn? Faith is hard to have; and blessed are those that believe, as Christ said. That is a simple way; and to add real knowledge by Realization completes it, and does not compete with it.

To me the most useful attitude is a disgust with the sufferings of this life, and with it a romantic belief in a spiritual solution to the dilemma. I call the first stage of upheaval that of Woe. This stage is complete when one is brought to seek answers from a source of spiritual mastery. Books and gurus are good as long as one trusts in ones own ability; and, if, one does not expect another to walk the path for one.

I do not deny Grace. In fact, there is much to support a reliance on Other Power. This would end my book, seemingly, were it not that the Light glimpsed must be steadily invoked in order to become Wisdom and Salvation. Application of the force and the faith gained turns into a higher wisdom revealing the divine secrets and the secret divinity of the Self. There is value in practices that can develop will and thought; and these can assist in Realization.

To sum up our first lecture: surprisingly, spiritual attainment can be likened to a science with an Aim and Method. That it uses or involves 3 main practices. That those who have attained are the surest guides, but, guides only; for the change to be wrought in you is your responsibility, and so, from (wo)man to God(dess). That we first seek from dissatisfaction. That success depends on guidance. That practice is our surest means. That the glimpses of Reality can be developed into full Realization. That Enlightenment is for all and with each who attains It sharing the Wisdom. That powers are possible and ones true nature involves them. That Salvation, or a Permanent Bliss, beyond glimpses, or even understanding, is achieved as an actual Possession of the state of Eternal Satisfaction. It is a Permanent Peace without lack, a Perfect Happiness from which there is no fall. That beyond this is service and guidance of others, of mastery in humility. Be ever ready to battle, or struggle, for holy and pure ends; and let ones means be likewise matching.

II.

As an Abbot and guide, we then make our own experience available to sincere seekers; the signs of which are faith, curiosity, courage, and a woeful yearning for that High Aim we protect. It is our spiritual heritage; and, anyone who will may seek it.

Not everyone is drawn to freedom from their entanglements; and, truly, none of us but the guides would be born here were there not some hankering for material existence. Without in any way dismissing our worldly brothers and sisters, and by, also, affirming the place of life’s joys in the Plan, let us consider our use of the human birth for spiritual ends and, also, those practices we are to impart. They have been found successful in the search and productive of progress.

By keeping in mind the Goal and Beloved, our True Home and Happiness, we will ultimately encounter the number of vast Names, and, also, Its Ineffable Nature. The Mystery of the Name(s) is itself the Quest we are on–the Riddle’s Solution. If we can show how the changes in consciousness wrought by our practice lead to that state we will understand some of that Great Path.

Our practice is the outcome of instruction which we have sought. Our instruction is gained by virtue of aspiration; and, our practice benefits from aspiration’s strength. It would be simple to attain our first glimpse with the proper aspiration. But, to develop from our first joy and rapture the conscious ability to invoke the Light of Spirit we require practice. So, by way of instruction, let us gradually define succinct formula as in a ritual or prayer that can epitomize the reality of the experiences and actions of the beginning stages. Here the repetition of the Name of God (whichever one is given, or with faith chooses) can serve as practice. From this, Wisdom and concentration can develop. There is a certain purification and discipline involved; and, changes (to a degree) in the inner person can be made.

Prayer as a Path brings one to a pitch of separation-annihilating ecstasy. Ritual is a daily (or otherwise) enactment of the Path.

Let me say that the highest Yoga realization is compatible with the Magical world-view. By purification one brings about changes via a power unsuspected. The world we thought we knew is transformed, along with our consciousness; and, we apprehend our own divinity, power, and goodness. Great happiness, with gratitude to God for so near and simple a change, is made possible via our practice. So, do aspire. Join the Saints and Bodhisattvas in love and peace. Praise His Name. Walk in His love, as in the Truth revealed.

The nature of the Goal is Bliss. Likewise, we see in the life impulse and the sensual search for satisfaction the reflection of the mystic search. There come to mind the Tantric practices of sexual magic. If life is a search, every moment, with pleasure as the aim and rationale, so, too, material joys reflect and prevision the Ultimate Bliss of Union with Deity. Likewise, our earthly joys are legitimate. Let us redeem life’s good and beauty; and envision Eternity as the Greater Good. Also, let us prepare to dwell in that Ultimate State.

III.

