[LHP only] What is left hand path?

[crossfire]

So basically develop greater self-awareness?

Yep. that is a huge part of it.

 

[crossfire]

In the Buddhist suttas the fruits of kamma can be experienced in this life as well as the next, so I think you're covered.

Old habits don't die--they just get reborn? Isn't the eightfold path a method of breaking habits?
{my apologies for the Buddhist lingo. Henceforth, I'll use the term "habits"}

 

[Rick O'Shez]

Isn't the eightfold path a method of breaking habits?

You can certainly look at it like that.

 

[1137]

So basically develop greater self-awareness?

It's definitely part of the process.

 

[crossfire]

So basically develop greater self-awareness?

There are different methods of dealing with repressed problems you might uncover in the western LHP. Part of the "developing a practice that leads to the cessation of dukkha." More tools for the toolkit, or medicine for the medicine bag.

 

[EtuMalku]

Qualities of the Western Left Hand Path as understood by the Herald of the Dawn
The value of the advancement and preservation of the self while seeking to become a divinity or
beholds one's self as such already.

The conviction that:
● Individuals can become (or already are) akin to gods
● There is no such thing as a selfless act
● The individual is preeminent
● That all decisions should be made with the goal of cultivating the self
● Each individual is responsible for his or her own happiness, and that no external force will provide this
● The forces of the Objective Universe can be harnessed to one's personal Will
● Power gained and wielded in such a manner is an aid to enlightenment, to self-satisfaction, and to self-deification

 

[Kapalika]

Is that more Occult? Is it part of Witchcraft? Whats behind the name? (Why Left and not Right?) Thinking of political differences. Not-Not to compare LHP with Left/right politics.

The term was first used in the west to mean "bad/evil/black" witch/magician/ect. It was later picked up by Satanists in the 60's to describe themselves.

Going back further, it was culturally appropriated from Dharmic religions. It actually comes from the Sanskrit word Vamachara, meaning "left hand attainment". Eastern LHP tends to be much more hardcore than the nature of modern Satanism and other edgy groups.

Are asking about eastern or western left hand paths?

+1

Interesting. So are you on an LHP, and if so how do you reconcile becoming an individual with the Buddhist teachings on anatta?

Not sure when your asking them about Buddhism but I'd say that at least from what I know about Hinduism, being somewhat closely related religion, that one can be an individual in dualistic schools which I'm sure Buddhism has many of.

 

[crossfire]

It's common to misunderstand these two paths, as you have demonstrated.
The Western Left Hand Path is simply a path towards apotheosis / autotheism however you would like to define it

The Right Hand Path is a Perennial Philosophy and shares a single, universal doctrine which posits that the highest good that human life can achieve is through the union with a Supreme Being / Energy of the Universe.

You are either furthering one Path or the other, you cannot satisfy both Paths.

How about satisfying neither path? Would it be possible to resist both without resorting to nihilism?

 

[EtuMalku]

How about satisfying neither path? Would it be possible to resist both without resorting to nihilism?

I'd say no . . . disregarding either path IMO results in a Nihilistic Atheism philosophy

 

[crossfire]

I'd say no . . . disregarding either path IMO results in a Nihilistic Atheism philosophy

So, would not-RHP, not-LHP, not-Nihilism = squeezing through the cracks then? Perhaps the dregs or "residue" might be a better term?

 

[EtuMalku]

So, would not-RHP, not-LHP, not-Nihilism = squeezing through the cracks then? Perhaps the dregs or "residue" might be a better term?

Not sure, but I don't believe in the RHP or Nihilism

 

[crossfire]

Not sure, but I don't believe in the RHP or Nihilism

Neither do I.

 

[1137]

I think everyone either commits to the right or left, and has at least a bit of both in them. We can't see the left and right simply in religious terms. Everytime we don't break down into a shooting match here we uphold the rules in a rhp way. Good luck holding any job without such influence from the right! Meanwhile new atheism itself is also rhp, with the obsession of what is and the hatred of what could be.

 

[Kapalika]

I'd say no . . . disregarding either path IMO results in a Nihilistic Atheism philosophy

...how? I don't really understand your stance since the dichotomy is somewhat arbitrary in so much as it's culturally specific anyway when it really comes down to it. Someone can have no opinion or stance, it's not necessarily an either or situation. I don't see how they have to be 'with us or with them' so to speak.

 

[1137]

...how? I don't really understand your stance since the dichotomy is somewhat arbitrary in so much as it's culturally specific anyway when it really comes down to it. Someone can have no opinion or stance, it's not necessarily an either or situation. I don't see how they have to be 'with us or with them' so to speak.

See my post above yours.

 

[crossfire]

...how? I don't really understand your stance since the dichotomy is somewhat arbitrary in so much as it's culturally specific anyway when it really comes down to it. Someone can have no opinion or stance, it's not necessarily an either or situation. I don't see how they have to be 'with us or with them' so to speak.

I asked the question in reference to his definition of RHP and LHP (post #27,) which I quoted when asking the question.

 

[EtuMalku]

I think everyone either commits to the right or left, and has at least a bit of both in them. We can't see the left and right simply in religious terms. Everytime we don't break down into a shooting match here we uphold the rules in a rhp way. Good luck holding any job without such influence from the right! Meanwhile new atheism itself is also rhp, with the obsession of what is and the hatred of what could be.

I agree . . . I can't really explain from a RHP viewpoint but on the Western LHP we need to accept, embrace, and practice many disciplines not directly associated with us in order to gain control over the Objective Universe as well as our psychological self.

 

[EtuMalku]

...how? I don't really understand your stance since the dichotomy is somewhat arbitrary in so much as it's culturally specific anyway when it really comes down to it. Someone can have no opinion or stance, it's not necessarily an either or situation. I don't see how they have to be 'with us or with them' so to speak.

Do you understand the difference between Right Hand & Left Hand Paths?

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

In my form of Gnosticism, the Left-Hand Path and the Right-Hand Path are mere methods, tools that both have the same goals in mind. The RHP of Gnosticism focuses more on asceticism, withdrawal from the material world, abstinence and symbolism. It's more a process of going within. The LHP of Gnosticism is more libertine, focuses more on the reality of an initiatory act instead of the symbolism, focuses on experiencing the flesh and wearing it out until you realize the ultimate vapidity of it. Gnostics, at various points in their fleshly lives, may make use of both methods. It's a matter of individual tastes, preferences and what they personally feel called to. There are Aeons (Messengers from the Realm of Light) that are suitable guides for either method. The goal is the same in the end, regardless - to break the chains of the Demiurge and liberate the Divine Spark within.

This article explains it nicely: http://cryskernan.tripod.com/gnostic dark_practises.htm

It's like the differences between the Jedi and the Sith. From a higher perspective, both are valid with the same ultimate goal but both are mired in arrogance and ignorance towards the other due to failure to reconcile dualities. The solution? The Je'daii Code.

 

[Straw Dog]

There is no path, really. We make it all up as we go along. Just pay attention.