Conflict - Crisis
Let us offer a perspective into the benefits of conflict or crisis within an individual’s earthly experience.
Throughout history there is evidence of this phenomena and the profound impact it has had on the evolutionary path of humanity. We can observe this phenomenon by examining the unfoldment of an individual, country, nation, or this planet. However, let us place our focus upon the individual and how we can transform conflict or crisis into beauty and harmony and emerge into a higher state of consciousness. This can be accomplished by the study of the seven Rays pouring forth upon the earthly plane and each personality’s connection to these Rays. Additional approaches precipitated by the personality, as outlined below, can assist in this process as well.
One of the predominate Rays that is now impacting all aspects of the earthly experience, from the lowest forms found in nature to its highest, is the fourth Ray of Harmony and Beauty through Conflict. Friedrich Nietzsche provides an interesting quote that summarizes this profound Ray and its qualities. “Out of chaos comes order”. Additionally, he is quoted as saying, “You must carry a chaos inside you to give birth to a dancing star”.
At the early onset of conflict or crisis there are signs given that indicate change is in the near future. Should the personality be cognizant of these indicators, resolution can be accomplished through harmony. However, should these signs be left unattended, conflict or crisis swings into action and there is a significant portion of tension created within the personalities experience. This tension can be the catalyst or springboard into a higher state of consciousness or the complete collapse of a personality’s earthly beliefs. Both are beneficial and ultimately lead to a new experience that provides the perfect opportunity for growth.
As the personality experiences the tension within the conflict or crisis, it has the option of releasing its attachment to the situation and its outcome and working to resolve the discordant energies that are inherent. If not resolved in the initial stages, there is the opportunity that the personality will, in fact, create a karmic energetic that at some point, during the life stream, must be cleared. They KEY to the resolution of these events is non-attachment and divine dispassion.
When there are multiple conflicts or crisis, during a personality’s life, left unattended it can develop into what is often referred to as the “Dark Night of the Soul”.
Dark Night of the Soul
This aspect of conflict or crisis is one of intense interest and study. There are many incarnated Souls who have or are now experiencing aspects of this life changing event. The depth and scope of this type of experience can only be explained as a profound transformation and transmutation of the personality into a Soul based reality. There are books, whose entirety, have been dedicated to the exploration of these types of events without completely explaining the effect on an individual and how it has altered their course in life.
Let us look at this from the standpoint of those who experienced this type of event in the recent history of earth. Our point of study will include such notable personalities as Kwan Yin, Mary Magdalene, Jesus, and Buddha. From the standpoint of a historic story, it would be of benefit to read the journey of Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita, a truly divine representation.
Each of these Souls have journeyed through the “Dark Night of the Soul” and benefited from the experience. All such experiences begin as the result of an internal conflict that has taken the Soul to the very edge of understanding one or many of life’s complex questions or situations.
Buddha
Let us begin with Siddhartha Gautama otherwise known as our beloved brother Buddha. After living a pampered life in the confines of a stately palace with all his desires being fulfilled, by his wealthy parents, Siddhartha witnessed the great suffering humanity was experiencing. Upon witnessing this tragedy, he set out on a journey to understand the cause, effect, and solution. After studying with many yogis and “enlightened beings” he discovered aspects of self but found he was not able to resolve the inner conflict of suffering. This would be the initial stage of what we call the “Dark Night of the Soul” and would be the catalyst for the discovery of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Kwan Yin
Born the daughter of a king and expected to follow the desires and expectations of her father was a point of conflict for this precious being. There were demands placed upon her that were not in alignment with the vision of her Soul and she objected to these demands. What resulted from these objections were extreme hardships being placed on her, mentally, emotionally, and physically by her father. We can only imagine the toll upon the Soul during these times. From this “Dark Night of the Soul”, Kwan Yin, through her love for the people, was catapulted into the divine realms of the Boddhisatva and has become a constant companion to humanity in their times of need.
Mary Magdalene
Mary of Magdala was one the most trusted disciples of Jesus and a constant inspiration to the divine womanhood upon earth, in this age of enlightenment. Her life is obscured by history and that of the Christian teachings. However, let us offer a perspective that provides light on the subject. Imagine for a moment that you are a female, living in patriarchal dominant society and expected to live as the customs of the day requires, no demands. Yet, within there is a divine fire that burns to know the deep spiritual truths that are felt in one’s heart and mind. There are those, from this society, who would ridicule, slander, spit upon, and stone a woman for following these inner desires. This is not speculation; it would be a fact in this time of our history. Now let us imagine the impact this would have on a Soul and how it would be the embryo for the “Dark Night of the Soul”.
Jesus
The story of Jesus, what can be said that has not already been presented, to humanity, by a multitude of theologians. Born the lowly son of a carpenter and later would become the vessel for the full expression of Christ consciousness. When looking upon the life of our dear brother, there are several events that would more than constitute the “Dark Night of the Soul”. Let us present just a couple of the more significant ones. Each of these events, which most of humanity has knowledge of, would provide us with a distinct understanding of this phenomena. The first such event is the journey into the desert, where Jesus faced the demons within through an incredible act of introspection. Secondly, the crucifixion and transfiguration, this aspect becomes the catalyst for the complete surrender of the personality, to the divine light within. At this point of conflict, or crisis, our beloved brother provides humanity with a divine blueprint for the Path of Return.