A person coming to one’s Abbey is looking for a home, a place for material and social needs to be met, as well as, the spiritual needs. Therefore, we must inculcate values relevant to all aspects of life. The scholars and gentlefolk that we seek to produce must take upon them roles in life; and, suitable learning must accompany the Great Work as well as a life’s work.

Let our wisdom apply to all of life, to all persons, and to all conditions. Let us care for our bodies intelligently; and meet our desire for companionship, while we learn what good is in God. We cannot ignore the nation and the community around us. If we neglect a duty to the world it can overwhelm our abbey. What reputation can we have if we sponge off others? Who will we attract to our community?

So, we include worldly duties and the care of the body in our curriculum. Health and wealth concern everyone. Because we accomplish these only as a community, our relations with our fellow men and women are vital.

Obviously, the wisdom that life requires depends on wide reading and much thinking. Here, too, we see the value of an instructor, as in the Abbott’s role. In this vein we see how the personal qualities of a teacher, and his or her accomplishments, will determine the value of the lessons, and the true ability to assist in life. Once again, a teacher is valuable, but, the application of the student, and, the adaptation of the truths taught to ones life circumstances, are crucial. The deep thought given to things, accompanied by effort, endurance, and love seem to me to be the criteria of success.

A knowledge of how to treat others begins by the simplicity of looking within. Finding the universal code starts with respect of the needs and feelings of oneself, and sympathy with others, in the conditions of life. Love works. Hate does not–nor violence.

The pursuit of self-knowledge can lead to other truths. Know what you love and the road to your happiness becomes clear. For it is in passionate pursuit of what we love that happiness is produced. This can be applied to occupation, friendship, and intellectual pursuits.

Teaching is by example. Association with another soul who has forged their character can help greatly; as, association with fools and knaves can lead one to ruin. Choose wisely, and with care, your teachers, friends, and heroes–your mate as well. Treat them with respect.

The first rule of life is love. As we accomplish even our material aims socially, so, too, this spiritual principle gives us the good life, and leads to understanding the Cosmos and the processes of Nature. Yes, love thy neighbor; but, know that the underlying pattern of life is love–is God. Attune your living to that principle of all life. Love overflows; and, devotion is the natural outpouring of an enlightened heart and mind. We can say, Yes, and affirm life’s good when we dwell in love. Is this not True Wisdom?

One can see love as an ethical discipline. Love, and do what thou wilt, said Rabelais. Or, love is as the abbey’s role in the community, a role of service as well as education. Put love into action. Love purifies the mind. And, so, we are back to the Magical powers inherent in the path and in its wisdom. Love can magically transform the world and the consciousness of individuals. Agape was the message of the Master Jesus. His words are essential reading, contemplation, practice, and teaching tool. His life is a supreme example.

Ah, but we live in a world that love has yet to heal. In your life today, what is wisdom? If it be not to seek the best result from situations in which we act, and from our choices, then what? What is most practical, that is, what works? If one could quote a rule there would still be the need, and God-given ability, to think in order to act. You must satisfy yourself with the life you ultimately create. This takes wisdom and courage.

We must each wrestle with these issues. Leaders in all walks of life propose solutions. We must choose well. I believe that some persons have achieved wisdom to guide them in life. Often, it is a knowledge that they have sought to share. The notion of a personal philosophy is not out of place here. Each must attain it for themselves, anyway, mustn’t they? Our possession of the Buddha-nature is a fact.

At our first steps in wisdom, a nudge, a hand to steady us, and some encouragement are as valuable as milk for a babe. The meat of responsibility for one’s choices are for the more mature. There is clarity in considering consequences; but, too often, the results of our choosing cannot be foreseen. We can all be mistaken and should be forgiven for our lessons. If one were to give you all the answers would you be able to still learn to walk alone? Yet, we are all God’s students, ultimately; and life in this world is problematic. To be truly wise, I believe, means having suffered from mistakes made and thereby having the lessons seared into memory. That is one kind of wisdom, leading from folly, but, at great risk. Study, thought, debate, and the experience of others can obviate some dangers; but, still, life is risk. Wars break out and accidents happen. No one has found a cure for all ills. Such is life in matter and why we seek in our woe and envision salvation. Faced with change, we see the value of a Permanence beyond. In our powerlessness against these pains we come to depend on the help of a Greater Power.

The Psalmist cries out to God when the Proverbial fails. The oppressed and weak can only wait, and, with help, endure. Those with strength to fight find help in visions of justice sanctioned by the One above. It echoes in the hearts of gentle folk.

Though men do evil and terrible wrongs; yet (I believe) the Divine Law rules and Love is the Cosmic Principle that guides Nature. Better to learn to forego the lusts and greed, the rage and fears, that lead to harmful deeds. In the discipline of love you will join God, and your neighbor, on the side of hope.

The Abbey can serve as a beacon of Hope and Peace in a troubled world still learning to love. Individuals can be taught and united as examples to lead society out of the darkness of ignorance and passion.

Each generation must be taught anew the wisdom found, and encouraged to fill the gaps that remain. Each generation will have its own troubles and terrors to cope with. To set in stone may not truly help a world that is shifting sand. Certain facts remain valid; and, the human capacity for transcendental knowledge is, also, a valid and factual certainty. Among those who would be drawn to seek the Divine Wisdom let us make an association to turn unto made up of the Knowers of Truth. Let us be available always, and, preserve the accounts of those former seekers as guides. The way seems difficult to the seekers; so, let us try to assuage the hardship that we can.

Clarity is invaluable. For when we see clearly, the step that is next is easier to know and to take. This easy way of a light burden is available to all.

Are spiritual approaches the best for educating everyone? Is it best for some only, or, even tangential in this modern age? What value, then, would an Abbot’s guide be? If it deals with essential wisdom, is that also a practical knowledge?

A physicist can apply his theories to practical ends, but, can a metaphysician? When one begins by calling everything matter, one ends with it, also. When one instead begins with Spirit and Soul as central, is it not empowering if pursued by its logic as well? I do not mean here to compare the relative value of various systems, only to commend the truth of the spiritual to all.

Inasmuch as we will all die, it is of supreme value. Why we are here, can only be answered by whence we come, and whither we go, as well as, do we return? This Path offers a chance for the mastery of life and destiny based on the broader truths of moral cause and effect, and of the soul’s survival beyond the death of the physical form. Knowledge of the Divine is then truly useful. And Its pursuit, the Path and the practices thereof, is of sole benefit hereafter.

Mundane affairs, too, can benefit by a spiritual approach. If truth rather than dogma is sought and valued then this life can be explained and ennobled by reference to all planes. Here we see that spirit is sought in the midst of everyday living. A life of practice is a struggle against the ills of life; and, it is a search for understanding. If we did not offer help at the Abbey for this life’s problems would it have a lasting role?

Nothing is beneath notice; and, no part of life is without its value, explanation, and purpose. This can lead to the juxtaposition of pursuits; and, the need to balance can be seen. If, in seeking the More, we take away from life’s satisfactions, have we gained? Remote hermitages may pursue spiritual knowledge, but, with what value to the majority? What contribution can the science of the soul make? Certainly, it is comforting at death. If I deny the Lord and love, I do not gain thereby. Peace of mind has especial value. Yet, if I am sane, mannerly, and do not fear death, do I have any need of it? I believe that merely living has value in itself and my aim is not to make all persons seekers. My original intent was to help those who do seek. If and when you come to the Abbey door, what we offer is available. The answers remain valid just as fire is hot whether you seek to touch it or not. If you do not seek spiritual knowledge that does not mean it doesn’t exist. You merely feel in no need of it.

If you see the meaning of your life and are not troubled, or, in woe, I do not expect to see you at our door. Does this mean we prey on the weaker, confused, or miserable? Rather, we offer them what the world has denied to them and give help for their lot that the world would begrudge, perhaps.

I do not deny the laws of society. I proclaim their basis. I try to assist individuals to be happy in the space and limitations of the world by extending their inner strength. May not the whole world benefit in the end?

Grow strong and be free. This can only frighten certain persons who lose the benefits of the weaker and more slavish.

Does not the Path take one out of the world? I believe that it does, as a good night’s sleep does, also. But, in the end, what is there is here; and, by taking our journey we have gained the Insight to master life.

So, how can this knowledge of the Beyond help us in the world? It has benefit in the world, no doubt, as love, peace, joy, and duty are served. But, it gives something more than what the world offers and a greater good than any that is found in the world.

The world and the physical life have joys. Do not mistake me. But, it also has woes. Only Spirit can redress these woes. If a person denies the one, then she is denied the other. I speak not merely of comforts, though. By taking up the practices of the path one attains to all the heart desires. Am I a Pied